Today, stopped by the V-Twin Expo Kiwi Indian (booth # 9) where Big Chief Mike Tomas was very proud (as he should be) to show me this new bike that he designed and built replicating the late 1930’s Indian Motorcycle era, but of course using all new Kiwi components that they manufacture in house: rigid frame, forks, handlebars, fenders, tanks, engine/trans, etc. Only wheels and brakes are out sourced. It is powered by Kiwi own proprietary high torque 84″ Flathead engine, making it a replica to ride and ride and ride… Many options including your preferred Indian color. Soon to be featured in his website at Kiwi Indian.
Archive Page 364
Late 1930’s Indian Motorcycle Replica
Published by February 9th, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Evil Engineering Unveils Its New Kicker/Kickstein Belt Drive
Published by February 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
New for 2009 and just unveiled in Cincinnati is this new Open Belt Drive System. Evil Engineering’s HT belt drive technology is now available for your generator/alternator case kicker motorcycle. This 2” all Billet Kicker/Kickstein belt drive utilizes the H.O.T belts giving you three-tooth engagement, as opposed to a standard straight single-tooth engagement belt. Benefit? Your belt drive can now handle either your stock or high horse power engine. The primary is packaged with a massive 7” clutch. Special applications for knucklehead to present primaries are also available. Proudly made in the USA! For more information call 800-372-8612 or visit Evil Engineering
Good surprise this morning for the V-Twin Expo grand opening. Unusual warm emperature for Ohio in winter. The last displays, bikes & parts were unloaded whithout risking to slip on ice. Nothing more depressing than to see 1 year of labor destroyed in 1 minute, and I have seen it before. Motorcycle dealers from all over the world were lining up 1/2 hour before show time and the show floor was dense with vendors from as far away as Japan. Everyting looking very good. Continue reading ‘V-Twin Expo. Show Time.’
I always loved skinny and narrow gas tanks. A lot of my bikes are equipped with one-offs which we fabricated at the shop because it was impossible to find one pleasing my taste. Until 1 hour ago when I stumbled on this Torpedo steel gas tank showing its lines for the 1st time on the V-Twin Expo display of catalog distributor Kustomwerks (booth 565). Continue reading ‘Torpedo Gas Tank By Kustomwerks’
Brass Ball Bobbers Model 1. First Pictures.
Published by February 7th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
As promised last Thursday, here the 1st pictures of the new Brass Balls Bobber Model 1 unveiled this morning on the floor of the V-Twin Expo. Not the best pictures (taken late yesterday evening under unflattering neon lights while the bike was pushed to its display), but you get a pretty good idea of what you get for $15,995 (refer to the list of parts mentioned in my former post). I want to add that the engine is a reliable Evo 80 Cubic inch, well enough to propel you on this type of bike. The particularity of this project is in the quality of the details usually not found on motorcycles in this price range (helping the economy one Bobber at a time…). Brass Ball Bobbers.
Who dared to tell you that a V-Twin engine doesn’t look like a piece of jewelry? Now you can Motor Ring 24/7 with this outstanding handcrafted ring comprised of 19 separate components in 18 K Gold or Platinum. I wish that bike show organizers gave me one like that, instead of 6-foot high gold plastic trophies. But I am dreaming. Each and every component is hand finished with breathtaking detail and precision then assembled by laser welding from inside the cylinder heads. The finished ring weighs impressively at over one ounce (1.15oz) and is also available with an optional Gem .27ct quality diamond of perfect color and cut, absolutely flawless. The Master Designer and Craftsman responsible for this tour de force called “Primal Motor Ring” is named Fred Betlach already internationally renown for creating jewelry with moving parts and complex clasp mechanisms that would make any engineer pause. Continue reading ‘V-Twin Ring Masterpiece’
I hate cold and leaving my South Florida diggs in winter. I am right now the guy at the Fort-Lauderdale airport wearing the largest number of clothing layers ready to fight cold in Cincinnati when I arrive this afternoon. Fortunately my hotel will be a few feet away from the entrance of the Duke Energy center where the who’s who of the motorcycle industry is going to exhibit its new wares during the 9th edition of the V-Twin Expo. What to expect? Of course, the best of the industry will be there, but unfortunately, you guessed it, a few will have chosen not to do the pilmgrimage, saving money until better times. As usual, except if I turn into an ice cube or I am victim of a massive internet connection breakdown (had a full day like that last year at the Hilton!), I will report daily on what I see, like, dislike… and who I meet. Talk to you later from the V-Twin Expo.
Billy Lane Trial. Plea Bargain In The Works.
Published by February 5th, 2009 in Builders, Controls, Editorial and Events.
I was with Billy last Thursday at a private event. Although we very rarely talked about his legal issues during the last 2 1/2 years, but knowing that his trial was starting on Monday February 9th, I asked him if it was possible for him to get probation. His answer was that he already knew that it was no an option acceptable by the prosecution. I hinted that a plea bargain could be worked out. He said maybe. Now I can confirm that his defense attorney Gregory Eisenmenger, and State Attorney Tom Brown stepped before Judge Robert Burger to announce that a plea deal is in the works. Contrary to a lot of and irresponsible and false information published on many websites and forums, Billy has a very good relation with Gerald Morelock’s family and it’s much better this way for both parties. This case needs to end, and whatever the agreement reached between Billy Lane and the State Attorney my position has never changed during these last 2 1.2 years and will not change today or tomorrow. You can read HERE what I wrote in October 2006..
New $15,995 Brass Ball Bobber To Be Unveiled At V-Twin Expo And Here In My Blog.
Published by February 5th, 2009 in Editorial.
Since opening “Brass Balls Bobbers”, custom builder Dar Holdsworth has only one mantra “Building The Above Average Bike For The Average Joe”. The state of the economy being what it is, Dar just added to his philosophy “…For Much Below The Price Joe Could Ever Expect To Pay Today”. And to prove it, he tells me that on Saturday morning at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo (Dealers go to the “New Product Showcase” display) he is going to unveil an all-new designed high quality bike called “Brass Balls Bobber Model 1” for an amazing retail price of $15,995 with features rivaling $20,000 and beyond other mass-produced custom motorcycles. Continue reading ‘New $15,995 Brass Ball Bobber To Be Unveiled At V-Twin Expo And Here In My Blog.’
Custom Chrome® Changing The Way Motorcycle Parts Distribution Is Done.
Published by February 5th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In all industries, including ours, the way business is done is changing. Some of us embrace change. Others fear it. And those who are paralyzed are making a big mistake. Understanding the power of internet, its omnipresence in our personal and professional life, Custom Chrome, one of the largest distributor of after-market motorcycle parts in the world, is not afraid of change and is launching a new revolutionary system (at least in the motorcycle biz) of distribution its products. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome® Changing The Way Motorcycle Parts Distribution Is Done.’
Very representative of what builders have built during these last 5 years, this “GL Special” built by Steve Broyles Senior. & Junior of Stevenson’s Cycle just won The Canada Cup top Award at the 2009 Motorcycle Supershow held January 2 to 4 in Toronto. Not since 1996 has a U.S. bike won this competition. Money was spent on an S&S 93ci, a Baker Torque Box transmission, a Stevenson’s Springer front end, Weld racing wheels (23” front, 18” rear), an LSD BDL primary, a custom Stevenson Cycle glass oil tank, a Deviant, Hand Grips & Foot Pegs, a hand tooled seat by Duane Ballard, etc. Stevenson’s Cycle (pictures Horst Rösler).
Correction Feb. 5, 09 at 9.33 AM. Belt Drive System by Evil Engineering.
Each custom bike builder has is own obsessive theme. For Greg Rice it’s everything aggressive, sharp and pointed. Looking for a new place to decline his warrior at war theme, Greg imagined this new spiked points cover to complete his bad look/bad ride Deepsickness line of parts. CNC machined from 6061 T6 billet aluminum. It’s available in satin, polished or powder coated finishes with different models available for Shovel, Evo, & Twin Cam. And if wonder, it’s 4.5” long. Watch out your right ankle! $169.00. Order at 727-461-4840 or visit Greg Cycles.
Billionaire Warren Buffet Buys 300 Million Of Harley-Davidson Debt
Published by February 4th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As the global credit crunch weakens corporations, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is arranging private deals with some of the most recognizable U.S. brands and taking advantage of rising interest rates. Berkshire agreed to buy $300 million of Harley-Davidson debt, getting a huge 15 percent interest on the senior unsecured note. Davis Selected Advisers LP, the largest holder of the company’s stock, also committed to buy $300 million of debt. Harley, which is raising cash to lend to customers rose the most amount of money in more than two decades in New York trading. Warren Buffet probably sees Harley motorcycles as having a strong long-term demand in the marketplace. The debt sale provides only a short-term fix because Harley-Davidson has $500 million in bank debt coming due at the end of next month and needs about $1 billion to extend loans to customers through its financing arm.
Keith “Bandit” Ball To Autograph His Books At V-Twin Expo
Published by February 4th, 2009 in Books, Controls and Events.
During the V-Twin Expo, Keith “Bandit” Ball, an icon of the publishing industry (Easyrider then Bikernet) will be signing his 2 latest books, “How to build a Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle” and “Orwell” a popular fiction novel depicting the true biker lifestyle. “How To Build A Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle” was written while Keith was building the racing bike “Assalt Weapan” (no, there is no typo in this bike name. It’s a Pan racing on the Salt) that ended up obtaining a world record in 2008. The signing will happen at the booth of W8less Technologies (forged brake rotors) whose sales manager is Ray Wheeler, a long time friend of Keith. So, this weekend, all motorcycle dealers in Cincinnati rush to booth 870 to pick up a very special souvenir relating an epic Bonneville event.
Custom Chrome® Partners With Independent Cycle Inc/Legend Air Suspensions
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Events.
Custom Chrome and Custom Chrome Europe just announced the addition of the Independent Cycle/Legend Air Suspension line for their 2009 catalog season. Independent Cycle Inc. has been aggressively researching its options to expand its global distribution of Legend Air Suspensions and other fine products throughout the United States and Europe. After intense market Independent chose Custom Chrome and its worldwide dealer network as the obvious avenue. This pairing unites the industries innovator of air suspension and one of the worlds most aggressive and successful aftermarket parts distributors in the world. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome® Partners With Independent Cycle Inc/Legend Air Suspensions’
Next Generation Of Motorcycle Builders At The V-Twin Expo.
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
You know one of the main recurring topics of the motorcycle industry. Attract young bikers. Some are talking, some are acting to insure our industry future. Like this group of next generation builders touring the country under the label “Limpnickie Lot” (because it’s the name of the 1st place where they started to gather in Daytona during Bike Week), just doing their own things: having fun showing their bikes, their hand made custom parts, skateboarding, listening to punk rock and heavy metal and many other improvised cool activities that you do when you are born with the sign X or Y generation sign above your head. Continue reading ‘Next Generation Of Motorcycle Builders At The V-Twin Expo.’
Santiago Chopper Trick Trike Chassis Kits
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Fortunately, you can’t stop love for motorcycles. Unfortunately, you can’t stop aging. So some baby-boomers, with the help of an encouraging wife, are tempted to add a 3rd wheel to feel more comfortable on the open road. Except a dozen of very radical trikes appearing every year on the custom scene (please, stay away from these ugly animal/Indian paint murals covering each square inch), this niche market is still quite dull. Just look at the manufacturers mass (pun intended) production. Extremely boring to say the least… Continue reading ‘Santiago Chopper Trick Trike Chassis Kits’
Addressing The Internal and External Realities of the V-Twin Industry
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
This post reserved to all motorcycle industry professionals.
Sales, Service, Trends, the Old New, the New Old, and the Next New. A meeting for all makers, media, and manufacturers. Join Metzeler for the 2009 Annual Metzeler Cincinnati V-Twin Expo Roundtable Breakfast Saturday February 7, 2009 ay 8 AM, 2nd floor Duke Energy Center – Seminar room 263. Please RSVP to kelly@velocityinc.com or 484-248-1081 with all attending in your group. Complete event outline available at request.
Iron Cross Risers For Harley-Davidson Cross Bones
Published by February 2nd, 2009 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Newly styled like a post war era Bobber, you know that the Cross is fitted with a Springer front end and ape-hanger handlebars. New York City Choppers just released these replacement risers for all HD Crossbones & Springer front ends. They use all your original Harley mounting studs & bushings. Available in gloss black, in polish, in chrome and many other powder coated colors. Just ask. New-York City Choppers.
Custom Chrome Letter To All Dealers Going To The V-Twin Expo
Published by February 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
“Please find time during the 2009 Cincinnati V-Twin Expo to stop by and visit Custom Chrome during the show. I would like to try and take some time to show you all of the things we are doing for the upcoming year as well as review the new catalog and products with you. If you would like to get some face to face time with Holger Mohr or Steve Veltri, please let me know as soon as possible as our schedules are filling up as you can imagine. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome Letter To All Dealers Going To The V-Twin Expo’
Warbird. A Freaking Awesome Bike & Engine.
Published by February 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
When you are a custom builder you see a lot of bikes that you like very much, but very few that really impress you. Exception, the first of 2009 that I really love is this truly amazing custom called Warbird born out of Ian Douglas combined passion for vintage aircraft & motorcycles. This board track style bike is already very cool by its lines & details, but the most amazing part is the one-off engine built by Ian himself using World War II radial aircraft cylinders (provided by Radial Engines Ltd in Guthrie, OK) and hand-
built crank cases. Ian made the casting patterns, the machining and the casting was provided by OBCO foundries in Richmond, British Columbia. And of course, the cradle for this one-off engine is tube bended by Ian. After 2 years of Labor, this 191 Cubic inch (Bore 5.125 in Stroke 4.625 in 3129 cc) cranked at first try with a sound (with open pipes) that Ian qualifies as a blend of a large radial engine and a Harley Davidson Big Twin. He promised to upload very soon on his website a sound clip and a video of him riding his Warbird Motorcycle..
At the recent Barrett-Jackson show, David Uhl wowed everyone while creating “Show Me Yours”(of course we are talking about tattoos), his latest print release. As with David’s Pin-Up series, this will be a very exclusive print release, a total of 35 canvas giclee prints, signed and numbered. Image size will be approximately 20” x 24” and the edition will consist of 25 prints plus 5 AP and 5 HC. This one will also end up as a poster in the future. Price is $1,250 framed, plus shipping. The original painting (oil on canvas) is also available for $18,000. To reserve your print, please reply to this email or call Greg Rhodes 303-913-4840 (Central Time). Uhl Studios.
It happened to me and to you, or it’s going to happen… You are patiently waiting at a left red-arrow light. All the other lights at the intersection go through a full cycle. Then another cycle. Then another. You are a law-abiding citizen, so you wait and wait and wait. More and more traffic lights, especially turn lights, change when a pavement detector is tripped, but the sensor ignore your motorcycle because not heavy enough to be detected. You can spend the rest of the day waiting there, but you didn’t bring food and a stack of motorcycle magazines to spend time. So, you decide to go and are pulled over by a police officer who tickets you. Continue reading ‘Stuck Forever At A Red Light. What You Do?’
Heartland Unveiling At The V-twin Expo
Published by January 31st, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Always exciting to receive so many invitations to openings, unveilings, lecturings (I must add “after show” partying, thank yous guys) flying to my mailbox at 1 week of the V-Twin Expo.
All professionals are preparing their pilmigrage to Cincinnati, so I share with them this invitation to the revealing of 2 concept bikes built by Heartland to show their new conversion kits for Harley-Davidson models. It will happen Saturday February 7th at 9.30 AM at their booth # 2715. Heartland is specializing in easy installation bolt on kits (without drilling necessary) to turn at a reasonable price your Hog into a custom looking bike. I will be there to report. Heartland.
Article written By Rogue, Freedom Fighter
“The Florida Legislature is in session and working on a budget that includes diverting funds, some of which clearly state that they can’t be used for other purposes. During the 2008 session of the legislature the fee for motorcycle licenses were increased saying that the money would be used for education. My self and others were against this because no one had explained how the money previously collected was being used and why an increase was needed. Now there is a bill before the legislature FL HB 5007A: Proposes Changes: Motorcycle License Taxes: Florida Motorcycle Safety Program. Continue reading ‘Florida Motorcyclists To Get Screwed Again’
New Series “Jesse James Is A Dead Man” Premieres May 31.
Published by January 30th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Videos.
Custom Builder Jesse James takes on the role of a modern-day daredevil in “Jesse James Is A Dead Man,” a new, original weekly series on Spike TV premiering on Sunday, May 31 (10:00 – 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Each episode follows James as he readies himself for a different death-defying (motorcycle only?) challenge he has always wanted to face and beat. Preparing for the risky challenge can often be as dangerous as the challenge itself as he endures a battery of tests to prepare. Continue reading ‘New Series “Jesse James Is A Dead Man” Premieres May 31.’
