Is it marketing hype or reality? Since I am doing this business, every year or so I hear about a shop proclaiming that it is building a model to be mass produced just for women. The manufacturer or shop making this claim can be managed by men stating that they have an acute understanding of women riding needs, or a woman managed entity because, as you are supposed to know, only women can understand women…What are the main justifications advanced for these claims? Continue reading ‘Do Women Really Need A Specially Designed Factory Model?’
Archive Page 355
Do Women Really Need A Specially Designed Factory Model?
Published by April 27th, 2009 in Editorial.
Last Saturday was Harley-Davidson shareholders meeting. Not surprisingly, both shareholders and employees asked tough questions regarding job cuts and outsourcing. President & CEO Jim Ziemer, who retires in a few days stated again that Harley expects 2009 to be an extremely challenging year the company will continue to reduce excess production capacity to be in good position when the recession ends. and . as consumers pull back on motorcycle purchases because of the recession. Harley plans to close its Capitol Drive plant in Wauwatosa in 2010. It is also closing its Franklin Distribution Center this year, outsourcing that work. In January, Harley said it was cutting 1,100 factory and office jobs in 2009 and 2010, Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Management Facing Tough Questions’
Because it’s Green Planet Month (I am confused, it’s every month), one post for green decoration and entertainment. You know that to have indoor plants help you purify air. I will not show you this new light if I didn’t like the design and the concept. If you live in a big city condo, planting grass can help you escape the concrete induced blues. Or you could grow some Parsley herb for home cooking seasoning. The LightPot is equipped with a LED light built telescope and can enable growth when placed anywhere even in low light. And of course, it’s a desk lamp. It is the work of Shula Studio, is at the protype stage and should be available very soon. Via Designboom.
Isn’t refreshing to see a Chopper among a see of Bobbers, especially when it is a Chopper looking like…a true Chopper. 100% Finnish style, but of course inspired by the California Choppers of the late 60’s, it was built in Finland by a shop called “Flying Choppers” and recently got a 3rd place trophy in the European AMD Championship. The 3 winners being invited to Sturgis, you will see “Cloud 9” in South Dakota in August. I am sure it “doesn’t turn well with others” on the twisted roads of the Black Hills, but it may become the king of the highway 90 between Spearfish & Rapid City during the next Sturgis Rally. Flying Chopper Motorcycles (photography Horst Rosler)
Last Ride Customs Hand Tooled Seats
Published by April 26th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Another good address in Michigan for all your custom seat needs. As in most good upholstery shops, it’s the boss himself who is going to hand make and stitch your seat or bag.
Adam Croft just redid his website and shows you a wide selection of his awesome seats ordered by the custom builders who are household names. And remember, there is no great custom bikes without great custom upholstery Last Ride Customs.
S&S Cycle and former Crane Cams CEO Lance Harris would have paid 1.2 million for the Crane Cam name, 16 patents, 3 trademarks and inventory – Since 1967 Mike Corbin has made custom seats and accessories like fairings, backrests, saddlebags, for almost all motorcycle manufacturers. But one day he would like to retire. His business, tangible and intangible assets, is listed for sale for $11,5 million with The Business Team in California (424) 702-1987. To ensure a successful transition Mike is ready to stay for an extended period with the new owner. Continue reading ‘Keep It For You’
Jay Leno’s Garage Website is getting better & better. Going there from time to time to check out the old bikes. See Jay riding the superbike of the 30’s. Like me, be envious of all what Jay keeps in his garage.
A drunk man who smelled like beer sat down on a subway next to a priest. The man’s tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and a half-empty bottle of gin was sticking out of his torn coat pocket. He opened his newspaper and began reading. After a few minutes the man turned to the priest and asked, ‘Say Father, what causes arthritis?’ The priest replies, ‘My Son, it’s caused by loose living, being with cheap wicked women, too much alcohol, contempt for your fellow man, sleeping around with prostitutes and lack of a bath.’ The drunk muttered in response, ‘Well, I’ll be darned,’ then returned to his paper. The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized. ‘I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to come on so strong. How long have you had arthritis?’ The drunk answered, “I don’t have it, Father. I was just reading here that the Pope does”. (sent by Troy at Accutronix)
Inaugural Bike Week New Orleans. May 6th-10th
Published by April 24th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
No major bike event in New Orleans since 2005 hurricane Katrina. So, it is time to give all Louisiana and neighboring States a big bike fest. And the organizers of the Inaugural Bike Week New Orleans intend to throw a party to rival its famous Mardi Gras. Entertainment, friendly locals, custom bikes, music, Cajun food and a lot of fun. There are too many activities to list in a Blog, but at least you need to know 1- that Jay Allen and his famous Broken Spoke Saloon at the Sugar Mill will offer you day & night great bands and Lucky Daredavil Thrill Shows plus a few entertainment surprises. 2- that Easyriders Events organizes a big V-Twin Bike Show featuring centerfold bikes, iconic builders with a chance for the competitors to win a much sought after Easyriders Show Trophy. Continue reading ‘Inaugural Bike Week New Orleans. May 6th-10th’
The Intelligent Way To Store & Protect Your Bike Accessories
Published by April 24th, 2009 in Accessories and Editorial.
Ever kicked your helmet, walked on your windshield, tripped on your bags and looked for your riding gloves lost somewhere in your garage? A company called Thunder Creek Customs offers a unique line up of fully adjustable storage systems to safeguard your bike detachable accessories and your riding gear.
Rack stands or wall mounts they adapt to the size of your new accessories and will make your lady happy by giving her more room for her wardrobe in the master bedroom closet. They available in black or stainless steel with chrome accents. You need to order through your preferred dealer. Thunder Creek Customs.
Writing this Blog and deciphering a lot of press releases, you can’t imagine how much I learn every day, important or not. Like, did you know that you can improve the way people pull their zipper tab, split rings without busting their finger nails, etc. Well, and doing it in style like making the S&S engine the ornament of all your zips, pins, key chains and clips. And guess what? They are EPA compliant, cast of lead free pewter and proudly made in America! At Zip-U.
New Controls By Stevenson’s Cycle
Published by April 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
These new controls conceived by Steve Broyles Sr. of Stevenson’s Cycle are made of steel instead of billet aluminum. Controls are available with left side shifter or hydraulic foot clutch and are sold in sets or separately. They fit all 4-speed frames, as well as Softails up to 99. They will fit 2000 and up Harleys with an adapter kit. Choose your color combination: they are available in all black, all chrome, chrome and brass, black and brass, chrome and black, black and chrome and knurled or smooth brass toe pegs. Of course, you can also powder-coat them any color matching your paint job with any color. The footpeg covers can be used on any 1” handlebars. Contact Steve in Michigan on my behalf 734-641-2200. Steveson’s Cycle.
Breaking News. S&S Cycle Acquires Some Crane Cams Assets
Published by April 23rd, 2009 in Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
Those assets include the inventory, intellectual property, and trademarks for all Crane automotive and motorcycle electronic products and for Crane motorcycle valve train products. The intellectual property portion includes designs, drawings, and cam profiles. Crane automotive valve train products are not included in this acquisition. Crane Cams was founded in 1953, and like S&S Cycle, founded in 1958, it has become a respected and iconic brand in the high performance industry. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. S&S Cycle Acquires Some Crane Cams Assets’
American IronHorse Motorcycles To Close Again?
Published by April 23rd, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
Two weeks ago my insider sources started to feed me with negative news regarding the future of American IronHorse Motorcycles Company. The only one I published last week was that the company seemed to be idling, not building bikes. When in May 2008 a U.S. bankruptcy judge in Fort Worth agreed to the sale of defunct American IronHorse Motorcycles to Scott Meyers for $6.7 million (with a total cost for the acquisition in excess of $8 million because it included liabilities in the form of warranties on existing bikes), the purchase was financed by $2.5 million of Scott own money and a $6.7 million line of credit from Textron Financial, American IronHorse’s main lender. Continue reading ‘American IronHorse Motorcycles To Close Again?’
We all need a taillight and you don’t want one on your build looking like most of the others. This one was so simple to imagine that it is quite original. It’s made out of billet aluminum with a LED bulb (stronger light and no breaking filament because of vibrations) and a red lens. Available in polished aluminum and the very sought after brass finish. Because the lens is small (which makes it look better…), I would recommend that fo safety reasons you use 2. Have you thought of using both polish & brass together on top of each other, or side by side, on 1 side (left is better, also for safety reasons). $180.00 a piece Call Michael Barragan on my behalf at 323.385.4223 or visit Evil Spirit Engineering
Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Week Update
Published by April 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
You all know that last year the Myrtle Beach City Council passed 15 ordinances and amendments, including a helmet law, designed to discourage bikers to participate to this new edition of Myrtle Beach Bike Week inside the city limits. It created 2 opposite reactions: as a sign of protest those who decided not to go and those who will continue to participate avoiding to spend their dollars in the city itself. So, this year most of the vendors will set up in Horry County outside the city of Myrtle Beach. Continue reading ‘Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Week Update’
A Message From Dar Holdsworth
Published by April 22nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
Cyril. “Great news. From this day forward ALL Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers will come standard at the same price with a Baker 5 speed transmission, even the Model 1.
With the exception of the Model 1, all other BBB&C will have the option to upgrade to a 6 speed Baker at a very reasonable price”. Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls Bobbers
Viper Motorcycle Announces New Dealers And 2009 152″ Diamondback Model
Published by April 22nd, 2009 in Builders and Customs.
Viper Motorcycle Company, announces new dealers and the shipping to its Dealers Network of the new “Diamondback” model, their second generation Super Cruiser. Among the new dealers is Rick Fairless’s Strokers Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Bikers Custom in El Paso, Texas, Bikers Dream in Alpharetta, Georgia, Rainbow Cycles in Rogers, Arkansas, etc. Terry Nesbit, President of Viper Motorcycle Company adds, “Shipments of the 2009 Diamondback will begin immediately. This model features leading proprietary Performance Viper Products. The heart of the Diamondback is the Viper 152 inch all billet short stroke engine producing 144 ft lbs of torque at the rear wheel”. Not for the faint of heart! Always nice to hear that a manufacturer has something new to bring to the market. Viper Motorcycle Company.
Elvis Presley And His Beloved 1956 KHK By David Uhl
Published by April 22nd, 2009 in Editorial and Painters.
Two years ago, bronze artist Jeff Decker and painter David Uhl embarked on a new and exciting collaborative project with Harley-Davidson and Elvis Presley Enterprises. During Daytona Bike Week I reported on Jeff unveiling of his bronze masterpiece of a sculpted Elvis. David followed up with “American Icons” that I saw him painting while in Daytona. After poring over thousands of archival photos from the collection of Elvis Presley Enterprises the past few years, David envisioned an image unlike any he had seen. Using the same pose as with Jeff Decker’s bronze, this stunning image features Elvis astride his beloved 1956 KHK with some of his incredulous fans in the background. Elvis purchased the bike in January of 1956 and in May of that same year, he was featured with it on the cover of The Enthusiast magazine. The bike currently resides in Harley-Davidson’s Museum in Milwaukee. Continue reading ‘Elvis Presley And His Beloved 1956 KHK By David Uhl’
Is it because of my European genes, because every day I was seeing one passing by my high school, or simply because I love bare bones skinny looking bikes? I always loved Triumphs. And with the retro trend in full swing I enjoy seeing builders of American bikes taking inspiration and parts from many foreign brands to conceive and build their next sleds. There is a shop in California that many of you don’t know. Four Aces Cycle Supply is specializing in Triumphs and other British makes, but has also plenty of experience with Harleys (of course, they love WL’s). Their site is full of very cool and simple bikes. And trust me, it’s worth the jump. Four Aces Cycle Supply.
Fellow builder Jerry Covington let me know about his brand new website, but instead of telling you that it’s better than the former one I looked at his online catalog at found these Fork Bells that I like. Aluminum CNC machined they are available in chrome, cut contract black and black with diamond edge and fit 80 and up FLH type Harleys. $299 for chrome or black. $399.95 for diamond edge. At Covingtons.
Congress Bill To Close Public Land To Off-Road Motorcycles
Published by April 21st, 2009 in Editorial.
On March 25, Congress just voted a bill to close more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. “The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness,” said AMA/ATVA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review”. Continue reading ‘Congress Bill To Close Public Land To Off-Road Motorcycles’
Does The Market Need Another Ignition cover? No. Maybe…
Published by April 21st, 2009 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Every builder/manufacturer is selling one. Finned, grooved, smooth, spiked, with a devil head, a Maltese cross, etc, and as many logos & names as the industry counts. The thought of bringing one more ignition cover doesn’t make any sense except that they have always been a top-selling item. So the boys at Biltwell decided to do one with a different twist: the stainless-steel plate on their new points cover is actually an ingenious bottle opener. The alloy backing plate can be mounted horizontally or vertically to fit any bolt location on H-D ignition cones, and the stainless-steel bottle opener can be repositioned accordingly. Available in two colors (black or silver anodizing), and both versions include a polished stainless-steel center plate and all necessary hardware. MSRP is $53. Biltwell Products.
Master Bike Builder and Artist Chicara Nagata recently showed his custom motorcycles in a New York City Gallery . Zen and the art of motorcycle creation? Yes, knowing that Chicara can spend 7500 hours on one of these liquid chrome masterpieces Superb attention to details with a kinetic result.
Desperado Motorcycles Sponsors NHRA Super Gas Camaro
Published by April 21st, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Jeff Nicklus, founder and CEO of Desperado Motorcycles announced that his company will act as the primary sponsor of the Nicklus Performance/Desperado Motorcycles Super Gas Camaro for the remainder of the 2009 and the entire 2010 racing season. Jeff estimates that The Desperado Camaro and the Desperado Motorcycles name will be seen by 2.5 – 3 million people who attend physically the 23 NHRA races annually. Continue reading ‘Desperado Motorcycles Sponsors NHRA Super Gas Camaro’
Ten days ago, during the Donnie Smith Bike Show, groups of teenagers belonging to several high schools were competing with their new builds, both to get acknowledgment from their pro peers present at the show and to win some trophy gold offered by IronWorks Magazine. In the Chopper Class Challenge competing with their bike named “Betty” featured here, the Canadian BMHS team (Bernice MacNaughton High School) led by teacher Marc Mazerolle won the 2 top honors: American IronWorks Overall Winner and American IronWorks Technical Merit Award. Since these teenagers are our future and read this Blog, maybe a few words of congratulations and encouragements in the comments section could be their best motivation for an even more creative next project.
