Have you heard about Atomic-Forging Technology? In a few words it’s a proprietary technology to make metal components look, wear and perform better. Atomic-Forging involves the process of bombarding metal with exotic metal ions to create unprecedented levels or hardness and of corrosion resistance. The technology is also used to color-coordinate different metal parts, like these satin finish or polished rotors in chrome (not where the brake pads pinch the disc!) , light gold and gold. The company states that they offer a lifetime warranty because their rotors can be easily cleaned and indefinitely brought back to their original finish. Ray Gun Technology.
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Motorcycle Brake Rotors With Lifetime Warranty
Published by June 22nd, 2009 in Brakes, Customs and Editorial.Screw Wall Street! Love Las Vegas!
Published by June 22nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Exceptionally, this headline is not from me but the new slogan of my friends at Las Vegas Bikefest. And it’s true that each and every year they put together a great biker event with a lot of fun of things to do (have participated, of course) even before you decide to give your money contribution to the Las Vegas casinos or to whatever your sin is. One important thing to know for those who have never been to Vegas in October, month of BikeFest, is that air/hotels are extremely cheap and that the city is an extremely inexpensive vacation spot especially if you travel in group with your friends. The Las Vegas BikeFest Website lists non only the multiple events they organize from October 1st to 4th, but incredible hotel bargains with 4-night rates much cheaper than any antidepressant you may take because the economy put you down.
If you love vintage motorcycles, you have dreamed of owning, trailing and sleeping in an authentic Airstream. I thought it was interesting that you know about these 2 Santa Barbara, CA natives who are offering what they call a Silver Safari. They provide the unique opportunity to work or play in a vintage American travel trailer while enjoying the great outdoors. They are a tow-in-and-tow-out, full service trailer rental. Their 40-year old Airstream has been restored, appointed with details from a bygone era, and enhanced with a few modern day must-haves for comfort and convenience. You can wake up to the sound of waves crashing near your shiny beach shack, visit historic Santa Barbara and use it as the dressing room of your garden wedding, and of course use the Airstream as the perfect backdrop for the photo shoot of your prized vintage motorcycle. I want one like that! Silver Safari.
Touring Europe to show you the custom bikes you may see in Sturgis competing in the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. This one coming, big surprise, from a shop located in the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sardinia (a constitutional part of Italy with a special autonomy statute), located west of the Italian peninsula and South of Corsica. The bike is called “Chenz’e Arrenda” (No Surrender) and pays tribute to the local art of copper stamping and forming. Just look at the unusual shape of the gas tank and rear fender. Iron Head engine and 4-speed tranny are cradled in a hand made frame fitted with an ultra clean and narrow Springer front end with no brake. To remind you where the bike was fabricated, a Sardinian long knife is used as hand shifter. Bobber Cycles (picture HRF).
SBA To Help Motorcycle Dealers Finance Their Showroom Inventory
Published by June 21st, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
In these tough economic times motorcycle dealers have extreme difficulties to borrow to finance the purchase of the new motorcycles they feature on the floor of their dealerships. Not having the cash flow to auto finance their flooring many of them have drastically reduced their inventory and some were even obliged to close by lack of products to be presented to potential clients. On July 1st, 09 the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer motorcycle dealers the tools and resources they need to survive in the current economic climate. Continue reading ‘SBA To Help Motorcycle Dealers Finance Their Showroom Inventory’
Thanks to AMA members (American Motorcyclist Association), Senate Bill 435 introduced this year by state Senator Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica) to impose motorcycles to undergo periodic exhaust emissions testing has backed away from the idea. The bill would have required all models year 2000-and up with engine displacements of more than 280cc to be tested every 2 years. But as you know, a victory is never definitive…- The city of Boston is putting to the vote an ordinance to curb motorcycle noise in the city. It instructs police officers to fine $300 bikers riding with exhaust on which is not affixed the EPA approved label Continue reading ‘Keep It For You…’
2009 Inductees Into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame
Published by June 20th, 2009 in Editorial.
The Hall of Fame inductees for 2009 are:
Jack Kirchgesler. J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award – Jack Kirchgesler owned the Rapid City Harley-Davidson dealership – Mat-Kirk Cycle – from 1941 until 1963. During that time, Jack was a major supporter of motorcycling in the Rapid City area. He sold the first police motorcycle to the city of Rapid City, and was even a motorcycle police officer for a time. Jack passed away in March of 2008. Continue reading ‘2009 Inductees Into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame’
ElMoto. Half Motorcycle. Half Mountain Bike.
Published by June 20th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
No doubt that ElMoto is cost efficient. It will cost you less than $1.00 for a battery charge letting you ride this electric bike for about 40 miles (65 km). Powered by a 2 KW engine (at what stage are you qualified as a motorcycle?), of course it will please those looking for a clear conscience and protecting the environment…when riding among city polluting SUV’s. It is the work of 2 German engineers who are now looking for capital to market it internationally. ElMoto.
“Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him Dad…”
Happy Father’s Day!
Harley-Davidson used to sell about 1/3 rd of its production during the 3 months of spring. But this year it will not happen. UBS analysts state that in April & May retail sales were down about 35%. So, it’s quite impossible that June will let Harley catch up with the spring average. Worse, low volume of new motorcycle sales seems to feed itself due to the fact that the used market is extremely good. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Hits The Skids Again’
Saddlemen offers a wide variety of bags to fit all your touring needs. They are all equipped with a versatile universal strap mounting system to fit virtually all trunk-mounted or stand-alone racks. On one side, the featured bag features a zip-off backpack, while the other side has a 2” expansion panel.
It includes 4 exterior zippered pockets. Top carry handle plus shoulder straps included for ease of carrying. Big, easy-open top for quick packing. Construction is of the type Fully Rigid keeping it look great even when empty. Constructed of UV, water and weather resistant 1200 denier “SaddleTuff™” and leather-like vinyl panels. A weatherproof rain cover is also included. Size is 3300 cubic inch, 24” W x 11.5” H x 12” D . MSRP $134.95. Available through your dealer for Harleys via Drag Specialities and Metrics via Parts Unlimited. Saddlemen.
This year Buffalo Chip main acts are Aerosmith, Toby Keith and Chuck Berry, But on its four stages many other bands ranging from country music to blues to rock will entertain bikers every day of the rally. The full line up includes: Friday, July 31 – Mark Farner, Peter Rivera, Mike Pinera and Jerry Corbetta. Saturday, August 1 – Chuck Berry “The Father of Rock and Roll”. Sunday, August 2 – Rock legends George Thorogood and the Destroyers and Creedence Clearwater. Monday, August 3 – Country musician Toby Keith and rocker Lita Ford. Tuesday, August 4 Arena rocker Billy Squier and counter-culture comedians Cheech & Chong. Wednesday, August 5 – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Aerosmith and blues-based southern rock band Saving Abel. Thursday, August 6 – Hard rock bands Tesla and Hinder. Friday, August 7 – Modern rockers Buckcherry and RED. Saturday, August 8 – Classic Rock Legends The Guess Who. Schedule and event tickets at Buffalo Chip
Every day, hundreds of individuals and independent producers try to pitch new TV Show ideas to all networks. The best way to do it after a pre-approval on a concept? Shooting a pilot. Usually quite an expensive venture. At least 99% of concepts proposed are rejected because considered not “large audience” enough to be profitable via advertising before and during the show. But sometimes you hit the jackpot and become producer or at least co-producer of your own TV Show. Continue reading ‘Pitching Ideas For A New Motorcycle TV Show’
Awesome Blastolene Hemi Trike
Published by June 18th, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb, calling themselves the “Blastolene Brothers”, are originally 2 glass artists turned into motorheads who acquired a lot of notoriety and fame after they built the Jay Leno’s Tank Car. Their style? Oversized monster hot rod automobiles powered by V12 motors and using semi truck drivetrains! For sure nothing you have seen before. And when they turn their attention to a trike, you get this insane machine looking like an elegant top fuel dragster powered by a supercharged Hemi V8. (via AutoBlog)
J&P Cycles 30th Annual Open House Is June 27/28th
Published by June 18th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Events.
Because so many of you have bought a part from J&P Cycles, its President John Parham has made a yearly tradition to thank you by hosting a big party at his Anamosa Iowa headquarters. Last year attendance was estimated at a whopping 15,000 people (3 times the population of Anamosa). And this year to celebrate J&P Cycles 30th anniversary, you can even expect more people visiting the 60 vendor displays spread throughout the grounds, checking the early Crokers, Vincents, Triumphs, Harleys at the National Motorcycle Museum just a mile down the road, just having a good time partying among fellow riders. On Friday before the Open House, J&P will host a charity golf tournament to raise money for Camp Courageous. Camp Courageous is a not-for-profit organization with a year-round respite care and recreational facility for individuals with disabilities. More information at J&P Cycles.
As you already know by my former posts, Marc Mazerolle is teaching teenagers how to build custom motorcycles at the Canada’s Only Chopper Class, the Bernice MacNaughton High School in New Brunswick. The Betty Bobber, the teens latest creation, after winning many shows, including the Iron Works Magazine Overall Winner at the Donnie Smith Chopper Challenge is now for sale to finance their next project. Betty is a good bike at a reasonable price featuring a 114 Merch Fatso motor, 6 speed Ultima transmission, open belt primary, Avon Gangster tires, Corbin bobber seat and of course a lot of custom made one-off parts built by high school students 14 to 18 years. You can’t find a better deal helping at the same time the next generation of custom builders. Contact Marc on my behalf at 506-856-6014. BMHS Bike Klub.
Although we all know that your bagger mirrors should be functional, I agree with Arlen Ness on the fact that they don’t have to look like borrowed from a SUV. The minimum necessary size seems to be this one (it could be in other shapes). Integrated mounting design cleans up the handlebars and blends the mirrors into the fairing. Direct replacement on 2006-2008 FLHX (Street Glide models) and easily fitted to other Touring models with fairings. Black powder coated, die-cast construction. Sold as a pair MSRP $89.99. At Arlen Ness or via the Custom Chrome Online Catalog.
$4500 Cash To Trade In Your Clunker For A New Efficient Car. And For A New Motorcycle?
Published by June 17th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
That old gas guzzling car or truck is worth $4500 under the “Cash For Clunkers Bill”. In a few weeks H.B. 2751 provides vouchers up to $4,500 for trading in a vehicle that gets less than 18 miles per gallon and is less than 25 years old for a new vehicle that gets at least 22 miles per gallon. Ok, but what if you want to trade in your clunker for a new motorcycle getting 45 to 60 miles per gallon? Continue reading ‘$4500 Cash To Trade In Your Clunker For A New Efficient Car. And For A New Motorcycle?’
Jesse James Sets New World Speed Record At 199.7 MPH
Published by June 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
June 16, 2009. 6.53 PM, PT. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
“Cyril. We Just set a New World Record! 199.7 mph! World’s Fastest Car with an Internal Combustion Engine with ZERO Emissions!!” Jesse James.
Huge Vintage Motorcycles And Parts Auction
Published by June 16th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
I know that a lot of you are chasing vintage motorcycles or basket cases or at least a couple of antique parts. The place to be for a lucky hunt is Columbia, Tennessee on Thursday June 25th (preview on the 24th and bidder registration required). A lot of complete all brands bikes but also complete and semi complete engines for Harley-Davidson, BSA, Ariel, Hummer, Cushman and more. All brands tanks, fenders, front ends, wheels, seats, etc. You can bid per unit or load. Warning: if you go you are going to buy something…Bator International Tennessee Auction. (thanks Grayhawk)
Exclusive. Jesse James Going Today For The World Record On Pure Hydrogen Gas
Published by June 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Jesse James tells me: “Shooked it down yesterday… 140 mph in 3rd gear. On pure Hydrogen Gas (Zero Emissions). Going for the ‘clean” world record today!”.
A lot of new titles at 3700 Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee. Time to change your address book. Matt Levatich, President and COO
of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, announces the following Leadership changes.
“Our current management structure includes three Senior Vice President positions that report to me. These include Manufacturing, which Karl Eberle holds and will continue to hold; Product Development, which Ron Hutchinson recently retired from; and Worldwide Sales, which has remained open. I have decided to re-scope the worldwide sales role into a role focused on the growth and development of our business in international markets. Therefore, I am delighted to announce the promotion of Rod Copes to Senior Vice President of International Sales, Marketing and Business Development. Rod has been with Harley-Davidson since 1993 and has held significant leadership roles in continuous improvement, manufacturing, product marketing, investor relations, and international sales and marketing. In 2007, Rod was promoted to his most recent position, Vice President and Managing Director of our Asia Pacific region, where he successfully grew sales and market share there during 2008. Continue reading ‘New Harley-Davidson Organigram’
Jesse James Hydrogen LSR Car Engine. First Fire.
Published by June 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.Last weekend Jesse James sent me the following short movie. West Coast Choppers Monday June 08, 09, 12.45 am. Hydrogen car engine is fired for the 1st time (you need Quicktime installed on your computer). Hear it cough…then scream. What about the body? It’s a teaser. So, if you have questions, go ahead. Ask in “comments’. Jesse reads my Blog and will answer when he wants…if he wants.
Deck Of Shame. Financial Crisis Playing Cards.
Published by June 15th, 2009 in Editorial and Merchandise.
The economy took a dive. This year, maybe you don’t take any vacation (also called “staycation”), or you cut on the number of rallies you are attending, or during Sturgis you are going to skip one or two concerts and refrain yourself from doing pit stops at all the Deadwood bars and casinos. You can still have fun at night in your Black Hills log cabin by inviting your friends for a few “financial crisis cards” games using a deck featuring the celebrities and infamous of our US economic debacle. Winning hands are: – Ace Of Spades: Bernard Madoff, the Ponzi-scheme extraordinaire. King of Spades: (Alan Greenspan (former Federal Reserve chairman) King of Hearts: Angelo Mozilo (former CEO, Countrywide Financial, current defendant in civil fraud case for insider trading) –King of Clubs: Richard Fuld (former CEO, Lehman Brothers) –Ace of Diamonds: Ben Bernanke (current Federal Reserve Chairman) –Ace of Clubs: Jim Cramer (CNBC stock jock). We can still have fun in any economy, right? Only $5.95 = shipping. Financial Crisis Most Wanted Playing Cards
This gorgeous custom bike made a fast apparition at last year’s S&S 50th Anniversary in Wisconsin before returning to its home town in the Netherlands. Built with a boardtracker flair, of course it features a black & polished 93” S&S Shovelhead engine breathing through an S&S Super E carburetor, a 6-speed Baker Torque Box with a double row primary chain drive, a Panther final drive. The most interesting for me are the hand made body parts around a cool rigid frame with a 34-degree neck rake. Gas tank is engine turned stainless steel with interesting hot rod looking louvers (tough to do), a cute and racy looking aluminum fender adorns the rear of this sled. It is one of my favorites of the last 12 months and was built by SPS Special Parts Supply. (Pictures Michael Lichter)
Justin Barnes Sues OCC, Discovery Channel, Activision Over American Chopper Designs
Published by June 14th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
On May 26, Justin Barnes, a painter artist who created many custom designs for OCC motorcycles and merchandise has filed a lawsuit against OCC, The Discovery Channel and Activision for infringement and copyright violation. Plaintiff alleges that 18 original designs were copied without his authorization and compensation and then incorporated in many types of merchandise tied into the business of OCC and American Chopper Show. It includes artworks used on the DVD covers of several seasons of the show, die-casts, mouse pads, lunch boxes, key chains and other goods that are being or have been sold by OCC or third-parties. (Justin Barnes of JB Grafix has been featured on Discovery Channel’s American Chopper, which highlighted a number of his well-known designs, including The POW-MIA Bike, The Fire Bike, The I-Robot Bike, The Comanche, The Snap-On Bike and many more). Plaintiff requests his legal action to be tried by a jury. Grab a copy of the lawsuit by jumping HERE. (front of a jury? I bet that if these allegatons can be proved this lawsuit is going to be settled very fast and that Justin is going to make a bunch)
