“Hi Cyril, Sorry I have not been in touch more but have had my hands full getting Crocker back on track. Crocker Motorcycle Company has now moved past the “shareholders fight” and is in the process of relocating to it’s new home in Los Angeles, about 10 miles from the original factory on Venice Blvd and will resume plans to produce 100 Big and Small Tank Crocker motorcycles. Continue reading ‘Update From The New Crocker Motorcycle Company.’
Archive Page 381
Update From The New Crocker Motorcycle Company.
Published by August 20th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Battistini’s New Saddlebag Latch Covers
Published by August 20th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Rikki Battistini sells quite a few parts to customize your bagger, all with the same “hole theme” to help you make your customizing design coherent from front to rear ad from side to side. New and visually appealing are these new latch covers offered in polished, chrome and black. For sale on Battistinis Website or call Rikki on my behalf at: 925-270-4211
Winners Of Sturgis Metzeler Custom Bike Contest
Published by August 20th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Dozens of radical customs took the stage, showing off new trends and wild designs from coast to coast. The Best of Show prize winner was Todd Silicato of Todds Cycle, Huntington Beach, California. Todd’s win has earned him: inclusion in the Metzeler Master Builder poster series and 2009 Metzeler Ad Campaign, a three-day apprenticeship with Eddie Trotta (I don’t think he needs it), a feature Article in American Iron Magazine, a trip to Faakersee European Bike Week and tour of the Metzeler Factory, a seat at the Annual Round table in Cincinnati at the V-Twin Expo, four sets of Metzeler Tires, a cool trophy, All Balls Starter, S&S Shop Shirt, and a Boyesen Power X Wing. Not bad for an afternoon in the sun. Continue reading ‘Winners Of Sturgis Metzeler Custom Bike Contest’
High gas prices are pushing people to drive less their cars, but encourage people to buy more motorcycles and to put more and more miles on their bikes. Is it the reason why in the USA motorcycle fatalities increased 128% since 1997 which was the lowest number of deaths on motorcycles (2116)? Or is it also related to the inexperience of new motorcycle riders, or to the aging of motorcyclists who no more have the reflexes of their youth, or the fact that less US states require to wear a helmet? As other reasons I can also add the number of automobilists getting more and more distracted by cellular phones (phoning and texting), and of course the big increase of registered motorcycles during the last 10 years. Continue reading ‘Sharp Rise In Motorcycle Deaths.’
The best ideas are found while you build a bike from the ground up. Joe Mc Glynn at Crime Scene Choppers was wondering how to make his new project exhaust system as clean as possible. Instead of a flat flange and a lump of weld, how about a smooth, flared transition from the engine to the pipe? Flared exhaust flanges do the trick and let you get a nice smooth radial transition from the port face into the tube. They are machined out of a solid block of steel, and have a really nice finish. If you’re into building your own stuff they can help you fab a spectacular set of pipes—especially when coupled with their exhaust tube step adapters CNC machined out of a 1” x 3” x 4” solid block of steel. You weld the tube to the flange from the back side and silver braze the outside to blend the two parts together. Sold each at Crime Scene Choppers.
Paughco Single Down Tube Frames.
Published by August 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Paughco is one of the oldest manufacturers of custom and replacement frames for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They offer now single down tube configuration for their stock & wide tire rigid frames. Shown here is the Sportster version coming complete with your choice of straight or curved 1 ¾” down tube, 1 ¾” backbone, hidden axles and Chopper neck for 1” bearings. Custom build to each order the frame with single down tube and hidden axle assembly starts around $1500. The standard double down tube chassis, which is available with stock or custom rake and stretch starts at just $1203.95. For complete details go to Paughco.
Las Vegas being Las Vegas, a lot of entertainment, concerts and parties are scheduled during BikeFest (October 2 to 5). Many of these have discounted tickets/entry fees or free entry for Las Vegas BikeFest registrants, so be sure you get registered soon by going HERE. Continue reading ‘Las Vegas Bikefest Entertainment’
Sturgis Rally 2008. Record Custom Motorcycle Sales?
Published by August 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Jeff Nicklus, President of Jeff Nicklus Customs (Desperado) gave me his feed back on the 2008 edition of the Sturgis Rally.
“Cyril, just bringing you up to speed from my standpoint. Hope all is well with you and yours. The crowds were indeed down from 30-50% over 2 years ago, however, I believe that worked to our benefit. Like with Daytona Bike Week and Daytona Biketoberfest we always have done better, from a sales perspective, at Biketoberfest than at Bike Week. The smaller crowds allow for us to spend more time to spend with potential customers and when selling items as expensive as the bikes you and I sell we must spend time with the customer. Secondly the crowd seemed to be more of a “monied” crowd. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Rally 2008. Record Custom Motorcycle Sales?’
As you already know through my Blog, Roger Goldammer won for the 3rd time the title of AMD World Champion. He will tell you that the reason he won again the 3rd edition is probably because his new awesome custom is ALSO a motorcycle that you can race on the Bonneville Salts. This picture is 1 year old, but new to you, and shows Roger with fellow builder Fred Krugger from Belgium before a few passes on the Salts in 2007. And I hear that both are back very soon to try to break new records in one of the most scenic places on earth. To follow… (picture Horst Roesler)
Motorcycle Pilot: One who combines their hobbies of airplanes and motorcycles to achieve greater mobility and enjoy unique adventures. This video features a patent-pending cargo pod allowing private pilots to carry a street-legal motorcycle beneath their airplane. After landing, it takes only a few minutes to remove the motorcycle, unfold the handle bars and ride away. Is it a fun and convenient ground transportation solution? You decide. Motorcycle Pilot.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Options To Curtail Rallies
Published by August 16th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
Fast news from Myrtle Beach where the City Council has been given 33 pages of options to curtail motorcycle rallies. As a reminder the city raised property taxes to finance several studies on the consequences of getting rid of the Spring rally and the Atlantic Bikefest during the weekend of Memorial day. The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports one option given the council Tuesday was to create infractions, rather than crimes, for some problems bikers cause. Councilman Randal Wallace says he is worried about creating an administrative court that could accept hearsay testimony. Several council members worry about the possibility of closing bars at 2 a.m. and imposing a youth curfew in the city.
Detoit Bros new weld-on kickstand is milled from 1018 mild steel, then chromed to a mirror finish. It is provided with a weld-on bracket to weld to your frame, with spring and hardware sold separately. In stock and ready to ship. Prices start at $199.99. Detroit Bros.
Another contest organized by Harley-Davidson to promote female riding. The factory is searching for female film makers who can capture in a short film the sense of empowerment, freedom and adventure that is inherent when women get behind the handlebars of their very own Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The film of no longer than 2 minutes must capture the female riding experience and includes at least one image of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Continue reading ‘Bikes, Camera, Action’
I am amazed by the number of new beer accessories released almost every day by independent inventors trying to auto finance their booze budget. If you are of the Rambo type who needs to feel secure by carrying six rounds of beer ammunitions, The Beerdolier is what you need for your next bike rally (avoid carrying it while riding down main street), tailgate party or just as a piece of conversation when you meet her for the 1st time. It’s made from sturdy nylon material and sports six neoprene beer holders, ensuring that your brews stay cold all day long Personally, I still think that you need only one beer gear, your hand. The Beerdolier is $15.
MaxFlow Air Filters From Zippers Performance
Published by August 14th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
One of the first and easiest ways to improve performance in any engine it to open up the intake. Zipper’s MaxFlow Air Cleaner Upgrade Kits include a specially constructed 100-percent washable and reusable filter element made from multiple layers of surgical-quality cotton gauze that has over 60% more filter area than the factory performance element. This greatly enhances airflow while increasing filter height by only ¾”. Oiled synthetic fiber material traps the smallest dirt particles and provides years and years of service. Continue reading ‘MaxFlow Air Filters From Zippers Performance’
Russian Suzuki ATX For Super Computing
Published by August 14th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Don’t worry. You will never see this brightly glowing motorcycle coming down the street. But it’s quite an attention-grabbing piece when the objective was to participate in a competition to build the most original super computer case mod. I like the fact that a motorcycle sparks creativity and inspires individuals designing the most advanced technology. This insane super computer was created by Russian “case modder” Dennis Ilyin a.k.a. “Xooler”. Surprisingly, he actually did not take first place in the contest. But it’s only because I was not a member of the jury.
S&S® Cycle X-Wedge™. EPA Approved.
Published by August 13th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
The S&S® Cycle X-Wedge™ X117E is the first 49-state certified engine produced by an engine manufacturer that already meets 2010 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II standards. The 49-state X117E is available for use in building a certified motorcycle in any state (except for California) by a home builder, custom shop or small volume motorcycles manufacturer. These X-Wedge engines come with the necessary installation manual, owners manual and emissions control sticker. S&S Cycle.
John McCain And Barack Obama About American Motorcycles
Published by August 13th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
I am not sure I want to get political in my Blog, but when both presidential candidates start talking motorcycles, I think it’s worth a post. A new Obama radio ad in Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson home state, is attacking McCain over his statement to bikers in Sturgis. McCain stated: “Not long ago a couple of hundred thousand Berliners made a lot of noise for my opponent. I’ll much rather listen to the roar of 50,000 Harleys any day than the cheering of 200,000 Berliners”. In its ad, Obama campaign replied with the following: “Listen to John Mc Cain speaking to motorcycle enthusiasts in Sturgis. But when it comes to his record, American-made motorcycles like Harleys don’t matter to John McCain. Back in Washington, McCain opposed the requirement that the government buy American-made motorcycles. And he said all buy-American provisions were quote ‘disgraceful.’ Surprised? You shouldn’t be. This is the same John McCain who supported billions in tax breaks for companies who ship American jobs overseas.” Who won this one? I let you decide.
Rinehart Racing Cross Back Sportster Exhaust System
Published by August 13th, 2008 in Editorial and Exhaust.
On a Sportster they look and sound very good. This exhaust system is one of Rinehart Racing’s newest creation. The Cross-Back is stated to significantly increase torque and horsepower across the range with a crossed-up, three-step header design and 2 1/2″ integrated mufflers. The 220 full coverage heat shields merge flush to the muffler bodies and have Rinehart Racing laser cut into the front heat shields. This exhaust systems fits all models 2004-2008 with mid or forward controls and include two oxygen sensor ports and two sets of baffles (2″ OD for engines up to 96 ci and 2 1/4″ OD for larger and high performance engines). All Rinehart systems and accessories are sold through Drag Specialties dealers.
Ness Launches New Victory Limited Edition Bike
Published by August 12th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
It was in Sturgis in 2005 that Arlen and Cory Ness launched 3 limited production custom motorcycles. They were all built around the Ness Y2K rubber-mount frame.
and called Lowliner, Speedliner and Highliner. Due to the close relation between Ness and Victory Motorcycles, it’s no surprise to learn that Ness Motorcycles (the company set up to produce these motorcycles) is now launching the “Lowliner V” as Victory. This new limited edition bike design is the result and fusion of some custom work done by the Ness family on several Victory motorcycles like the Jackpot, Vegas and Vision which were produced at the Victory factory. Continue reading ‘Ness Launches New Victory Limited Edition Bike’
The 1st annual ride for Africa to give the poor a working chance will happen in Boston on Sunday, August 24th. The inaugural Rock Ride Boston is the first of a series that will include later Rock Ride Phoenix. Join Steven Tyler of Redwing Motorcycles, and legendary lead of Aerosmith, for a 15 mile escorted ride ending up at the Live Nation Bank of America Pavilion on the waterfront in downtown Boston. Will follow a performance by “Ernie And The Automatics” and Skunk Baxter of the “Doobbie Brothers”. Pre-registration is available at Rock Ride or at Manchester or Nashua Harley-Davidson.
Scotty, at Invader Wheels sent me the following “wide tire/comfort zone info”. Enjoy the numbers.
“When bikers call and want to install a wider tire on their hard tail frame, I give them these hard facts. Tire specifications are taken from the Metzeler 2008 V-Twin tire catalog for the Marathon 880 series tires. These are the numbers for a 200 and a 160 series tires”.
200 Series Tire 200/60 R16 (Recommended rim size = 16 x 5.50-6.25, Tire diameter = 25.94″, Tire width = 7.76″). Comfort zone = 25.64-16.0 = 9.64/2 = 4.82 (Tire rim to ground height).
160 Series Tire 160/80 B16 (Recommended rim size = 16 x 3.50-4.50, Tire diameter = 26.06″, Tire width = 6.38″). Continue reading ‘Numbers To Make Your Wheel & Head Spin’
Seattle Cop Held In Hells Angels Shooting In Sturgis Bar.
Published by August 11th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
The shooting occurred about 1 a.m. Saturday at “Loud American Roadhouse Bar” on Main Street in Sturgis after a confrontation between members of the Hells Angels and the Iron Pigs, a motorcycle group composed of police officers. An off-duty Seattle police officer who has been detained after a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club was shot and wounded during the Sturgis motorcycle rally has been previously disciplined, according to a report in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Continue reading ‘Seattle Cop Held In Hells Angels Shooting In Sturgis Bar.’
Sturgis Breast Cancer Ride To Benefit Brenda Fox.
Published by August 11th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
“Hello Cyril. What a trip! (In more ways than words express!). Wish you had been there so I could have had the opportunity to thank you in person and I bet down the road I will have that opportunity. I’ll be going to a “wellness center” and undergoing medical treatment, so I wanted to be sure I shot off a little report and thank you for the success of the Breast Cancer ride. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. Infinite love & gratitude” Brenda (picture. From left: “Hot Stuff Betz”, Brenda Fox, Malcolm Smith, Sasha Mullins)
Platinum Bleed Feed Motorcycle Air Suspension
Published by August 11th, 2008 in Customs and Editorial.
Platinum Air Suspension was started in 2003 to bring quality, value and innovative technology to custom motorcycle riders. The company developed a “Bleed Feed Technology” to improve the air suspension riding system. To ride the way you want, with or without a passenger and depending of your own comfort level, Platinum borrowed from the technology that was used in the trucking & aircraft industry & applied it to the motorcycle air suspension market. Continue reading ‘Platinum Bleed Feed Motorcycle Air Suspension’
Harley-Davidson Completes Italian MV Agusta Group Acquisition
Published by August 10th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson Inc. announced last Friday the completion of its 100% acquisition of Varese, Italy based MV Agusta Group, a privately-held Italian motorcycle maker for 70 million euros, or $108 million. With this acquisition, all the bank debt of approximately 45 million euros, or $69 million is satisfied. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Completes Italian MV Agusta Group Acquisition’
