Archive Page 39

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Harley-Davidson York Plant Temporarely Closed. Regional news station WGAL, Harley confirmed Harley temporarily closed its plant in York, Pennsylvania, which it says it does from time to time. No official reason was officially provided. The York facility is where Harley assembles its Touring, Softail, CVO, and Trike motorcycles, as well as performs various manufacturing operations such as making frames, fuel tanks, and fenders.

EagleRider Will Now Offer Motorcycle Buyers The Opportunity To Enjoy Its Million Mile Limited Powertrain Protection. This new offering empowers EagleRider motorcycle buyers to feel increasingly more confident in their purchase and ride without worry for up to one million miles. Complimentary powertrain coverage begins immediately following the purchase of an eligible motorcycle. Eligible motorcycles are thoroughly inspected by EagleRider service team members, are less than 10 years in age and have fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer. The protection plan covers the engine, transmission, primary drive and drive axle up to one million miles. Additional benefits include towing reimbursement up to $75 each time, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and the option to choose a 24-, 36-, or 48-month term full WRAP coverage for a new bike or a 12-, 24-, or 36-month term for a pre-owned bike. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’

How Speed Is Affecting A Biker

To help motorcyclists understand the eventual risks with fast acceleration and deceleration, Bikesure, one of the UK’s leading motorcycle insurers, has summarized the effects on your body.

When Accelerating

BRAIN When accelerating, blood is pulled away from the brain and moves toward the lower half of the body. This gives an exciting, but temporary, sensation of light-headedness and exhilaration with a heightening of all senses.

HEAD Together with a helmet, the neck has to support about 4kg, so when riding, neck muscles can get squeezed or pinched, sometimes resulting in a whiplash sensation. Uncomfortable in the short term, and can cause muscles to ache over longer periods. Correcting posture and regular breaks will help prevent this.

HEART During rapid acceleration (or deceleration) the heart can reach 180bpm; 95% of its capacity! This cardio activity is exciting in the short term, but not sustainable over long periods. The body can release adrenaline with the sudden experience of accelerating, heightening the senses.

RIBS & LUNGS When accelerating, G-force pulls the ribs down, emptying the air from the lungs. G-force is what makes flying, fairground rides and motorcycling exhilarating. Being able to precisely modify the G-force with throttle or brakes makes motorcycling a unique experience.

SPINE During acceleration, forces spread upward through the entire body, compressing the spine. The spine is central to the nervous system and any forces will be felt acutely, alerting the brain to pressures, movements and potential threats. Continue reading ‘How Speed Is Affecting A Biker’

From Street Glide To Street Glider By Italian CNC Specialist Ottodicuori


Whatever its recurrent economic difficulties, Italy has always held its reputation from design and cutting-edge technology since the Italian Renaissance in the late 13th century. Even in hard timesits reputation for style has always buoyed it. In the V-Twin motorcycle aftermarket business there is an Italian brand that Americans custom lovers are going to memorize and learn to pronounce: Ottodicuori.

A long time only a CNC machine shop doing the work for others, the company is now producing its own proprietary line of parts, covering all the basic \to customize Harley’s main bike lines. At the recent Moto Bike Expo, to showcase its new parts, the company displayed to the trade and the public no less than 6 different Harleys! Are featured here a few of those that helped a Street Glide go from factory dress to being turned into a Ottodicuori Street Glider. These parts have already being adopted by some European top builders, and the custom business working the way it does, these same parts are now crossing the Atlantic to join other top notch American custom shops. Continue reading ‘From Street Glide To Street Glider By Italian CNC Specialist Ottodicuori’

Joke Of The Week

A fleeing Taliban terrorist, desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desert when he saw something far off in the distance. Hoping to find water, he hurried toward the mirage, only to find a very frail little old Jewish man standing at a small makeshift display rack, selling ties.

The Taliban terrorist asked, “Do you have water? The Jewish man replied, “I have no water. Would you like to buy a tie? They are only $5!.” The Taliban shouted hysterically, “Idiot Infidel ! I do not need such an over-priced western adornment – I spit on your ties. I need water! “Sorry, I have none – just ties – pure silk – and only $5.” “Pah! A curse on your ties, I should wrap one around your scrawny little neck and choke the life out of you, but I must conserve my energy and find water!” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’

Breaking News. Erik Buell Racing To Shut Down Again

Sad news again, this one from Erik Buell Racing (EBR) The company announced that it is winding down its operations. The decision was taken due to the company’s difficulty at finding new dealers in a very soft US motorcycle market. Without distribution, 2016 sales were very weak and year 2017 was presenting an even greater challenge.

The announcement of Victory Motorcycles closing and of other brands slowing down their production magnified the problems that a small manufacturer like EBR was facing to survive. EBR will continue to honor warranties and provide parts to their current dealers and owners of their motorcycles.

In January 13, 2016 in a court ordered auction, Liquid Asset Partners located in Grand Rapids, Michigan bought all the assets (intangible and manufacturing assets) of Erik Buell Racing for about 2 million. At that time I interviewed CEO of Liquid Asset Partners Bill Melvin who told me “I believe Erik Buell Racing has established themselves as one of the premier motorcycle manufacturers in the world and has strong potential as a viable business”

It is clear that Liquid Asset Partners has pulled the plug and doesn’t wish to continue to financially support EBR in a market with so many headwinds. Today, Erik Buell states that he will continue to review strategic alternatives with interested investors regarding production operations.

Kuryakyn Sprint Signature Build Battle. Vote Now For The Best Custom Scout.

Kuryakyn dealers armed with the new Sprint Signature Series by John Shope are battling it out to see who can build the “baddest” Indian® Scout. Five dealerships were enlisted to showcase their creativity in a friendly war of the wrenches, demonstrating the versatility of the Sprint Signature Series and its ability to transform Scout and Scout Sixty platforms.

Sprint Signature Series Build Battle contestants are only limited by their own imagination. There are no rules regarding theme, total cost or design style. The lone requirement is that each build entry must utilize the entire Kuryakyn Sprint Signature Series by John Shope, including the Sprint Front Fender, Café Fairing, Chin Spoiler and various Sprint frame/body accents. Each participating dealer was also supplied with Crusher® Maverick Slip-Ons for use on their build.

Online public voting has opened and will be running through Friday, February 10 to decide the winning Scout. The winning dealership will be announced on Tuesday, February 14. Fans can vote for their favorite build and learn more about the inspiration behind each design at Kuryakyn Sprint Battle.

The five dealerships participating in the Sprint Signature Series Build Battle are: Continue reading ‘Kuryakyn Sprint Signature Build Battle. Vote Now For The Best Custom Scout.’

Motorcycle Parts Website

1970 Steve McQueen’s Racing Helmet

Warning. If you want to buy it, it’s going to set you back for a lot of money. This Bell Helmet painted by Kenny Howard aka “Von Dutch” is the one that he wore when he raced in 1970 in the Gulf Porsche at Sebring (2nd place) and Holtville (1st place). He also sed it during the filming of Le Mans. In good condition for its age. For sure an iconic piece. At Collectors Studio.

New Radial Caliper Kit From Beringer Brakes

Beringer Brakes, one of the leaders in high performance braking systems now offers a mounting plate with a center distance of 69 and 87 mm for radial calipers.

The Oversize Kit with 320 mm brake disc and 6-piston caliper is for Harley models 2000-up.

Online at Beringer Brakes.

New Dyna Chin Spoiler By Dirty Bird Concepts

Called the Dynaflo, this Chin Spoiler launched by Dirty Bird Concepts is one of the new parts belonging to their Dyna Division. Made from super strong NYB injection molded polymer, this Dyna Chin Spoiler is easy to paint, quick to install and adds an aggressive look to your bike. Will fit all Dynas 2006 to present and is sold with the mounting bracket and hardware needed for easy installation. Other parts recently added to the Dyna Division include the license plate eliminator and a series of horn and horn cover sets. Made in the USA. At Dirty Bird Concepts.

Extremely Rare 1999 Harley-Davidson MT500 Military Being Auctioned

It’s believed to be number 1 of fewer than 500 MT500 Military Motorcycles built by Harley-Davidson. It never got started and with 0 mile it is just as it came from the factory shipping crate. It is auctioned this weekend at the Bonhams Las Vegas auction with an estimated value of $20,000. While Harley isn’t very forthcoming with details about the military bike project, Bonhams gives some info. In their words.

“Harley is not adverse to gathering smaller brands under the H-D corporate umbrella. Witness Aermacchi in the 60s and ’70s, or more recently MV Agusta, and on the home front there was Buell. The MT’s path to Milwaukee was more than a little convoluted, starting in the early 1980s when Italian outfit SWM produced an army bike using the Austrian-built Rotax single for power. Continue reading ‘Extremely Rare 1999 Harley-Davidson MT500 Military Being Auctioned’

Ballistic Covert Hi-Flow Air Cleaner Kits for 2008-2013 Harley Softail And Touring Models

tm21tmThe Ballistic Covert Hi-Flow Air Cleaner Kit let you retain the stock look and breather cover of your 2008-2013 throttle by wire Harley Softail and Touring models.

The Ballistic Covert Kit includes, billet aluminum backing plate, cotton hi-flow filter element designed for optimum airflow and debris filtration, breather bolts, backing plate bolts and cover mounting bracket bolts. (you re-use the OEM breather cover and OEM mounting bracket. MSRP $129.95

Thunder Heart Performance, the manufacturer of ThunderMax and Ballistic Covert Air Cleaners, has been applying engineering expertise to motorcycle electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems since 1995. More info at ThunderMax or call 615.616.1127

Polaris 2016 Fourth Quarter Earnings And Full Year Results. Profits Slashed In Half By Lower Production And High Recalls.

This Tuesday morning January 24, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) reported fourth quarter 2016 sales of $1,217.8 million up 10 percent from $1,105.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2015. Fourth quarter 2016 reported net income was $62.6 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, compared with $110.7 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, for the 2015 fourth quarter.

For the full year ended December 31, 2016 the Company reported sales of $4,516.6 million, a decrease of 4 percent versus $4,719.3 million in the prior year. Reported net income was $212.9 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, compared with $455.4 million, or $6.75 per diluted share, for the full year 2015.

Motorcycle segment sales, including its PG&A related sales, decreased 35 percent in the 2016 fourth quarter to $105.7 million. Both Indian and Victory reported lower sales in the fourth quarter due to difficult comparables as product availability for all brands improved significantly in the 2015 fourth quarter, and as the Company reduced motorcycle production in the 2016 fourth quarter to complete the final paint system upgrade in Spirit Lake, IA. Slingshot® sales were down due to low product availability related to recall activity. Gross profit for the fourth quarter 2016 decreased 94 percent to $1.6 million compared to $24.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 due to lower production rates and higher warranty expense.

Fourth Quarter Segment Results (in thousands). Reporting segment sales includes their respective parts, garments and accessories (“PG&A”) related sales

North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment, including Victory®, Indian Motorcycle® and Slingshot®, was down mid-single digits percent during the 2016 fourth quarter while the overall motorcycle industry retail sales, 900cc and above, declined low-single digits percent in the 2016 fourth quarter. Indian Motorcycles retail sales increased about 20 percent while Victory retail sales were down mid-single digits percent during the quarter. Slingshot retail sales were down significantly due to tough comparable in the fourth quarter last year as the Company experienced unseasonably strong retail sales in the initial year of Slingshot product availability in 2015. Continue reading ‘Polaris 2016 Fourth Quarter Earnings And Full Year Results. Profits Slashed In Half By Lower Production And High Recalls.’

Brexit Sidecars Sale And How They Are Made.

Watsonian Squire, one of the largest sidecars producers, is a British company with North America distribution.

Following Britain’s Brexit vote, the sterling pound got heavily depreciated against the US dollar, making their products (sidecars and trailers) much cheaper for the American and Canadian buyer.

Time for you outside the UK to take advantage of this political event…I just relayed their message and take this opportunity to show you how their sidecars are made.

A 1912 Harley-Davidson X8E Previously Owned By Steve McQueen At Bonhams Las Vegas Auction

Another motorcycle previously owned by “King Of Cool” Steve McQueen will be auctioned tomorrow January 26 at the Bonhams Las Vegas Auction.

It was sold in 1984 at McQueen’s Estate auction with a signed certificate of authenticity signed by McQueen’s children, Terry and Chad. Today’s estimated value is around $120,000.

In 1912, the 1000cc X8E twin-cylinder was Harle’s first all-chain-drive model that was introduced that year at a price of $310. It features a magneto ignition, a clutch, skirted fenders, and Harley Davidson’s patented “full floating seat” with a coil spring in the frame post.

What about the non-factory red paint job? The never verified story is that it was applied by Steve McQueen after an evening of drinking with friend Kenny “Von Dutch” Howard…

About Americans’ Right To Modify Motorcycles And Street Cars

From a PR of The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)

For the amateur racing industry, the year started out on a strong note. One of the first bills to be introduced in the newly indoctrinated 115th session of Congress was the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2017 (RPM Act). U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) reintroduced H.R. 350 which protects Americans’ right to modify street cars and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles and industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete.

The same measure was introduced during the last legislative session and though it ultimately didn’t see floor time, it had broad bipartisan support with over 100 supporters in the House of Representatives and dozens in the U.S. Senate. This year, H.R.350 started out with 61 cosponsors with those numbers already increasing as additional supporters begin to sign on.

Rep. McHenry released a statement with the introduction of the bill, “Last year, I was proud to lead the fight against the misguided EPA regulation targeting racing, but our work is not done,” said the Congressman. “In the coming months, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the new Administration to ensure the RPM Act becomes law.” Continue reading ‘About Americans’ Right To Modify Motorcycles And Street Cars’

Custom Builder Yuri Shif Remembers Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin

The oldest among you may remember, even if you were just a little kid. On April 12, 1961 the Russian spacecraft Vostok 1 was launched with cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin aboard. He became the first human to travel into space and the first to orbit the earth. The Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States, the two Cold War superpowers, began. National pride and identity were at stake in this race. In the end, the Russians sent the first man, the first dog, and the first woman into space. Gagarin’s orbital spaceflight consisted of a single orbit around earth. The flight took 108 minutes from launch to landing. Gagarin parachuted to the ground separately from his capsule after ejecting at 4.5 mile altitude.

He became a Russian hero, an international celebrity. This accomplishment undoubtedly remains one of the major milestones not only in the history of space exploration, but also in the history of the human race itself. Yuri Gagarin was honored by the American space program during Apollo 11 in 1969 when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left a memorial satchel containing medals commemorating Gagarin. Continue reading ‘Custom Builder Yuri Shif Remembers Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’

Thought Of The Day

 

“If you ignite passion within you… the external world has a miraculous and magnificent way of rearranging itself to suit the new person you are becoming.”

Tina Su

Meat Hook Foot Pegs

Looks like all aftermarket part companies want serrated pegs in their catalogs. The game is to offer a unique design interpretation. These new ones, as the name “Meat Hook” implies, offer an excellent grip on your shoes.

They are at home on any Harley Dyna, FXR or Sportster that is aggressively ridden . Light weight and very strong. The outermost edge is tapered underside to optimize lean angle.

Precision machined from aircraft grade 6061 T6 billet aluminum. Measurements: 4.40″ L x 2.5″ W x 1.01″ H. Set includes 2 pegs, 2 HD Male chrome plated steel clevis, 2 socket head cap screws. Fitment: All H-D models. $139.95 per set. At Brass Balls Cycles

Thought Of The Day

cyril-huze-thought-of-theday

 

 

 

 

“Being busy in effective pursuit of your passion is one of the keys to happiness.”

Connor Young

Harley-Davidson’s European Battle Of the Kings

For the 3rd annual Harley-Davidson custom competition, European dealers were given the task to craft a custom-built Dark Custom Sportster Iron 883 or a Forty-Eight or Roadster. Fans can vote online for their favorite entry, which will create a short list for each region or country. Then, the overall champion will be determined by a panel of judges at the Milan EICMA show in November. Below a few of the contenders to the crown.
More bikes after the jump. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson’s European Battle Of the Kings’

Lowered Fork Spring Kit For 2017 Harley-Davidson FL Touring Models

Progressive Suspension has expanded their Lowered Fork Spring Kit offering by adding the new 2017 FL Touring models to their lineup.

The Fork Spring Kits soak up the small road bumps, yet are firm enough to absorb the molar-rattling ones. The spring rates have been chosen to reduce front end “dive” during braking, yet still provide excellent ride comfort.

They offer another advantage over straight rate springs: a rising rate resistance to compression offers the benefit of being soft enough at the start of the travel to offer a “plush” ride, yet be firm enough at the end of the travel to soak up the big bumps. The company warranty their fork springs for life. At Progressive Suspension Online Store Tel.877.690.7411

Fred Kodlin Just Unveiled A New Custom Sportster At Italy Motor Bike Expo.

At 10 am local time this Friday morning, the 2017 Italy International Motor Bike Expo (MBE) started to welcome the 160,000 expected visitors eager to see all weekend the new manufacturers’ models, to visit the more than 600 exhibitors and the 4 halls dedicated to the custom motorcycle industry. A huge exposure for all builders who traveled to Verona to show their new creations.

First in line to unveil his new project was Fred Kodlin with this Sportster 1200 commissioned by Custom Chrome Europe for their yearly “Bolt-On And Ride” program. This program includes 5 custom bikes built by some of the best builders, all working with complete freedom of style but being required to use parts distributed by CCE. Particularity of this “Bolt-On And Ride” program is that each of these bikes is available all year long to members of the press for evaluation with real life road testing.

Some may be very surprised to see the name Fred Kodlin associated with a custom Sportster. These last years Kodlin, with his co-designer and co-worker son Len, had focused his efforts on very radical baggers (yes with tall front wheels), and of course on the creation of custom parts to fit them. But those who, like me, know him since a very long time have seen him build many top creations based on all main models of the Harley line. As a matter of fact, and little known by Americans, Kodlin has already released a few months ago during Intermot a complete line of stylish bolt-on Sportster components now distributed by Custom Chrome Europe, with some of them featured on this new Sportster 1200 project. Continue reading ‘Fred Kodlin Just Unveiled A New Custom Sportster At Italy Motor Bike Expo.’

Joke Of The Week

On a bitterly cold winter morning a husband and wife were listening to the radio during breakfast. They heard the announcer say, “We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the snow ploughs can get through.” So the good wife went out and moved her car.

A week later while they are eating breakfast again, the radio announcer said, “We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street, so the snow ploughs can get through.” The good wife went out and moved her car again. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’

2017 Slugger Pegs By Nash Motorcycle Co.

Nash Motorcycle released a revamped version of their original Slugger Pegs. Same overall design but that you can now mount right to your stock peg mounts. 5 1/2” long overall length gives you a short but comfortable fit with the rolled end locking in your foot.

Made from 100% aluminum with steel inserts for strength. Available in Raw, Black, and Chrome finish. From $165 to $195/pair. (will not fit the following Harley models: 13-17′ FXSB/SE, 11-13′ FXS, 08-11 FXCW/C, 13-17 XL1200V/XL1200C/XL1200CX) Order online at Nash Motorcycle Co. Slugger Pegs

Samurai Concept Motorcycle

We know the Zen philosophy and aesthetic applied to art, architecture, furniture, food and many other disciplines. But what about the Zen principles applied to Japanese factory motorcycles to make them look basic, simple, graceful, unbound by convention?

It’s easy to recognize Italian design in its different expressions, including in motorcycle design. But it’s a paradox that Japanese manufacturers never tried to create models with a Zen philosophy when it’s since centuries such an essential element of their culture. Continue reading ‘Samurai Concept Motorcycle’

First Ace Cafe In the U.S. Scheduled To Open In Downtown Orlando Spring 2017. Job Fair To Hire 175.

Looking for a gig? Ace Cafe Orlando, the first outpost of the iconic London, England-based motor-diner, is bringing 175 new jobs to Central Florida and will host a job fair later this month. A beacon to English motorcyclists for decades, the Ace Cafe has become a global cultural phenomenon, and is about to bring that same love of speed and adrenaline to downtown Orlando in the form of Ace Cafe Orlando. Currently under construction inside three historic buildings on a three acre parcel located at the corner of West Livingston Street and Garland Avenue, Ace Cafe Orlando is on track for a scheduled opening this spring.

The Ace will host a job fair on Friday through Monday, January 27-30, 2017, between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Courtyard Orlando Downtown, at 730 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32803. Talented bartenders, baristas, servers, retail sales associates and other food service industry professionals with outgoing and creative personalities are invited to apply in person or send an email to jobs@acecafeusa.com. Visit Ace Cafe or call 858.729.3400 for details.

The Ace offers competitive benefits and professional advancement opportunities for proven restaurant professionals that possess the ability to maintain its high standards of quality and guest satisfaction. The Ace offers health/dental/vision benefits and unmatched opportunities for growth in a friendly and exhilarating work environment.

More than a restaurant, Ace Cafe Orlando will connect great food and dining with a passion for motoring and rock ‘n roll, providing a totally unique guest experience found nowhere else in the world. The menu is an American roadside diner concept with made-from-scratch home style comfort food, with some British favorites like Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and Chicken Curry, but with a twist that captures the authentic spirit and flavors of some of the best backroad joints and specialty fare, with a nod to locally-sourced and green options, all at an affordable price point. Ace Cafe Orlando also has a big backyard area for patio dining, making it a great place for an outdoor event and live music in the middle of the city. Continue reading ‘First Ace Cafe In the U.S. Scheduled To Open In Downtown Orlando Spring 2017. Job Fair To Hire 175.’



Cyril Huze