The V-Twin Expo, the largest Dealers only event devoted exclusively to the V-Twin industry, will happen again at the Cincinnati Duke energy Center from February 7th to 9th. Of course I will be there to report the highlights of this event. It is recommended that dealers who intend to visit the show pre-register HERE to avoid long lines on the morning of February 7th. In addition to being a huge trade show, the V-Twin Expo offers other activities like a series of seminars focusing on today’s most interesting topics. Scheduled this year: 1-The untapped markets, selling to women and men under 35. 2- The need for speed with a high performance panel. 3- Survival of the fittest, part 2. 4-Combatting counterfeits and knock off’s. 5-Motorcycle dealers insurance. Registration at V-Twin Expo.
Archive Page 369
American Motorcycle Riders Don’t Rock! Yes, They Do.
Published by December 24th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
“Without music, life would be a mistake” (Friedrich Nietzsche). Bikers roll but they also rock. MIC (motorcycle Industry Council) launched a social networking website (one more…). branded RockMoto connecting young people sharing the same passion for motorcycles and music. Although still in beta test, I loved the site offering cutting-edge internet features to help young riders socialize with each other. But I got pissed off when I discovered that American motorcycles are notably absent from any of this site features. Continue reading ‘American Motorcycle Riders Don’t Rock! Yes, They Do.’
It’s catalog season. Parts & motorcycle manufacturers rush to print their new 2009 catalog or brochure. But for economic reasons and because of the “will never stop to grow” power of internet, more and more are choosing to publish an e-catalog. And yes, even online, you can turn the pages, zoom-in or zoom-out. The 2009 Indian Chief Brochure is now online. Check it out for models, options and of course Indian Motocycle merchandise.
Harley-Davidson Short Movie Video Runner Up.
Published by December 24th, 2008 in Editorial and Videos.The videos produced by women participating to the Harley-Davidson contest “Bikes, Camera, Action” are so good that you must also watch this one called “Here Comes The Bride” (2’05).
Weld-On Key Switch Housing
Published by December 23rd, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Electrical.
I used to make mine, welding it in the most \surprising and hidden places, having fun with clients trying to find out how to start their bikes. for the 1st time.
Now there is a ready made solution, but of course you still have to weld. This weld-on key switch housing includes the mount, aluminum cap with 3 postion key switch and horn switch. You can choose another electric setup, but when you order, for a good fit, don’t forget to mention the frame tube size where you intend to weld it (not a very good idea to install it too close to a hot part). From $149 to $199. For sale at Three Two Choppers.
Watch out. If they do it in Europe, it could be done very soon by your local police authorities wherever you live. I am talking about a new wireless tracking system to issue automated tickets for minor traffic infractions. Several pilot projects are underway in Finland, France and Germany. The system is called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and already made its way to the US for further evaluation…and improvement. Continue reading ‘Wireless License Plate Tracking Is Coming’
Trillium Muir vividly remembers watching the 2005 film “The World’s Fastest Indian” and thinking to herself, as she watched the speed runs of Burt Munro, that she would like one day to try it. Less than a year later, she did. The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is the most famous location for speed runs in the world, but it’s not easy access for those living on the east coast of North America. More convenient is Maxton, N. C., which has a Second World War-era airport where one runway is used by the East Coast Timing Association, specifically set up for land-speed runs. Continue reading ‘World’s Fastest Woman Aims For 250 mph’
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Finale Raises Money and Toys for Children
Published by December 22nd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse made it’s final stop for 2008 at the Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson “Bikers Bash” on Friday, December 12th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The “Bikers Bash” celebration on Friday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino featured an intimate performance by Big Kenny from Big and Rich, songwriter and former Aerosmith bandmate, Richie Supa, Grammy Award winning songwriter Brett James and NASCAR legend Kyle Petty who also performed (not everyone knows Kyle had a recording contract in his earlier years). Continue reading ‘Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Finale Raises Money and Toys for Children’
Stainless Steel Belt Buckles, Etc.
Published by December 22nd, 2008 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In a farm North of Boone, North Carolina, Steve Garn a.k.a B.r.e.w. Dude (B.r.e.w. is acronym for Blue Ridge Electric & Welding) is TIG welding frames, custom building bikes (2008 Easyriders Old School Builder Of The Year), is offering powder coating & ceramic coatings for your exhaust, is designing & manufacturing many trick parts and even finds the time to make these very cool stainless steel belt buckles. The guy knows his …..So, if you are looking for a man with multiple skills, call him on my behalf at 336-385-2739 or at least put him in your address book. Brew Racing Frames.
Just after the frame, the choice of an engine is the most important decision to make when building a bike from the ground up. Power, reliability, warranty…and looks. Regarding this last aspect, most of the engines I use on my customs go through the beauty look process. Polishing, powder coating in part or in full, even applying 1-stage heat resistant paint work. In any case it will require a fully disassembled engine, application of the treatment of your choice, then a meticulous reassembly. Continue reading ‘Ultima Black Gem Engine’
Good news for those of you who watched the TV series Sons Of Anarchy and for those who missed it. FX has picked up a second season of this show slated to begin in Spring 09. The series stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman and was created by Kurt Sutter who also serves as Executive Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions and Fox21. The series was recently named as Time Magazine’s #1 show of 2008. Sons of Anarchy delivered a weekly average audience of 5.83 million total viewers and 3.9 million Adults 18-49, the highest ratings of any new series on FX since the network’s hit series Rescue Me, which debuted in 2004. Sons Of Anarchy
For a different Christmas gift, what about these new bike deco racks? A biker should love such accessories to hang his jacket and keys.
Distributed exclusively by North County Customs, these extremely hang-ups are laser cut from 10 gauge cold rolled steel (jacket) and16 gauge (keys). Available powder coated in your choice of silver, blue, red, black or white. These racks are pre-drilled for easy mounting. They retail from $25 to $35.00. Buy a matching pair for just $55.00. For complete details and ordering call 714-680-0911.
The Right Price For A New Bobber
Published by December 20th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Regarding new Bobbers built from the ground up, it seems that a price just under 20 K is the benchmark to attract new buyers. Why? Not only because of our economic recession impacting our wallets, but also because it’s the psychological and financial reference many bikers use when hesitating between a new or used stock Harley to customize versus a Bobber looking exactly like you want and that you can get in a relatively short ime without the hassle (pleasure) of doing it yourself. So, my mailbox is full of emails of custom shops producing a new Bobber just under $20,000. Each of them has his own recipe of parts and looks to convince you that you will not get “better” by shopping at a Harley place. Here another example built by Santiago choppers.
The economy being what it is, I found out the cheapest Christmas gift with a “biker flair”. If your man has to go to the office every day and must wear a shirt, why not give him some new cool collar stays to replace the ones he lost. Collar Ink has a collection of tattoo inspired sticks in a variety of designs to discretely punk up his wardrobe. They are $13 for 7 pairs, and for this price you can’t even get an Obama fridge magnet. Come in a glass vial to look more “Christmas Gift”. Collar Ink.
Happy Holidays To All My Readers Around The world
Published by December 19th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
I have no Christmas story to spread Christmas cheer in all your families. But I am thinking of all of you around the world who are following this Blog and contribute to the joy I get from contributing positively in some way to the motorcycle industry.
Materially, most of us have less than last year. But as you know, in life the best joys and pleasures are free. So, enjoy whoever is near you during this holidays season. Take time to pause, reflect, hug, smile and laugh. Happy Holidays To All.
Viper Motorcycles Obtains EPA Approval
Published by December 19th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Viper Motorcycles Company, a public company (VPWS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc., announced yesterday that it is now EPA approved. John Silseth II, Viper Powersports CEO, stated, “We have received our EPA certificate and have successfully completed our CARB testing for approval in all 50 states. During testing, we knew the Viper 152 inch short stroke motor was clean and produced less heat than our competitors and we are excited at the opportunity to move forward fully compliant”. Continue reading ‘Viper Motorcycles Obtains EPA Approval’
How J&P Cycles Changed The American Motorcycle Industry
Published by December 19th, 2008 in Books, Editorial and Events.
30 years in business in the motorcycle industry is a huge milestone that very few companies have accomplished. And 2009 is the 30th Anniversary of J&P Cycles. To celebrate, a huge party and open house will be offered by John & Jill Parham on June 27/28 at their Anamosa, Iowa headquarter. But more interesting to me is the release of “Keeping The World On 2 Wheels” relating the 30-year time line of a couple, who armed only with midwestern American work ethic and high customer service standard, succeeded in building the # 1 motorcycle parts retailer in the US. Continue reading ‘How J&P Cycles Changed The American Motorcycle Industry’
Bill Clinton Presidential Center Hosts “Art of the Chopper”
Published by December 19th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Through Feb. 8, the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark hosts “Art of the Chopper” an exhibit of 30 gleaming handcrafted motorcycles from around the country. Clinton center director Terri Garner says “Just as Bill Clinton defines the end of the 20th century, so does the chopper”. These custom motorcycles (with portraits of the builders) are already featured in Tom Zimberoff’ 2 hard cover books “Art Of The Chopper I & II’. The exhibit is included in the museum’s regular admission price. Tickets: $7, adults; $5, seniors (62 and older).
Worn Free T-Shirts mission is simple. To resurrect the coolest T-Shirts of all times. Meaning the ones that rock stars wore. From John Lennon to Kurt Cobain to Frank Zappa to Iggy Pop and many others.
Not cheap ($50 with free shipping) but extremely cool, hundreds of officially licensed replica t-shirts are offered and sold with a photograph of the artist wearing the original shirt or the artist’s original design. I want a few for Christmas…Worn Free Vintage Shirts (picture of James Osterberg Jr. a.k.a. Iggy Pop “The Godfather Of Punk”)
Biker Productions. A Biker Meeting Place Under A Digital Roof.
Published by December 18th, 2008 in Builders and Customs.
Even if you don’t know him, you probably saw him in all motorcycle events around the country. You can identify Jack Mcintyre by the fact he is always walking in sync with his beautiful models who, of course, never carry his heavy digital equipment but are ready, via poses and attitude, to turn your pure breed custom motorcycle into a very sexy machine. Biker Productions is his website offering interactive services, digital photography (25,000 pics), hours of filmed entertainment, licensing and publishing. Practically, it means that they publish online tons of high quality great photos and videos shot in every motorcycle rally. A way to be there when you were not there, or to live what you have missed because your boss didn’t let you take extra days off to have fun on 2 wheels. Biker Productions
Fat Katz Replacement Gas Tank For Wild West Motorcycles
Published by December 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Did you know that the Wild West Motorcycle Company “Gunfire” model had a plastic gas tank!?! Wild West has closed and left a lot of customers without a way to update their bikes. Fortunately, Fat Katz has in stock replacement steel tanks and, as a bonus, they come with an installed/welded pop up gas cap. Rush to get one by calling Don at Fat Katz 530-273-2212
Customer Satisfaction With Motorcycles Reaches Record High Levels
Published by December 18th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.
J.D. Power and Associates just released the results of its 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study. Despite higher owner reported motorcycle prices, satisfaction increases in 2008 for a sixth consecutive year to a record-high level. Now in its 11th year, the study measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles by examining five major components of the overall ownership experience: product; quality; cost of ownership; sales; and service. Continue reading ‘Customer Satisfaction With Motorcycles Reaches
Record High Levels’
Steve Carr & partner Rick Bonin at Lightning Rod Motorcycles out of Tampa only use Buell or Harley-Davidson motors for reliability. They build simple custom bikes but fancy enough to look like factory concept motorcycles with a reasonable sticker price. The ones you really want in your garage just after buying one from the Harley-Davidson dealer show floor. A fine example of their work is “Oro Fundido” (Molten Gold in good English), a bike started out as a stock 2001 Buell X-1 lightning rebuilt using a rigid Paughco frame with 35-degree rake. Stock engine was retained except for the use of 42 mm Mikuni carburetor and of a Dyna 2KI ignition. The boys did all their grinding, welding & fitting in house using fenders from Detroit Brothers, a gas tank from Salinas Boys, a Paughco Springer front end with Young Choppers bar controls. This Buell Bobber rolls on a 40-spoke 23” front & 18” rear wheel and was painted in Pagan Gold with Pearl White by Attitude Custom Paint. Lightning Rod Motorcycles.
Fuel Sling For 10 Extra Miles On The Road
Published by December 17th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Tired of running out of fuel with nothing left but your legs to get you where you need to go? Nash Motorcycle Company New fuel Sling holds an extra quarter gallon of fuel to give you that extra boost in desperate riding situations.
The 33 fl.oz. fuel bottle will give you an average of 10 miles extra riding time. The fuel sling is hand made out of high grade American leather, will fit just about any application with easy adjustable straps, brass hardware, and quick snaps on top and bottom so you can slide the bottle out quickly and get back on the road. The aluminum bottle is included with the sling and has a 1″ opening so that it’s easy to fill at the pump. If you want to have extra security, get two of them. Black or tan leather. $78.00. Nash Motorcycle Company
Café Racer Magazine Launches Custom Motorcycle Corral Shows
Published by December 17th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In conjunction with Advanstar, the first ever café racer custom motorcycle corral will be on display at three upcoming Cycle World International motorcycle Shows sponsored by Toyota. Café Racer magazine, the home of high-performance, naked bikes, is inviting readers and high-performance motorcycle enthusiasts to wheel out their wares with the first judged event taking place January 16 through 18 at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show held at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Trophies will be awarded for Best Classic Café Racer, best Modern Café Racer and Best Streetfighter. Custom café builders are encouraged to polish off their best creations and join Café Racer at the IMS Cleveland event on January 30- February 1 at the I-X Center while the season wraps up in Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, February 6 through 8. Continue reading ‘Café Racer Magazine Launches Custom Motorcycle Corral Shows’
Harley-Davidson President And CEO James Ziemer To Retire In 2009
Published by December 16th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer James L. Ziemer has informed the Board of Directors that he intends to retire in 2009, capping a 40-year career with the Company.
The Board of Directors has formed a search committee to review both internal and external candidates. Ziemer will remain in his current role until a new CEO is in place. Harley-Davidson.
