After my visit to new Indian Motorcycle headquarters I told you here that the Stellican company has a very qualitative approach and that they would not announce a launch before being 100% ready with a 100% reliable motorcycle. Chairman Stephen Julius also wrote in my Blog the very legitimate reasons why his company remained silent. But when I was with the executive staff in Kings Point, NC I had the opportunity to observe the effervescence of the pre-launch, see the assembly line being in place, watch ultimate tests being done on engines and transmissions, see the all-new components Powerplus 105” being assembled by their engine builders… and touch the new Indian Chief. No official launch date is communicated to me, but now I am authorized to publish the 1st official pictures of what will be the 2009 Chief in its “Standard” configuration (I remind you that there are 4 models: “Standard”, “Deluxe”, “Roadmaster” & “Vintage”). Price is now set at $30,999 for the Standard Chief. Should I tell you that this Indian Chief will be introduced in time to be stuffed into some very, very large Christmas stockings? Or maybe much sooner? Hum, not yet. But today, Indian Motorcycle advised me that they just updated their site with pictures, specifications and prices for each Chief model. Just go to Indian Motorcycle Models.
Archive Page 391
First Official Pictures Of The New 2009 Indian Motorcycle Chief
Published by May 7th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.Legend Of The Motorcycle Weekend Event
Published by May 7th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last weekend was the third annual Legend of the Motorcycle event, which includes a concours d’élégance and a classic bike auction, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel near Half Moon Bay, California, about 30 miles south of San Francisco. It’s a gorgeous seaside location reminiscent of the famed Pebble Beach collector-car event held each August down the coast near Monterey. Although a recent event, Legend Of The Motorcycle is rapidly becoming one of motorcycling most prestigious showcases. There was about 100 rare and classic motorcycles on the block at a Bonhams & Butterfields auction. Among them a 1906 Indian called a Camel Back model because of its distinctive rear hump which was the fluid reservoir. As a matter of fact it’s a bicycle powered by a single-cylinder 260 cc engine producing 2 horsepower. Original Indians have become highly prized by collectors and although Indians were the big sellers at the auction, the event was also about honoring motorcycles made by Norton of Britain and MV Agusta of Italy. Each year, the event honors different motorcycle manufacturers with exhibits, artworks and presentations. The auction also featured bikes previously owned by Steve McQueen, by the late Evel Knievel and by Bud Ekins, the stuntman and racer who died last October. Racer Giacomo Agostini received a lifetime achievement award at this year’s Legends event and appeared with some of his winning racing motorcycles. Legend Of The Motorcycle Concours D’Elegance.
Motorcycle Madness In Santa Maria, California
Published by May 7th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Santa Maria Fairpark, CA will be on fire with tons of new stuff happening in 1 week, May 16th, 17th, and 18th. Pipes will be hot as bikers put their scooters to the test on the Thunderdrags Dyno Shootout. Race for bragging rights and get a performance printout for free on the mobile dyno. So. Cal’s hottest boxers will battle it out in the Bikernet Boxing Madness ring. Rock to non-stop live music on the Budweiser main stage and wash down some Santa Maria style B-B-Q with a cold Bud. Santa Maria Harley-Davidson is sponsoring MDA rides on Saturday and Sunday starting at the dealership. This will be a great way to checkout some of the best riding in the central coast. 3 custom bike shows with 17 classes end up with the top 15 on Sunday all hoping to take home one of the 58 custom billet trophies by Ego Tripp wheels. Speaking of HOT ! The first lady of motorcycling Michele Smith will be back for your viewing pleasure. The 36 acre Fairpark will be filled with more vendors and bikes than ever before. $65.00 weekend package is a bargain and a $130.00 value with tons of free stuff and the only way to win the Interstate enclosed bike trailer. If you are a day tripper Madness has a ride in special for 20.00 that includes a free t-shirt. Don’t forget to sign up to win the US ARMY BMC Chopper at the show. More at Horse Power Promotions.
California Customs Retail And Dealer Programs
Published by May 6th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
California Customs is announcing two new programs to better aid customers in obtaining their own custom built motorcycle or custom unassembled kit. First, they bring back a Fly & Buy program that they offered in 1997. If you fly to see them s in person they will pick you up at the airport, put you up in a hotel for the night and let you see their shop in person while they put together some designs for you custom bike or kit. They will credit you for the price of the airfare and hotel once you place your order for your bike. Additionally they are also accepting dealer applications from select custom shops throughout the country. Their dealers will be able to sell their line of custom bikes as well as their line of unassembled custom kits. California Customs offers 26 models in their built bike line and 24 models in their unassembled kit line. More info by calling 888-707- CUSTOM or at California Customs.
Will it become one of the nation’s major attractions like the Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Museum. Probably. Harley-Davidson has set the opening date for its motorcycle museum as July 12, the same weekend as Milwaukee’s Bastille Days festival. Museum tickets will go on sale starting May 20 at Harley Museum Tickets. Most opening-weekend tickets will be sold in advance online. They’re not available for the week of Aug. 28-31 during the Harley’s 105th Anniversary celebration . Among other exhbitins to long to list here, you will be able to see one bike from each of Harley’s 105 years, and also Harley bicycles, snowmobiles and golf carts the company made years ago. Harley Museum Tickets.
Terry O’Brien sent me the following email: “We’re growing over here at TAM Communications and I’m looking to find and hire 2 more solid individuals for the advertising sales department to make sure we’re in contact with, and doing all we can to help, each and every business that makes up our great industry. I’m looking for independent sales reps, so it’s not important where they live, but I am looking for riders, folks that know the motorcycle industry, and above all, folks that will live up to the high standards of our magazines and the high standards of our advertisers. Our titles: American Iron Magazine, American Iron Retailer, Road Bike Magazine, If someone you know is interested in representing the strongest motorcycle publications available today, please pass along my contact info. Thanks and see you all again soon” Terry O’Brien, Vice President of Sales – TAM Communications. Tel. 203-425-8777 x 112 or Fax 203-325-2254 fax
Keith Ball Tells You How to Build A Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle
Published by May 6th, 2008 in Books, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I met Keith Ball for the 1st time 16 years ago in one of the Easyriders Bike Shows in Charlotte, NC. As editor of Easyriders (he served in that position during 20 years), he picked one of my bikes to be featured in his magazine. He is now the Internet publisher of Bikernet and also build bikes featured in his website. Last year, he challenged himself to build the fastest Panhead on the Bonneville Salt Flats, and now shares his experience, his ups and downs, his setbacks and successes. In his new book Keith walks the reader through all the steps involved in the creation of a true Bonneville Salt Flats motorcycle. From choosing a racing class to picking a frame, from finding an engine builder to minimizing the aerodynamic drag at 200 miles per hour, Keith and a select band of H-D gear heads including engine guru Berry Wardlaw at Accurate Engineering, grind their teeth and lots of steel throughout the entire process. It includes “how to make guess-work fly,” Ball says”. Available from Wolfgang Publications (651-275-0194) or order through Amazon. How To Build A Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle.
Tech Cycle now manufactures one of their Contour Series open primary belt drive systems for your ’07-Up Softail or FL and ’06-Up Dyna. Engineered with the same high quality, bullet proof design that you have come to expect from Tech Cycle, this unit shares the same features that you’ll find standard in most of their open primary packages. The contoured lines of Tech’s primary plate will compliment any Softail, FL or Dyna, and kits are available in 2″ and 3″ belt widths. An optional contoured, modular belt guard is also available along with a high torque gear reduction starter designed specifically for ’07 models with the new 96″ motor. This system is available for immediate delivery. Tech Cycle is one of the leading manufacturers of High Performance H-D starters as well as open primary electric start kits for Pan/Knucklehead, Shovelhead and Evo/Twin cam applications. Made in the USA! Visit Tech Cycle or call Jason on my behalf at (215) 702-TECH
Cyril Huze Blog Traffic Rank Up 44% During The Last 3 months.
Published by May 5th, 2008 in Editorial.
Not only this Blog is by far the most visited Custom Motorcycles News Blog in the world, but our traffic jumped an amazing 44% during the last 3 months (source Alexa). It’s an amazing result in an uncertain US economy where you could think that interest for custom motorcycles has faded. Almost all our competitior’s traffic fell during the same 3 months, some very sharply. Check their traffic rank numbers by entering their URL addresses on top of this Page. We also rank #1 for the average number of pages visited by reader (22) showing how faithful our readers are. Among an estimated 85 million websites in the world, Cyril Huze Blog ranked 149,448 for the last 3 months and 102,046 for last week (#1 visited website in the world is Yahoo followed by Google and YouTube). During this period, Cyril Huze Blog passed the traffic of 43,908 websites in all industries. Thanks to all of you for reading me and commenting every day, and for the 7 sponsors who joined this Blog during the last 2 months. (Alexa doesn’t give the number of visitors but ranks all websites by volume of traffic. It is a good reference for observing the amount and evolution of traffic of websites versus each other. For number of real human visitors, we use Google Analytics. Data above as of May 2, 2008).
“Awesome-Ness” A New Exhibit Honoring Arlen Ness.
Published by May 5th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum announces the grand opening of “Awesome-Ness.” at the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, on July 24, 2008. Arlen Ness will join prominent colleagues and friends for the fifth in a series of Legends exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “Awesome-Ness” will feature machines and memorabilia from Ness personal collection. Curated by photographer Michael Lichter, the exhibit will do more than simply display Ness’ significant creations; it will delve into the stories behind his influential career. Lichter, author of “Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers,” will use his unique perspective on Ness to provide visitors an in-depth look at the celebrated customizer. The exhibit will feature 11 of Ness’ significant creations, including “Untouchable,” the 1947 Knucklehead that launched Ness’ career. Motorcycle Hall Of Fame. (picture “Smoothness”)
From May 5th to 20th, Motorcycle Industry Jobs (MIJ) is hosting the 4th annual online Moto Job Fair. This is the ideal time for seekers and employers of the Motorcycle Industry to come together. Job seekers can view hundreds of open positions in the motorcycle industry and find that perfect Job. MIJ encourages everyone interested in working in the Motorcycle Industry to create and/or update their resumes. MIJ has partnered up with Lonski and Associates the top recruiter for the Motorcycle Industry, and they can now view all your resumes and see if you fit the many jobs offered. To get started go to Motorcycle Industry Jobs.
Wimmer Machine Down Under
Published by May 4th, 2008 in Accessories, Builders, Editorial and Engines.
Of interest to my Aussie readers, Wimmer Machine is now distributed in Australia by Rollies Speed Shop. Rollies already carries products from many other world renowned companies and will now represent Wimmer Machine. The Australian company services approximately 250 different dealers located in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Indonesia and the South Pacific Rim. Peter “Rollie” Callow, started his career in the motorcycle industry after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree at Queensland University. Wimmer’s velocity stacks are designed to fit any stock or custom bike application and all carburetors. Rollies Speed Shop can be reached at: rollie@rollies.com.au
I receive a lot of press releases from many motorcycle companies. From time to time the stories received require a lot of time spent in facts checking. It is a story that doesn’t exactly say what it is saying? Or only say part of what a company wants me and my readers to believe? Does it seem to be saying something it is not? No doubt, some press releases landing in my e-mailbox are very well written and edited. But I swear that you can read them 3 or 4 times and still not entirely be sure what is really going on inside these companies. Especially when the press release is about the health of a company, like a reorganization, a merger, a bankruptcy filing or anything having to do with corporate image versus medias, vendors and customers. So, I rarely publish these stories the way they are sent to me and sometimes prefer not to publish them at all. I don’t want to add CliffsNotes to my posts. Too boring. So please, give me the facts and only the facts. It’s only what my readers want. Thanks.
Big Bear Choppers Annual Ride The Mountain Rally Is June 7-8
Published by May 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
It will be the 6th edition of this rally bringing about 10,000 riders from all over the west coast to the top of the San Bernardino mountain, CA. This year, Big Bear Choppers is stepping it up to a 2-day rally, which tells you one thing: this event has grown past its single day capabilities and expanding to better host the rush of bikers seeking a great ride and exciting, unique venue. Malcolm Smith Motorsports is the official sponsor with NOS as the official energy drink of this Ride the Mountain Rally. The gang at Big Bear Choppers promises plenty of food and drinks, a poker run around panoramic Big Bear Lake on Saturday with prizes offered by Progressive Suspension, 100’s of vendors including many Custom Builders, with Vince Neil, the face of Motley Crue, performing with his band on the Performance Machine stage. More info at Big Bear Choppers.
This headline is not from me. It’s the Harley-Davidson tag line of their new ad campaign reflecting on today’s difficult times. In it, Harley states that “Over the last 105 years in the saddle, we’ve seen wars, conflicts, depression, recession, resistance and revolutions. We’ve watched a thousand hand-wringing pundits disappear in our rear-view mirror. But every time, this country has come out stronger than before. Because chrome and asphalt put distance between you and whatever the world can throw at you.” I can’t say it better and I think it’s a very clever ad campaign. The ads intend to boost morale among the Harley faithful, but I don’t think it will convince non-motorcyclists to buy a bike.. The campaign, launched this week with a full-page ad in USA Today. The campaign is complemented by an interactive Web site called “ Harley-Davidson.com/Screwit” where bikers are able to share their personal testimonies.
Central Florida Choppers Wins Leesburg Rat’s Hole Show
Published by May 3rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The boys at Central Florida Choppers are very proud to announce that last weekend during the Leesburg, FL Rally they won gold again in the “Extreme Bobber Class”. And it’s the 4th time in a row that they win their class in the Rat’s Hole Show since Daytona Bike Week of last march. Central Florida Choppers.(site in re-construction)
When in Sturgis, I always stay in a log cabin. So cozy, so much Black Hills,. And if you didn’t know, the new Broken Spoke Campground rents private furnished cabins with air conditioning and a porch from where you can see all the action and also watch beautiful South Dakota sunsets. They are all 12 x 16, sleep 2 people and rent for $2500 for 11 days. Difficult to find better so close to downtown Sturgis and to his legendary Broken Spoke Saloon Bar and Restaurant The campground is now taking reservations for the new cabins, RV spots and camping and will operate from July 31st to August 10th, 2008. Special early reservations apply (only $99 per person for camping spots) through June 15th. Book now at Broken Spoke Campground or call 866-754-2526 X 8 to receive the early booking discount. In addition the first 2,000 reservations receive a complimentary commemorative pin!
Rocky Mountain Choppers Stalking-Horse Bidder for American IronHorse Assets
Published by May 1st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Rocky Mountain Choppers announced that it has obtained approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas to be the stalking-horse bidder for the assets of American IronHorse. A stalking-horse bidder on a bankrupt company’s assets is chosen by the bankrupt company to make the 1st bid. This method allows the distressed company to avoid low bids on its assets. Once the stalking horse has made its bid, other potential buyers may submit competing bids for the bankrupt company’s assets. In essence, the stalking horse sets the bar so that other bidders can’t low-ball the purchase price. Rocky Mountain Choppers and another affiliate, Blackwater Choppers, are important American IronHorse dealers located in Montana and Minnesota and owned by Scott Meyers. Mr. Meyers expressed his enthusiasm for the transaction. “I am pleased to be close to buying American IronHorse. I know this brand, understand this business, and bring a strong understanding of supplier, dealer, and customer needs. Together with my team, we have a clear strategy that will help this company succeed.” This bid is subject to the submission of “higher and better bids” and bankruptcy court approval on May 23, 2008 (Mr. Meyers would have made a bid of 6.7 million. AIH co-founder and ousted CEO Bill Rucker has also submitted a bid of 6.9 million to take back control of the company he founded with Tim Edmondson)
Brenda has received some donations, but is not well enough yet to thank you herself. So, I would like to thank you on her behalf. Thanks to Fred Proctor at Viper Motorcycles for transmitting the name of some organizations helping cancer patients without medical coverage. I will not now publish right now the names of all those who have already given, but you know who you are. Here is another photo that seems to generate a lot of interest. It’s Brenda at the Bonneville Salt Flats. She would like to get healthy again to set a land speed record for Breast Cancer Awareness. Please continue to support her (see previous post for donations) because you know it’s a long battle. Thank you again on her behalf
Howard Kelly Promoted S&S Cycle Communications Manager
Published by May 1st, 2008 in Editorial, Engines and Events.
“Howard Kelly has been instrumental in nearly all of our marketing endeavors the past several years,” said S&S president Brett Smith. “His role in overseeing the logistics for our upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration and his coordination of the recent S&S Emissions Summit, hosted here in La Crosse are prime examples of the value he offers S&S and our industry.” Smith went on to say, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Howard’s promotion to Communications Manager, a critical role in our industry leading company.” Howard joined S&S in December of 2004, after spending 8 years as the editor of HOT BIKE and STREET CHOPPER Magazines, 2 years on HOT ROD BIKES Magazine and just over 1 year at MOTORCYCLIST Magazine. He started out as the Customer Support Communications Specialist, his focus heavy on the creation of S&S Service Manuals. Through his time at S&S, Kelly has gravitated to handling media and advertising, in addition to overseeing web and video production. S&S Cycle.
Rev Up For Cafe Racers
Published by May 1st, 2008 in Books, Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
Well known motorcycle journalist Mike Seate is about to release in September a new book called “Cafe Racer: The Motorcycle”. The book is about making you live again the days of black leather, Brylcreem and fast British bikes. It chronicles the spirited ton-up era when low handlebars, Nortons and rock and roll ruled the roads. Part one of a multi-title series to be released by Parker House Publishing of Stillwater, MN, “Cafe Racer: The Motorcycle” includes interviews with cafe racer builders past and present, rockers from England’s fabled transport cafes and over 180 contemporary and historical photos of these uniquely inspiring motorcycles and the people who ride them. In addition “Cafe Society,” a one-hour high-definition documentary produced by Mike Seate and Chet Burks Productions for Speed Channel will be broadcast later this year. It will be followed by a feature-length DVD release (don’t you love this “so British” picture?)
Eville Canada Exclusive Distributor Of Hacker Pipes
Published by May 1st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
I remember that when I created this Blog 18 months ago, the first builder I featured was Eville Twin out of Alberta, Canada, a good custom shop specializing in choppers and bobbers. And now its owner Miles Brown would like all his fellow Canadians to know that his company is the new exclusive distributor for all HackerPipes products. And that HackerPipes performance exhausts allow customers to personalize their exhaust in different lengths, styles and plating options like chrome and black ceramic resulting in a performance exhaust that better compliment riders bikes and setting them apart from other off-the-shelf exhaust systems. Mission accomplished. Eville Twin Inc.
A public company raises a dividend when things look good, or to support a declining share price. And only if it has enough money to do so …Harley Davidson (HOG) announced a 10% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 33 cents per share versus 30 cents in the same quarter last year. In spite of this double-digit dividend increase, the company is seeing “softness” in the number of motorcycle units sold. As you know HOG stated it would close plants and layoff employees. The goal is to reduce motorcycle shipments by at least 23,000 units. Harley-Davidson.
Rolling Thunder Sweet Amber Softail Chassis Kit.
Published by April 30th, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Many of you don’t wish or are not expert at welding and prefer an all-in-one sheet metal chassis where everything is setup correctly in advance by the manufacturer. No more head ache with steel twisting after each round of weld (frame/fender/gas tank). No more nervous breakdown trying to align and or/offset your drive line. But you still want your bike to look like a one-off. So, to help you win the challenge of “I can build it in my garage and make it right the 1st time”, the craftsmen at Rolling Thunder produced a new all inclusive Softail chassis called “Sweet Amber” (I know the story behind the name and they will explain to you if you buy one!). It’s setup for a 250 to 360mm rear tire size, Right Side Drive (of course), with the oil tank built into the frame (cool), a battery tray below the seat area, and a mounted rear fender (no guessing where it should be). In addition, it comes with a proprietary Rolling Thunder’s radius one piece gas tank, and includes the choice of 2″ tubing, thereby reducing vibration for those using large motors. It is available in any configuration and designed for all motors, including a 145’ in either Evolution, Twin Cams and the new S&S X-Wedge. See it and many others at Rolling Thunder Frames. Or call on my behalf Sam or Spencer at 450-699-7045.
This my shortest post ever. This picture was apparently taken in Daytona during Bike week. Anyone having info on this trike and who built it? Email me at editor@cyrilhuzeblog.com.
Crime Scene Choppers New Rapide Headlight.
Published by April 29th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
A good design can be declined on many parts. I already introduced you to the “Rapide” line of Crime Scene Choppers including an air cleaner and taillight. A little brother is born with the Rapide Headlight. So now you have a complete and coherent theme from front to rear of your bike. Design is reminiscent of another era with a very beautiful scallop pattern with a matching grill. The New Rapide Headlight is available in two finishes: a satin aluminum bucket with polished scallops and brass grill, or all chrome. It accepts a standard 4.5” sealed beam (not included) or the Crime Scene Choppers triple-lamp Laser light (available separately). Each unit includes the hand finished bucket and grill, stainless hardware, mounting block, gasket and wiring harness. By the way, paint the headlight bucket to your bike color and make this headlight yours. It retails from $299 to $369. And important notice, it’s 100% made in the USA. Call Joe on my behalf at 831-406-0126 or visit Crime Scene Choppers.
