Have you ever hated your computer gear? Me too. Have you ever wanted to shoot a computer with a gun, or throw away a not so smart Smartphone out of a window? Me too. Blue Screen Of Death using a PC? Phone locked with no apparent reason? Before you take a revenge, I will suggest first to switch, like me, to a Mac and an iPhone. But if you committed the ultimate killing act and have pictures to show, send them to me. I will publish.
Archive Page 393
Motorcycle Hall OF Fame Adds to Celebrity Exhibit
Published by April 19th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is the latest in a series of award-winning exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, has revealed the names of more than 25 significant personalities and groups to be featured in this upcoming exhibition. It will spotlight the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts and present priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures. Featured Moto Stars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, June 27-28, 2008, for the exhibit’s grand opening and the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Ribbon-Cutting Weekend.
Notable athletes include Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star, and Wally Dallenbach, Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500, a charity dirt bike ride now in its thirty-third year. Barrett Brooks, Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers tackle, will lend his Sara Liberte-built custom bike, as well as personal memorabilia.
The music industry is also well-represented with Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone’s. Buell motorcycle and Erik Buell-designed guitar will be featured alongside custom motorcycles built for Def Leppard drummer Ric Allen and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker. Additionally, a leading Buddy Holly collector will provide rare ephemera from the rock n’ roll legend.
Hollywood’s longtime romance with motorcycling is chronicled in the exhibit. Chad McQueen honors his legendary father, the late actor Steve McQueen and will present memorabilia, photos and McQueen’s competition motorcycle from the International Six Day Trials. Actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn will lend the motorcycle he rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film “Hell Ride,” in addition to offering an intimate glimpse into the two-wheel passions of his father, legendary actor Anthony Quinn. Dan Haggerty, known worldwide as star of the television series “Grizzly Adams,” will also participate in the exhibit. A Hollywood stuntman, biker movie actor and bike builder for celebrities like Ann-Margret, Haggerty helped create the chopper featured in the most famous motorcycle movie of all time, “Easy Rider.” The iconic motorcycle television series “Then Came Bronson,” starring Michael Parks, will be represented through a custom Harley-Davidson. The exhibit will also display a rarely seen custom motorcycle built for the flamboyant Oscar-winning star of screen and song, Cher.
Art. Exhibit curator David Morris will also demonstrate motorcycling’s cultural impact in portraying renowned artists, such as Charles Schulz and David Hockney. David Hockney, one of the twentieth century’s most important exponents of the Pop Art movement, will partner with Dr. Charles Falco, co-curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s seminal “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit, to present a unique view of the motorcycle experience.
Custom motorcycle builders, now recognized as artists in their own right, are also highlighted. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth pioneered the new wave with his outrageous and visionary creations. Son Darryl opens the family vault to bring “Big Daddy’s” art and legendary trike to the exhibit. He is joined by “Big Daddy” contemporary Carl Morrow, a legendary builder whose past clients include the King of Malaysia. The art of Von Dutch, Hollywood motorcycle cult figure, is also represented courtesy of a prominent collector. Contemporary creators showcased include Cyril Huze, a member of the International Master Builders Association Hall of Fame, and Sara Liberte. Liberte, will lend insights into the world of customization from the perspective of a female builder. Liberte is uniquely positioned to share her story. Her latest project is garage-girls.com.
Writing: The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will release “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” The Book, in conjunction with the exhibit. The coffee-table volume will complement the exhibit, presenting a comprehensive examination of the relationship between celebrities and motorcycling. Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Museum.
Detroit Bros New Headlight And Air Cleaner
Published by April 18th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
The new “Malice” Head Light includes a mounting bracket and will bolt-on to most front ends, and features a super-bright GE hand spot lamp (MSRP $169.99) in raw aluminum or in polished aluminum ($189.99. Their new “Malice’ Velocity Stack will fit your stock HD Big Twin Carburetor from ’84+, and will also fit your S&S Carbs Super E & G (K&N Air Filter not included but available for $35.00). MSRP $149.99 in raw aluminum or $169.99 in polished aluminum.
Both parts measure approx. 5″ OD x 2.25” thick. Detroit Bros
Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels is introducing a new 3D wheel available for all popular Harley-Davidson sizes, applications and models from 84 to 08, including ABS equipped models. Matching rotors and pulleys. These Hammer wheels can be bought only from Harley-Davidson stores. Can be ordered black powder coated, show polished, luxurious chrome and new for ’08 in Midnight Series (black anodized finish combined with classic machining) for a “badass” look. All wheels go out shipped to Harley Dealers with the rotors and pulley attached and torqued to OEM specs which eliminates a lot of guess work at the dealer level and ensures that wheels arrive to their customers in perfect condition.
Your bike was in storage for a few weeks or for a long winter. Time to ride again, But your bike will not start. And you already know the problem: accumulation of fuel related gums and varnishes. Never fun to diassemble your carb. to clean it when your friends wait for you rumbling their bikes on your driveway? Spectro Oils of America introduces a new FC Premium Fuel Conditioner and Stabilizer formulated specifically for use in high-performance motorcycles and other small to mid-size high output engines, Spectro FC premium helps you ensure top performance and easier maintenance from season to season. Spectro FC is suitable for all forms of gasoline-fueled engines. Spectro Oils FC concentrated fights corrosion and varnish build up while countering ethanol-accelerated corrosive problems within your fuel delivery system. Spectro Premium FC contains oil to further inhibit corrosion and provide lubricity. You can get more info at Spectro Oils Website.
Want to take a sneak peek at Billy Lane Diaries? I am sure you want. Billy informed me that he just finished his Diaries, at least for now because there is always another page to fill and another bike to build to chronicle our daily lives. Diaries are a place where each of us has an opportunity to express our deepest self. And when you are a custom motorcycle builder, it’s all about our inspiration, our personal thoughts and ideas when building something unique, never seen before. So, Billy decided, and I think it’s a great idea, that he will let you enter in his life (and in his shop), showing you how he imagines, fabricates and builds his bikes. And since we belong to the digital age, Billy does it with style through superbly filmed and edited videos. Billy will continue to record his work in progress and, evidently, for the pleasure of all custom motorcycle fans, he is writing his professional video autobiography. Billy Lane Diaries.
Today Thursday, Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG) warned that it would reduce production, lay off hundreds of workers and report full year earnings well below its forecast. Harley-Davidson is a strong, quality company that used to grow rapidly. Now it’s still a strong, quality company that will grow more slowly. The company expects earnings to fall 15 to 20 percent in 2008, resulting in earnings of $3.00 to $3.18 per share. It previously forecast growth of 4 to 7 percent in 2008, which translated into $3.89 to $4.00 per share. As a result, Harley expects to ship 23,000 to 27,000 fewer bikes in 2008 than it did in 2007 and would temporarily shut down some plants in the coming months. It said 370 unionized employees-about 6.5 % of its North American workforce- and 360 non-factory employees would lose their jobs In the past, the financial arm of Harley-Davidson was willing to give loans that were 130 percent of the cost of the bike, which gave customers money to customize their bikes with saddlebags, extra chrome and other high-margin add-ons. The news was not entirely bad. Outside the United States, sales continued to grow, rising 7.8 percent in Europe, 19.5 percent in Asia, 31.1 percent in Canada and 53.3 percent in Latin America. And while the company’s U.S. sales fell, they didn’t fall as fast as the heavyweight motorcycle market overall, meaning its market share grew at the expense of Japanese rivals.
World’s Largest Biker Pool At Sturgis Broken Spoke Campground
Published by April 17th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Sturgis Bike Week is in 105 days. Do you know where you are going to sleep? And swim after a long day riding the Black Hills, the Badlands, checking the bikes in bike shows and the girls at the Broken Spoke Saloon? The Broken Spoke Campground at Sturgis County line is back for the 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and is better than ever! Not only huge RV spots and cabins, great live music, test rides, custom builders in attendance, parts vendors, good food, killer sunsets, but also new this year the world’s largest biker pool in the world. Notice the wrench design to be sure you just took a dip in the Broken Spoke pool. And the campground is located in the confines of the internationally famous Broken Spoke Saloon, home of high octane music, memorabilia and of motorcycle celebrity guest bartenders! There are 4 easy ways to make your reservation. I just did mine. Just go to Broken Spoke Campground.
Perimeter Brake Systems Brake Hard And Look Very Cool.
Published by April 17th, 2008 in Brakes, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Custom builders use them more and more. And they were inspired by sport bikes using this system for performance braking. Perimeter brakes physic is quite simple. If you would try to stop a very fast spinning wheel with your hands (don’t try it), would it be easier if you squeeze the tire or the wheel hub? Well, you got it. The reason why individuals were reticent to adopt this system is that it can be costly and risky business to adapt a perimeter brake to your existing wheels. So, RMD Billet created one, including the in-house designed caliper, that is a direct bolt-on to their unique 3-piece wheels. Their perimeter brake is made out of light weight but strong aluminum, not heavy stainless steel. Rotor is ceramic coated to give more braking reaction, to consume less heat and wear less than steel. RMD Billet.
‘There is a Very Bad piece of legislation pending in the Florida Legislature it is Senate Bill 1992. It affects everyone who operates a vehicle not just motorcycle riders. Even if you agree with part of the bill Please examine all of it. This is Not Good For Florida Motorist and Motorcyclist. It is very long and covers a multitude of issues. I am sure you will find at least one that you do not agree with. You can find the bill HERE
I am requesting you contact your legislator and request they Vote No on this bill if it makes it to the Senate Floor. Please let others know about this as well. THANK YOU!” Rogue’. (Sturgis Freedom Fighters. Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005. www.bikerrogue.com).
Hand tooling leather is an old technique craft. With the return of the retro looking bikes, hand tooled seats are in popular demand. But not all upholstery shops are able to do them correctly. One of the best is Duane Ballard who, since many years, is a master at the art of stamping, lacing and oiling leather. His most recent seat featured here was done for a Vet in Texas. Be aware that it takes more time to do a hand tooled seat than a regular one. That almost any design/lettering is possible but you need to give very clear indications at the time of briefing. Because of the labor involved, no re-do or change of mind. Ok? When you are ready, contact him via his website where you can see fine examples of his work.Duane Ballard.
The Horse Backstreet Choppers Announces Sturgis Bike Show
Published by April 16th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events.
The Horse Backstreet Chopper Magazine organizes bike shows looking like no others. The reason is that their objective is to encourage, recognize, support and reward the average Joes working day jobs and then burning the midnight oil building bikes in their garages. A lot of creativity without spending a ton of money. It will be the second edition of this show in Sturgis, and the event will be held at Thunder Road Monday August 4. Open registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and the winners will be announced at 5 p.m. This year’s panel of celebrity judges will feature Billy Lane of Choppers Inc., Paul Cox of Paul Cox Industries, Russell Mitchell of Exile Cycles, Keino Sasaki of Keino Cycles , Mondo Porras of Denver’s Choppers, Eric Gorges of Voodoo Choppers, Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles, Athena “Chickie” Ransom of Vagabond Choppers, and Jeff Cochran and Donny Loos of Sucker Punch Sallys. Chopper owners will have the chance to test their rides in the burnout pit, and attendees can enter for a chance to win an Evil Engineering belt drive or a Baker 6-speed transmission. There will also be prizes and giveaways from Stevensons Cycle, Bikers Choice, Sucker Punch Sally’s and Fabricator Kevin. But of course, no Sturgis event would be complete without great bikes and great babes, so be sure to cast your vote in the wet T-shirt contest that will take place on the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse stage.
When you have a last night to finish your bike on time for tomorrow’s show, can’t bleed your brake or crank for the 1st time your new custom, want to end your life as a customizer, don’t throw in your shop rags. Just get a full 12-ounces of power with these 2 Simpson theme energy drinks. Don’t worry, your hair will not turn blue and your face will not get square. No alcohol involved. Just pure jitter. They are a blend of vitamin B, Taurine, Caffeine, Inositol, Guarana, and Panax Ginseng supposed to help you throw your misery away and to give you an incredible boost of energy level. Should also work for me when I fall asleep at midnight wondering what I am going to tell you in my next post. Order online at Xoxide.
A Buell Kit To Make It A Custom Hit
Published by April 16th, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Don’t want to be caught riding a stock Buell? ITSABLAST is a very appealing kit designed and produced by Redneck Enginuity where can keep the performance of a Buell Blast but turn it in a very pretty custom bike. The arched back bone frame kit uses the engine as a stressed member and allows to use the stock drive train, front end, wheels, tires, brakes, drive belt, pulley, coil, regulator, handle bars, controls and kickstand, just about everything. This Buell ITSABLAST Kit includes frame, oil tank, gas tank, foot control mounts, and seat pan. Just add paint, pipe, pegs and air cleaner. Pretty cool for $2995.00. Red Neck Ingenuity. Call on my behalf 864-843-3001 or go to Red Neck Enginuity.
Indian Motorcycle News From Outside The Reality Distortion Field
Published by April 15th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Since 2004 Stellican’s acquisition of the Indian Motorcycle brand, and until now, we heard nothing from its executives. No information can lead to widespread rumors and distortion. Add to this the fact that Indian Motorcycle is an iconic brand over charged with a mix of nostalgia and emotion, that most of us have witnessed several attempts and failures to resurrect the brand, that a group of passionate Indian Lovers carry the Indian torch since 1953 but always felt ignored by those who got a chance before to re-launch new models, and you arrive at a situation of mistrust, skepticism or at least doubt towards the Indian name new owner. As Chairman Stephen Julius stated in my Blog a couple of days ago “it’s better to speak with the results of our labor rather than to generate a lot of media and consumer hype about work yet to be done”.
Last week, I got a chance to visit the new Indian Motorcycle factory, spent 11 hours with the executive team listening to business plans, to results of product testing and development, to dealers requirements and marketing strategies. I also saw the new Indian Chief, the assembly line being prepared, talked to some employees that I have known before in other functions, watched some engine and suspension tests. As I stated briefly in another post, I take responsibility for publicly stating that at this time I feel confident that the Indian brand has found the team and expertise it needs to belong again to our motorcycle daily landscape. I list the reasons why.
Competence Of The Executive Team: Stephen Julius, Chairman Of Indian Motorcycle (picture right) is the founder and managing director of Stellican Ltd., a private equity firm based in London. The firm focuses on investments to re-launch bankrupt companies. Stephen has been very successful with well-known brands, among them, Riva and Chris Craft (where he is still Chairman of the Board). Steve Heese is Indian Motorcycle President (and also of Chris Craft Corp.) and has worked closely with Stephen Julius during many years in several re-launching ventures. Chris Bernauer, General Manager (picture left), is an 11 years Harley-Davidson veteran. He started as a power train development engineer and 8 years later was the Platform Director for the Sportster line. Melissa Jones, Program Manager is in charge of overseeing all of Indian’s marketing, licensing, and trademark issues. They are all very approachable, humble, very aware that they have “to do it right the 1st time”, have done their homework by studying all mistakes of their predecessors (they got, read, studied absolutely all the Gilroy archives). With the help of Gilroy Indian bike owners they also found out all problems and weaknesses (25, to be precise) buried inside the bikes of the defunct company, have fixed them and in addition have brought to the new Chief many new technological and cosmetics improvements.
A Very Pragmatic And Conservative Approach And Philosophy: They are in Indian for the very long term, are extremely conservative, don’t burn money (used office furniture) but invested heavily in tooling, technology, building and testing (in final stage) a new very good looking fuel injected 105” Power Plus engine (saw it being tortured again and again, but I am not yet authorized to publish pictures). Chris Bernauer is obsessed, as he should be, with the reliability of all the bike components. It’s the reason why the official launching date will not be confirmed probably before end of May. They still shoot for this coming Sturgis. Stephen Julius is obsessed with details on the bikes (many new good looking parts), with his dealerships architecture, stores design, with merchandising and clothing style. The Indian management stated several times that they are not in a hurry, and that they will postpone if any facet of the launch is not perfectly in place. Because of their conservative approach, delaying doesn’t seem to involve any serious financial issue for the company. Their objective is to sell a modest (by industry standards) 750 bikes in 1 year through only 15 to 25 dealers. They assured me that this low sales number will already make the company profitable. As the opposite of Gilroy Indian, they don’t target in several 1000’s units sold every year and don’t dream at all of becoming public.
An Experienced And Passionate Factory Crew: Since I know some of the 30 people or so involved in the launch, I can tell you that they are some of the best at what they do. It was nice to talk to them, feel their excitement at this time of pre-launch. There is an evident intense focus on engineering with a craftsmanship mentality. Parts are in-house designed and tooled.
The Bike. Not A Gilroy Warm Up: For the 1st year, only the Chief in 4 versions: Standard, Deluxe, Roadmaster and Vintage. Fenders in 2 different styles, long or short, but still with the very recognizable Indian look. Many options from solo seats to 2-up, in 10 to 12 bi-colors combinations. After-market parts will also be available. Frame is e -coated with rear mono spring suspension, dual front brakes. Engine is 50-state compliant Power Plus EFI 105” with nicosil plated aluminum cylinders and light forged pistons to minimize vibrations. Transmission is Baker 6-speed LSD. Gas tank is one-piece containing 5.5 gallons with integral fuel pump. Beautiful new tan gauge and dash options. Rear tire is 150 mm to stay closer to the retro style. It’s a high style bike with a price in the low 30’s.
Few Dealerships. But The Best In The Top Markets: The strategy is not to sign as many dealers as possible. As the opposite, for the 1st year, they want a limited number of dealers devoted to the brand in an Indian only location of about 10,000 square feet. The investment can go from 1 to 3 million dollars. Some exceptions and some transitional status of multiple brands can be accepted for 18 months, for example in big cities where land is not easily available or too expensive. I saw the dealer corporate identity designed by a Seattle Design Firm in burgundy and silver/brushed aluminum, and it’s quite beautiful.
Respect For The Old Indian Motorcycle Crowd: On this subject, I asked Chairman Stephen Julius how he intends to connect the dots with all those who kept the Springfield bikes on the road since 1953. It was acknowledged to me that some misunderstandings happened, that any issue will be fixed and that he wants all bikers to be involved and support the return of Indian. For this, special events may be organized to acknowledge their devotion to the brand, maybe starting with a pre-launch factory tour just like the one I did.
In conclusion, I left Kings Mountain convinced that Stephen Julius spending his own money with no venture capitalist behind him, and adopting a strategy of long term organic growth focused on engineering will probably succeed where others have failed. I know for sure that Indian riders or not, we all have a special attachment to the name Indian Motorcycle. It’s a love story that never stopped, one that needs a few new models to reinforce and perpetuate.
Mercury Customs New ProLite™ Wide Fender Lighting
Published by April 15th, 2008 in Accessories and Editorial.
ProLite is an easy to install lighting solution to fuse your taillight (run/brake) and turn signals in a minimalist accessory and to install under your wide tire rear fender. In addition to the sleek design, the beauty of ProLite is to conform to the width and arc of fenders used with 200, 240, 280 and 300 mm rear tires. Completely sealed, vibration-proof and waterproof, the company states that at 3/8” inch thick, it’s the thinnest under fender mount available on the market. The standard ProLite™ is wired to accommodate Running/Brake/Turn lighting, but additional configurations are also available. Call on my behalf 949 453-9300 or visit Mercury Customs for many more lighting solutions.
Exclusive. Indian Motorcycle Company Chairman Stephen Julius Breaks The Silence.
Published by April 14th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As you all know, I just spent a full day at the new Indian Motorcycle factory. I will start posting tomorrow all what I learned about the company, the executive team, the business plan and the new models. On your behalf, I asked a lot of questions and will publish the answers. I came back with very positive thoughts about the way Chairman Stephen Julius and his team intend to re-launch this iconic brand. Before leaving the factory, I suggested to him to make a public statement in my Blog to explain why his company has been silent until now. Here it is.
“Indian Motorcycle was delighted to have Mr. Cyril Huze tour our facility today. Cyril thought it would be a good idea for me to address, in a general way, certain issues which many of you have raised. Since buying the company in July 2004, we have purposely kept a low profile and said little about our plan and our progress. The reason for this is that we felt it was more important to speak with the results of our labor rather than to generate a lot of media and consumer hype about work yet to be done. To that end, Indian Motorcycle has been very busy working to bring to market a high quality, engineered Indian Chief with a fuel injected 105 cid PowerPlus engine. For the last 24 months, our engineering staff of 23 dedicated professionals has been focused on engineering, testing and validation. The product is now in the final product testing and validation stage of delivery. We are committed to doing this work in a disciplined way to ensure that the bike we bring to market is worthy of the brand name which brought America its first production motorcycle. We will not launch until we have satisfied ourselves that we have achieved this objective. That is why we are able to offer a two year warranty on the 2009 Chief.
The official market launch date will be set as soon as testing is complete. The launch date will coincide with the opening of Indian’s first 11,500 square foot flagship retail store near Charlotte, NC. The store will retail not only motorcycles but also parts and accessories, apparel, gifts and collectibles. We will be inviting all Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts and fans to the launch. It will also be our way to thank you for your patience and support.
It is the intention of the company to create a dealer network not only in the USA, but internationally. Initially we are focusing on the top 50 markets in the USA. We are more interested in building low volumes of quality product than mass production. This is a long term venture, a marathon and not a sprint. We intend to grow the business slowly and, we hope, profitably, so that we can reinvest in continued design and development of new products.
In the next two weeks we will be publishing detailed specifications and photographs of the 2009 Indian Chief on our website. I encourage you to follow our progress on the Indian Motorcycle Website.
Although economic conditions are generally depressed in the power sports business, we are optimistic that our premium product will find a ready market. Some have asked why we expect to succeed where others have failed. We have done our homework carefully and we intend to grow the business slowly; we have a great team; we have a proven management track record in rebuilding heritage brands; and we have a beautiful, quality product. Every time I see our bike on the factory floor, I get emotional and I think many of you will be equally excited.
I hope you will understand that, given my workload, I will not be able to respond to individual questions which may result from this posting. However, feel free to direct questions to info@indianmotorcycle.com". Regards. Stephen Julius Chairman Indian Motorcycle Company, 116 Battleground Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
You Can Own Leroy-Thompson “La Chicana”
Published by April 14th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Leroy-Thompson is raffling off their Horse Smoke-Out VII entry: “La Chicana” with the proceeds to beneficiate Ohio S.W.A.T Team. As you probably know, S.W.A.T Teams are composed of specialty police officers trained to respond to high-risk situations ranging from hostage negotiations to serving high-risk warrants to terrorist incident. Odds of winning are just 1 in 400 as only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased at the shop Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Credit card orders will be accept by phone 440-266-1635. A $5 processing fee will be applied to all credit card orders. Checks may be mailed to Leroy-Thompson 8685 Twinbrook Road, Mentor, OH 44060. Please write “La Chicana Raffle” and the number of tickets requested in the memo line of the check and be sure to include your name and phone number. The drawing will be held July 12, 2008. Winner need not be present but will be responsible for any applicable tax and delivery. More pictures of "La Chicana" at Leroy Thompson.
The beauty of this neo-retro air cleaner is not only its distinctive scallop design and grill, but the fact that you can make it yours by changing the finition of the grill – polish, chrome-brass- and painting its body to match your bike paint job. The Rapide air cleaner fits both S&S Super E or G, or stock CV carburetors. and can be used with a Mikuni card (an adapter sold separately). The Rapide air cleaner is sold with its mounting plate, stainless attachment clip, stainless filter support screen, all stainless hardware and two filter elements (one high flow and one standard). Measures are approximately 9.5" wide X 2.5" deep X 5.0" high. Matching headlight and taillight are also available. Seen on "Open Mind" the winner bike at the "AMD European Championship Of Bike Building". Crime Scene Choppers.
Very Important Florida Motorcycle Legislature Alert
Published by April 13th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
Freedom Fighter Rogue (Member Hall Of Fame) alerts you about Florida Senate Bill 802 and its companion House Bill 137 (which includes confiscation of vehicle for traffic offense). Rogue requests that all concerned motorcycle riders contact Florida Legislators and request that Senate Bill 802 NOT BE ALLOWED TO BECOME LAW. There is also Senate Bill 1992 that relates to racing on the street. Realizing that this has been a problem much of the bill is understandable. But upon close inspection, starting on line 235 and specifically on line 238 it says “Seized and Forfeited’.
We are against the state taking a person’s personal property for motor vehicle violations. We feel that this opens the door to overzealous actions by some in law enforcement for personal or departmental financial gain. Citizens should insist that any law that includes confiscation and or forfeiter also include that the agency and that agency’s personal cannot profit in Any Way for doing it. With the budget problems that are being discussed at the capitol it appears that some legislators are trying to raise funds and or supplement some department’s income by the confiscation of personal property. Even though the confiscation of a motorcycle in the bill has been removed, there are still many discrepancies in it. For more information you also contact Rogue at: rogue@bikerrogue.com.
Custom Chrome Europe 2008 Dealer Show.
Published by April 13th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
With a powerful and extraordinary Bikes Show, Dealer Show and European Championship of Custom Bike-Building, the 2008 edition of the CUSTOM CHROME EUROPE DEALER SHOW in Germany topped last year’s record results in terms of attending dealers, visitors and number of show competitors. The quality of the motorcycles exhibited blew everybody’s mind as 100 never before seen custom bikes premiered in this event. The AMD show marked the big comeback of the German customizers, as 2 out of 3 top FREESTYLE class bikes came from Germany and almost every other 1st place was won by “Made In Germany“ custom bikes! As I told you in previous posts, top honors and the prestigious EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP went to Thunderbike with the bike “Open Mind” winning both the European and the Vice-World championship titles! Congrats Andreas.
True Bolt On 240 mm Wide Tire Kit For Harley-Davidson Bagger
Published by April 13th, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Michael Long at Zeel Design has always been at the forefront of the rear wide tire conversion. And he is an expert at it. Not only on his outrageous customs, but also by installing true bolt-on wide tire kits on many Harley-Davidson models. Like this one letting you bolt on a 240 wide tire on stock Baggers. Good news, this kit allows you to retain all factory components from exhaust, brakes, tour pak, docking and backrest. It’s available for all HD FL’s from 1997 to 2008 and, of course, you keep your frame. No welding is required.. A new carbon fiber belt and a steel fender (smooth, OEM or custom with LED lights) are also included in price. The kit is absolutely complete and made in America. Price is $4595 (Add 450$ for custom fender with LED’s). Add $1000 if you have a 1997 or 2006 model for a transmission and primary offset kit. This 240 mm conversion requires one of their many special 18 X 8.0 wheels (they has a very small offset like on a stock Softail). And yes, the truth is that it takes about 2 days to do the job correctly. More by visiting Zeel Design.
Rand Mc Nally Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Special Map Edition
Published by April 12th, 2008 in Editorial and Merchandise.
Rand McNally is North America’s largest commercial maker of national and local maps, street guides and atlases. And the company knows that bikers are new routes hungry. The new Ride Atlas brings anniversary content and 25 fresh rides to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts who are going to ride from all over the country to Miwaulkee. With 25 new rides (selected by Harley-Davidson dealers and riders), the anniversary edition atlas invites bikers who ran up the miles with past editions to experience more twisting, challenging routes through back roads and byways. The 336-page trip guide also features content that pays tribute to Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary so riders can celebrate in grand style. Rand MacNally.
I am not into the bicycling scene, even less in tandem bicycling. What’s wrong with this Taiwanese inventor stating that he is so confident about his new idea that he just started negotiations with factories to have it mass produced! His arguments are (I invent nothing): 1- that dating couples want to face each other (no mention about those who are married) 2- that a parent can now see what his child is doing wile pedaling 3- that you can change in 10 seconds the riding position to the back to back mode where the passenger can have both hands free to shoot pictures or eat snacks. Seems to me that this inventor has all angles covered.
I didn’t know very much about builder Ludovic Lazareth except that he was building outrageous one-off motorcycles and cars for the advertising and movie industry. Then, “Sarco”, daily reader and frequent commentator of this Blog, sent me this picture of an amazing bike that Ludovic built using a Buell as canvas. Although he kept the stock frame and Harley-Davidson engine, he gave the bike a big power boost using of a Mini Cooper S compressor. Of course you notice the single sided front end and swingarm, but I have to mention that this front end is fully adjustable like the swingarm that you can extend to adjust the bike handling to your street fighting style. All body is carbon fiber and it seems to me that the wheels come from Ducati. Check Lazareth outrageous style on both bikes and cars by going to his site.
The soon to be opened Harley-Davidson Museum is creating business opportunities in Milwaukee Tim Dixon of Dixon Development is about to open the industry’s first modern luxury boutique hotel geared toward the segment of motorcycle enthusiasts. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Iron Horse Hotel will offer a blend of upscale business services and, unlike any other premium hotel in the country, special amenities for riders. Tim will target motorcycle riders who are executives, CEOs and successful entrepreneurs.” To summarize, an hotel dedicated to bikers with discriminating taste. His plan? Offering secure, covered motorcycle parking, check-in carts and rag bins, on-site bike wash, on-premise retailer with travel essentials and rider accessories, in-room riding gear storage space for heavy leathers, helmets and boots, gourmet saddlebag lunches, road trip maps, etc and also The Boiler Room, coming in 2009, featuring an indoor hot tub/chilling pool with views of the river, downtown and the Harley-Davidson Museum. Of course the hotel also addresses the need for rooms generated by the 350,000 to 500,000 visitors that museum is expected to draw. Iron Horse Hotel.
