Love Harley-Davidson Shovelheads and owned a couple. But their engines have quite a few well-known and documented mechanical issues. In addition you may want to bring your Shovel into the 21st century with not only improved performance but the ability to make power equivalent to the more recent Evo and Twin Cam engines. Out of Canada a company called Sorensen Performance just introduced “Dual Tight Quench Heads” to make you forget about all what is bad in a Shovel. Continue reading ‘Sorensen Performance Billet Heads For Harley Shovelhead Engines’
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Sorensen Performance Billet Heads For Harley Shovelhead Engines
Published by July 15th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.Death Of Custom Motorcycle Builder Brad Ruel
Published by July 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
It is with sadness that I report that Custom Builder Brad Ruel has died yesterday of a heart attack. His shop “The Wrench” in Sarasota, Florida has been around since 1995 and Brad has been building radical custom bikes since 2000.
He became a familiar name in the industry through his custom work and custom parts. He was also one of my clients. Brad was one of the most approachable builders, just happy that people enjoy his creations. He was 43. My condolences to his family and friends.
Milwaukee Iron Live And Online Auction
Published by July 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
As I told you a few days ago, after 26 years as the Boss Man (and Steel Man) of Milwaukee Iron fellow Builder and Parts Manufacturer Randy Simpson is closing the doors of his custom motorcycle and machine shop in Lynchburg, VA. Ready to move to a new venture and to spend more time socializing in motorcycle events, Randy is auctioning the business name, the huge parts inventory, all machines and tools in a live and online public auction on Thursday August 27th. Continue reading ‘Milwaukee Iron Live And Online Auction’
Easy Rider And Captain America Turn 40
Published by July 15th, 2009 in Editorial, Events and Videos.
Is it a western movie with bikes replacing horses or just a male-bonding LSD joy ride across the USA? It doesn’t matter. the way you see or live it. Today, the road movie Easy Rider turns 40 and the quite simple story of 2 bikers traveling the country and enjoying their freedom has be deemed “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant” enough to deserve to belong to the U.S. National Film Registry. Just a reminder that Peter Fonda as “Captain America” rides a custom chopper created from a Harley-Davidson FLH police model. Continue reading ‘Easy Rider And Captain America Turn 40’
Dennis Santopietro via his company Fix My Hog produces some of the best videos in the business to help you maintain your bike. Since there is almost no limit to what somebody can learn, he just released a new DVD featuring new mechanical topics to help you complete your Touring Bike maintenance. This video covers the Twin Cam 96® & Twin Cam 88®) and is a great complement to the original version 1. All bikers should know at least what is covered and by the same token will save a lot of money…for new custom parts. Watch the trailer then order at Fix My Hog.
I tell you right away. This photographic history of early women motorcyclists is a treasure. Cristine Sommer-Simmons spent years collecting a wealth of impressive period pictures of the true pioneers of motorcycling.
Women such as Bessie Stringfield and Dot robinson who were brave enough to ride all over the country, braving all weather conditions, defying social conventions and showing their strength and independent spirit. Continue reading ‘The American Motorcycle Girls 1900 To 1950.’
Harley-Davidson Sportster Ride Free Guarantee
Published by July 14th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
To sell more bikes and get more repeat customers Harley-Davidson created at the end of last year a program called “Ride Free Guarantee” expiring in March. Must work well because Harley decided to renew this program. How does it work is simple. If you buy a new Sportster 883 or 1200 (a total of 7 eligible models) at one of the participating dealers between now and August 31 you will get the original MSRP value back when you trade the bike in for a new Harley Big Twin or V-Rod motorcycle within one year of you purchase. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Sportster Ride Free Guarantee’
By Colleen Swartz, Motorcycle Writer/Photographer at Digital Magic Shots
What I have noticed over the years is that there are all kinds of women but only certain ones deserve the title of “biker chick”. Let me run through my experience with some categories of women that I come across.
1) Desperate Housewife: This woman has recently purchased a new pair of pink cowboy boots with ridiculous heels which would render her completely unable to ride a bike or walk more than 3 blocks but they do match her recently purchased chaps and rhinestone studded pink cowboy hat. She does not ride with her husband to the rally, but rather flies in once he has gotten to the destination. She hates the heat and the dust which continually gets stuck in her layers of thick pink lipstick but she wouldn’t miss the rally for the world because she must keep her eye on her husband lest he have some fun while he is away. She often looks at distain in the direction of the “biker chick” who is sitting on her old man’s knee, drinking a beer and flashing her tits at his friends. Continue reading ‘In Praise Of the Biker Chick’
Los Angeles Calendar Show Is July 18th-19th
Published by July 14th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Held every year the 3rd weekend of July in the beautiful setting of the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach/Los Angeles, the LA Calendar Show is much more than a bike show (have been there, done it). It’s also a music…and calendar girl festival. About 200 major manufacturers, exhibitors and builders are ready to setup for this 2-day event. On the program: sexy bikes, hot girls bands, world record horsepower dyno shootout, bike seminars, demo rides, Iron & Lace Builders party, bike show etc. Organizer Jim Gianatsis is right now a very busy man. Beautiful Garage Girls after you make the jump to LA Calendar Show.
Aeromach, manufacturer of after-market tricky mirrors and other billet custom accessories for both American (since 1992) & Metric motorcycles since 1996), was acquired by Paul Aiken and relocated to North Carolina. Aeromach’s founder Richard Fouhy started manufacturing by making parts for M-1 tanks, helicopters and space shuttle components. When the aerospace industry started to slow down, he constructed parts for his own ride, a 1981 Shovelhead. Then the company expanded by branding first a line of custom mirrors. New owner Paul Aiken has a heavy professional background in commercial and residential real estate at Sperry Van Ness. Aiken states that “Aeromach enjoys great name recognition and a reputation for high quality American-made products, which I plan to continue.” Aeromach.
Breaking News. First Pictures Of The 2010 Indian Motorcycle Chief Dark Horse
Published by July 13th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.You see them here first. Hot off the Indian Motorcycle photographer camera, these are the first 2 pictures of the new 2010 Indian Chief Dark Horse. As you can see, the Chief Dark Horse is a dark, sinister, mechanical looking motorcycle with a smoke “matte” finish and will be also available in Thunder Black, Indian Red and Deep Water Blue. The colored headdress on the tank is a new twist on the colored versions of the past. The dark components on the bike including the blacked out headlight, tappet blocks, suspension, engine components, exhaust system, and hand controls make the remaining chrome components stand out. MSRP is $27,999 and you will be able to see it in Sturgis at the Buffalo Chip where Indian Motorcycle will be setup.
Chiefs feature a 105 cubic inch PowerPlus V-Twin powertrain with electronic closed loop sequential port fuel injection. Engine cylinders are Nikasil plated and the stainless stell exhaust system is an integrated 3-way catalytic converter with heated oxygen sensors. A six-speed Baker transmission delivers power through the belt drive. Stopping is achieved via Brembo 4-piston calipers, with 11.5” dual rotors up front. Standard 5.5-gallon tank helps extend cruising range. Seats are all-leather and built to exacting specifications. If you ask me, a Great Indian Model. Indian Motorcycle
Exclusive Close-Up Look At The New Indian Motorcycle Chief Bomber
Published by July 12th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.As I posted a few days ago, Indian Motorcycles is releasing 2 brand new 2010 models. The Indian Chief Bomber and the Indian Chief Dark Horse. Both models will be displayed for the 1st time during the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip. The Indian Chief Bomber, featured below in Military Green and Silver Smole, is a Limited Edition and will be sold only during 1 year. And because you email me all the time to ask me what I think, I am telling you. Whatever the economy, even at a MSRP of $30,999 price, it will sell … More pictures after you make the jump by clicking on the link under these first 4 ones.
Continue reading ‘Exclusive Close-Up Look At The New Indian Motorcycle Chief Bomber’
Because so many of you are building a new custom bike in the style of yesterday, the after-market front-end business is in full “Retro-Volution” (I have to trademark this new word)).
One more example is this “KnuckleDragger” front end from Lightning Rod Motorcycles. It features double tube style fork legs both for good looks and strength and uses 2 fully adjustable gas shocks. To make your life easier it comes with the headlight and stone guard, and can be ordered with or without the custom bars custom made specifically for this front end. It fits Harley-Davidson style necks and is offered in stock HD length. It uses a 3/4 front axle and is available in raw steel only. It’s up to you to chrome, paint or powdercoat it. Lighting Rod Motorcycles.
Ladies, here a model for you to rev-up your wardrobe. I like the motorcycle inspired Knuckle handle (although made of polyurethane) and the fact that it’s called the “Peacekeeper”.
Must be because all women have thought of using their bag as an attack weapon (against another woman) or a defense one if attacked by a man on some dark alley. At least, do it in style. Enough room inside (7″ x 4″ x 7) to stash all your other real weapons and daily necessities $89. 00. Order online at James Piatt.
Following a controversy about his Hydrogen Powered World Speed Record, Jesse James was voted out of the Land Speed Racers Club, one of the 12 individual clubs members of the SCTA. (South California Timing Association), an all-volunteer organization comprised of 12 individual racing clubs. The SCTA mission is to provide safe and friendly Land Speed Racing (LSR) events for racing enthusiasts in both Southern California at the El Mirage Dry Lake, and at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. So, Jesse is also out of the SCTA and I bet…he doesn’t care – Fresh out of bankruptcy, the new General Motors hopes to soon start selling its whole line of cars on eBay through a pilot program. GM decided to try selling cars on eBay because 80% to 90% of GM shoppers already spend a lot of time researching their purchase online. Automakers are prevented by state laws from selling cars, new or used, directly to consumers. Only licensed dealers can do that. Could Harley-Davidson be next? Harley buyers bid on eBay and take delivery at their dealership? Why not? Your shot…
Randy Simpson Closing Milwaukee Iron
Published by July 11th, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
When I started my business in 1992, Randy Simpson was one of the first major professional builders of the time that I met. It was during an Easyriders Bike Show in Charlotte, NC. I was displaying one of my bikes on a “James Dean” theme next to him exhibiting his vintage racing looking custom bikes (it was not yet the trend). Under the slogan “Steel Made America”, his company Milwaukee Iron in Lynchburg VA had already a very solid reputation not only for bikes but also for the quality of his steel fabrication. Continue reading ‘Randy Simpson Closing Milwaukee Iron’
How Does The 360 Brake Work? See It In Action.
Published by July 11th, 2009 in Brakes, Customs and Editorial.Obama Administration Threatens Harley-Davidson And Other Automotive Companies
Published by July 10th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
Companies without a Bank status, but authorized, under their state-issued charters, to collect federally insured deposits, offer credit cards, make loans and process financial transactions are called “Industrial Loan Companies” (ILC). Harley-Davidson, via its lending arm, is one of them. Under their ILC status these companies don’t face as much scrutiny as traditional banks regulated by the U.S. government. So, knowing the excesses of our banks, you imagine the “financial freedom” that these companies enjoy. Continue reading ‘Obama Administration Threatens Harley-Davidson And Other Automotive Companies’
New Freedom Performance Motorcycle Exhaust Systems
Published by July 10th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
First, these “Tuck & Under” nostalgic looking upswept motorcycle exhaust pipes looking and sounding very good available in either a chrome-plated or black ceramic coated finish. Each system comes complete with ‘blue-proof’ heat shields, removable baffles and stainless hardware From $749.99 to $789.99. Or if you have a bagger, you know that bigger is better. So, Freedom Performance developed these new 4” performance slip-on mufflers. Also available in either a chrome-plated or black ceramic finish. In incase you like the look but don’t want them too loud there is a (removable) performance baffle. From $639.99 to $689.99. Hardware kits also available. Made in the USA. Available through your local Custom Chrome Dealer or to find a dealer nearest you go to Custom Chrome eDealer Store.
Art Of The Chopper MotoMuseum Rolls Into Sturgis
Published by July 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Tom Zimberoff’s Choppers & Builders Photo Exhibition On Wheels is coming to Sturgis and will be setup at the MonkeyRock during the entire rally. To borrow Tom’s words “come to have a glimpse into a parallel universe populated by the high priests of horsepower, lane-splitting libertarians on the road to perdition with a lust for life and a consummate sense of style” (and I belong to the gang…). Continue reading ‘Art Of The Chopper MotoMuseum Rolls Into Sturgis’
Aerostich is a company whose motto is to manufacture a line of accessories to make riding more comfortable in all conditions, through all kind of terrain and to all destinations. And I like these soft gloves made with medium to heavy Elkskin. They are thicker, stronger and more abrasion resistant than deer hide and they will last much longer. Left thumb is equipped with a handy visor squeegee. An ergonomically reversed wrist-strap provides a better fit and more security and the added TF3 knuckle pads can make a difference if you are unexpectedly about to surf asphalt (huh…). Washable, soft, absorbent and very durable. Great riding gloves. Full and half sizes 8-12. Natural. $49.00. For sale online at Aerostich.
Limited Production Aluminum Swingarms
Published by July 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
“We machined some swing arms for a local bike builder that went out of business a few years ago. I am contacting you to see if you or your readers might have any interest in them. I realize that custom bikes are unique pieces of art and these swing arms may not fit all of the motorcycle frames in use today. These swingarms would look great on a bike with a similar theme. Continue reading ‘Limited Production Aluminum Swingarms’
The New American IronHorse Files For Bankruptcy And Liquidate
Published by July 9th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
If you feel like you read before the same story in my Blog, you are almost right. Except that the owners are different, and yes it’s a new American IronHorse bankruptcy that I am announcing! And guess what? The press release states, as usual, that after the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing, the company intends (again) to reorganize and manufacture “state-of-the-art motorcycles”! But of course, it will be a new “right-sized” facility!!! (I love euphemisms) And of course, all vultures are ready to get on the cheap 1 of the 100 unsold motorcycles, or at least a few parts or piece of equipment or tools. As usual (it must be nice to sell several times the same stuff) Liquid Asset Partners LLC is in charge of liquidating to the best bidders everything that would be “in excess to the new downsized operation” (I just told you, I love euphemisms). Continue reading ‘The New American IronHorse Files For Bankruptcy And Liquidate’
Get a good start on your trike with this all fiberglass 1939 Ford inspired body kit. You can use it on any Harley-Davidson Softail trike conversion. Easy to bolt-on. Sold non-painted at MSRP of $1995 (grille is extra). For info call 813-671-9097 or visit Santiago Choppers.
Gallery Of Legends At The Broken Spoke Sturgis County Line
Published by July 9th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Painters.
Fine Art will be everywhere during this coming Sturgis Rally. And it’s a very good thing to see such an expansion of the artistic community (painters, illustrators, photographers etc) exhibiting their works during our motorcycle rallies. Jay Allen is adding a fine art gallery to the Broken Spoke, Sturgis County Line, located on route 79 in Sturgis South Dakota. He just created a space in the upper portion of the main bar to display the work of some of the industries leading artists. The Legends Gallery opening will be on Sunday, August 2nd from 6 to 9 PM and then open every day from noon to midnight.
This year the works of David Uhl, John Guillemette, Jeff Cochran and Colleen Swartz will be on display along with bikes from Billy Lane, Ron Finch, Samantha Morgan and the BSS Worlds Fastest Indian and two more to be announced. Continue reading ‘Gallery Of Legends At The Broken Spoke Sturgis County Line’
“Hey Cyril, thought your readers would like to know that Black Bear Casino has purchased a bike from us here at Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities, and will be giving it away on Sunday July 19th at Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton, Minnesota. If anyone wishes to reserve a room, they are also giving a special rate for those coming up to register to win the Motorcycle. The Motorcycle that will be given away is a 2009 Vintage Indian Red and Cream in color. To reserve the room please call 1-888-771-0777. The promotional room code to mention is IND0609 for the special room rate. We will also be doing a ride from Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities on Sunday July 19th at 2:15 Sharp. All Bikes are welcome to join for the ride” Arturo Eguia Welch, President Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities
