Storz Performance, Inc. announced that Harley-Davidson, Inc. has reached agreement with Storz Performance,Inc. of Ventura, CA to acquire Storz’ trademark rights for the mark “XR 1200” (U.S. Trademark Application No. 77/048680). Specific terms of the agreement are confidential. Storz Performance introduced it’s XR 1200 dirt track style conversion kits for Sportster motorcycles in January 2005. Harley-Davidson already launched in Europe the sport bike XR1200, but this model remains unavailable in the USA. Is it possible that Storz owning the XR 1200 trademark in the US, Harley-Davidson could not launch the same model here? Now that Harley owns this trademark I will not be surprised to see the XR 1200 model showing up in American dealerships. Per agreement with Harley, Steve Storz could not comment with me. Storz Performance.
Archive Page 387
Storz Performance Sells XR 1200 Trademark Rights To Harley-Davidson
Published by June 19th, 2008 in Chassis and Editorial.
It’s a tradition. J&P Cycles® Annual Open House Celebration which started out as a small Customer Appreciation day held by J&P owners John and Jill Parham to thank their customers is now a big one day event. Last year the Parhams hosted over 11,000 people as far away as Canada. The event includes displays from over 60 of the industry’s leading manufacturers (like Bikers Choice, Drag Specialties®, Kuryakyn, Parts Unlimited, SuperTrapp, Vance & Hines, etc, a ride-in show, a rodeo show, free food and drink, DJ music, Dyno Run, Road Hazard’s Extreme Team motorcycle stunt show, “Ride Like a Pro” Skill Riding demonstrations, etc. Continue reading ‘J&P Cycles 29th Annual Open House Is June 28’
Made In America. Reborn In Belgium.
Published by June 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
One of the things I love about my business is meeting and talking to so many different people from different countries and cultures, all sharing the same passion for The Motorcycle, whatever brand and look it can be. Yesterday, the owner of Capital Europe Harley-Davidson based in Brussels, Belgium, called my shop to place a parts order. And of course, like each time I talk to a “foreigner” the conversation goes beyond the usual and expected “ship it a.s.a.p”. I wanted to know what was going on in Belgium, and told him the same about the US. Which bikes sell, why, type of customs people ride, legislation, etc. It’s the way I found out that Mario Van Den Broeck decided to open his Harley Dealership because he loves to customize bikes. Continue reading ‘Made In America. Reborn In Belgium.’
Jay Leno’s september 11TH Celebrity Signed Harley-Davidson
Published by June 18th, 2008 in Editorial.
Dear Cyril,
“I read the article on your blog, “To Post Or Not To Post. That Is The Question.”, so I am going to try to make this snappy…
After doing some research on your site, I see that you know Jay Leno and are familiar with the Harley Davidsons that he collects celebrity signatures on and donates to specific causes. To my knowledge, he has done this act of patronage on three occasions. The causes were 9/11, the 2004 Tsunami, and Hurricane Katrina. My dad, Frank Davis, bid $360,200 on the 2001 Harley Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider that Leno donated to help the victims of 9/11… but not before he walked out of the bank with a six figure loan. He appeared on the “Tonight Show” and accepted his Harley Davidson. He was only 37 years old when he obligated himself to this cause so he figured he would be able to take care of the bank note over the next couple years, with no problem. Unfortunately, this was not the case. He died in August of 2003 while trying to save his friend from drowning. He was our”rock” and his passing devastated my family in many, many ways. Continue reading ‘Jay Leno’s september 11TH Celebrity Signed Harley-Davidson’
Chopper Challenge This Evening On CMT
Published by June 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Every week, the CMT 10-episode prime-time series called The Chopper Challenge presents a different bike builder constructing a custom motorcycle that incorporates a brand into the vehicle design. Previous shows included the Incredible Hulk, insurance company Geico and Time Warner Cable’s “RoadRunner Broadband Service”. Tonight on CMT at 8.30 PM Est, Knockout Motorcycle Company will be the builder featured and you will see the custom motorcycle he built for sponsor Jim Beam, the world’s top selling brand of Bourbon Whiskey. The bike will be later auctioned with the proceeds going to a charity called “Operation Home Front”. At 8.30 PM EST, watch The Chopper Challenge.
New Diamond Parts By Covingtons Customs
Published by June 17th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs and Suspension.
Covingtons Customs released 3 new parts to its line of Diamond Edition parts.The fork slider covers are from CNC machined billet aluminum and fit 80 and onward FLH models. The finish is black anodizing with diamond-cut fins. To match the slider covers, Covingtons are also now producing diamond-edged Street Glide dash inserts and gas doors.The two other new parts work with the stock dash assembly on ’08 Street Glides, ’06 onward Street Glides, ’04 and ’05 FLHTCSEs. Like the covers, they are anodized and diamond-cut from CNC machined billet aluminum.Covingtons Customs. Via AMD.
A Dealer Point Of View. What Went Wrong With Factory Customs.
Published by June 17th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Charles Strand of “Iron Horse Of Texas” sent me the following letter. In it, he explains his views on the state and the future of the “mass produced custom motorcycles” market. It’s long but worth reading it. As always, I welcome your comments.
“In the 5 years that I’ve been on the retail side of this very unsophisticated industry, I’ve seen an evolution that any good business person could have predicted many years ago. For 6 years prior to becoming a Dealer, I was on the manufacturing side of the industry as a founder and Board member of American IronHorse. Prior to 2004, when we opened Iron Horse Of Texas, the demand for Customs far exceeded the supply and bad industry attitudes were developed. Unfortunately, many of those big egos and bad attitudes still exist today. Attitudes from manufacturers that Dealers are lucky to get bikes and have someone willing to take their money. Attitudes from Dealers that customers could take it or leave it as supplies were limited and therefore justified a price $3000 to $10,000 over MSRP. Because of these attitudes, the door opened for more competition, everyone with a tattoo and an attitude wanted to get into the Bike Business… and did! Regardless of what anyone thinks, the “Bike Business” is still “Business” and without good inventory management, good customer service, good consumer financing… there won’t be a custom market. Continue reading ‘A Dealer Point Of View. What Went Wrong With Factory Customs.’
MotoTrix realeased these 2 designs of laser cut foot pegs: the Maltese cross and a Flamed one cut into the foot peg. All foot pegs come with removable rubber inserts making the peg customizable by you, ride with the inserts or without. Every MotoTrix foot peg is thicker than most and made from hand-polished A383 aluminum and each of the designs is cut all the way through the peg. All pegs are male mount and will fit most female mounts from 1965-2008. MotoTrix
Economic Stimulus Package Offered By Big Dog Motorcycles
Published by June 16th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Our government sends checks to help us go through an economic slow down and a credit crisis. And it’s a very good thing when a private corporation like Big Dog Motorcycles gives you extra incentives to buy your dream custom motorcycle. Big Dog Motorcycles®, the leading manufacturer of high performance, high style motorcycles, is luring customers to dealer showrooms this summer with all-new retail financing incentives that include substantial cash allowances or introductory rates as low as 4.99% on select 2008 and 2007 models. Highlights of the new “Summer Sales Blockbuster” Incentive Program, effective now, include: 2008 Pitbull™: $2,000 manufacturer’s cash allowance 2008 Mutt™: $2,000 manufacturer’s cash allowance or introductory rates as low as 4.99% for 36 months for well-qualified buyers through GE Money Bank.
2007 Bulldog™, Chopper™, Pitbull™: $1,000 manufacturer’s cash allowance. For complete information on program incentives and restrictions, visit an authorized Big Dog Motorcycles dealer or locate one by going to Big Dog Motorcycles.
I was informed that due to a recent cancellation Accurate Engineering have a natural-finish 93” Panhead ready to ship and available for sale. This is a brand new engine with a 12 month, 12,000 miles warranty. It comes with carburetor, ignition, coil, plugs, wire, charging system and regulator. This engine has been run-tested and only needs to be installed and run. Their present build time is 16 weeks, so if you have wanted an Accurate Panhead, but couldn’t wait, here is your chance! This engine will be sold to the first buyer who pays in full, and will not be held for anyone. Call Accurate Engineering 334-702-1993
Going To See The Rolling Stones Filmed By Martin Scorsese
Published by June 15th, 2008 in Editorial.Well, if you wonder what I am doing today (no, you don’t), I am going to see “Shine A Light” in an IMAX theater. Academy award winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese shot this documentary during a concert of the Rolling Stones at the legendary art-deco Beacon Theater in New-York. Here is a movie highlight of the most enduring and best live rock ‘n roll band in the world.
Wish more music volume while riding at high speed? Then you should carry a Boostaroo®! The Boostaroo is a small, inexpensive audio amplifier and splitter that will deliver up to a 400% volume increase and better audio clarity to help a rider overcome wind and road noise. This amplifier is the size of a Bic lighter, uses standard 1/8″ stereo jacks. So, it is compatible with almost every audio player, headphone, and motorcycle audio system available. Simply plug the Boostaroo in-line between the device you are trying to amplify, and your helmet or motorcycle speakers. Now With 40 Hour Battery Life! Upbeat Audio.
Harley-Davidson reported a net income of $187.6 million or 79 cents a share down 2.5% from $192.3 million or 74 cents a share in the prior period despite revenue rising 11% to $1.31 billion, from $1.18 billion in 2007. The impact of the economic slowdown was felt most acutely at retail as US dealers’ new motorcycle sales declined 12.8% compared to a year ago. As a result, the firm has taken important steps to significantly reduce shipments for the rest of this calendar year and reduce the workforce. It now plan to ship 23,000 to 27,000 fewer Harley-Davidson motorcycles in 2008 than it did in 2007
I told you before that I love to ride holding ape hangers, not too high, 12” to 15” being my taste. Street Smart Cycle and Nash Motorcycle Company teamed up to create these Gimp Bars with rounded corners like an original ape hanger. It comes in sizes from 10 to 20” with a 33” grip to grip distance, a 5” pullback, and an 11” base. Also available for Springer application. Sold with/without drilling/dimpling. Nash Motorcycle.
Ex-Hot Bike Magazine Publisher Jeff Tinnion Shoots Himself After Police Pursuit
Published by June 13th, 2008 in Editorial.
Until February, Jeffrey Tinnion was the publisher of Hot Bike, Hot Bike Baggers and Street Chopper magazines with Source Interlink Media, LLC. On Monday June 9 at 9AM, Huntington Beach, CA Police was responding to a call from a female at a residence who said someone had gotten into her apartment. The intruder fired at her and she was taken to a hospital with injuries that aren’t life threatening. Police chased a man in a truck suspected of shooting the woman. A few miles away, they bumped his pickup and spun it out. The suspect exited his vehicle and shot himself. He was later identified as Jeffrey James Tinnion, 51. He was the former boyfriend of the woman he shot in her apartment. Via Orange County News Source.
Today Friday, June 13 at Noon, Eastern Standard Time (U.S.) motorcycle journalist and books author Mike Seate launches an online magazine exclusively dedicated to the Cafe Racers. As far as I know, it’s the first US based internet magazine dedicated exclusively to the cult of the Cafe Racer motorcycle. The site is featuring bikes, events, vintage rebuilds, road tests, visits to Cafe Racer rallies and news about these fast motorcycles. Mike Seate will publish weekly updates, then later will start the production of “Café Society” an upcoming high-definition Speed Channel film about the ton-up era. A print version of Cafe Racer magazine is also in Mike’s plans with a launch scheduled August 1st. Cafe Racer Magazine.
(To those who were not born in the 60’s or not exposed to the European motorcycle scene, I remind you that Cafe Racers have their roots mainly in the British counterculture groups represented by the Rockers and Ton Up Clubs. Rockers created a young and rebellious Rock and Roll counterculture that wanted a fast custom bike to travel between transport cafés along the newly built arterial motorways in and around British towns and cities. The goal was often to be able to reach 100 miles/hour (called “The Ton”) along a route where the rider would leave from a cafe, race to a predetermined point and back to the cafe before a single song could play on the jukebox (called record-racing). They were fond of Rockabilly music and their image belongs to today’s rockabilly culture}.
Street Fighter Bikes Are For Grown-Ups
Published by June 13th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Alan is a former collaborator who 15 years ago helped me on some of my customs. Since then, at his Florida shop called “Santiago chopper”, he has built all kind of bikes, choppers, bobbers and trikes, his trademark. Then, at the age of 50 he decided that it was time to play again (mid life crisis?) and that the best way to do it was to build for himself a custom street fighter, the type of 2 wheels he was building…30 years ago.. Wheelies anyone? Well, his new bike is a Suzuki Bandit bought on the cheap on eBay whose frame was cut to keep only pieces of the frame around the engine. A Ducati front end and swingarm were modified to be installed on the new custom frame. Body is built from massaged MV Agusta parts. Wheels come from Ducati, control and brakes from Brembo, fluid reservoirs from Rebuffini. Alan didn’t tell me if he intends to organize a “Baby Boomers Fighters” MC, but knowing him, who knows? Santiago Chopper
Oakland Police Department Wants Louder Pipes On Its Harleys
Published by June 12th, 2008 in Editorial.
Another very interesting article forwarded by Rogue.
Over in Oakland they like it loud – so loud that all 45 of the Police Department’s Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been equipped with shiny new tailpipes, at a cost of $500 apiece, to rev up their roar. It seems the cops just didn’t feel safe on toned-down bikes. “There’s an old motorcycle adage that you are heard before you are seen,” said Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, explaining the department’s decision to toss the bikes’ muted factory-issued mufflers in favor of the more high-volume pipes. Kozicki cited an accident three months ago in which an Oakland officer riding a toned-down cycle was struck by a motorist who said he hadn’t heard the officer approaching. Continue reading ‘Oakland Police Department Wants Louder Pipes On Its Harleys’
Dave Perewitz Custom Paint Bike Show At Sturgis Thunder Road
Published by June 12th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial, Events and Painters.
During the 2008 Sturgis Rally, “Thunder Road” prepares to host the Dave Perewitz Custom Paint Bike Show, which will highlight some of the motorcycle industry’s best art. This show will give every painter and builder the opportunity to compete on strictly the quality and aesthetic appeal of their bike paintjob. Instead of focusing on the machines themselves, as most shows at Sturgis do, this day will be all about the industry’s artistic side. Continue reading ‘Dave Perewitz Custom Paint Bike Show At Sturgis Thunder Road’
Rogue knows much more than most of us about the biker lifestyle. For you, he reviewed the latest book of Dave Nichols, Chief Editor of Easyriders Magazine, photographed by Kim Peterson.
“I have just finished reading the book One Percenter – the Legend of the Outlaw Biker by Dave Nichols. I will start off by saying it is not what I expected but that is “My Bad” because I did not pay attention to the Legend part of the title. Having ridden for over 56 years, been the president of a large motorcycle club and even a one percenter for a period of time there is not much I haven’t been involved in concerning motorcycles. That is why I can say the following. Continue reading ‘One Percenter. The Legend Of The Outlaw Biker.’
As you know, the Harley-Davidson Museum will open to the public on July 12 and intends to be a major tourist attraction. And I bet that a lot of visitors will want their picture taken next to this bronze sculpture by friend Jeff Decker. It depicts a vintage 1930 Hill Climber and intends, as Jeff stated during its unveiling last Monday, “to glorify biker culture while avoiding cliché images. No Marlon Brando, no Peter Fonda. A piece of realism, but in a romantic way”. This exceptional bronze piece is 1 ½ life size and is now standing on the most visible part of the museum campus. It’s a gift to the museum from Willie G. Davidson, Harley-Davidson senior vice president and chief styling.(picture by Marylo Walicki)
Roger Bourget Drifting On The Bagger Side.
Published by June 10th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Anticipation, adaptation and diversification are necessary in any free market economy. Even more so when motorcycle demographics are changing radically in a context of a country in state of financial stress. So, very aware of the aging of the population, Roger Bourget created the Bagger Group Inc. dedicated to fill the need for more comfortable custom motorcycles to be ridden by baby boomers. Continue reading ‘Roger Bourget Drifting On The Bagger Side.’
“MotoStars”, the celebrities and their motorcycles exhibition will open at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (just east of Columbus, OH) on June 27, 2008 by a Grand Opening VIP party where participants will be able to bid live on many auction items. Absentee bids via email are accepted until June 15. Among the many items you can acquire. A Honda VTX 1300 used in 2003 Quentin Tarantino movie “Hell ride”. Country star Keith Urban signed Les Paul Special 2 guitar. Neil Pearl (Rush band) played drum sticks. A life size “Joe Motocross Snoopy Statue” (1 of only 94 ever created) . Sara Liberte “Builder & Machine” poster featuring Mondo Porras and signed by a dozen well known builders (I signed it), etc. Register and bid by going to cMarket.
OCC is going from custom built motorcycles to MotoCoasters. Darien Lake’s newest thrill ride is called the Orange County Choppers MotoCoaster. It’s a ride involving street modified super sport motorcycles launching passengers from 0 to 40 mph in 3 seconds up 40 feet in the air, speeding through eights, hairpin turns, and back. The partnership between the theme park and OCC includes the building of a custom motorcycle inspired by this wicked ride. And of course, it will make a great pretext for shooting a new episode of the TV show American Chopper.
Gear Oil. Running Cooler, Longer And Harder
Published by June 10th, 2008 in Driveline and Editorial.
North County Customs has just introduced a very serious gear oil for your American V-Twin. Developed exclusively for NCC by LAT (Lubeatech Advanced Technologies), the high tech oil is designed specifically to provide maximum protection under extreme loads and high temperatures encountered by Cruisers and Baggers alike. LAT provides superior shock load and wear protection under the most extreme conditions and smoother more precise shifting. The unique lubricant is formulated from the highest quality synthetic base oils fortified with VI improvers, rust inhibitors, foam suppressants and LAT’s exclusive LFR extreme pressure additive. Available in 75w140 it exceeds API GL-5. LAT GEAR OIL promotes lower operating temperatures, reduced friction, less wear, superior overall performance and longer life. For complete details contact North County Customs at 714-680-0911 or visit at Lubeatech
Darwin Motorcycles, Builder of Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers, built this custom military-inspired Digger. It features an army green paint scheme and the logo of each branch of the service etched into the open primary. The frame was clear coated to show off the welds and construction and the set of foot pegs was manufactured from brass knuckled 1918 Trench Warfare knives. Continue reading ‘Brass Balls Bobbers Military Bike’
