In its second annual sale at the fast approaching Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance, internationally renowned auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields will offer nearly 100 motorcycles spanning over a century of history, design and ingenuity. They will auction an extremely diverse line-up and it should attract strong interest. For example a British 1903 Rex Lands End and a 1956 Vincent Black Knight, an American 1914 Indian 4-valve Board Track Racer, an Italian 975 Ducati 750 SS, a Dannish 1958 Nimbus Four, a French 1909 Mont Goyon. All this, of course, is in addition to the Mike Corbin collection, which includes the ex-Steve McQueen 1940 Indian Scout and the ex-Evel Knievel 2004 Harley Heritage Custom.The auction takes place in conjunction with the highly anticipated Legend of the Motorcycle on Saturday, May 3rd at the ocean-side Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California (just south of San Francisco). The auction preview, which may be almost as big a draw as the Concours field, takes place throughout the day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.To register to bid or to purchase a catalog, please call 415-861-7500 or go to. Bohnams or to Legend Of The Motorcycle
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One of the things I know for sure is that garage builders always have difficulties to find the right spacers to center the wheels on a new frame, swingarm or front end. They tell me that even their local shop doesn’t always have in stock the right spacers for the job. And it drives you crazy. So, why not invest in a spacer kit in 3/4" and 1" sizes. The many trips to your shop or hardware store can cost you much more than this simple but very complete set of 36 spacers. To order, call Harvey at 877-709-5877
Bikes, Art And Rock And Roll For A Good Cause
Published by March 24th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
On March 23 in Dallas, TX custom motorcycles, original paintings, and Rock and Roll all came together for the 1st annual “KAT Fine Art Charity Benefit” hosted by Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas. The night included an auction of 25 original Rock and Roll paintings donated by Texas artist, KAT, in support of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC). In addition to the 25 original paintings up for auction, KAT, known as The Art & Soul of Rock N’ Roll, completed a painting of Johnny Cash at the event while the disc jockey played songs by the famous “Man in Black.” Auction bids, combined with donations that evening, totaled $18,763 for TSRHC. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, located in Dallas, Texas, is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. All treatment at TSRHC is at no charge to patient families making the hospital rely on donations from individuals, foundations and corporations and proceeds from special events to fund their patient care.
Dump the male flight attendants. No one wanted them in the first place. Replace all the female flight attendants with good-looking strippers! What the hell — They don’t even serve food anymore, so what’s the loss? The strippers would at least triple the alcohol sales and get a ‘party atmosphere’ going in the cabin. And, of course, every businessman in this country would start flying again, hoping to see naked women. Because of the tips, female flight attendants wouldn’t need a salary, thus saving even more money. I suspect tips would be so good that we could charge the women for working the plane and have them kick back 20% of the tips, including lap dances and special services. Terrorists from the Middle-East would be afraid to get on the planes for fear of seeing naked women. Hijackings would come to a screeching halt, and the airline industry would see record revenues. This is definitely a win-win situation if handled right, a golden opportunity to turn a liability into an asset. (from a pilot, transmitted by Rodent)
Seems like floorboards are the object of all the attention of many parts manufacturers. If you customize with a Warrior, Celtic or Gladiator theme,maybe you will want to bolt-on these wild creatures on your bike. Concept And Design Cycle.
Official 2008 Sturgis Rally Raffle Custom Bike.
Published by March 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Sabers Specialties Custom Motorcycles from Mitchell, SD unveiled the Official 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Raffle Bike on Jan. 26th in Sturgis. Sabers Specialties was chosen again this year to build the one of a kind motorcycle, nicknamed “The Sturgin’”. Many top industry companies contributed to the build including Independent Cycle/ Legend Air, Jims USA, Renegade Wheels, Terry Components, Danny Gray, Lifetime Coatings, Dakota Digital, and S&S. The bike features a 49 State EPA compliant 113” engine. The bike will be on tour through the Sturgis Rally and will be given away Aug. 9th in Sturgis. Go to Saber Specialties or Sturgis Rally Raffle for your chance to win and see the bike!
Lewis Custom Cycles Destroyed By Fire. Can You Help?
Published by March 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I know Ron Lewis from Lewis Custom Cycles. On March 9, 2008, his motorcycle shop and a family owned business next to his, Lewis Market, located in Southeastern Kentucky were both totally destroyed by fire. Unfortunately, neither business was covered by fire insurance. He asked me if I could help without requesting to have his request published in my Blog. But I decided to make you aware. Below is part of his letter to me.
“My brother & myself battled this fire with just buckets of water, but the smoke had gotten so bad that we were not able to keep going inside with more water to help enable putting this fire out. Our local fire department was only 5 minutes away, but it took them nearly 30 minutes to arrive on the scene. Once they arrived, the fire was getting out of hand. Within a very short time the roof of the Lewis market was fully engulfed in flames. I was told that my bike shop was going to be saved, but we had a very unexpected turn of events. The only acting fire chief had made a decision to have all the water hoses spraying in an area that was already burned, which forced the flames to be redirected towards my bike shop. I was told by one of the fireman that I needed to get as many people to help me as possible to get anything important or of value to me out of the shop & we only had 5 minutes to do so. So first, my 3 bikes were removed, then after that we only had time to grab 2 computers, a printer, 1 box of parts & a couple of guitars that I had in the back part of the shop. Losing my shop like this has been very devastating to me. I have worked so very hard to make my business. Now I have a major mess and I do not have the money to clean up or to build back. Not to mention all the inventory, fixtures & memorabilia, etc. I have always been a “make it on my own” type of guy, but to be able to clean up & rebuild I am going to need a LOT of help & support. Just this past year my business had really started to prosper & I am not one to give up. LCC is a dealer for over 70 major aftermarket companies & also OEM parts for all major brands of motorcycles. I do NOT like asking people for money, but to keep Lewis Custom Cycles in business I have no other choice. Thank you for your time & any consideration in helping us with this matter & may God Bless. We have began a Pay Pal account to send money to, which is: rebuildlcc@lewiscustomcycles.com or you can mail checks & money orders to: LCC Rebuild Fund. c/o Ronnie Lewis. P.O. Box 818. 23150 HWY 421. Hyden, KY 41749-0818
Wire Plus Coffin Shaped Seat Post Mounted
Published by March 22nd, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Wire Plus Powersports Electronics introduces their 08 coffin shaped seat post mounted system. This system provides a coffin shaped chromed billet housing that mounts the power control module and ignition switch. The housing mounts to the seat post coil bracket on Big Twins from 1941 thru 1984 and custom frames using the same style coil mount. This power control module has 3-15 amp breakers, a replaceable start relay and diagnostic LED’s that can be viewed through holes in the face of the housing. This assembly plugs into a pre-assembled harness that will be selected by the style of switches and turn signals used in your application. A new unique feature found on this unit shuts off just the headlight (not taillight) to put less of a strain on the voltage system when starting. Wire Plus.
What is the difference between a crazy bunny and a counterfeit banknote? One is bad money and the other is a mad bunny! Why did a fellow rabbit say that the Easter Bunny was self-centered? Because he was eggo-centric! What do you get when you cross a bunny with an onion? A bunion. What did the bunny want to do when he grew up? Join the Hare Force. What do you call a bunny with a large brain? Egghead! What does a bunny use when it goes swimming? A hare-net. What did the grey rabbit say to the blue rabbit? Cheer up! How do you post a bunny? Hare mail. How does the Easter Bunny say Happy Easter? Hoppy Easter
Right now, it snows a lot on the vast plains of the great state of South Dakota. Better off stay inside and build a bike like this all pearl white bike called “Purity” trying to disappear in its natural winter landscape. It was built by Free Bird Motorcycles in Sioux Falls for a client living in Los Angeles. He must have guessed that during the build his shop crew will not loose too much time at the beach. Well, I just wanted to say that this “after-market” baggers are more and more what you are going to see on the road. A lot of one-off custom fabrication, including the fiberglass bags with internal holster for a 45 caliber automatic colt (I remind you that the builder is in South Dakota). The boys are also very proud of the white buffalo seat because the animal is sacred for the Native Americans and they had to buy the full hide to make it!!!. I am sure that you will see this bike around Sturgis during the next August rally.
Hot And Funny Riding Gear For Your Beard.
Published by March 22nd, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
You ride in an area that’s likely to stay very cold for a while longer. So, check out this Beard Cap. I admit that this headgear is somewhat funny looking, but who cares if it makes you comfortable when you ride in freezing temperatures. It’s made from Icelandic Wool and covers the entire head save for the eyes and nose, and is featuring an awesome beard-like shape complete with a woven faux mustache (you don’t need a mustache to wear one). Now you can speed from 0 to 80-Farenheit in no time. Beard Cap.
American IronHorse Files For Bankruptcy, As Expected.
Published by March 21st, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Dennis Johnson, Senior Editor at Dealer News forwarded to me some new info about the troubled American IronHorse. Thursday the company held a conference call with its dealers to give them a brief description of its plans for reorganization and news about a potential buyer for the beleaguered manufacturer. American IronHorse announced that it plans to file Chapter 11 the week of March 24. CEO and president Buck Hendrickson stated that he is confident a group of investors, whom he calls "motorcycle people," will help the company with its reorganization efforts. He added that some of them could be current American IronHorse management investing their own money in the company. This announcement comes just nearly three weeks after a trio of investors filed a petition in U.S. Bankruptcy court to force the OEM into involuntary bankruptcy for failing to pay debts that could total $2 million. Since then, four more creditors have been joined the case, including custom wheel manufacturer R.C. Components.(picture CEO AIH Buck Hendrickson).
From Paris, France my native city is coming a new vehicle incorporating "biomechanical muscles" that allow the chassis to transform itself. The purpose? Having a vehicle to perform city stunts, like leaping from roofs, climbing walls, jumping over obstacles, everything letting a rider perform stunts. Specifically, it is used in a street sport/competition invented by the French and called “Parcour” (translate by "Trip"). The “Moov” (pronounce like “Move”), was designed by Jean Michel Raad who won first prize at the MDS Design degree Show a Coventry University. To tell you the truth, I have no precise idea how a bio-mechanical muscle work. I just know that it is an active area of robotics research, and that it is used in advanced prosthetics. What I know for sure is that the French are trying to export this sport to the rest of the planet and that the design is outstanding. I bet with you that at least one custom motorcycle builder is going to take “inspiration” from it. You bet? Remember, you saw it here first.
The Return Of Independent Gas Tank Company.
Published by March 20th, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
I was glad to learn that founder of Independent Gas Tank Company Kyle Krejci is back in business. After a deal to sell his company fell through last year, Kyle took a one year break and is now back in Gilbert, Arizona, where he restarted producing his handcrafted 16-gauge cold rolled steel tank and 14-gauge steel fenders. As other builders I have collaborated several times with Kyle on some of my custom projects and I am certain that the v-twin industry welcome his return. Independent Gas Tank Company.
Rat’s Hole Show Rat Rocket
Published by March 20th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Rat’s Hole Shows promoter Ted Smith states that 350 custom motorcycles participated in his 36th anniversary Daytona event, this year spreading on 3 different days (Metrics, Old School and Classic Show). During these shows he unveiled the Rat Rocket, a bike built by Ralph Randolph of Knockout Moytorcycle with collaboration of industrial designer Adam Canni. The short list of what I know: wheels by Ego Tripp, primary drive by Evil Engineering, 6-speed by Baker Transmission, custom one-off water jet parts by Harvey Engineering and paint by AJ’s Customs.
The Scotchbrite Look By MeanStreet.
Published by March 19th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
MeanStreet has probably the world’s most extensive line of custom front ends. And it’s even more true today with this new 56 mm inverted front end called Blunt offered in wide or narrow glide version. But the part I like the most is the fact that you can buy it in Scotchbrite finish, an industrial look that a few custom builders have chosen on their one-off bikes, ever high tech or retro style. Of course, Meanstreet will also sell it to you in polish, in chrome, in black or contrast black. But a Scotchbrite look is so cool that you should think about this theme. Bonus? No polishing and no fingerprints. Think of it on all your aluminum parts. MeanStreet Products..
Annual LA Calendar Show Is July 12-13th
Published by March 19th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
I participated to this show, and it’s a very nice one. Well organized by Jim Gianatsis and presented by Performance Machine, the 17th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend is America’s premier custom, cruiser, performance and sport bike weekend. About 20,000 motorcycle and music enthusiasts participate to this exciting 2-day motorcycle event weekend July12-13th in the beautiful Queen Mary Event Park on the grass alongside the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach. One of the event big attractions is the Bike Show featuring over 250 Pro and Amateur bike builders competing in the Performance Machine Calendar Show Bike Building Championship with a bulging purse of $86,000 in cash and awards including $4,000 cash for the coveted Performance Machine Best of Show Trophy, and a $5,000 Performance Machine product award also up for grabs,. There are 11 Calendar Bike Building Championship Classes including the premier Radical Pro Builder Class sponsored by Iron Works magazine as well as 10 other classes for American V-Twin Custom and Street Bikes, Vintage Bikes, Metric Sport Bikes and Cruisers. Also, 250 major motorcycle and parts manufacturers, selected product and apparel vendors will be present with their ware. If you attend you will be able to meet top celebrity custom bike builders including last year’s best of Show winner Greg Westbury, along with Roland Sands, Russell Mitchell, Shinya Kimura, Joe Takai, Ron Simms, Paul Yaffe, Todd Silicato and dozens more. There will be an S&S Cycle World Championship Horsepower Dyno Shootout and World Record runs are open up to anyone. Included with admission is the 2-Day Calendar Girl Music Festival with beautiful international recording star girl bands and singers including Kari Kimmel, Taxi Doll, AC/DC tribute rock band Whole Lotta Rozies, and the Lead Zepplin tribute band Moby Chick, plus the sexy Purrfect Angelz musical dance shows. The weekend is hosted by Playboy model Tiffany Toth with other FastDates.com Calendar Kittens for the annual world premier of the new 2009 FastDates.com Motorcycle Pin Up Calendars. Fast Dates Calendars. Show Spectators also get complimentary weekend admission aboard the historic Queen Mary Ghost Ship, and entry to the Saturday Night Iron & Lace Calendar Builders Party with the band Mary Falls & Reckless Driver in the ship’s Observation Bar. More info at: LA Calendar Show.
Harley-Davidson Celebrates 100 Years Of Police Motorcycles.
Published by March 18th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
2008 marks the 105th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson, but also the 100th Anniversary of the production of police motorcycles. So, the factory is planning a number of commemorative events up to 105th Anniversary weekend in Milwaukee. Any law enforcement agency buying 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will get its bikes with a 100th anniversary decal affixed to the front fender. Active or retired police officers can buy one of the new 2008 Peace Officer Special Edition models featuring a premium metal tank medallion as well as a police badge medallion on the front fender. In Milwaukee from August 27, through Saturday August 30, Harley-Davidson will sponsor “Riding Skills” competitions limited to the first 200 registered persons. The Grand Prize, a new 2008 Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Police Road King (FLHP) equipped with emergency equipment, will be awarded to the department of the winning competitor. A second Grand Prize, a 2008 Harley-Davidson Peace Officer Special Edition FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic, will be awarded to one participant registered in the competition and/or at least two of the classroom forums. Harley-Davidson.
Warning. Side effects of Beer may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, erotic sensations, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke and/or play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth or Dare, and Naked Twister.
Solo Bag For Your Bobber Or Chopper
Published by March 18th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
How many of you who are riding a Bobber or Chopper wish they had a place to carry some stuff, whatever it can be. A bag you can put on and remove in less than 1 minute. A solo bag that you usually install on the left side, although right side is also an option depending of your driveline setup and accessories like a taillight sidemount for which you want to preserve visibility from the rear. You can have one done under your design in good upholstery shops, or buy one to be personalized by a shop like Garage Leathers. You can pick your leather in the hide and color of your choice, choose the type of stitching, pick the buckle or concho matching the style of your bke. Bags for rigid frames attach with 4 straps and no bracket, and there is also a model for swingarm bikes. Garage Leathers.
Mike Corbin Selling Steve McQueen 1940 Indian Scout Motorcycle
Published by March 17th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Steve McQueen owned about 200 motorcycles. His family auctioned 166 motorcycles in Las Vegas in 1984. Now just a few "trickle out” onto the market each year. May 3rd, during the California show called "Legend of the Motorcycle, International Concoursd’Elegance”, auctioneer Bonhams will take bids on a McQueen’s 1940 Indian Scout motorcycle that he restored for competitions. The sporty red motorcycle, restored by the late actor may fetch as much as $80,000, the auction house says. It is being sold by motorcycle-seat maker Mike Corbin. Bonhams will auction the Indian Scout (which comes with a letter from McQueen’s children certifying that it belonged to their father) with other motorcycles belonging to Corbin at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Half Moon Bay, California.
You are on a budget, need a pinstripe seat to complement the stripes of your paint job and will not settle for less than top grain leather A sleek low profile looking seat that follows the lines of your bike and is electronically stitched for perfection and consistency every time. Fitments include: 2000-up FXST, FLST models except the FLSTN and Deuce. This seat does NOT fit 2006-up models with a 200 mm rear tire. Price: $159.95. Mammoth Choppers.
This Awesome 2008 Custom Panhead Can Be Yours.
Published by March 17th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
It can’t be mine because I think, as a pro. I am not authorized to participate to the National Motorcycle Museum’s 2008 raffle bike. But it can be yours, and trust me you have more chance to win this bike than the Jackpot at your State Lottery. Custom-built by J&P Cycles and painted by Scott Takes of Underground Studios, this year’s bike is a beautiful piece of work! The Panhead features a 93 cubic inch S&S Panhead motor that was generously donated by S&S Cycle. The transmission on this beauty is from Baker Drivetrain and the frame from KraftTech. “This is a great way for parts manufacturers from around the country to support the museum,” National Motorcycle Museum Director Jeff Carstensen says. Designed by J&P Cycles bike builders Kody Wisner and Jeff Wiley, the gorgeous paint job has a 3-D racer motif with a nostalgic look. The bike will be featured in the May, June and July issues of Hot Bike Magazine, so be sure to pick up a copy to see this project come together from start to finish. Tickets are available for only $5 each or 6 tickets for $25. Tickets can be ordered by sending your check to the National Motorcycle Museum at P.O. Box 405, Anamosa, Iowa 52205. An order form can also be downloaded from their website at National Motorcycle Museum. Drawing will be held Dec 31, 08 and you don’t need to be present to win. www.nationalmcmuseum.org,
Last Ride Customs has made quite a few seats for the custom builders having a household name. As a matter of fact, all the seats are made by Adan Croft himself. His upholstery shop specializes in hand-tool seats made using the best tools and leathers (both are very important). A one-off hand-tooled seat is never cheap, but it can make or break an old school bike. So, you are better off working with one of the best in the business. Last Ride Custom Saddles.
Avon Tips For Motorcycle Tires
Published by March 16th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
On behalf of the Avon Customer Service, Ms Sukoshi Fahey transmitted to me very good tips to be sure you ride safely on your tires.
1) Check tire pressure at least once a month for cars, once a week for motorcycles. Tires can lose up to a pound a month of air pressure. Consistency is the key. A sudden drop in pressure is noticeable with regular pressure checks. E.g., 40, 39, 40 then 30 psi indicates a leak or puncture or other type of problem. It could be as simple as a bad valve stem or bent rim or something more serious such as internal tire failure.
2) When riding for long distances monitor tire pressure every morning when tires are cold. Then check tire pressure after a few hours of use. More than a 10% increase in inflation means the tire is working too hard. Lighten the load, decrease speed, or add air to the tires so they run cooler.
3) When oil is changed, it’s a good idea to check tire pressure and inflate to at least recommended manufacturer suggested pressure or higher so the tires run cooler and have less rolling resistance. This will result in better fuel economy and higher mileage for your tires. It also helps avoid irregular tread wear on the tires.
4) Use a digital pressure gauge if possible or ensure your pencil stick gauge is accurate. Look into a tire sensor to warn of low air.
5) Remember cold weather means air in the tires contracts and may require additional air. High temperatures, hot or rough road surfaces, high speeds and heavy loads all cause the tire to work harder and hotter. Make sure tire pressure is sufficient to deal with these conditions. Also under inflation is the number one cause of tire failure.
6) Eyeballing tires for under inflation or over inflation is not a good idea, particularly on a motorcycle. A bike on a center stand and with no riders on it could be missing half the weight or more the tires will end up supporting. In addition, it is necessary to get down and examine tires under the fender to see if there is any tire damage. With only a few small inches supporting the load on two tires versus a much larger contact patch on 4 tires it’s a much riskier proposition taking a chance with motorcycle tires. Check also for cracking on the sidewalls, in the grooves, stones or cuts.
