Daytona Harley-Davidson is the number 1 volume dealer of new Harleys in the world. So, logically, the dealership has a lot of trade-ins. Some of these bikes have only a couple of thousand miles and carry the balance of the factory warranty. So, from Friday March 27th to Sunday March 29th, hundreds of Harleys will be offered at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson at rock bottom prices. Learn more by making the jump HERE.
Archive Page 359
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley Davidson Million Dollar Markdown
Published by March 26th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.Custom Chrome® Announces New Dyna Models Legend Air Suspensions®
Published by March 26th, 2009 in Customs and Editorial.
Legend Air Suspension’s exclusive Gates Kevlar Air Spring technology, deflective disc dampening, and twin tube construction is now available for Harley Davidson Dyna models. Standard in the complete package are two Legend Air shocks available in either black or chrome finish installs as a direct bolt on application in the stock location. On board air compressor, rider friendly handlebar mounted twin switch assembly for on the fly adjustability, and a full color instruction guide to navigate the user through everything from the color coded plug and play wiring to the basic hand tools needed for this easy installation. The D1 will fit factory Dyna Harley Davidson bikes from 1999-2009. Chrome or Black. MSRP $1,599 Order on Custom Chrome eStore.
I told you several times that Café Racers are back. And the best in the seat business begin to receive orders to fit the new ones built around the country. For example seat master Duane Ballard got a request early this month from Bill Dodge at Blings Cycles to form a seat for his new Café Racer project. Most café style seats are just made out of a piece of foam, covered with vinyl and attached with snaps. Duane has created a full seat, starting off with a custom pan, then shaped and formed the foam for maximum comfort. The top of this one is made out of 7 oz #1 grade cowhide that can be tooled with anything you desire. The sides are #1 grade cowhide and include snaps needed to attach the seat to the tail section. Visit Duane Custom Leather or call 603-377-0517.
The Sunday Business Section of the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper asked readers for ideas on “How Would You Fix the
Economy?”. And the best idea is…
Dear Mr. President,
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the workforce. Give each of them $1 million as severance package with the following stipulations: 1- They must leave their jobs. Forty million job openings – Unemployment
fixed..2- They must buy NEW American cars. Forty million cars ordered – Auto
Industry fixed…3- They must either buy a house/pay off their mortgage – Housing Crisis
fixed…
Can’t get any easier than that?!?
Loving this style of bikes? Looking for old cool parts but can’t find them or have no time to visit all swap meets around the country? I am going to give you one of the best addresses of the industry, one that most professionals even don’t know. They are from Japan where since 1982 they build custom parts and accessories. They have an office based in California and sell new old looking custom parts for Harley-Davidson, customs & metrics. Continue reading ‘Want Something Looking Old But New?’
Michael Lichter Sturgis Exhibit At The Legendary Buffalo Chip
Published by March 25th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
This year’s exhibition will be held at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, located four miles east of Sturgis on Highway 34, and will explore motorcycle culture through a thematic presentation of motorcycles and graphic arts. World famous motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter has chronicled the Sturgis Rally through his photography since 1979, and has served as curator of the “Motorcycles As Art” exhibition since its inception in 2001. The talent of the featured artists, combined with Lichter’s unique vision, has established the event as an essential part of the Sturgis Rally experience. Continue reading ‘Michael Lichter Sturgis Exhibit At The Legendary Buffalo Chip’
Legendary motorcycle advocate Bob Illingworth left us this morning at 9.30 am.
Bob began his love affair with motorcycling in the late 60’s. While he achieved some recognition as a racer and motorcycle shop owner, his charismatic presence and passion for justice would take him down a path that he had never predicted. In 1970 when the federal government originally blackmailed states into adopting helmet laws, Bob hit the ground running.
He was instrumental in forming the Minnesota Motorcycle Riders Association (MMRA), an organization that he would successfully guide for over 30 years. Continue reading ‘Passing Of Motorcycle Hall Of Famer Bob Illingworth’
Do You Need And Deserve A Full Biker Makeover?
Published by March 24th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
And I mean a full bike and gear makeover. Like your bike is still desperately stock 5 years after you wrote a check to your dealer or is aging faster than a rat bike. Like your riding gear, leather jacket, jeans , boots etc were bought new before I even started in this business, meaning a long, long time ago. Here the deal. The 2 Garage Girls, Sara Liberte & Jody Perewitz, offer you to write a 200 words or less essay ( along with photos) telling them why you (or one of your friends) is in need and really deserve a full biker makeover. Continue reading ‘Do You Need And Deserve A Full Biker Makeover?’
Storz Performance Accessories for Harley-Davidson XR1200
Published by March 24th, 2009 in Controls, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
A new line of accessory upgrades has been developed specifically for Harley-Davidson new XR1200 model (2008-09). The list starts with a new 2:2 high pipe dirt track style exhaust system by BUB. Available in chrome or black ceramic finish with wrap-around heat shields covering the head pipes. Other items include a Storz billet aluminum Rearset Footpeg Kit with a more compact shift linkage system, Storz/Ceriani Adjustable Steering Damper Kit, YSS Racing Shocks which are adjustable for damping and length, Solo Seat Tail Section, Saddlemen Seat pad, Brake Tech Full Floating Front Disc Kit, and more. For more detailed info on these products, go to the Storz Performance website.
Free To Wander. A Chopper Documentary Movie.
Published by March 24th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.A group of friends hitting the road on their old school chops to ride around Lake Michigan.But it’s about much more than that. A simple poetic film about the chopper life with very good riding footage. Featuring Paul Cox (Paul Cox Industries). Keino Sasaki (Keino Cycles). Paul Wideman (Bare Knuckle Choppers). Watch the trailer. The DVD is 60 minutes, only $19.95 and for sale at the Choppertown Online Store.
All Harley-Davidson Raffles In One Place
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Having a lot of time available, temporarily jobless, or simply feeling lucky? Now there is a way to know of and participate in all Harley-Davidson raffles around the country.
The site is called Harley Davidson Raffles. And if you win because I told you, you owe me to send me your Harley for customization.
Crane Cams To Restructure And Reopen
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Editorial, Engines and Events.
Due to the global economic recession, the 56-year old Crane Cams shut down its doors Feb. 24 after laying off 280 employees but keeping 25 workers to work on military contracts. Vice president Steve Leva states that the famous Camshafts/Valve Train/Electric Ignition Components company will reopen soon after restructuration. Crane was acquired at the end of 2006 by Mikronite Technologies Group Inc., and Leva says that since this acquisition 18 million have been invested in new equipment. Crane Cams.
New Senate Bill Threatening Again California Bikers
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
California already has the strictest CARB emission standard in the nation, and a new bill by California State Senator Fran Paveley (D) intends to require all motorcycles (beginning with model year 2000) to be tested in 2012 under the California State’s vehicle “smog check” program. According to standing state California state law, the “smog check” program was designed to service cars. Because of that, motorcycles were to be exempt “until the Department of Consumer Affairs implements test procedures applicable to motorcycles”. Under the new legislation, the department is to prescribe test procedures for motorcycles by July 1, 2011. Continue reading ‘New Senate Bill Threatening Again California Bikers’
New And Interesting. Cafe Racer Kit.
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
A few months ago I suggested a couple of US fellow builders looking for new ideas to think about a Café racer Rolling chassis or Kit. And here we go. A French company called “Jewel Racer” (I didn’t know them until now) just released a Café Racer Kit to turn a Harley XR1200 into a CR. And the beauty of this kit is not only its look but the fact that’s it’s a pure bolt-on system (tank, fairing, seat) without any modification to your XR 1200, that you can install in 30 minutes. This kit (fellow builder Bertrand Dubet is the model maker) will be displayed next week at the Custom Chrome Europe Dealer Show in Mainz, Germany March 29th. Pre-order by contacting Jewel Racer at: jewel-racer@orange.fr.
Surprisingly, the number of 2008 USA motorcycle sales released by the MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council) is pretty good. Yes, the total retail sales declined from 2007 (minus 3.3%), but with more than 1,087,000 motorcycles and scooters sold, 2008 is the sixth year in a row that sales pass the benchmark of 1 million. And of course, scooters with a total of 220,000 units sold, represented a higher percentage of the total sales. Continue reading ‘2008 Motorcycle Sales Above 1 Million.’
This info was provided to me courtesy of Sukoshi Fahey at Avon Tyres
Sizing is confusing as there are 5 methods in use. There are three technical organizations that all manufacturers adhere to. The organizations that set the parameters/ranges for permissible ranges for all sizes are the European Tire & Rim Technical Organization, the Japanese Association of Tire Manufacturers and the US Tire & Rim Association.
The 3 most common ones are inch sizing, Alpha numeric and Metric. Metric sizing provides the most information, for example a 140/90H16 where the approximate width is 140 mm, the key word being approximate. Bear in mind that manufacturers are allowed approximately a 5% variance from standard. This is why no two tire measurements from manufacturers are the same. They may both marked 140 but one width may be 134 mm and another 145 mm. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Tire Sizing. Did You Know?’
Harley-Davidson And MV Agusta/Cagiva. What’s Going On?
Published by March 21st, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
On June 5th, 2008 I posted on the acquisition of all Italian MV Agusta Group shares by Harley-Davidson for a total consideration of approximately 70 million Euros (about $110 million). At the time, all speculations were made about the way Harley-Davidson was going to exploit this acquisition. Officially, we only knew that Harley-Davidson, Inc. intended to continue to operate MV Agusta Group from its headquarters based in Varese, Italy and that the acquisition was to expand Harley-Davidson presence and footprint in Europe, complementing the Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle families. Since then, total silence. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson And MV Agusta/Cagiva. What’s Going On?’
Roland Sands New Moto Foot Pegs
Published by March 21st, 2009 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
An aggressive, yet clean look for these new “Moto Foot Pegs” born from Roland’s love for dirt track bikes. “Mud inspired”, they are designed for strength and durability. Made out of billet aluminum alloy with a machined featherweight ventilated body for performance and grip. And in case you hit those corners a little bit to tight they will pop up so that you can keep your line. Roland Sands Design
Is it because none of the factory Harley-Davidson models fits in the bed of a Signature Harley Ford F-150, or simply because the Harley logo would sell almost anything? Here comes the International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Editiion Semi Truck. This heavy hauler monster truck was just unveiled at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentuckyy. You will have no issue fitting a dozen of touring bikes, but the base price will set you up a minimum of $155,000 before customization (40 options available). Of course, you get Harley chrome badges everywhere, Harley gauge faces, an over-dose of pinstriping (orange & silver), a mean horizontal bar billet grille, 7-foot chrome exhausts, 150-gallon chrome fuel tanks, etc. Interior & sleeping area are gorgeous, dressed with walnut floor and rosewood cabinets. Traveling in it, I promise I would not miss any rally of the year. Any sponsor wanting to treat me very well? LoneStar Harley-Davidson Edition.
Over a quarter million XS650s in about 40 different variations were produced by Yamaha between 1970 and 1985. The XS650 Big Twin has a worldwide cult following due to its almost indestructible parallel engine. Durability in a classic look and abundance of cheap parts make the XS650 the perfect platform to build a cool Chopper or Bobber. This one called Back 2 Basixs was done (or redone, depending of your custom building philosophy) using a Zodiac frame with a lot of hand made parts and brass ornaments. The Cat who owns and ride it is named Hans and is from the Tulips Country (Holland). More on XS 650 bikes by jumping to this Blog
Lifesaver TCB Braking Control System
Published by March 19th, 2009 in Brakes, Customs and Editorial.
I didn’t use/test it, but because it’s all about braking safety it’s worth publishing a post to let you know about it. What is it? A hydraulic brake control valve that helps prevent premature wheel lock up and that you can easily install by replacing the brake or master cylinder banjo bolt. Why? A sudden or quick stop shifts 70% of the weight of the motorcycle to the front wheel. A shift in weight to the front wheel during sudden deceleration makes the back of the motorcycle lighter and that results in the rear wheel locking up and skidding. Continue reading ‘Lifesaver TCB Braking Control System’
Fulfilling Your Dream Of Owning A Vintage Motorcycle
Published by March 19th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
Vintage motorcycles are very expensive to buy, and our recession didn’t change anything about their historic values. If you are a Classic Motorcycle enthusiast, a Timeless Vintage Motorcycle may be the right solution for you to fulfill your dream without visiting your banker (who doesn’t want to see you, anyway) or putting your personal relation in peril (she will be very nicely surprised that they cost much less that your factory Harley). The 2 models proposed “Classic Street Bike” and “Boardtrack” (featured here) are amazing faithful 1910 era reproductions using the correct parts like sand cast engine and mufflers, white button tires, hand-made leather seat, leather lined drive pulleys, etc. Components are brass, nickel and bronze, making these Timeless Motorcycles amazing rolling pieces of art and, of course, easy conversation pieces. More at Timeless Motor Company.
Announcing the “Wicked Biggest Loser Contest”. During Daytona Bike Week, Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine and Roadside Marty, Bike Show judge at Willies Tropical Tattoo Show were on the topic of the need to lose the winter(s) pounds. Well, as normally happens, one thing lead to another and they started a contest to see who could be in better shape by the end of this year’s riding season. Well, as long as these two are going to the mat in the name of good health, they decided to take it into the motorcycle media and see who else 
they could get involved with this contest. Paul Wideman from Bare Knuckle Choppers just joined the contest. And we need more contestants…Winner and participants celebrated during Biketoberfest at the Broken Spoke Saloon front of a panel of experts! Here’s the outline of what’s going on:
Official starting weight, photo, age and current health conditions will be established in the first issue. From there they will give me monthly updates as to their personal health, fitness level and diet as well as updated weight and picture. Through a monthly release the progress of the Wicked Big Losers group will be tracked as they work their way towards better health. There will also be small bits of information from health and nutrition experts, fitness trainers and long time motorcycle personalities who practice good health like a religion (me?). But they need more big losers! If you are or know anyone that could stand about six months of getting in shape, please contact me ASAP as we are in the process of launching this campaign. Continue reading ‘Wicked Big Losers Wanted (Men & Women)’
“As most of you know I was fortunate to be involved with the 50th Anniversary of S&S Cycle this past year. While attending the Awards Ceremony, where thousands came together to celebrate the company contribution and success in the Motorcycle Industry, a young man, the great grandson of S&S founder, climbed on the revived ‘’Infamous Tramp” replica, riding like he was racing the Salts and making broom/broom sounds. I was inspired. He took me to a place I’ve not yet seen, yet I knew exactly where he was. I’ve been blessed by the Smith Family, and I hope all of you love this painting as much as I enjoyed my association with S&S Cycle” Stefanie Aziere-Sattler. (Limited Edition Giclee Prints available in 2 sizes, 24×30 for $240.00 on paper or canvas, $375.00 framed. Greeting Cards featuring “The Revival” blank inside 6 for $10.00). Contact Aziere Art 660-827-6790
Custom Chrome Europe® Partners with Performance Machine® & Cycle Visions
Published by March 18th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
Performance Machine has partnered with Custom Chrome Europe to bring their premiere line of motorcycle products to an expanded European customer base. “A distributor like Custom Chrome Europe is an ideal fit for our plans to continue our success in the motorcycle industry,” said Mark Finnie, President of Performance Machine. “The reputation of Performance Machine for quality and innovative technology only compliments our commitment to providing the highest quality parts and accessories to the V-Twin aftermarket,” said Holger Mohr, CEO of Custom Chrome International. Ted Sands, National Sales Manager for Performance Machine, will be displaying their lines at the CCE 11th Annual Dealer Show in Mainz, Germany on March 28th and 29th, 2009. The show is the largest aftermarket dealer event for the European motorcycle industry and is host to over 350 dealers and the AMD European Championship of Custom Bike Building. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome Europe® Partners with Performance Machine® & Cycle Visions’
Monster Oval Slip-Ons For Touring Harleys
Published by March 18th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
These new Vance & Hines Monster Ovals Slip-Ons are twice the internal volume of standard mufflers, providing more power without the consequence of more exhaust noise. Deep rich sound that most will like to hear, especially on long roaring trips. To prevent your mufflers to turn blue, they are encased in thick heat shields. Billet machined end caps in chrome or black. Catalyst systems also available. (will not fit 09 CVO Road Glide). Vance & Hines.
