“Hildebrand” oil filters were extremely popular in the 50’s & 60’s and widely used on Trucks and Hot Rods. Several companies in the motorcycle industry re-designed them for use on motorcycles. LA County Choppers is the last one to offer a new version that they named “Honey Pot Oil Filter”. This model is cast aluminum, precision machined and heat treated and offered in 3 different finishes, Natural, Polished and Black Wrinkle with Polished Highlights. Provided with stainless steel lid mounting hardware and a spin-on HD style oil filter. (Personal note: make sure you choose the correct oil filter for your application or surprise…) This oil filter accepts ¼” NPT fittings. It is compatible with anything up to a Twin Cam and a wide variety of mounting and oil line adapters are being designed to accommodate most applications. MSRP starts at $300 and you get free shipping or a free tee-shirt (continental US). At LA County Choprods.
Archive Page 337
LA County Choprods Honey Pot Oil Filter
Published by September 10th, 2009 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Engines.Leslie Porterfield. Fastest Woman On 2 Wheels. Again And Again…
Published by September 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Fast summary for those who still don’t know her (shame on you). Since her teenage years (she started to ride at 16) she is hooked on motorcycles because of the bikes, of course, but also because she likes the people she meets in our industry. She is now 32, lives and work in Dallas where she is the owner of a used bikes shop called High Five Cycles. She came for the 1st time to the Bonneville Salts in 2007, racing on a 02 Hayabusa. For her 1st world record tentative, she crashed at more than 100 mph, was airlifted by helicopter from the Salts still unconscious and returned home with a punctured lung and broken ribs… Continue reading ‘Leslie Porterfield. Fastest Woman On 2 Wheels. Again And Again…’
I introduced you before to the Can-Am Spyder Roadster, this on-street 3-wheeler like nothing else, manufactured by a Canadian company called BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products). The new 2010 RT model will be available with saddlebags and is probably going to change the way you think of touring motorcycles. Look remains controversial (for many a snowmobile on wheels), and those who like to be noticed will not be disappointed. For sure, Can-Ams are the most technology advanced street legal 3-wheelers on the road. The RT is equipped with a liquid-cooled Rotax V-Twin fuel-injected 998cc engine capable of 100 hp and 80 ft-lbs of torque and offers all the options touring riders can demand. Call it a motorcycle or not, since 2007 Can-Ams found buyers in 50 different countries. The new 2010 Can-Am Touring RT should be available before year end for a price of $20,000+. Can-Am
I should begin this post by the fine print: “Biltwell helmets are designed for display and novelty purposes only, and should never be worn to operate an actual motorcycle. Simply put, Biltwell helmets do not meet any DOT or other safety standards”. This being said, Biltwell continue to sell a lot of their open face helmets. Is it because they are lightweight and comfortable? Because people like the vintage style chrome strip around the opening? Because their helmets are “one size fits most” thanks to a foam padding inside both soft and compliant and a very flexible outer shell? Because NOS helmets are very expensive and rare? Because of the wide range of solid, metal and new mega flakes (choice of orange burst or root beer) colors? Because they complement perfectly the vintage feel of your bike? Because of the moderate price of $114? Because… Well, you decide. Biltwell Helmets.
New Paughco Chopper Or Pro-Street 300 MM Drop Seat Frame.
Published by September 9th, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
On a bike built with this Paughco frame you will sit low at 23” 1/2 and you will be able to slide a 300 mm rear tire. The bike will be balanced because it’s a Right Side Drive driveline setup. This Softail type frame has a 1 ¾ backbone stretch, 2” diameter single front leg and 1 ¾” diameter sleek tubular swing arm. It comes with a 1” hidden axle assembly and integral forward control mounts. If you want the Chopper version shown here, order with a 4” stretch in the backbone, 7” in the front leg and 38° neck rake. The Paughco 13 ½ fender, oil bag and solo seat shown in this photo are sold separately. If you want to go for the pure Pro-Street style, you can order the model with a 5” stretch in the backbone and 38° neck rake.. For complete details call Paughco at 775-246-5738 or visit their website. Paughco.
The Story Of A French Rookie In Bonneville
Published by September 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
He lives in France and prepared a custom bike for show & race that I featured in this Blog. Told me at the time that he had Bonneville big dreams. Excited, emailed to me one week before the Bub Speed Trials, to tell me that his bike was already waiting for him in a warehouse of Salt Lake City. So, the 1st person I wanted to meet on the Salts to share his excitement was Laurent Dutruel accompanied by its small support team of friends and Eric from Freeway Magazine who traveled with him to immortalize via pictures his morphing from Custom Builder to maybe a Salts Speed God. Continue reading ‘The Story Of A French Rookie In Bonneville’
New Appraisal Service To Get Full Insurance Coverage On A Custom Motorcycle
Published by September 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
We all know that building a custom motorcycle is a very gratifying labor of love experience. Then comes the time when you want to rush your ride on the street and need to secure proper insurance coverage to protect your investment. And it’s when a company named “AMI Custom Motorcycle Appraisal Service” promises to help you deal with the issue of proper and full insurance coverage for a custom motorcycle. You already know, or you are about to discover very soon that many insurance agents are going to slam the door in your face or make you overpay the price of your love for custom motorcycles. Continue reading ‘New Appraisal Service To Get Full Insurance Coverage On A Custom Motorcycle’
Vintage Style Connection To Your Spark Plugs
Published by September 8th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
Strip the end of your spark plug wire. Attach the rajah terminal to the wire. Slide this wire terminal on the top of your spark plug. Secure attachment by screwing in the brass nut.
Will work with any any modern spark plug with a removable top nut. The list includes NGK, Champion, and any other major brands.
Each order includes 2 brass nuts and two Rajah ring terminals. $8.00 at Lowbrow Customs
Ready To Order Complete Chopper Solo Seats
Published by September 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Paughco realized that many of you would like to get a cool solo seat without having to fabricate a steel pan then visit an upholstery shop to dress it in leather. So, check out some of Paughco’s new additions to their popular line of seats. They are designed for use with many factory style frame and most custom applications. Hand crafted from some of the finest hides and riveted to a beautifully finished chrome steel seat pan. All Paunch seats shown feature feature a beautifully braided trim with custom embossed flame patterns, smooth finish or braided insert. All custom mounting hardware, bracket & springs, are included. They are very reasonably priced starting at just $231.95! Call 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco.
Yes, it’s a car. Not a trike. But it could be, and soon somebody (I hope so) is going to match its incredible performance. And don’t think it’s just another concept vehicle to please your eyes and your intellectual curiosity. It is a newly developed single seat car in highly aerodynamic tear-shape road-proven real car. It is ready to be launched as a single-seater for sale in Shanghai in 2010 for a mere RMB 4,000 (US$600)! Continue reading ‘Chinese Threat. 258 mpg!’
David Uhl New Paintings From Harley-Davidson Archives
Published by September 8th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Painters.
In Denver, during the National Harley-Davidson Dealers Meeting, artist David Uhl released 3 new paintings inspired by the photography of L.C. Rosenkrans, the first staff photographer for The Motor Company.
The canvas giclee edition size remains the same as in the past (12 prints plus 4 AP and 4 HC) and these usually sell out quickly. Matching print edition numbers are being held for those who are collecting the set. Image size is approximately 16″ x 20″. Print price $695 framed, plus shipping. The originals on Oil on Canvas are approximately 9 x 12 and range on price from $4500 to $5500. Contact Greg Rhodes 303-948-1088. Uhl Studios.
This very interesting article was forwarded to me by Rogue and written by Ray Henke, a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, founder of Motorcyclists Against Dumb Drivers. It demonstrates, with legal arguments, how you can fight the helmet law in California and other states. Because the convincing demonstration that Ray Henke is making is very long, I have edited it and kept the most important arguments.
“It is a basic principle of due process that an enactment is void for vagueness if its prohibitions are not clearly defined. Vague laws offend several important values. Continue reading ‘How To Legally Beat Helmet Laws…’
Aileron Custom Motorcycle By Dotson Design
Published by September 7th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Christian Dotson has an automotive background at General Motors as a concept designer where he was involved in the development of the Hummer H2. He is also involved with cars and trucks and his shop share space with the Walden Speed Shop. His philosophy is to produce automotive art. A long minimalist one-off custom frame as sharp as an aileron (name of the bike) with only a 25-degree rake, a Kiwi Indian 84″ engine and 4-speed transmission, a hand made leaf spring front end, a 23″ front and a 20″ rear wheel for lightness both dressed in Vee Rubber, were the main components of his entry into the Sturgis AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. 7th place in the most competitive Free Style Class is not bad for a 1st try Dotson Design (HRF Photography).
Jay Allen Breaks A New Bonneville Land Speed Record
Published by September 6th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
After entertaining most of you all year long in his many Broken Spoke Saloons, Jay Allen loves to head to Bonneville to break some World Land Speed Records. Last week I met Jay on the Salts of Utah, avidly looking for some shade between 2 runs and telling me about the progress he was making with his 2 bikes on the different tracks of Bonneville. Continue reading ‘Jay Allen Breaks A New Bonneville Land Speed Record’
Selling Off-Road For On-Road Motorcycles Equals Huge Fines
Published by September 6th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
The motorcycle you sell, factory or custom, is only for off-road use. But the buyer states (true or not) that you told him he could ride it on the road. Well, watch out, especially in California. The California Air Resource Board just fined $180,000 2 San Diego motorcycle dealers for sales violations. Because off-highway vehicles, motorcycles, ATV, cars, etc don’t have to meet the same requirements that on-road vehicles, notably for emission standards, it is illegal to sell off-road vehicles to be ridden on the public streets, roads and highways. CARB reminds Dealers that there is not such a thing as a kit conversion making an off-road vehicle an on-road one for registration purpose.
Harley-Davidson New 2010 Exhaust System
Published by September 5th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Exhaust.
Something I didn’t mention before is that it seems that all new 2010 Harley-Davidson models exhaust systems are now equipped with a catalytic converter. Only the 2009 models sold in California had them factory installed. EPA is after all manufacturers and Harley-Davidson is anticipating what will be soon, no doubt about it, a requirement in all US States. So, it means all Harley exhaust systems running hotter? What about the warming of our planet…
You don’t see one very often. Especially as flawless as this one.
It’s a 1917 Indian bicycle powered by a Briggs and Stratton motor wheel. Not too much to say except to admire the flawless restoration. .
And yes, it’s for sale. If you are interested write to editor@cyrilhuzeblog.com and we will transfer your email to the seller.
Where Are They Now? John Covington.
Published by September 5th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
A very long time, by motorcycle industry standard, that I belong to this industry. And of course a lot of people, custom builders, vendors, manufacturers and show promoters that I have seen come & go. Evidently our US recession has also been a catalyst for this turnover. Sometimes I know what went wrong and where do friends went. Continue reading ‘Where Are They Now? John Covington.’
Saxon Motorcycles Europe introduces The Whip, Its 4th European Model.
Published by September 4th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Is Europe the new motorcycle Eldorado? Big Dog Motorcycles, Big Bear Choppers and Saxon think so. A devaluated US dollar against the Euro (a 68% devaluation since Euro introduction as a common currency in 2000) helps a lot make American motorcycles desirable on the other side of the big blue pond. At the European Bike Week from September 5 to 13 Saxon Motorcycles Europe will introduce the new European model called the Whip. Continue reading ‘Saxon Motorcycles Europe introduces The Whip, Its 4th European Model.’
Bonneville 2009. The Superb Photography Of Motographer Horst Roesler
Published by September 4th, 2009 in Events.
1- Ladies Of Speed 2- Fritz Egli from Swiss Team focusing before racing his Streamliner 3- In a few seconds Fritz will be clocked at 208 mph 4- Bio Fuel E-85 made an appearance on the Salts 5- Sunrise on gods of speed.
Living Canvas. A Guide To Tattoos, Piercings And Body Modifications
Published by September 4th, 2009 in Books and Editorial.
Inert canvas: our motorcycles. Living canvas: our bodies. We put a lot of thought into customization our bikes. Under the correct observation that sometimes we put more thought into the part to bolt on or to fabricate, or the next paint job to express our personality, author Karen Hudson decided that her new book “Living Canvas” should not only be about tattoos but also about planning and choosing the right artist to take care of them. Karen encourages you to make safe and smart body modifications, and for this purpose covers all the topics to help you make an informed decision that you will not regret later. Hence a very educative and preventive book that you should read before you get your first or fifth tattoo. 336 pages. Living Canvas.
Stellan Egeland Custom Bike On The Track
Published by September 3rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Videos.Stellan Egeland from Sweden made sensation in 2007 when he won the AMD World Champion of Custom Bike Building. This year he ranked 4th in the Freestyle class with a new amazing machine called “Harrier’. This bike was built for use on both street and track because Stellan wanted to develop a hub steering that works really well for a bike that can be ridden really hard. On this customproject function dictated the design and everything has a purpose. No special fabrication only made for the pleasure of the eyes…SE Service
Chris Carr 1st Run. 355+ MPH And Fire!
Published by September 3rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
This morning, favorable weather condition. Chris Carr did a first run. Reached 355+ mph between mile 5 & 6 (timing mile), then between mile 6 & 7 engine explosion and fire. Automatic fire extinguisher started from inside. Extinguished when the Bub 7 Streamliner reached end of course at mile 11. No more run this year (to be officialized, a LSR is always the average of 2 mandatory runs).
Sam Wheeler reached 324+ mph on 1st run. May do return run before noon local hour…but maybe in a different class. The E-Z-Hook Streamliner is running in the 1350cc Motorcycle Streamlined Blown Fuel Class, and currently holds records in the 1350cc Streamlined Motorcycle Fuel Class at 294.855MPH, 1350cc Streamlined Motorcycle Gas Class at 285.747MPH and the Streamlined Motorcycle Blown Fuel Class at 332.410MPH (picture Bub 7 Streamliner at time of staging by Horst Roesler).
World Land Speed Record. Chris Carr Trying To Be Faster Than Chris Carr.
Published by September 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
If you meet with Chris Carr, he will tell you that one day he wants to be the 1st man to reach 400 mph. On sepember 5th, 2006 he became the fastest man in the world on 2 wheels with a 2-pass run on the Salts averaging 350.8 mph aboard the Bub’s “Number Seven Streamliner”. This morning Chris ran the 11 miles track (5 for acceleration, 1 mile tor timing, 5 miles for deceleration with parachute) at 351.698 mph. This afternoon I joined Chris Carr and Denis Manning, owner and builder of “Number Seven Streamliner” (and of course President of Bub High Performance Exhaust Systems) for the long wait before staging. Continue reading ‘World Land Speed Record. Chris Carr Trying To Be Faster Than Chris Carr.’2009 Bub Speed Trials Postcards
Published by September 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Confederate Fighting Hard For A New Land Speed Record
Published by September 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
When on August 12, 09 I introduced you to the Confederate P-120 Fighter Combat, I told you that this new pre-production machine would be on the Salts of Utah looking for a new world record. Myself and a lot of journalists, photographers, film makers spend a lot of time with the Confederate crew around its President Matt Chambers. An opportunity to admire and detail this machine that everybody seems to love for its unique design, raw power and versatility from street to show to race. Continue reading ‘Confederate Fighting Hard For A New Land Speed Record’
