Of interest to all owners of H-D Baggers, there is a simple way to space out your floorboards to avoid riding with your legs in an awkward and uncomfortable position and even melting your boots or burning your legs on your exhaust.
Available only for floorboards, the spacers move them out approximately 1“and are a quick, hassle free bolt-on install. Depending on your bikes style you can order the spacers finished in show chrome or black powder coat. The complete kit goes for just $50.00 in black or chrome. For complete details call 714-680-0911 or visit Softbrake.
The third episode of “Jesse James Is A Dead Man” features Jesse and his team preparing a custom bike to ride 125 miles in the artic desert by a temperature reaching minus 50F (minus 75F with wind chill). But can Jesse also withstand the freezing cold? Training to change a wheel in subzero remperature, then the icy ride. No airport, no hospital, only one general store…
The show airs on Spike tomorrow Sunday June 14 at 10 pm EST/9 pm C. You can watch a sneak preview by jumping to Spike (take your thick coat & gloves). Picture courtesy Jesse.
This brand new magneto cover is clear polycarbonate, which has, as you may know, outstanding impact and heat resistance. This ine won’t melt, warp or crack and leave you stranded on the side of the road like the cheap counterpart made out of cheap plastic. This cover fit any Fairbanks-Morse bodied magneto, such as Morris Magnetos and Joe Hunt Magnetos, fitted to your Big Twin, Sportster, Triumph, BSA or bike of any pedigree with a mag. Simply unscrew your stock cover and put this one in its place with your stock hardware and gasket. Made in the USA. $35. At Low Brow Customs.
Since November 08, Erik J. Dunk owner of Iron Block Harley-Davidson in Watertown, NY, has posted several messages critical of President Barack Obama on the Harley electronic sign visible to motorists along Interstate 81. Several messages (some are disputed by Erik Dunk) said “Obama is not a Christian! He is a Muslim!!!” then “”Obama are you kidding? We’re not Muslim. You are not Christian!!” Some other anti Obama messages was calling him a dictator and suggested Obama doesn’t possess a valid birth certificate. Because of numerous complaints at the local level and to the Harley-Davidson headquarter, Director of Harley Corporate Communications Robert H. Klein stated “that the dealer sign contradicts Harley-Davidson commitments to individual dignity and inclusion and that the company takes living to these values very seriously. Although Harley-Davidson dealerships are independent businesses, dealers have contracts with the company and the contracts do contain provisions regarding these types of activities that affect brand association…” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Corporate Abuse Or Freedom Of Speech?’
A massaged 900 cc Sportster engine, a Ducati front end, a custom Carbon Fiber body, a multitude of titanium parts, it’s all what I know about this bike built in Australia by Dillan Robb from Robb Handcrafted Cycles. But worth posting.
‘Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl’. The priest asks, ‘Is that you, little Tommy Hebert?’ ‘Yes, Father, it is.’ ‘And who was the girl you were with?’ ‘I can’t tell you, Father, I don’t want to ruin her reputation’ ‘Well, Tommy Hebert, I’m sure to find out her name sooner or later, so you may as well tell me now. ‘Was it Tina Leblanc?’ ‘I cannot say.’ ‘Was it Teresa Thibodeaux?’ ‘I’ll never tell.’ ‘Was it Nina Boudreaux?’ ‘I’m sorry, but I cannot name her.’ ‘Was it Cathy Breaux?’ ‘My lips are sealed.’ ‘Was it Rosa Robicheaux, then?’ ‘Please, Father, I cannot tell you.’ Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
The objective of the Ride To Work Day (always the 3rd Wenesday of June) is to demonstrate that riding is an efficient, economical form of personal transportation making parking easier and helping traffic flow better. 2009 is the18th edition of this event and each year it involves riders of all ages and occupations, from all walks of life, riding any brand of motorcycles and scooters. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America’s 8 million cycles are ridden to work. More information about Ride to Work Day can be found at Ride To Work.
During the last 10 years, the number of available air shocks has grown exponentially. Most are extremely good. So, what’s new with the “Shotgunshock“?
The company producing it states that their proprietary system has an internal valving with four internal solenoids machined into the body of the shock. A check valve seals the pressurized air supplied by the onboard compressor, then the four solenoids are used to adjust both height and rebound. Hence a more progressive and comfortable ride. Available for Dyna, Softail Evo, Softail Twin Cam, Fl’s models. Shotgunshocks or call 323-359-4914.
Owning a genuine Harley-Davidson Shovelhead? Want to turn it into a hardtail ride? You best, meaning easiest and fastest move is to use a pre-made weld-on complete hardtail section. This one is fabricated out of DOM 1 1/8″ tubing (seat section is 1″) with all the parts 100% tig welded. It is equipped with a helm joint axle block and comes with a 3/4″ rear axle and chain tensioner. If you are not an expert at welding, please ask for a professional to weld it to your Shovelhead frame. Retail price: $499 + $35 shipping in continental US. Available at Black Sunshine Customs or call Brian on my behalf: 217-433-8745
Swedish Stellan Egland builds one-off custom motorcycles with designs that nobody expects, ranging from the ultra retro to the highly futuristic style. To the point that nobody knows exactly how to categorize each of his bikes. And it’s better this way because one-off motorcycles should always surprise, interrogate, even be controversial. Stefan will tell you that this one is not a show bike, a street fighter or a sports bike. It’s The Harrier! He designed it as the first bike in a new line of minimalist modern customs. As you can see, a bare bones speed machine with very little aesthetic details. Continue reading ‘The Harrier. Cafe Racer Of Year 2020?’
The 15th annual ROT Rally, or Rally Of Texas, starts tomorrow Thursday. I have been informed by one of my readers that a certain group of riders would have been notified that the Austin Police Dept. will have an on-going campaign to pull over riders they see not wearing a helmet. And we all know that this can lead to other things once you have been stopped. True or not (I will know on Thursday) it is interesting to remind you what is the somewhat unusual helmet law of Texas. Continue reading ‘Rally Of Texas Helmet Warning’
Under the terms of the plea bargain, in exchange for Billy Lane pleading guilty to a single charge of vehicular homicide, prosecutors dropped a DUI manslaughter charge. Billy faces a maximum of nine years in prison when he is sentenced at 9 a.m. August 14 by Circuit Judge Robert Burger. The deal also mandates a lifetime license suspension, though defense lawyer Greg Eisenmenger said Lane might be able to retain use of it for specific purposes, such as work, and will request a non-incarcerating sentence. Probation, house arrest or alcohol and drug provisions will be up to the discretion of the judge (With the help of Florida Today).
His leather work, especially the one of his intricate hand-tooled seats, was very well known in the industry before Paul Cox became a celebrated custom motorcycle builder. And Paul is still at it with top quality leather and designs. Considered one of the best in his field, each seat project is unique, presenting new challenges and requirements. His very cool seats can be inspired only by very cool custom bikes…if you know what I mean. To see more of his work, go to Paul Cox Industries. If you’d like to discuss a project, call 347-689-9556.
The Sweden Twin Club Custom Show of Norrtälje (located some 55 miles north-east of Swedish capital Stockholm) is Europe’s oldest and most traditional Custom Bike Show, with a heritage dating back to 1969. The “Ride-In-Win-Roll-Out” type event is probably also the shortest Custom Bike Show on the planet, as bikes are placed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., judged and the trophy presentation is taking place 3 p.m. By 5 p.m. the place is deserted again!
The big winner of this year is Anders Göth from Skärblacka outside Norrköping (yep, I spelled correctly!) and he got his ticket to compete in the AMD World Championship in Sturgis in August. (picture Horst Rosler)
“Hi, Friend. I’ve been riding motorcycles on the street for 20 years. This August I’m trying something different and venturing off road on a dual-sport ride in Colorado to raise money for a breast cancer charity and a gynecological cancers charity – something I’m passionate about. I’m very excited to be doing this because I’ve never done a charity ride of this magnitude. I’m spreading my proverbial life experience wings — and I’m hoping you can help me make it happen. Continue reading ‘Help Genevieve Schmitt’
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on certain model year 2008 and 2009 FLSTSB, model year 2008 FXSTSSE2 and model year 2009 FXSTSSE3 motorcycles manufactured May 22, 2007 through March 26, 2009 and shipped on or before March 27, 2009. The acorn stud at the brake reaction link on these motorcycles may fall out during use. If this occurs, the front brake and fender assembly would no longer be adequately retained. This condition could lead to a crash and potential injury or death to the rider. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Safety Recall’
As you know Harley-Davidson has several outreach programs going on. The objective is of course to federate some minorities to reinforce penetration of the brand among these groups. Due to the high and fast growing Hispanic population in the US, Latinos are the priority target. So, the factory is calling all Latino riders to host castings for the production of a Harlista documentary. Alfredo de Villa, who recently completed “Nothing Like the Holidays,” and who is an accomplished film director whose work has received accolades from the Sundance Film Festival and the TriBeCa Film Festival, will be in charge of this documentary. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Casting Call To All Harlistas’
Lane was charged two years ago with one count of DUI manslaughter in connection with the 2006 traffic accident in which Gerald Morelock, 56 was killed. In light of ongoing legal discussions over the permissibility of blood evidence at trial, prosecutors in late December added an alternative charge of vehicular homicide, which requires the state to prove that Lane was driving recklessly but does not include the drug or alcohol element needed to prove DUI manslaughter. Both charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Continue reading ‘Billy Lane Plea Deal. From No Prison Up To 9 Years.’
You probably noticed that during the last couple of months I talked a lot about the European Motorcycle Scene. And the only reason, in addition to the fact that you love to see what’s going on beyond our borders, is that the Old Continent is more vibrant than ever. More and more custom motorcycles are being built, especially in East Europe countries, and new companies pop up with new interesting concept or limited édition production motorcycles. Here a perfect example coming (just coïncidence) from my native country of France. The gestation of the Wakan Brand of motorcycles (in Sioux language it means Sacred) was a well kept secret until the first tests of the prototype Roadster in 2007. Now the newly Euro-3 compliant bikes are being sold by distributors and importers around Europe, and to put you in the confidence the US is logically the next targeted market for 2010. Continue reading ‘Wakan Motorcycles. Coming To The US’
Kiwi Indian and Klockwerks have formed a joint venture to help move both companies forward. Mike Tomas has already moved its parts distribution from California to Mitchell SD with Klockwerks. No doubt that Mike was looking for a more friendly tax, financial and legislative environment (among other constraints, think of EPA and CARB). Mike tells me than him and Brian Klock are very close friends and that they share the same long-term vision about the future of their businesses. Kiwi Indian’s Service Repair work, Restorations, Manufacturing and New Bike Building is still for now carried out in California at the same location. Of course it will be no surprise that over time, Kiwi Indian move all his activities in friendly South Dakota.
I had to show you this USB Flash Drive. Absolutely stunning. The “crazy” guy who did it had to harvest parts from a total of 6 different pocket watches. Then it took him 12 hours to assemble them. It’s 16GB running at 110 x. It is made out of purple heart, has approximately 26 Ruby’s which look great when the USB drive catches the light. When it is plugged it glows green from underneath the gears! He did only one. Sold it at flash drive speed for a cool $165. But watch out (pun intended): he may come with a new one-off model very soon. Etsy.
After-market bagger gas tanks have always been boring. At best they are offered extended with “bottom wings” or in a larger fuel capacity. But most of these custom 2-piece fuel reservoirs don’t have a sexy shape and need to be fitted with a dash that I always considered extremely unaesthetic. Fat Katz is about to release this new one-piece steel tank whose proportions and shape are meant to mean custom as soon as you install it. Fuel capacity is 7 gallons, width is 19”, and is to be bolted on the frame via the stock Harley mounts. You will have to get rid of your dash (good) and use a custom seat (excellent). It fits Harley-Davidson FL models from 2000 to current. Reserve one by calling Don on my behalf at 530-273-2212 or visit Fat Katz Kustom Tankz And Fenderz.
“How’s it going Cyril? A while back, there was a feature on your blog regarding the late John Britten and the Britten Bike. Back in the early days when John was building his first motorcycle, the pickings in his bank account were pretty slim, so the company I work for fronted up with substantial sponsorship to help John get his bike on the track. A mutual agreement followed, whereby my employer gets to display the first Britten bike ever built in our front desk reception area. At the time, I snapped this picture”. Cheers, Brian Winter. (New Zealand) Kiwi Bikers NZ
Of interest to all owners of H-D Baggers, there is a simple way to space out your floorboards to avoid riding with your legs in an awkward and uncomfortable position and even melting your boots or burning your legs on your exhaust.
The third episode of “Jesse James Is A Dead Man” features Jesse and his team preparing a custom bike to ride 125 miles in the artic desert by a temperature reaching minus 50F (minus 75F with wind chill). But can Jesse also withstand the freezing cold? Training to change a wheel in subzero remperature, then the icy ride. No airport, no hospital, only one general store…
Cajun boy confession
The 
“Hi, Friend. I’ve been riding motorcycles on the street for 20 years. This August I’m trying something different and venturing off road on a dual-sport ride in Colorado to raise money for a breast cancer charity and a gynecological cancers charity – something I’m passionate about. I’m very excited to be doing this because I’ve never done a charity ride of this magnitude. I’m spreading my proverbial life experience wings — and I’m hoping you can help me make it happen. 
As you know 
Lane was charged two years ago with one count of DUI manslaughter in connection with the 2006 traffic accident in which Gerald Morelock, 56 was killed. In light of ongoing legal discussions over the permissibility of blood evidence at trial, prosecutors in late December added an alternative charge of vehicular homicide, which requires the state to prove that Lane was driving recklessly but does not include the drug or alcohol element needed to prove DUI manslaughter. Both charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. 
You probably noticed that during the last couple of months I talked a lot about the European Motorcycle Scene. And the only reason, in addition to the fact that you love to see what’s going on beyond our borders, is that the Old Continent is more vibrant than ever. More and more custom motorcycles are being built, especially in East Europe countries, and new companies pop up with new interesting concept or limited édition production motorcycles. Here a perfect example coming (just coïncidence) from my native country of France. The gestation of the 
Kiwi Indian
I had to show you this USB Flash Drive. Absolutely stunning. The “crazy” guy who did it had to harvest parts from a total of 6 different pocket watches. Then it took him 12 hours to assemble them. It’s 16GB running at 110 x. It is made out of purple heart, has approximately 26 Ruby’s which look great when the USB drive catches the light. When it is plugged it glows green from underneath the gears! He did only one. Sold it at flash drive speed for a cool $165. But watch out (pun intended): he may come with a new one-off model very soon. 
“How’s it going Cyril? A while back, there was a 