“As I sit awake it is 3 A.M. eastern standard time and I have to clear my thoughts. With the current economic situation, this great country we love, live and work in has left us all in an undeniable feeling of loss and confusion of what it is we all believe in and live by. As a motorcycle enthusiast first and foremost, the thought of better days for the entire industry has not only left me, but everyone in the entire motorcycle industry, wondering how this ca be made better. And as all of us have come to realize things are what they seem and there before us are the cards that life has handed us. In time, as all things do, this will change, it may not be this year, it may not even be next year, but there is one thing I know for sure – none of this has truly changed the way I personally feel about the business I work in and live to love….Motorcycling. Continue reading ‘A Letter From Custom Builder Scott Webster At Leroy-Thompson’
Archive Page 383
A Letter From Custom Builder Scott Webster At Leroy-Thompson
Published by July 30th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.V-Force Customs Unveils Its First Theme Bike in Florida
Published by July 30th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.On June 21st Vinnie Di Martino and Cody Connelly unveiled their second custom bike built for
the Tampa Bay Storm , with the bike touring the Southeast motorcycle circuit until September 2009.
Tampa Bay Storm blue and gold cover the bike with the team logo curving with the line of the gas
tank. All proceeds from this bike will be donated to Pinellas County Human Society and Shriners.
I understand that this bike is on its way to Sturgis. A good picture being unavailable at this time, below a short video of the test ride before delivery.
V-Force Customs.
Limited Edition Motorcycles. Very Profitable For The Brands.
Published by July 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The online edition of the New-York times published a good article titled “A Motorcycle For Moguls”. The subject? Limited edition motorcycle models up to $120,000. What justifies paying such a price? Like for all very luxury items, 3 main reasons. But I let you read the article. These high-end motorcycles can be found in almost all major brands. The reason? They are very profitable when produced in quantities of about 100 units and, something that the NYT don’t talk about, is that Continue reading ‘Limited Edition Motorcycles. Very Profitable For The Brands.’
Pretty Craftsman AXS Tool Chests
Published by July 29th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
I have fond memories of the time where, like many today’s professionals, I started building bikes in my garage. Wish I had one of those beautiful tool chests . More for individuals than for professionals (although…), these cool looking Craftsman AXS 13-Drawer 27 inch combo will let you store your tools in style. Pick your color: Black Pearl ($1,200), Midnight Blue ($1,200), Red ($1,050), and Titanium Metallic ($1,000). With the AXS combo you get a 6-Drawer Chest and a 7-Drawer Roll-Away, two slide-out LED lights, a Master Lock One-Key learning lock system, a heavy-duty, slide-out work surface, multi-function message-center with LED, and a 6-outlet 120-volt power strip. At Sears.
10th Anniversary Ness Victory Vision
Published by July 28th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
This year, Polaris Industries is celebrating the 10 years of Victory, “the New American Motorcycle”. And as the company states it, the Vision is since 1 year the most progressive, most provocative luxury touring motorcycle. And on this I agree. Love it or hate it because of its design, I must say that all those who rode it had only positive things to tell me. It’s the bulky high tech styling that many have difficulties to adjust to, especially the Harley crowd. For 2009, Victory releases a limited edition street version designed by Arlen Ness. This custom version has custom wheels, engine covers, grips, a mini windshield, a 1” lower seat and of course a Ness paint job signed with its logo and Arlen signature. All Victory Dealers will get at least one and it is priced at $24,999 MSRP. Victory Motorcycles.
A couple days ago, looking at the picture of the new 2009 Trike offered by Harley, it crossed my mind. What’s next for Harley in 2010? A sidecar? Why not? Do you remember last time you saw one on the road? Don’t tell me before the 50’s. And for the beginners a Sidecar is not a Trike because in a Trike both rear wheels are powered and share the same common axle. A sidecar is usually powered by the rear wheel only. I think sidecars look very cool and because of the way they are structured they offer a lot of customizing possibilities. Continue reading ‘Where Are All The Sidecars?’
From Sturgis To Milwaukee. An August To Remember.
Published by July 27th, 2008 in Editorial, Events and Painters.
The Sturgis rally is about to start (officially August 4-10) and when it’s over many of you are going to head to Milwaukee to celebrate Harley 105th Anniversary (from August 17 to 27). What a month! Painter David Uhl who is writing motorcycle history with his brushes just released “An august To Remember” featuring an old timer biker front of Mount Rushmore getting ready to ride from the Black Hills to Milwaukee, but not before attaching a 105th pin to his leather jacket. In David’s words, “In the spirit of the 100th anniversary and my old friend “the Witness”, I present a portrait of a breed of rider that is becoming increasingly more rare. Continue reading ‘From Sturgis To Milwaukee. An August To Remember.’
Doesn’t matter what you ride or the wheel you spin. A company that I already introduced to you in a former post, is continuing to make very bad ass chains, in the color of your choice or with links chromed on both sides. How they do it? They worked with an adhesive company and through trials
and errors came up with adhesives that can handle the stresses of a chain. Continue reading ‘Truly Insane Chains.’
Zipper’s And ThunderMax Will Be In Sturgis
Published by July 26th, 2008 in Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
It’s true that some vendors have cancelled their trip to Sturgis, but those wh will be there want you to know through my Blog. Zipper’s and Thunder Heart Group will be set up from Thursday, July 31st to Saturday, August 9th at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City. They will be there for ThunderMax product support, updates and new installations. If you’re curious as to how ThunderMax can improve your EFI-equipped Harley®, or are a current ThunderMax user please stop by and say hello to the crew. Zipper’s Performance Products. ThunderMax.
New 2009 Liquid-Cooled 1125CR Buell. Café Racer Inspired.
Published by July 25th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.
For 2009, Buell launches a new model featuring a modern interpretation of “café racer” styling and the power of the Buell Helicon 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The 1125CR intent is to bring superbike performance to the street fighter category, This new model one of nine 2009 Buell Sportbike, Street fighter, Adventure Sportbike and Blast models. Continue reading ‘New 2009 Liquid-Cooled 1125CR Buell. Café Racer Inspired.’
Samson Motorcycle Products To Relocate to Sturgis
Published by July 25th, 2008 in Customs and Editorial.
There are a few motorcycle part manufacturers and magazines who decided to relocate around Sturgis. The latest move is by Samson Motorcycle Products, a leader of custom exhaust systems. Ground will be broken for its new manufacturing plant in the Sturgis Industrial Park, Monday, July 28 at 11 am. “The public is invited to the ceremony” said Norma Allen, Sturgis Economic Development Corp. executive coordinator. The Samson Sturgis plant will be 40,000 square foot, and is located in a new industrial park’s where the company will be the first motorcycle parts manufacturer. The plant site is the first lot on the right on Industry Road in the industrial park, which is located about a mile west on Whitewood Road from I-90 exit 30. Samson Motorcycle Products.(Picture of founder Kenny Price)
Shell Celebrates Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary
Published by July 25th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
Something else to do when you are in Milwaukee. To kick off the festivities, one of NASCAR’s top drivers, Clint Bowyer — a Harley owner and driver of the No. 07 Jack-Daniels Chevrolet in the Sprint Series — will be at the Shell Racing Experience at Veteran’s Park on Thursday, August 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to greet fans and swap motorcycle stories. Event goers will have the opportunity to test their driving skills with the No. 07 and No. 29 NASCAR show cars and racing simulators and get a first hand feel of what it’s like to be in the pits with the Shell Tire Change Challenge. On Friday, August 29, Shell will host an all-women’s charity custom bike build at the House of Harley, Milwaukee’s largest Harley dealership. The Chopper Chick Crew, led by Athena Ransom, will transform an array of hundreds of bike parts into a fully functioning motorcycle within a matter of hours.
S&S Air Cleaner Kit To Boost 2008 Victory Motorcycle Engines
Published by July 24th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Thanks to S&S Cycle, 2008 Victory owners can get an air cleaner kit that has consistently shown an increase of up to 20 horsepower over a stock 100ci Freedom engine. Used in conjunction with a set of Victory Stage 1 performance mufflers, this kit will give you an increase that you will definitely notice. No, you don’t have to open your engine. S&S Cycle.
Custom bike builder Greg Rice adds to his line with the DeepSickness Vengeance Bars. The V-bars are offered two ways; pre drilled for external wiring or internal wiring to give your bike that clean, sleek look. These bars 1½ inch DOM steel tubing, measure 32 inches end to end and have 6-inch risers. Customizing is available; the risers can be made longer or shorter to fit your riding style and comfort. They’re offered in raw, chromed, and powder coated with pinstriped finishes or painted to match your bike. The V-Bars will fit all Harley-Davidson© models and Metric cruisers. Made is the USA. MSRP $495 raw. For further information, call Greg’s Custom Cycles at (727) 461-4840 or visit Greg’s Cycles
Former Indian Motorcycle CEO Rey Sotelo Arrested
Published by July 23rd, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
Former Indian Motorcycle CEO Rey Sotelo, was arrested June 15 by state and federal agents on suspicion of racketeering and conspiracy of trafficking stolen parts, loan-sharking, and doing business with outlaw motorcycle clubs. Rey Sotelo retired from the business six years ago, but federal prosecutors accused the Gilroy man last week of helping a central California chop shop send a stolen Harley-Davidson to Sweden. Federal prosecutors have used a grand jury’s findings to indict a total of 11 men, including five with law enforcement connections. If convicted for his alleged part in the Scandinavian scheme, Sotelo could spend five years in jail and pay about $250,000. Continue reading ‘Former Indian Motorcycle CEO Rey Sotelo Arrested’
Delivering an exclusive design combo of the nostalgic Springer front end and a wide 240 mm rear tire and fender, Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) rolls out a the 2009 CVO Softail Springer. Based on a totally unique frame design with wide, fully polished and chrome-plated swing arm, fully polished chrome cast aluminum oil tank and a host of premium components and accessories, the CVO Softail Springer is 1 of only 2 09 Harley-Davidson models with the quintessential Springer front fork design. Continue reading ‘New 2009 CVO Softail Springer’
New 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster
Published by July 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
When it debuted in 1957, the original Sportster projected a tough and rebellious attitude that was born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of that era. With its 2009 Sportster line. Harley-Davidson tries to keep this spirit alive in every new model, especially with the retro look of the Nightster. Harley takes it in a dark direction with dead-on, rat-rod styling. Black finishes cover wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebar, hand and foot controls. Continue reading ‘New 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster’
New 2009 Harley-Davidson 3-Wheeler Called Tri Glide Ultra Classic
Published by July 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
With the help of baby-boomers, trikes being back since 3 years on the custom bike scene, Harley-Davidson noticed and in 2009 brings to its line a three-wheeler called The Tri Glide Ultra Classic. It is based on a new chassis and offers the classic styling and popular touring features of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide in a vehicle that will be sold and serviced by the network of Harley-Davidson dealers and covered by a two-year Harley-Davidson limited warranty. The Tri Glide will have an MSRP of $29,999. Continue reading ‘New 2009 Harley-Davidson 3-Wheeler Called Tri Glide Ultra Classic’
The 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle has, as Harley-Davidson states it, a “broad-shouldered presence” with gaping air scoops, sweeping side-pipe exhaust and a big 240 mm rear tire spinning under a new rear fender. The combination stop/tail/turn LED light is tucked under the edge of the rear fender, and the side-mount license plate leaves the fender surface smooth and uncluttered. A look to mean urban sense of style and performance. Continue reading ‘New 2009 V-Rod Muscle’
New 2009 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob
Published by July 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As you can see it has been restyled to enhance its “bobber” and “raw-boned” street performance look. More blacked-out features, a lower profile front fender, a higher chopped rear fender topped with a curved retro LED light, new laced wheels with gloss black rims, a re-designed solo seat, a silver-face speedometer with fuel range read-out, a new fuel sender are the main 09 introduced features and take the Dyna platform to a new old school “garage engineering” style. To also notice are new Straight Cut Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust, 160 mm-17 rear / 100 mm-19 front tires, 4.8-gallon Fat Bob fuel tank, mini ape-hanger-style handlebar, a 29-degree fork angle, a wrinkle-black console, battery cover and belt guard mid-mount foot controls. Available are optional anodized aluminum profile laced wheels and a ‘Smart Security Systembox’
All-New Frame For The 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Family
Published by July 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
A new chassis designed to deliver enhanced handling, increased capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger underpins the five model Harley-Davidson® Touring family for 2009. Incorporating an all-new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tires, the new chassis forms the foundation for the new motorcycles. The key styling elements of these motorcycles, however, are essentially unchanged. The new Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame. Continue reading ‘All-New Frame For The 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Family’
All My Readers Invited To Klock Werks Party In South Dakota
Published by July 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The article “If this was Sturgis main street. Would you still come?” written by Chris Callen got a lot of positive reactions including one posted by Klock Werks Kustom Cycles in South Dakota. Read it, and join the crew for a party with them on July 31st (their 3rd annual) when you are on your way to Sturgis. “Hello Cyril. With Sturgis right around the corner there is lots of talk about the numbers being down. Being based out of Mitchell SD right on I-90 we see Sturgis and Black Hills traffic a good month before the rally and a month after the rally. It’s like that every year and by the number of motorcycles parked outside our local hotels and motels every night I see nothing has changed. Motorcyclists are still choosing to ride. Continue reading ‘All My Readers Invited To Klock Werks Party In South Dakota’
Exclusive. The New 2009 Harley-Davidson Models
Published by July 22nd, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.
Later I will have the opportunity to develop more in details the most interesting models and innovations brought by Harley-Davidson with its 2009 line. Follow the most notable aspects.
1- A new V-Rod Muscle with a “broad shouldered presence” with bigger air scoops, large volume dual exhaust and a big 240 mm rear tire. The VRSCAW V-rod and the VRSCD Night Rod Special also feature the 1250 cc Revolution engine, a 240 mm tire, Brembo triple-disc brakes with ABS standard. 2- A Completely New Touring Chassis on the 5 models to deliver better handling, increased capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger. It’s an all new frame, new swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tires. The new frame is approximately 20 percent stiffer than the frame used in 2008, a key factor behind the improved handling. All models also feature air-adjustable rear shocks to accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Originally introduced as an option, ABS is now offered as standard equipment on all 2009 Touring. Powertrain revisions include a new 2-1-2 exhaust system that reduces heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and a lower final drive ratio for improved acceleration performance. Rear styling is cleaner, with a wider fender and the elimination of the rear “hoop” over the fender on models not equipped with a Tour-Pak™. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. The New 2009 Harley-Davidson Models’
Motorcycle Power Ports To Power Anything 12 Volts.
Published by July 22nd, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Wire Plus Electronics introduces their new line of “Power Ports” to connect and/or charge phones, GPS devices, laptops, portable music systems, cigarette lighters, heated gloves and vests. Any device that connects to a 12V power supply through a standard cigarette lighter can be charged with one of these Power Ports. Best of all, you can maintain and charge your battery through this port when not riding. Available in dual port or single port, they can be installed in minutes by connecting 2 wires to your battery and attaching the unit directly on either the horn bolt or to any other location with one bolt mounting. Simple, effective and immediate power right at your fingertips every time you ride! Available in chrome or black powder coated, starting at $69.00 MSRP for the Bullet Single Port and $94.50 MSRP for either Dual Port style. (Double Barrel or V-Twin). At Wire Plus.
West Coast Choppers Nomad Exhaust
Published by July 22nd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Check it out. West Coast Choppers has just released an extremely cool, 2 into 2 exhaust system that is certain to set any machine apart. Named Nomad 2 into 2, these new pipes feature stepped head pipes with 3-chamber, low restriction baffles and a functional, race bred, slip fit tension spring design. Mufflers are joined by an in your face “3-Dimple” crossover plate. The new pipes are available in both polished 16 gauge stainless or chrome mild steel to fit SFT models with and without oxygen sensors. The mirror finished stainless goes for $1089 and the Chrome version sells for $989. West Coast Choppers.
Best Of Show Winner At LA Calendar Bike Show
Published by July 21st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The 17th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend presented by Performance Machine, returned to the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach on July 12-13th, 2008. Best of Show winner is Jim Giuffra (center in yellow shirt) from AFT Customs, Martell, CA, seen here collecting his trophy, a check for $3,000 cash and some $10,000 more in awards. It’s an incredible metric custom named “Er Head” built from an air-cooled Yamaha XVS engine fed by a Mikuni HSR carburetor. The bike features a specially modified Yamaha/Redneck Engineering/ AFT Customs oil-in frame with RMD billet girder front forks, and a single shock rear suspension. Assisting Jim with the construction of the top bike was his assistant Ron Abel. Together with Jim (on the left) are Ted Sands from Performance Machine, Show hostess Kari Kimmel, the AFT Model Agency girls in pink shirts, and the FastDates.com Calendar Kittens in white/red.
