Pro Italia is raffling a new 2009 Ducati M696 to benefit the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Tickets are $25 each (or buy 5 chances for $100) and limited to 500 total. Tickets are available at their online store or Los Angeles showroom. Tickets are available now until October 24th. The winner will be announced on the 26th of October at the annual Love Ride in Pomona. The first prize winner will win a 2009 Ducati Monster 696 (MSRP $8,995) and the second prize winner will receive an America leather jacket from Vanson (a $550.00 value). Pro Italia
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Fighter Motorcycle By Confederate Motor Company.
Published by October 13th, 2008 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Only for the VVR’s (Very Very Rich). You can score one of only 45 of this very limited edition if you are ready to blow $100,000 (taxes, title, licensing, registration fees, and transportation costs are not included). It’s street legal, uses an aluminum/titanium and carbon fiber frame, a 120” engine that allegedly can propel you at 190 mph or 305 km/h (for my Canadian & European readers). Ok, I have nothing against sci-fi motorcycles, but don’t you think that the guy standing by this Fighter motorcycle should dress appropriately for this kind of ride? You can read for free the detailed tech sheet by going HERE, and if you are a VVR you can order one via…Neiman Marcus.
Back In Time. Back In Black.
Published by October 13th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
Black is beautiful and black is the new chrome when you want your bike to get this classic/basic old feel look. Crime Scene Choppers is offering a black powder coat finish for their Rapide line of custom parts. Black in contrast to polished aluminum (or the opposite) transforms your bike into a true rad ride. The entire “Rapide” line-up takes on this new look including the headlights, taillights and air cleaners. Continue reading ‘Back In Time. Back In Black.’
Cafe Racer, Rockers And Rock’ N ’Roll
Published by October 12th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Alan Bernard of Santiago Choppers and myself share something in common. We are both baby boomers raised in Europe and consequently heavily exposed to the 60’s counterculture of the Rockers, Ton Up Clubs and Café Racers. Thanks largely to the increased interest in vintage motorcycles in general, classic Café Racers are back in our streets and on the custom motorcycle scene. Continue reading ‘Cafe Racer, Rockers And Rock’ N ’Roll’
New 6” Big Brake From 360 Brake
Published by October 12th, 2008 in Brakes, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
As you know, one year ago the new management of 360 Brake decided to redesign their “invisible” brake. Here it is in a hub mounted self-contained 6” version. Evidently this new six-inch brake is designed to provide to bigger motorcycles increased stopping and thermal capacity compared to the standard 5” model. The company states that you get a safe stopping capability with the added value of replacing 2 x 5” models or factory dual-front disks. Continue reading ‘New 6” Big Brake From 360 Brake’
It’s raining in South Florida. Have to test a bike and can’t wait tomorrow. I hate to ride with wet jeans and also hate leather chaps. Makes me think that I should feature these light, compact, easy on/easy off rain chaps selling for only $19.99. Can’t beat this. Although not a replacement for full rain gear, they are your 1st line of protection when you face rain, road spray, fog, cold wind, etc. Dealers welcome. Biker Rain Chaps.
I am telling you. We need to become a “Cash Society”, buying only what we can afford, only what we need versus what we want. Same for our government borrowing like crazy from the remaining foreign countries still trusting us on our ability to pay them back. The National Debt Clock in New York City has run out of digits to record the growing figure. As a short-term fix (like our bail out/rescue package to financial institutions), the digital dollar sign on the billboard-style clock near Times Square has been switched to the number “1” like in $10 trillions. Current federal government’s debt is at about $10.2 trillion. The debt clock was installed in Times Square in1989 by real estate developer Seymour Durst to call the attention to what was then a 2.7 trillion debt! Count with me…
New Harley-Davidson Spokesmodel For The V-Rod Muscle
Published by October 10th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.Starting today Harley-Davidson is launching an ad campaign featuring Marisa Miller, 30, to promote the new V-Rod Muscle motorcycle. It is a sporty, sleek bike that targets a younger, urban and affluent demographic. So, I guess the casting was about finding the girl that V-Rod Muscle riders would like to date.
Victory Motorcycles In Germany
Published by October 10th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
During these last 2 years I didn’t stop hearing that Europe was the solution for motorcycle and parts manufacturers trying to compensate for sluggish sales in the US. I always agreed, even sharing advice with some of them. During the Intermot Tradeshow in Cologne, Germany Victory Motorcycles, a division of Polaris Industries, announced plans to make their motorcycles available in this country in the second half of 2009. Their motorcycles are currently available in selected European markets including the United Kingdom, Russia & Iceland. (Victory is also present in Australia with a flagship dealership in Melbourne). Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles In Germany’
Play Texas Lottery. Win A Custom Motorcycle.
Published by October 10th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Must be a first in the industry. Custom Builder Grandeur Cycle was commissioned by the Texas Lottery’s Texas Ranger Scratch Off game to build 7 Texas-Theme Silver Edition custom motorcycles. The first model has already been the focus of attention at many promotional events throughout Texas and recently was on display at Southfork Ranch (Dallas TV series). The first drawing is October 19, 2008 and you can read more at Texas Lottery or visit Grandeur Cycle.
Letter To The Honorable Mary Peters Secretary, U.S. DOT
Published by October 10th, 2008 in Editorial.
“Dear Secretary Peters
I recently received a press release stating that you appointed James D. Reichenbach to the Motorcyclist Advisory Counsel to the Federal
Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA)
I am surprised and shocked to hear that.
I am not aware of how Mr. Reichenbach came to your attention and
what information about him was supplied to you in helping you to make
that decision. I have to believe that you were given information
about him from sources that either did not do their research and or
have ulterior motives to see him appointed to this position.
I would like the opportunity to bring other information to your
attention in hopes that you will reconsider his appointment and replace him. Continue reading ‘Letter To The Honorable Mary Peters
Secretary, U.S. DOT’
We love riding our “naked” bikes. But still, we need to carry stuff like a jacket, rain gear, a set of tools etc. Yes, you can ride with a backpack, but it’s not comfortable and quite annoying if you have a passenger. Continue reading ‘Nashty Ol’ Bags’
Visit Daytona Biketoberfest Limpnickie Lot
Published by October 9th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Last year it was one of the main attractions during Biketoberfest. And I bet that this year it will be the same. A place to see (and be seen) with a display of the new generation of custom builders bikes and parts, some skate boarding, BMX atmosphere and a lot of improvised and not so improvised (bike show) events delighting the crowd. The “Limpnickie Lot” is located at the Stone Edge Skatepark, at 1848 S. Ridgewood Avenue, South Daytona. Enjoy the video and stop by anytime between October 16th and 19th.
Worst Or Best Gadget Of The Year? Liquid Filled USB Drives
Published by October 9th, 2008 in Editorial and Merchandise.
Beer floating in your USB Drive! On one hand it’s a good attention- grabbing idea. But a little bit tacky and risky if, like me, you break your USB drive on a regular basis. But the company doing this is ready to fill their drives with any liquid of your choice. Any manufacturer wishing to promote its brake fluid, oil, gas, energy drink, etc? Send me samples of your own version. But don’t ride your bike with one in your pocket. Capacities range from 128 MB to 8 GB, and prices from $8.84 each to $40 depending on capacity, options and how many you order. Awesome or awful? Liquid Filled USB Drives.
Second Daytona “Biker Fusion” Is October 16th
Published by October 8th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will host a second “Biker Fusion” event during Daytona Biketoberfest. Held for the 1st time during the last Daytona Bike Week “Biker Fusion” helps support our troops and attendees will have a chance to see great bikes from some of the industry’s top builders and mingle with the A-list of the motorcycle industry all while supporting the troops and having a great time at the Doghouse Bar & Grill on Daytona Main Street.. Continue reading ‘Second Daytona “Biker Fusion” Is October 16th’
I always thought that the V-Rod is a wonderful bike to ride. Can it ride better in any ambient conditions? It’s what the ThunderMax with Auto tune system is promising. The purpose is to give you full control of your EFI setup by letting this module analyzes the air/fuel ratio read by two wide-band oxygen sensors, and making any necessary adjustments. With every tank of fuel, at any temperature or elevation, your V-Rod engineis optimized by ThunderMax! Continue reading ‘Auto Tune Your Harley V-Rod’
Hey Cyril: “I just got done with a bike that I am chancing off for the American Red Cross Armed Forces Disaster relief Fund. We are only selling 500 tickets at 100.00 dollars a ticket so someone actually has a good chance to win. We are trying to get the American Red Cross and our soldiers at least 7 to 10 thousand dollars. Continue reading ‘Vendetta To Raise Money’
Motorcycle Photojournalist Jeff Bartucci visited the H-D Museum and briefly describes what he saw.
“The H-D Museum is filled with extraordinary stories of people, culture, products and history compiled from day one. The museum was built near downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the end of Canal St. In fact the street was extended to accommodate the museum. Menomonee River surrounds the 20-acre property on three sides with the design of the building being of an urban industrial theme, referencing the manufacturing DNA of Harley-Davidson. The entrance is nestled under a 80-foot steel tower with a huge Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo proudly displayed. Continue reading ‘A Visit To The New Harley-Davidson Museum’
“The Chopper Challenge” Is On Tour
Published by October 7th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In previous posts I introduced you to “The Chopper Challenge”, the reality TV series airing on CMT network. Throughout the episodes you saw 9 motorcycle builders provided with a set of parts and having 30 days to complete a theme motorcycle, the theme being dictated by the brand sponsoring each episode. “The Chopper Challenge Experience” is now on tour across the nation featuring a custom “Chopper Challenge” branded semi-truck rig containing all 9 custom motorcycles created during the show! Various builders from the series also attend to sign autographs and meet the fans. They will be at Vegas BikeFest (Oct. 2-5), Daytona Biketoberfest (Oct. 15-18), Hogs On The High Seas Cruise (Grand Cayman-Jamaica Nov. 4-11), Daytona Bike Week (Feb. 2009). The Chopper Challenge.
Mike Shank, Highlander Marketing Inc., Festival Promotions LLC and Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson filed the suit against the city in U.S. District Court. It’s the 3rd lawsuit filed to stop Myrtle Beach from enforcing the recently passed ordinances to curb the motorcycle rallies. Plaintiffs seek an injunction to have the ordinances declared unconstitutional. Continue reading ‘Third Lawsuit To Stop New Myrtle Beach Rally Rules’
Hi Cyril, ‘I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now. I really enjoy seeing the new parts that are becoming available because I love motorcycles. But after seeing the Ferrari concept, I felt it was time to show you mine. I design, fabricate and finish my bikes myself. Continue reading ‘Awesome Aluminum Body Work’
Thousands Turn Out For Indian Motorcycle Flagship Dealer Grand Opening
Published by October 5th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.
The staff at Indian Motorcycle didn’t know what to expect before this weekend. But the opportunity to visit the Indian Motorcycle plant in Kings Point, NC and the chance to ride with Chairman Stephen Julius from the headquarter to the new Charlotte Dealership attracted thousand of bikers. Continue reading ‘Thousands Turn Out For Indian Motorcycle Flagship Dealer Grand Opening’
If sales of Halloween Masks could predict the result of the Presidential election, Obama would easily win. At least it proves something. People prefer to look like Obama than McCain. Or maybe Obama is more scary than McCain. Or…But did you notice that the percentages for each candidate mask are very close to the ones published in official tracking polls. My favorite one is when high schools make (anonymously) teenagers vote during class just 1 week before election day. Since they mostly “vote” like their parents, it’s a very good indicator of what will be the result on November 4th. And no, I will not tell you for who I am going to vote because it has nothing to do with custom motorcycles. Nor this post…
Teardrop Seat Post Mounted Electronic Module
Published by October 5th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Wire Plus Electronics is proud to introduce their ’08-‘09 tear drop shaped seat post mounted system. This brand new system features a classic contemporary teardrop shaped chromed billet housing that mounts the power control module and ignition switch. This assembly plugs into a pre-assembled harness that will be selected by the style of switches and turn signals used in your application. A new unique feature found on this seat posted mounted system shuts off just the front lighting when starting and leaves the taillights on for safety during nighttime starting. Continue reading ‘Teardrop Seat Post Mounted Electronic Module’
The most notorious town in the South Iron City, Tennessee. Urban legends tell of an isolated Southern town where the residents ran-off their police department and outsiders fear to tread. To blues musician Big Mike Griffin, it seemed like great material for a song. So, he rides his Harley deep into Tennessee’s backwoods along with his .40 caliber and a cigar chomping ex-Marine as a guide. ..Welcome to Iron City. The 2-Disc set documentary which includes a soundtrack CD retails for $19.95 and can be ordered through Amazon . Run time is 52 minutes.
You Love Biker Poetry And You Still Don’t Know.
Published by October 4th, 2008 in Books and Editorial.
The 1st time I listened to biker poetry was in 1995 in Milwaukee at the Harley factory headquarter. I just met with Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum, Harley-Davidson Historian Emeritus. After some small talk about custom motorcycles, he invited me to join a group of bikers to listen to his motorcycling poetry. I clearly remember being fascinated by the colors of his words, and the music of his sentences. Biker poetry started on a farm in Colorado in 1975, and was attended by an assortment of bikers and hippies and a young Hunter S. Thompson. Continue reading ‘You Love Biker Poetry And You Still Don’t Know.’
