Published by Cyril Huze July 22nd, 2009
in Editorial and Events.
Just a reminder to all those (all of you) who enjoy nice photographic work on bikes, cars and babes that photographer Colleen Swartz will exhibit her lens memories in Milwaukee this Saturday July 23rd at the Iron Horse Hotel (in the yard starting at 6pm followed by drinks and dinner).
Then she will head to Sturgis where she will exhibit on Sunday August 2nd with other artists and bike builders at the Broken Spoke County Line. The exhibition starts at 6 pm with a lot of entertainment provided by Broken Spoke CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) Jay Allen.
Published by Cyril Huze July 22nd, 2009
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
A lot going on on both sides of the border. The 5th Edition of the Canadian Biker Build-Off near Niagara, Ontario Canada will feature again (why change a successful recipe) Canadian Custom Motorcycle Builders competing against each other to get the 2009 Champion Crown, and 2 Saturday classic ride-in Bike Shows (one on invitation only sponsored by Riders Mag International, the other open to everybody), a Tattoo Expo, free live music and a must, free Niagara Tours (you can still spend money at the close-by Casinos). Complete details at Canadian Biker Build-Off.
Published by Cyril Huze July 22nd, 2009
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
The law say yes. But while riding I trust better arm signals and being defensive by looking around you than stock horns. So, like most custom builders I have removed and thrown away more factory horns than I will ever install new aftermarket ones. But if you feel like you need one, at least choose one not destroying too much the look of your bike and louder than your stock one. FYI, a stock horn is pulsing an average of 85 dBs, quite not enough if you want to be heard. These new ones called Mini-Beasts blast 128 dBs to increase your (sense of) safety on the road. A complete line of designs and applications is available for American & Metric Bikes. Go to Tri-Tec/Sales Dimensions.
Published by Cyril Huze July 22nd, 2009
in Builders and Editorial.
I could not find a caption for this picture of Mr. Monster – as he calls himself- sitted on this out of this world motorcycle.
Once again, find the best headline and you get a free tee/free shipping in your exact size (we will contact you). Let’s go…
Picture by Horst Roesler
Published by Cyril Huze July 21st, 2009
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The event in Lexington Ohio, takes place from July 24th through July 26th. The weekend’s festivities include vintage racing, North America’s largest swap-meet, bike shows, demo rides and more. Matt Olsen, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s Youth Coordinator, is planning on riding his 1936 Harley Davidson EL from South Dakota to the AMA Vintage Days to participate in the AMA’s 85th anniversary parade. What makes Matt’s trip so unusual is that he and his passenger, Mara Butler, plan on riding the 1,100 miles in 24 hours with no chase vehicle or support team. Continue reading ‘Matt Olsen And The AMA Vintage Days’
Published by Cyril Huze July 21st, 2009
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This year the Horse Backstreet Choppers Sturgis Bike Show has a new venue, “The Full Throttle Saloon”. On August 3rd the magazine will recognize all hard-core, garage-built backstreet choppers, and owners/builders will have a chance to win an Evil Engineering Belt Drive or Baker Drivetrain 6 speed transmission and thousands of dollars in other door prizes. You have no excuse to not participate because this year there is no registration or entry fee. Guest judges are Billy Lane of Choppers Inc., Paul Cox of Paul Cox Industries, Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles, Eric Gorges of Voodoo Choppers, Athena “Chickie” Ransom of Vagabond Choppers, Keino Sasaki of Keino Cycles, Chuck Palumbo of C P Kustoms, Roadside Marty and Jeff Cochran of Sucker Punch Sally’s. Competing bikes will be on display at the Full Throttle 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact Kari at (313) 737 8888 or visit The Horse Magazine.
Published by Cyril Huze July 21st, 2009
in Builders, Chassis and Customs.
There are quite a few board-track style frames available on the market. And each manufacturer does its own interpretation trying to improve what was used in the old racing days. With a greater design freedom since these frames are not destined to be waved by the checkered flag. In this spirit here is a new roller with a double tube loop frame shown with 23″ wheels, a “Knuckle Dragger” front end, dual caliper rear brake setup and more. Notice the curved frame members on each section of the frame ad the use of gussets at all stress points for frame reinforcement…and looks. This particular frame is longer than the usual board-track frame because we are all taller than 80 years ago. You can buy the frame only, the unpainted chassis or have Lightning Rod Motorcycles complete it following your wish list.
Published by Cyril Huze July 21st, 2009
in Editorial.
Or … How I Ended Up Head Down on a Hood and Handcuffed. A Story by Bruce Arnold with Legal Commentary by Matt Danielson
A few Saturdays ago … I was riding home to the flat sands of South Florida after a twisting tour through the steep mountain ridges and narrow winding valleys surrounding Charleston, West Virginia. The weather was comfortably cool heading south down the WV Turnpike and on through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands to Fancy Gap and North Carolina. But from Mayberry (“Mt. Airy”) on, the temperature and humidity rose rapidly as the elevation descended. And by the time I stopped for gas just south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, South Carolina, my handlebar thermometer was registering over 100 degrees. Continue reading ‘When Is It Right To Ride Your Motorcycle In The Emergency Lane?’
Published by Cyril Huze July 20th, 2009
in Editorial and Events.
The feeling of the Good Ol’ Days Races is back in Sturgis. Thanks to Jay Allen of the Broken Spoke County Line, flat track riders are going to compete again on a ¼ mile oval during the Sturgis Rally. The track has been designed and built by National Motocross Rider and Champion Gene Stull. Gene has 20 years of riding and has been building tracks for over 12 years now. High banked corners and nice jumps will provide great action for spectators and has already attracted the interest of racers in the area and around the country. It’s free to practice for anyone who camps at the County Line, just $10 to practice for non-campers. Continue reading ‘The Good Ol’ Days Of Racing Are Back In Sturgis’
Published by Cyril Huze July 20th, 2009
in Builders and Events.
“The Buell 1125RR is designed to give privateer racers a turn-key machine to compete in the American Superbike class in AMA Pro Racing. We want to build on our program that has proven so successful for privateers in the Daytona SportBike class,” said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company. This racing bike features a modified Helicon 1125cc (103mm bore x 67.5mm stroke) liquid-cooled 72-degree V-Twin engine. Power increases come from components including a larger airbox and intake manifold, revised valves and camshafts, a higher compression ratio, titanium exhaust system and other weight-reduced components. Continue reading ‘Buell Introduces The Race Only 1125RR’
Published by Cyril Huze July 20th, 2009
in Editorial and Painters.
Intrigued by the racers she saw at the Legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, artist Stefanie Aziere-Sattler dedicated her latest painting to Land Speed Racing. It features one of the AMA National Land Speed Record Holders, Erika Cobb (18 years old, Mitchell, South Dakota), taking special care of her bike, making sure her windshield is clean, and attending to all the fine details before her record attempt. Called “Rest Assured-She’s Ready”, the Original is in Oil. Giclee Prints are available in a Limited Edition run of 50 pieces. All numbered and signed by the artist. Two sizes are available: 24×24 for $250.00, and 16×16 for $150.00. Both sizes are available on canvas or art paper. Chromed Impressions. Tel: 660-827-6790
Published by Cyril Huze July 20th, 2009
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Soon in Sturgis Billy Lane will ride around town on his new custom-built Crocker motorcycle.
For his seat, Billy worked with master seat maker Adam Croft at Last Ride Customs. Here the gorgeous result. Because of the extensive hand tooling work involved (wish I could show you a larger picture to demonstrate the intricate details) I consider it the best custom seat of the year. And of course, it’s only my opinion…(I am certain I missed a few…)
Published by Cyril Huze July 19th, 2009
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In its just released August issue V-Twin Magazine names its preferred 10 production bikes for the year 2009. The magazine explains that what qualifies a production motorcycle to be featured in the list is that it is obviously currently available for purchase through a dealer or from the factory and that journalists of the mag. feel that the model is relevant to riders and their needs. Dar Holdsworth from Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers is pleased to announce that its Custom Model 1 Digger is one of the nominated with models from Harley-Davidson, Big Bear Choppers, Victory and Big Dog Motorcycles. Custom Model 1 Digger starts at $15,995. Call 405-270-0995 or visit Brass Balls Bobbers.
Published by Cyril Huze July 19th, 2009
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Painters.
Flat paint on bikes is back. At least since year 2000. To the point that manufacturers like Harley-Davidson & Indian Motorcycles (among others) noticed and are now offering respectively the Harley Dark Series models (since 1 year) and the Indian Dark Chief (for 2010). And no, today’s right way to do a nice/long lasting scratch resistant flat paint job is not to rush to your auto-parts store to buy a few cans of Krylon/BBQ/Engine paint. Please… Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Paint. Once You Go Flat You’ll Never Go Back…’
Published by Cyril Huze July 18th, 2009
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
Café Society”, a 60-minute documentary on the men, the machines and the legends of the Café Racer is a fascinating 60 minutes ride into a vibrant motorsports subculture that continues to grow even today.
The movie includes never-before seen historical footage, interviews with legendary cafe racer builders including Dave Degens of Dresda Tritons, Ian Kennedy, Erik Buell and others, plus eyewitness accounts of the “live fast, die young” era presented by the rockers and Ton-Up Boys themselves.
Continue reading ‘Café Society. A Documentary About Rockers, Ton-Up Boys, Mods, Low Handlebars And High Speeds’
Published by Cyril Huze July 18th, 2009
in Builders, Customs and Videos.
Sidecar racing is a combination of a motorcar racing and motorcycle racing with an element of teamwork that has to be precise.. It is not only one of the most difficult forms of motorcycle racing, it is arguably one of the most dangerous. Crashes are frequent and due to the open cockpit, a road burn would be considered a gift by comparison to the danger they face. First, Jesse James has to take a quick lesson to learn the ropes and the art of drifting so that he can successfully pilot himself and teammate around a track against some of the best drivers in North America. Tomorrow Sunday July 19th at 10pm EST. You can watch this Spike TV Sneak Preview Video.
Published by Cyril Huze July 18th, 2009
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As you know it’s during Sturgis that Harley-Davidson shows its new models line-up, new Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories and MotorClothes® merchandise. Those in Sturgis will be able to have a close-up look at what’s new for 2010 and also test ride from August 1st to 7th at the Rapid City Civic Center. But stay tuned because I should be able to give you a preview of the most interesting new Harley models on Saturday July 25th. Waiting for it (I can already tell you that you should not expect too much…), see the list of the main Harley-Davidson events in South Dakota. Continue reading ‘New 2010 Harley-Davidson Models Here July 25th And In Sturgis August 1st’
Published by Cyril Huze July 17th, 2009
in Editorial.
Last Wednesday 6.00 pm. Lift-off of the Endaevour Shuttle from the Kennedy Space Center 220 miles north from where I live and work. I hear the news while driving in my South Florida city of Boca Raton. I feel that I am still one of the few Floridians still amazed by the technology involved, one of the rare persons still scrutinizing the sky to see it pass over me, I know exactly 5 minutes after lift-off. I immediately park and 5 minutes later, here it is passing high in the sky just above me,. I shoot an amateur picture. I still like to hear the very fainted vroom, this time imagining the 8 astronauts inside. How does it feel? Each time, I continue to wonder… Continue reading ‘Men Riding On The Moon’
Published by Cyril Huze July 17th, 2009
in Brakes, Controls, Editorial and Wheels.
You are one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycle forged wheels, brakes, discs and related accessories. You know that you need to diversify your parts line-up from American Bikes to Metrics to Sport Bikes. So, you showcase your parts on a selection of custom bikes of the best builders. Then feature these bikes in your catalogs. Gve these builders exclusive distribution of some of your new products.
I just summarized what is the 2010 Sport Bike Marketing Program of Performance Machine for end of 2009/2010. Continue reading ‘Performance Machine Launches Team PM Sport Bike Marketing Program’
Published by Cyril Huze July 17th, 2009
in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Like Triumph’s marketing strategy of exploiting demand for retro motorcycles with modern engineering. More than one time, attracted by their look and sound I turned around the new Triumph Bonneville and Thruxton thinking that maybe…I should get one of them and give it my own cosmetic/mechanical treatment. Continue reading ‘Build Something New. Like A Modern Triumph Bonneville.’
Published by Cyril Huze July 17th, 2009
in Editorial.
Former Indian Motorcycle CEO (Gilroy era) Rey Sotelo pleaded guilty Thursday in a federal racketeering case, according to lawyers involved. Sotelo, 52, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic in stolen motorcycle parts, a charge he brushed off last summer when a federal indictment accused him of helping a central California chop shop send a stolen Harley-Davidson to Sweden without the government’s permission. Sotelo allegedly helped counterfeit the bike’s official papers. Continue reading ‘Former Indian CEO Pleads Guilty In Racketeering Case’
The exhibit titled “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” is a must-see at this year’s Sturgis festivities. In the brand-new 6,500 square foot Lichter Exhibition Hall at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, the exhibit will be showcasing a number of revered images and sacred memorabilia central to the biker culture. The exhibit will focus on the history and celebrated icons of the motorcycle industry through a review of iconic motorcycles, art and movie memorabilia. Continue reading ‘Rebel Rousers. Michael Lichter’s 9th Sturgis Art Exhibition’
Published by Cyril Huze July 16th, 2009
in Builders and Editorial.
No good news on my computer when I woke-up today at 6 AM ET. Harley-Davidson was announcing its second-quarter results and the numbers are quite disappointing. Although the underlying fundamentals of the Harley-Davidson brand remain strong and the dealers’ retail motorcycle sales declined less than the main competitors, comparing to the same year-ago period demonstrates how our recession deeply affected our industry. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Disappointing Results And News’
Published by Cyril Huze July 16th, 2009
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
A new (and justified) big rant written especially for you my readers by Chris Callen, Editor in Chief of Cycle Source Magazine.
Thinning Of The Herd Hurts All Of The Industry.
I remember a few years ago, as motorcycling started its “Downward Trend” hearing so many people spout off about the effects they believed this change would have. Like some of them I even let me thoughts drift towards the idea that in some ways a lean economic period might somehow drive out the profit hungry and leave our industry in better standing for it. Well, here in good ol’ 2009 that has surely happened but the hard times have also started to take with them some of the most revered of our ranks as well. This all came to mind as I read the news that Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron was closing his doors. Randy has been a good friend to me for some years now and for that reason alone I felt a pain in my heart but as I further explored my emotional reaction to this sad news I began to see that what is going on right now is actually the opposite of what many had forecasted. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Industry. The Good The Bad And The Ugly.’
Published by Cyril Huze July 16th, 2009
in Editorial and Events.
Broken Spoke Saloon , Buffalo Chip, Monkey Rock. During the Sturgis Rally, all these great places compete aggressively to offer you the best vendors, the best builders, the best drinks, the best food, the best live concerts…and the best looking waitresses and female entertainers…Good for you. My recommendation? Visit them all several times. My job is not to take side – it’s a question of taste and they are all a lot of fun in their own way, but just to report about each of them and the way they try to differentiate from each other. Continue reading ’69th Sturgis Rally. Where Will Be The Best Female Entertainment?’
