Baker will bring again riotous fire and rubber-burning fury to the 2009 Sturgis Rally. 12 of the world’s top custom bike builders will go head-to-head in a no-holds-barred, tournament-style drag race competition. The unbridled mayhem will be unleashed Friday, August 7th in the main amphitheater at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, with the support of Spectro Oils. 2008 Burnout Drags Champion was Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles. The rules are simple: contestants will compete in one-on-one heats and the first to shift to fifth gear while burning out the rear wheel will be declared the winner of that heat. Two judges for each custom bike will count the shifts and display the score in real time. The last builder standing wins great Baker products and will be featured in a high-profile Baker Drivetrain advertisement. More info at Baker Drivetrain Burnout Drags.(picture Michael Lichter)
Archive Page 352
Sturgis 2nd Annual Baker Burnout Drags Competition Is August 7th
Published by May 20th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Events.
Evidently, Designer Steve Soffa uses the symbols and imagery of the biker lifestyle as inspiration for his Hardcore Series Of Watches. If you love the Maltese design (it belongs to public domain as the opposite of what many people think) and are looking for a new (or rally only) timepiece, these 2 watches look pretty good to me and are quite reasonably priced at $225. They feature white or black Mother Of Pearl with Applied Die Cut Art Raised Maltese Hour Markings. Diameter is 36 mm with a ten-year warranty. Hardcore Watches.
The RideMaxx™ Plus Wireless EFI Tuner by AMFD lets you feel the power of what your bike can do with more upgraded features like; fuel accelerator pump to deliver extra fuel to match the engine’s needs and snappier throttle response during quick throttle movements. Includes software for most portable Bluetooth enabled devices and is wireless and cable free for 5-minute installation. Eliminates backfiring, pinging, popping on deceleration and adds up to 15% increase in Horsepower. Price starts at $329.00. Not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled motor vehicles. For more information go to Custom Chrome. To find a dealer nearest you, click on the eStore or Dealer Locator.
Marcus Walz. Hardcore For Life.
Published by May 19th, 2009 in Books, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
My first contact with Custom Builder Marcus Walz was in 1993. He wrote an email congratulating me about my James Dean tribute bike called “Deanager”, telling me that he was also a huge Jimmy Dean fan. As a proof he also emailed pictures of his residence in Ockenheim, Germany showing black & white Dean’s pictures adorning most of his home walls. Then we met for the 1st time years later in Italy where he was like me exhibiting his bikes. At the time, he swore that his Drag style custom motorcycles – his trade mark- will always be black or silver (only the exact the silver of James Dean Porsche). Well, when we met once again in Daytona during Bike Week he introduced a few touches of color on his paint jobs…16 years later a beautifully illustrated hard cover book celebrates the professional life of Marcus Walz, one of the most well known European Custom Builders. Continue reading ‘Marcus Walz. Hardcore For Life.’
Building from the ground up, changing wheels and/or a front end/swingarm, and you will need to find the right spacers. Even a Pro Builder doesn’t know (and can’t know) in advance the width (or length) of spacers he (she) will need. Reason why anyone tinkering with bikes should have at all times a full set of spacers in the most common diameters and widths. Paughco is now offering an assortment of chrome plated steel axle spacers that will save builders a lot time and grief. Kit contains 28 pieces with 2 each of 14 different lengths from 1/4″ to 3″. Available in 3/4 and 1″ ID. This is a must have kit for any shop or home builder. Complete kits are shipped in handy plastic tubes. The 3/4″ axles spacer kit retails for $179.00 and the 1″ kit goes for $199.00. Contact Paughco direct at 775-246-5738 or visit them at Paughco.
In Europe, the 3-wheeler Piaggio MP3 scooter is a huge hit. And now, an English company called “Four Wheeled Motorcycle Compagny Limited” shows the prototype of a 4-wheel motorcycle named 4MC powered by a Yamaha 400 cm3 . But is it a motorcycle? Its designer Nick Schotter insists it is because in a turn it can lean up to 40-degree, and will never overturn like a car. And he offers you these Video Demonstrations.
I think it’s quite ugly, but you never know what the market will decide. By the way, he is looking for a financial partner to start mass production…
As you know Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane motor fuel that is produced from renewable sources. At most gas stations a percentage of ethanol is combined with unleaded gasoline. The federal government arbitrarily limits the use of ethanol in a gallon of gasoline to just 10 percent (E10 = 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline). E10 is approved for use in any make or model of vehicle sold in the U.S. Many automakers recommend its use because of its high performance, clean-burning characteristics. Today about 70% of America’s gasoline contained some ethanol, most is this E10 blend. Problem is that many automobilists, boaters and now I hear bikers state that Ethanol in gasoline would lower performance, damage engine, , fuel handling systems and fuel tanks. Continue reading ‘Ethanol Fuel Controversy’
Myrtle Beach Bike Week. Disappointment And Anger.
Published by May 19th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
The state of the economy and the series of Myrtle Beach ordinances passed last Fall to discourage bikers to come to the May event had a disastrous effect on the rally attendance. Bikers who attended and dared to venture inside the city, alike local residents, were also angered by the multiple road blocks organized by police, something never done during previous events. Facing such hostility, many bikers stated that they will not come back next year. Many merchants claim that their business was down from 30% to 90% and are organizing a movement for the removal of Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes and of the Beach City Council members. Continue reading ‘Myrtle Beach Bike Week. Disappointment And Anger.’
Jesse James Demolition Death Race Online Game
Published by May 18th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As you already know, the new Jesse James TV Show “Jesse James s A Dead Man” will debut May 31 at 10 PM on Spike TV. To boost the show and increase traffic to the Spike Website the show producers launch an online video game named “The Demolition Death Race”. The game challenge is to win the checkered flag and take out Jesse James by smashing, crashing and exploding. In succeeding, gamers will unlock new levels of challenge, acquiring new virtual vehicles for new races and fights. My opinion: since I think that the show (and game) will be extremely successful, you can expect to see in the next 12 months in a store near you new Jesse James merchandising. I would bet on tees, toys (miniature monster cars and motorcycles) & other gadgets.
Fix My Hog Releases 2 New Harley-Davidson Maintenance And Performance DVD’s
Published by May 18th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
When he released the original motorcycle maintenance DVDs six years ago, Dennis Santopietro, President and Founder of Fix My Hog couldn’t have anticipated the overwhelming positive reaction from critics and customers alike. Because there is always more to learn about any motorcycle, because models evolve and because you want to do more yourself, Dennis announced the release of two new DVDs: Softail®/Dyna® Maintenance Edition Part II and Touring Edition Part II. Like their predecessors, the new DVDs are packed with information, tips and insider tricks from professional mechanics on how to perform routine motorcycle maintenance. Their content is driven by suggestions from users and by technological advances made by Harley-Davidson®. Continue reading ‘Fix My Hog Releases 2 New Harley-Davidson Maintenance And Performance DVD’s’
Wire Plus New Shield Wiring System
Published by May 18th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Wire Plus Powersports Electronics introduces their newly designed “Shield” wiring system that mounts the power control module and ignition switch together. The power control module features Solid State breakers that never need replacing, is waterproof and has separate circuits for the ignition, accessories, head light, running lights and an isolated compression release circuit. It also has diagnostic LED’s for easy troubleshooting electric circuits, a replaceable start relay and compact pre-assembled harness for ease of installation. The key has been relocated for easy access on this state-of-the-art system. Continue reading ‘Wire Plus New Shield Wiring System’
Friend of the industry Marc Frantz has all reasons to be excited. He just got an immaculate 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead. This 74” is a low compression “Model F” (only 418 were produced) and it was fully restored from the ground up by the renovation masters at Milestone Restoration in British Columbia (these guys restore bikes for the Chandler, Guggenheim & Barber Motorsports museums). Has all original sheet metal, correct plastic kick pedal and hand grips, etc. Looks gorgeous in Dove Grey & Black. Milestone Motorcycle Restoration.
Hand-Porting Motorcycle Engine Cylinder Heads. A Dying Art Form.
Published by May 17th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
For those who don’t know, “hand-porting” is modifying the intake and exhaust ports of an internal combustion engine to improve the quality and quantity of the air flow, hence your engine performance. It is a task that today’s generation of techs would rather leave to machines. But there are a handful of rebel-minded innovators left in the United States that continue the art of “head porting” by hand. Joe “Biker” Malloy, the face of H&L Performance Engines is one of them. In the text below he stresses the importance of keeping the tradition alive.
“Is faster always better? Today, in the rush of instant gratification, most people CNC-port their engine heads, meaning they take a cast head, which is of course subject to casting imperfections, and then they have a CN machine port it, running off of a computer program that ports the heads, one after another, exactly the same. Continue reading ‘Hand-Porting Motorcycle Engine Cylinder Heads. A Dying Art Form.’
Liability Trial Against Big Bear Choppers
Published by May 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Motorcycle are dangerous and potential liability exposure of Builders and Manufacturers is extremely high.
A product liability trial arising out of an alleged custom motorcycle defect on a Big Bear Choppers motorcycle began yesterday in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. Continue reading ‘Liability Trial Against Big Bear Choppers’
Euro Festival. 15000 Bikers In The St-Tropez Gulf
Published by May 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Sometimes I wonder why biker life is sometimes so difficult in some US cities (did I say Myrtle Beach?). Take the French Riviera small historic village of St-Tropez located in the most beautiful landscape you can imagine (have been there many times, done all the St-Tropez crazy stuff…). No place is more protected by environmentalists and artists. Still, during last week Euro Festival, 15000 bikers are authorized to converge, party during 4 days, ride all the scenic roads and even do a few burn outs without harassment of any kind from the French police usually quite strict. Even Harley-Davidson is authorized to plant its exhibition tent on a close by beautiful beach in the other historic village of Grimaud! Well, if next year you want to go, shoot me an email. I may be there for 4 days acting as the translator for my fellow US bikers..
Should A Motorcycle Always Look Like A Motorcycle?
Published by May 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
TSgt Randy Redman, of Public Affairs at USAF Thunderbirds sent me the following letter about a new OCC theme bike. Personally, I don’t challenge the quality of the fab. work or deny the fact that OCC has probably accomplished the mission assigned by its client Norhop Gruman, but I still think that a motorcycle should look like a motorcycle, not a plane…or anything else. And you? The bike will air (pun intended) in a next Teutul”s episode saga on TLC. Continue reading ‘Should A Motorcycle Always Look Like A Motorcycle?’
Steven Tyler and Dirico Motorcycles To Attend Sturgis Bike Week.
Published by May 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Dirico Motorcycles USA, the brand of Steven Tyler’s inspiration and Mark Dirico’s innovation, will be appearing at the 2009 Sturgis Bike Week. Tyler himself will be there performing with Aerosmith, the official band of the event. Dirico Motorcycles will be displaying bikes at the 7th Annual Metzeler Bike contest on Tuesday, August 4, at Buffalo Chip. Dirico will also have a full display setup of its models on Lazelle Street in Sturgis all week long, and a bike at the Deadwood Casino. A Dirico motorcycle will be raffled off on Stage at Buffalo Chip during the Aerosmith concert, Wednesday, August 5. For more information go to Buffalo Chip.
Tyler will also be taking part in the Legends Ride on Monday, August 3 (I will attend) starting in Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex, in Deadwood, and ending at Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. More about the ride can be found at Legends Ride.
Released at the Cincinnati V-twin Expo, these 2 direct plug-in gauges for Harley-Davidson 2004 & up, one for Sporsters & Dynas, the other for Road Kings, Softails and Deuce. Extremely bright LED’s for maximum viewing in direct sunlight. Dakota Digital.
A little boy wanted $100.00 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. Then
he decided to write God a letter requesting the $100.00. When the postal authorities received the letter to God /USA, they decided to send it to the President. The president was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $ 5.00 bill. The president thought this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy.
The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 bill and sat down to write a thank-you
note to God, which read: ”Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you sent it through Washington D.C. and those assholes took $95.00 in taxes”. (from Troy At Accutronix)
Ice Speed World Record. 148.7 Mph On A Buell 1125R
Published by May 14th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Erik Buell is extremely happy. On one of the frozen Dellen Lakes in Sweden, Craig Jones broke the ice speed world record reaching the speed of 148.7 mph (238 km/h) on a heavily modified Buell 1125R.
Craig a Stunt Buell pilot humbly stated that “only fear is limiting speed. “I shifted all my gears, lowered my head, and just went as fast as possible…”. Congrats Craig. See some Buell Stunts at Buell Extreme
A 1947 Indian Chief Motorcycle restored with a lot of love and passion by Mike Tomas at Indian Kiwi Motorcycles in California.
Priceless!
Nothing else to add…
Harley-Davidson Considering Closing Its York Assembly Plant
Published by May 14th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson Inc. is considering closing its main motorcycle assembly facility in Pennsylvania and moving production elsewhere as it aims to lower costs and cope with a sales downturn, a company spokesman said Wednesday. Spokesman Bob Klein said the Milwaukee-based company is exploring ways to reduce costs at its York location. That could include a move, though he declined to say where. The York facility employs about 2,400 workers and consists of two motorcycle factories that assemble its Touring and Softail motorcycles. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Considering Closing Its York Assembly Plant’
I am not going to turn my Blog into a recruiting website, but the economy being what it is, I thought that I could help one of my readers find his dream motorcycle job. If you are interested to apply for this “Vice-President Of Product Planning” job, please contact directly on my behalf Henry at Henry Lonski & Associates at 321-952-2059. Following is the list of requirements for this position.
“Do you love Powersports? Do you love to ride and even have a passion for all things about ATV, Motorcycles, Scooters, Dirt Bikes & Go Karts? Continue reading ‘Your Dream Motorcycle Job Is Here.’
Brass Balls Military Bobber Raffle
Published by May 13th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
“Wheeler” (pictured on left with Builder Rick Fairless), a Vietnam Vet and president of Wheeler Industries, will is representing the custom Brass Balls Military Bobber on the over 2,000 miles “Long Road” event hosted by the Horse magazine. The Brass Balls Bobbers “Win the Military Bobber for the Troops Raffle” will raise money and awareness of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The proceeds go to raise funds to build a facility for diagnosing and
treating traumatic brain injuries for the brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces. Continue reading ‘Brass Balls Military Bobber Raffle’
During this week Myrtle Beach Rally, both merchants and bikers seem to have mixed feelings. Not only because of the controversy regarding the city of Myrtle Beach ordinances to crack down on bikers, but also because yesterday Tuesday the city police has installed 4 traffic checkpoints inside the city limits. Something never seen before during the rally. If it’s true that police is checking driver’s licenses and registrations of car and truck drivers as much as the ones of motorcyclists, it sends again a very negative message to all those who visit the area. Myrtle Beach business owners seem extremely concerned by the way it affects their businesses. The city of Myrtle Beach seems to act like only a select few groups are wanted, and most local businesses disagree. And it’s going to get worse starting Thursday when Myrtle Beach police will create a one-way traffic pattern enforced along Ocean Boulevard beginning at 2 p.m. This pattern will be in place from 2 p.m. to midnight daily through Saturday.
California Considering Motorcycle Smog Checks
Published by May 13th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
I wrote a post on this topic 3 weeks ago. Blog reader Nicker forwarded to me this text inspired from a LA Times article. Watch out all bikers, because as you know, where California goes, so goes America.
“Cars do it. Trucks do it. And now the state of California may require motorcycles to do it, too. Biennial smog checks would be required for motorcycles manufactured in the 2000 model year and later under a bill making its way through the California Legislature. SB 435 targets bikes with illegally modified exhaust systems and would go into effect in 2012 if passed and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, an avid motorcyclist. Continue reading ‘California Considering Motorcycle Smog Checks’
