If you support the brand, and you should, this authentic Indian Motorcycle belt may be a cool gift for yourself or your Indian riding buddy. It features an antique nickle buckle with the Indian script, a genuine cowhide leather strap with brand tooling, and a buckle snap for easy adjustment. 1 1/2″ wide. $65 at Indian Motorcycle.
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It’s what the government FHWA Office Of Safety wants you to ride in the future.
More info on the website of Florida ABATE.
Matchless one of the oldest British motorcycle brands (1899-1966) with a wide range of models and a long history of racing success. The one I feature in this post was born in 1960 as an off-road-only “Westerner” G80C model, and when Bill Oster put its hands on it the bike was close to a basket case with many missing parts. Bill didn’t try to do a show perfect restoration. He just wanted a reliable bike to go to work every day at Saddlemen, the well known motorcycle seat maker where he is an engineer. Reason why you can find on this Matchless some modern components (hand controls, switches, headlight, front wheel and brakes are from a Sportster) giving life to original ones. But does it matter when you have fun with your bike?
His name is Matt Marino. In his website Moto Basturds he publishes a few moto comics every week, hoping they will stick like day old spaghetti on a greasy kitchen wall. Go there when you have an urgent need to smile.
Not too many Custom Softail Sportster frames are available. A new option is offered by Maximum Motorcycles with this new one called “Soft-Tail-Sport-Bob”. It comes complete with axle, stainless steel pivot bolts, axis tube, swing arm, splash guard, fender struts, internal fork stop & hardware. All included for $1695.00, (optional oil tank is $399.00). The boys will even build one for you with your preferred geometry preference, including chopper style. Dealer inquiries welcomed. Pros can see it at the V-Twin Expo, booth 2325. Retail clients go to Maximum Motorcycles and call Charlie on my behalf.
Effective 2009 Myrtle Beach Will No Longer Host Motorcycle Rallies
Published by January 12th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
It’s official and it comes from a statement of the Myrtle Beach, SC Mayor. The city will no more host any motorcycle rally. And to tell you clear & loud, the city created a website called Motorcycle Biker Info where mayor John Rhodes justifies the decision on complaints of residents weary of 3 weeks of noise and traffic congestion. At the same time, he tells you that Myrtle Beach is not anti-bikers nor anti-motorcycles. And to prove it to you (!) the website lists the new rules and ordinances regarding noise, motorcycles, alcohol consumption, property management, curfew and accomodations. Did they forgot anything? City spokeman says that “we have new laws and we would rather not surprise visitors. They (the bikers) should have some idea of what to expect when they come here”. Translation: bikers, don’t stop by.
Choppers Inc. Stacked Oil Cap
Published by January 12th, 2009 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Aluminum, copper & brass. The most noble materials and best color combination for many motorcycles. Here a fine example of precision machined sheets of aluminum, copper and brass stacked in an oil cap in 2 versions to fit Harley-Davidson stock oil tanks from 65 to 99 and from 00 to 08.
This design should now be declined on grips, pegs, controls, etc to give you a ready-made theme for your next custom project. Choppers Inc.
Paying Tribute To The Only Harley Repair Mechanic In Cuba
Published by January 12th, 2009 in Editorial.
The first Harley-Davidson motorcycles arrived in Cuba in the 1920’s. But after the 1959 communist revolution and the consequent U.S. trade embargo that followed most Harleys disappeared smuggled out of the island, others fell in disrepair and parts available dried up. So, how is it possible that there are still about 100 Harleys in Cuba, most still in running condition? Because of Sergio Morales, the only Cuban mechanic on the island making a living repairing Harley-Davidsons the old fashion way fabricating his own replacement parts to preserve a piece of Americana in Cuba. Continue reading ‘Paying Tribute To The Only Harley Repair Mechanic In Cuba’
Timeless Motor Company New Sponsor Of Cyril Huze Blog
Published by January 12th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Is there a market for vintage motorcycle replicas? You bet. There is already a big one for cars. Especially if the reproduction is a masterpiece of authenticity offered at a very reasonable price. As you can see by the banner under this post, after 10 years of casting work, reproducing molds and special tooling, Timeless Motorcycles Company joins my Blog to internationally promote its vintage replicas. Continue reading ‘Timeless Motor Company New Sponsor Of Cyril Huze Blog’
The 9th annual V-Twin Expo will open its doors February 6th at noon for a series of seminars, then on Saturday February 7th at 8 AM, thousand of dealers, members of the industry and press will rush inside the Cincinnati Duke Energy Center to meet hundreds of exhibitors showing their 2009 ware. Of course, I will be there as a custom builder, dealer and online publisher, reporting on what will seem to me the most interesting innovations of the year. Continue reading ‘V-Twin Expo 2009’
Death Of Custom Motorcycle Builder Jerry Graves
Published by January 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Very sad news this Saturday morning. Custom builder Jerry Graves, one of my professional neighbors in South Florida, was found dead this morning in his home. Born in Frankfort, Indiana in 1971, he was a 3rd generation biker who started modifying his own bike when he was 16 years old, then built his 1st full-blown custom at the age of 19. He moved to South Florida in 1999 to work for another custom bike builder, then opened “Graves Custom Cycles” in October 2002. His best very radical work is featured in Tom Zimberoff’s Art Of The Chopper 2. Lately, Jerry was running his top gas bike in drag races running 8.20 in the 1/4 mile. My condolences to his family and friends (picture Zimberoff).
Bargain Of The Month. A Black Bird For $15,000.
Published by January 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
No. I am not going to turn my Blog into a classified ads website, but I may, from time to time feature what is really a bargain for my readers. Like this just completed bitching ride for sale at $15,000, a price lower than an “equivalent” stock Harley-Davidson. The partial list of parts includes: A Daytec Softail frame powder coated in flat black. An S&S 113” motor breathing through an S&S G carburetor. A BDL 3″ open belt system. 40-Spoke Wheels in size 16 x 3 for rear and 18 x 5.5 for front dressed with Avon tires. A custom gas tank made by Fat Katz. PM controls & brakes, etc. And a lot of special fabrication parts all in sinister black. The owner will receive the paperwork to register this bike as a “California Customs” motorcycle (not a special construction). Contact on my behalf Joe Cree on my behalf at California Customs. Tel: 408-954-8972 (Pacific Time)
“Wind Chill: 4,000 Below” is a retail incentive program, effective now, for buyers of 2007 & 2008 Big Dog motorcycles. Cash allowances are to help retail clients make Big Dog Motorcycles more accessible, but also, of course, to help dealers get rid of some of the pre-2009 models. Cash allowances are as following: • $4,000: 2008 Pitbull • $3,000: 2007 Bulldog, Chopper, Mastiff, Pitbull • $2,000: 2008 Mutt, Mastiff and Ridgeback, and 2007 K-9 • $1,500: 2007 K-9. Big Dog Motorcycles
Tail Burner By Guilty Customs
Published by January 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
No fancy LED’s. No chrome. Only pure retro style for this new taillight proposed by Guilty Customs. Just hand polished aluminum body, brass hardware and a bracket pivoting to any angle for either over, under and side mounting. 3″ long, 2″ round & 2 1/2′ high. Glass is cut from old Harley lens (to be authentic and green!), then shaped and polished. 12 volt, 3 wire shrink wrapped hook up. Each one is hand made and numbered. Retail for $175.00. (not DOT approved, but do you really care?). Orders require 2 weeks for delivery. Guilty Customs.
Keino Introduces The “Red Hook” Frame.
Published by January 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Keinosuke Sasaki a.k.a. Keino , self proclaimed “Master Manipulator of Motor And Metal” and acclaimed Custom Builder, former right hand of Indian Larry and former partner of Paul Cox, is launching a new rigid frame. It’s called “Red Hook” (name of neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY where Keino is installed)), features a straight line from neck to axle plates to provide a simple classic rigid frame look, but with curved front/lower rear legs for unique and distinctive styling. The frame is a fully TIG welded steel construction with a neck tube pre-drilled for internal fork stop. Axle plates are stainless steel to give you a “paint-scrap” free slider operation with dual axle adjuster to reinforce axle rigidity. “Red Hook“ can be built to your specifications for rake, stretch, 4/5 speed tranny left or right side drive, with up to a 200 mm rear tire setup. Keino Cycles
Brad Pritt states that when he is riding one of his custom bikes, it’s his most anonymous time.
Not really, especially when you ride a cool bike. No hand clutch, baby! Shot today in LA.
By the way, I strongly recommend his latest movie “The curious case of Benjamin Button”.
Indian Motorcycle Launches Factory Delivery Program
Published by January 8th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Indian Motorcycle announced today its new Factory Delivery Program which allows customers to order a motorcycle through an authorized dealership and pick it up at the factory. All 2009 Indian Chiefs are eligible for the new delivery program. Factory Delivery offers a personal VIP tour of the factory and bike delivery in the customer delivery area of the plant. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Launches Factory Delivery Program’
Easyriders V-Twin Show Tour
Published by January 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
You just built a new cool bike, want to get a chance to have it featured in one of the Easyriders Group magazines. No better place than to show it in one (or several) of the 6 Easyriders V-Twin Bike Shows. Show time starts in Pomona, CA (January 10-11), then Sacramento, CA (January 17-18), Charlotte, NC (January 24-25), Louisville, KY (January 31), Knoxville, TN (February 7). Columbus, OH (February 13-15). Entertainment in all shows by Jasmine Cain & her band. Competitors register HERE. (picture of 2008 winner, Henderson bike by Billy Lane).
Baby Boomers Aggravate The Motorcycle Industry Crisis
Published by January 8th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
Did you know that in occidental countries, the peak spending age is around 47 years old and that the baby boomers median age (50% below, 50% above) is now 51 years old? Practically, the number of baby boomers going down and the median age going up, it means that baby boomers are less and less the biggest contributors to the economy. In western countries, by the age of about 47, most people have bought the biggest house they are likely to own, they are earning the most they are likely to earn. Continue reading ‘Baby Boomers Aggravate The Motorcycle Industry Crisis’
Progressive Suspension Drop In Fork Lowering Kit
Published by January 8th, 2009 in Editorial and Suspension.Easy. Lower your front end with Progressive Suspension Lowerig Kit. Explanation & installation by David Zemla. marketing director. Must be because he talks better than any technician in the company.
Additional Felony Charge Filed Against Billy Lane
Published by January 7th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As you know, I only report and never make any personal judgments in any private legal case.
Two years ago, Billy Lane was charged with one count of DUI manslaughter in connection with a Labor Day 2006 traffic accident in which 56-year-old Sebastian Gerald Morelock died. Courts records show that prosecutors have filed an additional second vehicular homicide felony charge also punishable by up to 15 years in prison. DUI manslaughter requires proof that the defendant caused or contributed to the crash and had an unlawful blood-alcohol level. A vehicular homicide simply requires proof of reckless driving. Prosecutor Tom Brown states that the issue of admissibility of the blood evidence will not be resolved until trial so he had to go ahead with the added charge, This new charge ensures prosecutors to be able to proceed at trial, no matter the judge’s ruling on the blood evidence. Billy Lane trial is set to begin February 9th.
Want to read about an on going design study to develop a motorcycle that gets 100 mpg at 70 mph, into a 20 mph wind while carrying 4 bags of groceries? Craig Vetter is an American inventor & designer loving all things with wheels, wings and engines. His lifetime goal is to “do more with less energy”. In 23 chapters, Craig’s website describes his efforts to build the Vetter Freedom Machine. What do you think?
Hey, women. If you didn’t have a passion for custom motorcycles you would not read my Blog. I also know that your love for motorcycles may extend to custom hot & street rods, to one-of-a-kind accessories, to shopping in swap meets and collecting automotive memorabilia. Continue reading ‘For Women With Attitude’
2009 Indian Chief Motorcycles Delivered To Dealer Network
Published by January 6th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
After almost five years of investment, product development, testing, and dealer development, Indian Motorcycle announced that the first shipment of limited production 2009 Indian Chiefs has been shipped to 7 dealerships across the nation. Production of the 2009 Indian Chief is limited to 750 units. The key people responsible for the re-launch of Indian are Chairman Stephen Julius, President Steve Heese and General Manager Chris Bernauer. Continue reading ‘2009 Indian Chief Motorcycles Delivered To Dealer Network’
Looking for an aggressive, in your face styling exhaust for your bagger? Here a “Bag Pipes” 2 in 1 system by Street Walker with 1 7/8” headers funneling into a high performance merge. The 3-inch collector flows seamlessly into a muffler coming standard with a 2 1/4″ x 11 inch perforated baffle wrapped with a glass packing to help reduce excessive noise levels. Continue reading ‘Street Walker Bagger Pipes’
