It seems that off-road machines (made in China?) contain lead at a level greater than 600 parts per million (whatever it means!). Because there is a national limit of lead acceptable in children’s products, since last week there is a ban on selling off-road motorcycles to children younger than 12. Consequently, all dealers are required to remove dirt bikes from their show floors. 13,000 dealers would be affected for an amount of about $100 million of stock. The federal consumer agency is reviewing an appeal made by manufacturers of motocross and dirt bikes. For now, major Brands are offering to pay for the cost incurred by Dealers for keeping an inventory that they can’t show and sell. What’s next to protect us from us?
Archive Page 363
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Events During Daytona Bike Week 2009
Published by February 17th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will return to the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street in Daytona. In keeping with The Doghouses’ reputation as “the place to party in Daytona,” this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse line-up will feature some of the industry’s best custom bikes, builders, and special events. In addition the Doghouse main stage will feature nightly live music with a special one-night appearance of Confederate Railroad on Wednesday March 4th. Continue reading ‘Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Events During Daytona Bike Week 2009’
Spectro Oils Answering Your Sticky Questions
Published by February 17th, 2009 in Driveline, Engines and Suspension.
Questions:
Why is Spectro better than Harley, RevTech, Mobil and Penzoil? What does Spectro contain that makes it better than the competition or is the basic oil better than the competition? What should be in a good air cooled motorcycle oil and what should not? Which of these are in Spectro and are not or are at a lower percentage in competitors oils? On a scale of 10 where does Spectro end up and were does the competition?
Answers:
Oils are compounded using three categories of ingredients: 1. Additives usually combined into a ‘package’. 2. Base oils sometimes including synthetics. 3. Viscosity index improvers made of different types of molecules for different purposes. Continue reading ‘Spectro Oils Answering Your Sticky Questions’
Change Your Harley Backrest Without Changing It
Published by February 16th, 2009 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
I am pretty sure that you are not crazy about the stock triangle found on the detachable backrests of Road Kings, Street Glides, Road Glides and Electra Glides. Harley-Davidson must know because they propose an after-market upgrade backrest plate, but it is still a boring triangle. Ironspirit offers an extended line of direct bolt-on decorative plates, the most recent designs presented during last weekend V-Twin Expo being featured here. See them at IronSpirit or call Jim on my behalf at 805.433.5033
Your Bike Deserves A Fix
Published by February 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
What if for the price of 1 oil change or 2 you could fix or improve the look and performance of your bike? Fix My Hog® Inc. is the creator of three critically acclaimed do-it-yourself Harley-Davidson® motorcycle maintenance DVDs which gained rave reviews from the public and critics alike. In it, following the explanations of very qualified mechanics you learn how to add high-performance bolt-on components and accessories turning any bike into the ultimate riding machine. For example riders can learn how to install an aftermarket clutch, carburetor, EFI mapping system, exhaust system and more. They can also learn how to improve a motorcycle’s look by watching a mechanic install braided throttle, clutch & brake lines, outer and inner primary; chrome front ends, custom headlights, custom gauges and more. And when you mention my name you get a $5.95 discount on al orders over $39.00. For a complete list of topics covered on each DVD call ,619-269-9321 or visit Fix My Hog.
As you know now, during the 9th annual V-Twin Expo, Big Dog Motorcycles® received the Bike of the Year Award from Paisano Publications for its new 09 model called “Wolf”. It’s quite a pretty cruiser style bike showing beautiful lines and a lot of muscle from any angle you look at it. Exactly what a mass producer of custom motorcycles needs to offer to ride out our uncertain economic environment. Yes, features are largely borrowed from what one-off motorcycles custom builders were doing these last years (single curved down tube, 45-degree rake, drive side brake, hidden shock suspension, 23” front and 20” rear wheel, etc), but there is merit in mass producing it as a street legal bike at a quite reasonable price. I also hear from pros that handling is very good. Full specs and cool pics by going to Big Dog Motorcycles.
Most of you know that I have an advertising background. So, I keep a sharp eye for all clever advertising campaigns. Like this one orchestrated by Harley-Davidson in Switzerland. In Zurich, to announce the new Harley models arrival, motorcycle grips are 
mounted inside subways and buses. Passengers hold on them. One handle says “The new Harleys are here” and list the website address. The other is the Bar & Shield logo. No, you can’t open the throttle to make your subway or bus go faster. Harley-Davidson Switzerland.
This film short is about supporting female motorcyclists. In it, industry good friend Sasha Mullins, our “chromelady”, sings her passion for motorcycles. Produced in one day with no $$$ by Sasha and Lisa DeAngelo. Pretty roarrring…
Called “Over-Under” Series these new designs fit 86 to 09 Softail and Dyna Harley-Davidson models and Customs. For the “non-yellowing pipes’ conscious bikers, they all feature large full length shields. For the “noise level and anti-pollution” abiding citizens they are equipped with (removable) baffles and 02 sensor bungs. Available in chrome or black. They also got a BagDaddy model for bagger applications. Call 972-709-2552 or visit Martin Bros Bikes.
Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas New Website
Published by February 14th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In Cincinnati, fellow builder Rick Fairless reminded me about his new digital space. Coding, programming and updating a website being as time and money consuming as building a high end full ground up custom motorcycle, I guess he deserves a plug in my Blog. Especially because he made the effort to publish more than 6500 pictures of events, bikini contests and much more. Maybe your picture is there, too. Continue reading ‘Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas New Website’
Harley-Davidson Chopping Its Dividend By 70%
Published by February 13th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
From individuals to big corporations, everybody trying to save and boost the cash flow. As slumping sales sap profit, Harley-Davidson Inc. announced yesterday that it slashed its quarterly dividend by 70 percent, the first cut since 1993. Immediately the stock lost more than 8%. The new dividend will be 10 cents a share, a reduction from 33 cents, and will preserve about $200 million of Harley cash this year. Separately, Harley’s debt rating was cut to A-, a drop of one grade from A, by Fitch Ratings, which said the move affects $3.2 billion of debt at Harley-Davidson Financial Services and $782 million at the parent company.
2010 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition
Published by February 13th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Ford’s 14th Harley-branded F-150 truck was just unveiled in Chicago. called by many the “Look At Me, I Am A Badass With Money” pickup truck, you can’t deny the success of these limited edition series. Since their introduction in 2000, 74000 customers (bikers or not) have opted for the Harley-badged trucks. Continue reading ‘2010 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition’
New Motorcycles Like New Cars Should Be Included In Stimulus Plan.
Published by February 13th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
You know now that the stimulus package includes a sales tax credit for buyers of brand new cars and trucks (the provision for tax deduction of loan interest has been removed at the last minute). Logically AMA is asking lawmakers to add motorcycles in this stimulus plan. And of course I agree. Not only because sales of new motorcycles have been hit hard, but also because they are more fuel-efficient. easing traffic congestion and not damaging infrastructure as badly as 4-wheel vehicles. Do we need to organize a national coalition ride to the White House?
Update 02/13/09 at 11.30 am. Our government just announced that motorcycles will be included in the stimulus package. “The bill would let those who buy a new car, light vehicle, recreational vehicle or motorcycle in 2009 deduct state and local sales taxes as well as any excise tax charged in the purchase. The deduction would be available to those earning less than $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). It will be an above-the-line deduction, meaning even taxpayers who don’t itemize may take it in addition to the standard deduction. Estimated cost: $1.7 billion”.
You all know that the percentage of women riders has significantly increased. Harley-Davidson states that during the last 20 years the number of women purchases has tripled and now represents 12% of its sales. The woman market is the most courted segment of the whole motorcycle industry, hence special events at the dealership, during rallies and on the road. I find it quite amusing that on one side the motorcycle Hall Of Fame Museum and Nationwide Insurance wanted to declare July as Women Riders Month. At the same time, Harley-Davidson decided that May was Women Month. Continue reading ‘But When Is Women Riders Month?’
Renegade Wheels. New President And New Models
Published by February 12th, 2009 in Editorial and Wheels.
During the V-Twin Expo, Renegade Wheels, Inc. announced a strategic change in company ownership and management. As of February 6, 2009, Chuck Frederick will carry on as President while Wendell Smith moves on to pursue alternative business ventures. As founding partners, Smith and Frederick built and established Renegade Wheels into a respected brand and V-Twin marketing innovator. The company will maintain its aggressive commitment to state-of-the-art designs, unparalleled service and unmatched marketing prowess. In Cincinnati Renegade Wheels unveiled its 2009 lineup, which includes 4 new wheel designs. Renegade Wheels.
While I was at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati I was a little bit surprised to hear from many of my faithful readers that they didn’t know how to get a a daily subscription to my Blog. Easy. Just look at the top right of this page, enter your email and immediately look at your mailbox where you will find a message to ask you to confirm that you are really the person who just subscribed (this confirmation message should arrive in your mailbox in less than 3 seconds, so if you don’t see it, look immediately at your junk folder in case your spam filter blocked this email confirmation). Continue reading ‘How To Daily Subscribe To My Blog And Email My Posts’
2009 V-Twin Expo “Excellence in Motorcycling” Award Winners
Published by February 11th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
You asked for it over and over. Below is the list of the 2009 Leaders Of The Industry who received their trophies from Dave Nichols, Chief Editor of Easyriders Magazine (thank you Ben for refreshing my memory shot during the Grand Ballroom ceremony after a couple of “Cuba Libre”*).
Motor of the Year: S&S Cycle KN Motor. Frame Designer of the Year: V-Twin MFG. Wheel Designer of the Year: RC Components. Tech Product of the Year: Baker Direct Drive 7-Speed Transmission. Accessory of the Year: Klock Werks Flare Windshield. Performance Product of the Year: Zipper’s Performance Products For Thundermax G2 Closed-Loop EFI Controller. Teresi Prize- Innovative Product of the Year: Hoppe Industries’ Quadzilla Detachable Fairing. Continue reading ‘2009 V-Twin Expo “Excellence in Motorcycling” Award Winners’
Hairdo For Cats And Kittens On JapBrittHarleys.
Published by February 11th, 2009 in Editorial and Merchandise.
Do you ride a Honda CB550F, BSA, Triumph, Knuckle. Pan, Shovel, or a Japbrittharley? At least, do you own a Gen-X-certified iron? Hipsters, Honey Boys, Lunch box girls and other D-list glitterati would not ride without a Biltwell even in territories with no helmet laws. Biltwell helmets feature a soft open-cell foam liner and no EPS shell, so they fit your head like a wool beanie (it’s what they say). Unlike Nazi helmets and pudding bowls, these helmets cover your ears to reduce turbulence and wind noise. Cats & Kittens, pick your style in gloss, matte or flakes. From $77 to $115 (for novelty purposes only is the disclaimer). Biltwell Inc.
Hey, long trip riders, you are going to love this huge capacity (a whopping 3200 cubic inch) Deluxe Tail Bag that Saddlemen will introduce in a few days at the V-Twin Expo. It has a unique cool design, is easy to mount and is full of very interesting features. A universal quick-detach mounting system quickly secures bag to frame, passenger pegs, etc. Tunnel straddles most racks and seats for easy on/off mounting. It has a rigid construction to look great even when empty. There is a wide top opening for easy packing. A top carry handle and shoulder straps is convenient for toting off bike. It’s constructed of UV/ water/weather-resistant 1200 denier Saddle Tuffä and leather-like vinyl panels. Non-skid bottom is heat resistant. Dimensions are: 25″ W x 13.5″ H x 11″ D (expands to 27″ W). Saddlemen
Just a reminder to tell you that “360 Brake” being one of the sponsors of my Blog, you get free shipping on your order until March 1st when you mention my name. And trust me, they look very cool on New, Old and No Skool custom bikes. You can order the 5″ standard or the 6″ big brake and the very friendly people at 360 Brake will explain to you how to adapt your wheels to their “invisible” brakes.
Forget the airbrushed perfection of the pinups adorning our sled gas tanks, or the cold flat chested models competing with the beauty of our custom motorcycles in magazine double spreads. This gorgeous hard cover book called “Suicide Girls” was created to demonstrate that beauty comes in many forms, not a single cookie cutter shape & look. All men know that for honest sensuality (and sexuality) we prefer a real woman every time. Originally, Missy Suicide created in 2001 the hugely successful online SG Online Community gathering hundreds of digital images of “Suicide Girls” worldwide with looks going from Betty Page to 21st century next door edgy andsexy girls. Continue reading ‘Valentine Day’s Gift For Him’
Best Valentine’s Day Gift For Her?
Published by February 10th, 2009 in Accessories, Editorial and Events.
Of course, you know that in addition to heart-shaped/doves/winged cupid filled love notes, candles (always more than one), flowers, living plants and Godiva chocolate are the top list of what men give to women. But a rapid poll around me with my lady friends convinced me that Sexy Lingerie should be at the top of your gifts list and of mine. Never thought I would wrote about lingerie in my motorcycle Blog, but I have no choice since I just wrote about The Best Valentine’s Day Gift For Him. Continue reading ‘Best Valentine’s Day Gift For Her?’
Sucker Punch Sally’s Unveils 5 New Custom Bikes
Published by February 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Cincinnati. Another pole of attraction (I mean during the trade show, not after hours) was the Sucker Punch Sally’s display where 5 new bikes were unveiled. One, dubbed “The Workingman”, is similar to “The Traditional” but with a DNA Springer, Ultima transmission and solid color paint for $18995 and $1000 with a $1000 dealer incentive rebate program, so it will retail at $17995. The second bike is a Sportster built in an old school racer style. The 3rd one is a Triumph Thruxton that SPS customized for Fender Guitars. In addition Sucker Punch Sally’s unveiled their two new bikes “Love” and “Hate”. These are prototype production bikes that will be offered on a limited basis through their dealer network with the idea being that some people want a full-blown production custom. They have been designed by Ami James (Miami Ink) and Christian Clayton (SPS). Sucker Punch Sally’s (top left “Love”. Top right “Hate”. Bottom left “Sporty”. Bottom right “Triumph”. Picture of “Workingman” not yet available)
Billy Lane Attorney And Prosecutor Set April 7th As Plea Date
Published by February 9th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As I reported last week plea negotiations are going on between the State Of Florida and Billy Lane’s lawyer Greg Eisenmenger. For this reason the Judge has canceled the trial initially scheduled to start today February 9th. A tentative plea date of April 7th has been set as negotiations continue. “We’re in agreement on all the major points. We’re 99 percent there but we’re not 100 percent there,” Greg Eisenmenger said of his negotiations with the State. Lane, 39, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of either DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide in connection with Labor Day 2006 traffic accident in which 56-year-old Sebastian Inlet park ranger Gerald Morelock died. Prosecutor Tom Brown said 95 percent or more of his office’s cases are resolved through pleas, and his office treats Billy Lane case like any other. Continue reading ‘Billy Lane Attorney And Prosecutor Set April 7th As Plea Date’
V-Twin Expo. Business Is Back Belonging To The Pros.
Published by February 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
So just like it wasn’t the case that everybody in the country was making a mint flipping houses a few years ago, it also isn’t the case that everybody is doing bad in the motorcycle industry. We certainly can’t deny that unemployment is rising and earnings are hurting, but this daily drumbeat of negative news only tells part of the story. If I have to make only one conclusion after talking during these last 3 days to dozens of professionals and checking all their wares during the V-Twin Expo , it would be that if our economic brain is severally damaged, our creativity is fully intact and that some vendors are doing very well. Continue reading ‘V-Twin Expo. Business Is Back Belonging To The Pros.’
First, “Ride Wright Wheels” is a company building all their wheels in-house. Second, they have a large choice of spoke wheels in any powder coating color combination. Third, their wheels are available to fit all the latest 2009 models and of course all custom sizes from 16” to 23”. Fourth, their prices are quite reasonable for the quality they offer. I have no other reason to give you, but if you are looking for a new set of rollers, I would pay them a visit. Ride Wright Wheels.
