Daytona Bike Week would not be Bike Week without famous photographer Mike Lichter clicking his cameras 20 hours a day. But this year, Mike has a second assistant (Steve being the 1st one), his daughter Kiera. Her last visit to Daytona, she was still in diapers, and I remember. Oh My God… Kiera follows her Dad everywhere, day & night, is getting intensive training carrying a bunch of equipment, told me she is hooked to Bike Week and think she deserves a custom bike. Kiera, for you, I am available.
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Yesterday a team of journalist/photographer stopped me and asked: "Cyril, do you know where we can find a new cool high tech custom bike?". I could not answer…Well, as we all know, the new generation of custom builders is re-designing and re-creating new old school bikes. Here some pictures of gas tanks being filled up in Daytona gas stations.
Jesse James And S&S Cycle Announce Exclusive Collaboration
Published by March 5th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Jesse James has agreed to an exclusive collaboration, marketing, and endorsement agreement with S&S Cycle, Inc. James has been an avid customer of S&S Cycle throughout his involvement with the V-Twin motorcycle industry. While not all details of the agreement were released, it includes continued exclusive use of S&S engines in all American motorcycles built by West Coast Choppers. Jesse James also plans to build special construction motorcycles for S&S in support of their 50th Anniversary Celebration June 26-29.
Exclusive. V Force Customs New Bike Unveiled.
Published by March 5th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Although I see Vinnie and Cody every day in many Daytona events, I didn’t have the time to detail with them the tech sheet of their first bike since they started their own custom shop. But if you are not present at Bike Week at least, you can see here in exclusivity the 1st official picture of V Force 1. Will tell you more later. V Force Customs.
Daytona Biker Fusion For A Very Good Cause.
Published by March 5th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Don’t be mistaken by the pictures. Our industry is very serious and very efficient at raising money for different charities. And yesterday evening, off Main Street, at the Dog House/Hard Rock Roadhouse, all professionals of the industry present in Daytona gathered to raise money and show support for our soldiers and their families. The event was introduced on stage by Paul Cox and Billy Lane and once again Bruce Rossmeyer announced that he was matching dollar for dollar all contributions we made during the evening. Event promoter Carrie Repp thanked us by treating the V-Twin industry to fine food, Pink Vodka (it’s a brand and the vodka in your glass is not pink), and the presence…of very good looking women.
Iron Works Magazine Bike Show At Carl’s Speed Shop
Published by March 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Paid a visit to this show not only as a courtesy to the nice staff of Iron works Magazine but also to meet with Carl Morrow in his new Nova Avenue Carl Speed Shop facility. Quite impressive shop and service area, and outside perfect wide open parking lot to welcome a professional bike competition. Not the biggest Bike Show in town but a very friendly one where bikes being displayed have enough room to show all their sides. Took the time to talk to a few builders and discuss fabrication tricks that I used on my bikes or that they employed on theirs. Cool exchanges of ideas between pros, semi pros and amateurs.…All friends. It’s what it’s all about.
Daytona Builders Breakfast Another Success.
Published by March 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Only 200 members of the public were authorized to participate to this 2nd Daytona Builders Breakfast whose objective is to raise money for charity, the Bobby Creek Camp. From 8 AM to 9 AM, all builders signed memorabilia to be auctioned during the event. Then, we went for the traditional group picture where you can recognize your favorite custom builder. During 2 hours we signed whatever the public wanted us to sign and offered as many picture opportunities as requested. Oops, I forgot to have breakfast myself! Bruce Rossmeyer surprised us again by matching dollar for dollar the amount of money raised during the auction. Thanks Bruce. How much? Don’t know yet exactly because I had to rush to a professional meeting on the other side of town. (Pictures Of Paul Cox & Of Jesse Rooke).
Freeway Party. I got my share Of Candies.
Published by March 3rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Solid blue sky. Light breeze. A perfect 78 F. Freeway Magazine organized the 1st professional party of Bike Week. A selection of the best new bikes of this 2008 edition was exhibited around the pool of the Bahama House Hotel. We had a nice buffet front of the ocean, got a few laughs, didn’t push anyone fully clothed in the pool, and satisfied the media by posing for pictures. One of the most excited dealers present at the party was “Cycle Concepts And Design”, a shop well known in Canada, making the trip down to Florida to show their new custom bagger and get a picture with Arlen Ness and myself. The Freeway Magazine journalists quite surprised me by offering me some candies from my native country, the ones that all French kids, generation after generation, eat after school if they get good grades. It brought to me (very) old memories and made my day.
A special Bike Week task force is out to stop motorcycle thieves in their tracks. The Motorcycle Anti-Theft Task Force headed by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office,, which includes 30 officers from agencies across the country, has already recovered several stolen motorcycles since Friday, The group is using bait motorcycles in high-risk areas to nab and deter thieves. "Curbstoning," the illegal motorcycle sales on the side of the road, is also targeted. During Bike Week 2007, task force efforts drove down the number of motorcycles reported stolen by 40 percent and helped recover 16 motorcycles valued at more than $130,000.
Shovelhead Engine Scale Model Running Like The Original.
Published by March 3rd, 2008 in Accessories, Builders, Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Why would you spend months building a Shovelhead engine scale model using the materials and metals from the original?. Because you have a passion for anything mechanical AND because you are a true Artist. But wait, this 1:3 scale model is built using standard tools, no CNC machining. Each component is designed and shaped using hand tools. Want to be more amazed? It runs like a factory Shovelhead engine!!!. Out of this world. The artist, Xavier Agostini, can build any kind of reduced mechanical models, and he already built quite a few motorcycle and car engines. His scale models can be delivered fully assembled or completely disassembled in kit form. You can even order one with cut-away view to show the internal functionality. And if you can’t afford one of his piece of art, at least say hello to him with an email when you visit his website (English & French Versions). AMM
I am there. First finding my place in the fortunately big house that I share with 10 friends in Ormond Beach (the new epicenter of the Bike Week tremor). Very good friends, true bikers, acute observers of my work and of the one of my fellow builders. If they like my bikes I know that it’s going to be a success…Since the 11 friends have a lot of friends stopping by at any time of the day and night, many extra chairs are placed front of the garage. The driveway is our open roof conference/meeting room, especially at night because we respect those who, at 3 AM, need to take a few short hours of sleep inside. My Bike Week professional errands, meetings and parties are listed on a piece of paper that I keep with me all the time. It is read to my friends so that they can decide if they want to follow me or know how to find me without calling my cellular phone because of chronic signal disappearance during the event. Motorcycle assistance is in place via a professional tool box full of goodies that we may need for us or clients. Three pots of fresh coffee are always ready, the fridge is full and the wireless internet connection is still working. So, I am ready and will live blog as much as I can. Now time to ride to visit other friends for kisses, hugs and hand shakings. Next post when I can…and when I feel like it!
Harley-Davidson Daytona Bike Week activities at the Ocean Center Arena
Published by March 2nd, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
There will be plenty to do on the Ocean Center New Product Show floor, including: Checking out the latest Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes, Merchandise , Seminars and presentations on Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes such as the new women’s helmets, Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Truck Display and Adventure Zone Simulator
Official Harley-Davidson activities will run from March 2-8. Highlights and include: Harley-Davidson and Buell New Product Show (March 2-8) 
-Women’s Day activities and ride arrival (March 4) 
-Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Live Auction (March 7) and MDA Bike Raffle. For H.O.G. Members Only new product reception on March 2, with H.O.G. Hospitality area, event pins and H.O.G. & Co. merchandise on the first floor during regular show hours. Activities outside the Ocean Center during Daytona Bike Week include: The Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum, 
Women’s Ride arrival and welcome (March 4), Annual Custom Motorcycle Show Contest (March 5) 
-B.O.S.S. Ball of Steel Stunt Shows, Harley-Davidson Festival Stage with music and entertainment.
Baker Drivetrain 10Th Anniversary Daytona Party
Published by March 2nd, 2008 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
I remember seeing Bert & Lisa Baker start in the business. Our booths were set up across each other at the Indy show and it’s where we met for the first time. OMG, it was 10 years ago…Since then, Bert has taken his GM transmission experience to a new level with the introduction of many revolutionary driveline components. And they want to celebrate ith their friends of the industry. It will happen Thursday March 6, at 8 PM at the legendary Daytona Broken Spoke Saloon. Baker Drivetrain.
Daytona Rats Hole Custom Bike Show Is Now A 3-Day Event
Published by March 1st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
For the past 36 years the Rats Hole Custom Bike Show has featured some of the finest custom motorcycles from all around the world. The Show has literally been the launch bed for some of today’s top motorcycle builders,and this Year’s Show will be no exception. The Rats Hole, which has always been a 1-day event, will be now a 3-day custom bikes.celebration. Yes, 3 bike shows in a row from March 6 to March 8 at the Daytona Lagoon Water Park . First, “Big Daddy Rat Fest” will feature Metric Madness Thursday March 6 with an all day Metric Bike Show for Sports Bikes and Cruisers. Second day will be the “Old School Bobber and Rat Rod Show” Friday March 7, showcasing various Bobber classes and vintage Hot Rods. Third day will be “The Classic Rats Hole Custom Bike Show” on Saturday March 8, featuring the new crop of custom bikes coming from all around the world to compete in this iconic show. .
To celebrate this landmark year, second generation Rats Hole Show Promoter Ted Smith, commissioned Ralph Randolph, of Knockout Motorcycle to build a one of a kind custom motorcycle. The “Rat Rocket” is the result of the collaborative efforts of acclaimed builder Ralph Randolph, of Knockout Motorcycle and Industrial Designer Adam Canni of Canni Design. Canni told me that, “The Rat Rocket” design is the synergy of Bobber and Board Track Style bikes, because it features many styling clues synonymous with the genre, but still defies classification”. The “Rat Rocket” includes a racer styled number plaque adorned with the number 52, because 1952 was the year show founder Karl Smith opened his first “Rats Hole T- Shirt Shop” in Daytona Beach. So if you are in Daytona stop by the Daytona Lagoon Water Park and check this new awesome machine in perso.! Show competitors must pre-register by going to the Rats Hole Website.
No need to be a biker. Wearing a tattoo is now thoroughly mainstream. Millions of people of all ages get inked each year. But we know that many who want to get their first piece of skin art are a little bit scared and have a lot of questions. Does it hurt? A little bit? A lot? Is it safe? How much does it cost? Written for the novice and aficionado alike, the author, a very reputable tattoo artist, walks the reader through every step of the process. How to make the big decision? Which part of my body? Which art? Will I regret? Handling the physical event and finally taking proper care of your own personal piece of art. In this book, you get advice from John Reardon, a high-profile professional, get 30 original designs exclusive to this book and an 8-page full-color insert. If you are thinking of getting your 1st tattoo, read these 256 pages of advice. Complete Idiot’s Guide To Getting A Tattoo.
To Benefit MDA 500 Women Ride To Daytona Bike Week
Published by March 1st, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
On March 4, 2008, in Daytona, Fla., 500 Harley-Davidson women riders will join together in what the Motor Company believes to be one of the largest women’s rides in the Company’s 105-year history. Originally, the Harley-Davidson Women’s Day Ride, benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), was to be limited to 105 women; but after an incredible response from women riders asking to join the ride, Harley-Davidson decided to increase the size to accommodate 500 women.
The riders will join Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Company’s founders, as well as the six Get Down to Daytona contest winners on the last leg of their ride into Daytona. The ride will conclude at the Ocean Center at 10:45 a.m. on March 4 for Women’s Day, so riders attending Daytona Bike Week and local residents are encouraged to come out and watch this historic ride. Details on the route will be announced soon.
Women participating in the ride are encouraged to raise money for their local MDA chapter to help send children to MDA Summer Camps, and the top three fundraisers will receive a Harley-Davidson leather jacket. One week at MDA Summer Camp costs $800 per child, so women who raise that amount or more will receive a unique Harley-Davidson/MDA sterling silver and gold charm in recognition of their gold-level fundraising. All 500 riders will receive a 2008 MDA Pin, a special Harley-Davidson/MDA flag and will be entered in a special MDA drawing for a women’s Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary leather jacket. Anyone can make a general contribution to the ride at Harley Women Ride.
Daytona Ol’ Skool Bike Show At Willie’s Tropical Tattoo
Published by February 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Willie’s Tropical Tattoo is a Daytona tradition. And Willie’s Ol’ Skool Bike Show is a must place to exhibit your Old or New Age Phat Chop and for the public to admire the creativity of those preserving bikes from the past or reinventing them. The show is Thursday March 6 starting at 11 AM to 4 PM and admittance is free . The place is always packed but fortunately, across the street, there is a huge Publix parking lot. Use it! Participants will compete in 14 classes with a trophy for 1st place in each class. The bike show is sponsored by Barnett Magazine. I will see you there. The address is 825 South Yonge Street (US1) in Ormond Beach, FL. Tel: 386-672-1888
Leroy-Thompson Sponsors AMA Racer Walt Sipp.
Published by February 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Scott Webster, Owner of Leroy-Thompson and of a division called Zero 7 Design Concepts (a company specializing in graphic design & printing) have decided to sponsor AMA Superbike Championship Racer and ASRA Licensed Road Racer Walt Sipp. Scott Webster has worked with Walt on several projects and it was a natural progression to support him in his racing career. If you are in Daytona during Bike week, you can go to the Speedway on March 8th and see Walt Sipp race in the most prestigious motorcycle race in America, the Daytona 200. Otherwise, it will be live on the Speed Channel. As you know, Leroy-Thompson specializes in handcrafted motorcycles and custom and one of his bikes was featured HERE a few days ago.
Get Bit. The New Rigid Chopper From Viper Motorcycle.
Published by February 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Just before the Cincinnati Show, I published some "spy" shop pictures of the new Rigid Chopper offered by Viper Motorcycle for 2008. Here the final simplified tech sheet of the bike the way you can order it. It uses a Daytec Goliath RSD 280-300 frame, an all billet short stroke 152 cu engine showing that it could be easily fitted into an after market frame with little, if any modifications. (the mounting bolt pattern on the engine is still based on Industry standards). Because of the positive response Viper has received on this engine, it will also be available to after market and OEM builders. But the exhausts, in different styles, will need to be sourced from Viper due to their proprietary exhaust ports., Retail price on the bike will start at $ 34,500. Not bad for an Airea 5150 paint job, RC Component rims, and a 152 cu inch all billet engine! Viper Motorcycle Company.
Win This Official Daytona Bike Week Custom Motorcycle.
Published by February 28th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The bike was built by Big Bear Choppers and is worth $35,000. Drawing is limited to 4500 entrants at $50 a ticket. So, the odds of winning are quite high versus many other bike drawings. As of today, there are only less than 700 remaining tickets for sale. And it’s tax deductible because proceeds will go to a major fund raiser facilitated by the Daytona Chamber Of Commerce for betterment of each Bike week event. In addition to the Grand Prize, there are 10 additional runner up prizes valued at $200. You don’t need to be present in Daytona to win. Enter this bike drawing by clicking HERE.
Mean Street Hot Rodder Front End
Published by February 28th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Mean Street doesn’t stop releasing new front end styles. Good for us always looking for something new. "Hot Rodder" is an all Billet construction mixing modern technology with vintage rounded shapes. You can order it in 3, 5, 6 and 7-degree rake, in polish, black or chrome. And as always, you get smooth triple tree clamps, hard chrome steel alloy tubes and a semi-hidden axle. Mean Street Products.
In addition to thrilling motorcycle racing during upcoming Daytona 200 Week By Honda on Feb. 29 – March 8, Daytona International Speedway will once again host Kickstand City. In addition to offering a wide-variety of overnight parking packages and the exciting on-track racing, Daytona International Speedway will offer a plethora of must-see activities for any motorcycle enthusiast. 1- Free demo rides: motorcycle enthusiasts can test-ride the latest factory motorcycles with free manufacturer demo rides from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Buell, Victory, Triumph, Boss Hoss and, BMW. 2- Custom builders: they will be located in the area outside of Turn 4. They include Covington, Bourget, Redneck, Ridley, Big Dog Motorcycles, S&S Cycles, Swift and many more. 3- The metric display: will be located in Lot 1. 4- Daytona Motorcycle Marketplace: Bikers can find some of the nation’s top aftermarket parts, accessories and apparel companies in the parking lot of The Daytona 500 Experience. 5- Spring Dash Around Daytona: On Wednesday, March 5, bikers will get the chance of a lifetime to ride Daytona International Speedway in the Spring Dash Around Daytona. The parade lap will begin at 7 p.m. followed by the After Party until 9 p.m. Price is $40 per participant and includes an "I Rode Daytona" T-shirt, two parade, two beverage tickets and entertainment at the After Party in the Sprint FANZONE. Tickets are available in the Budweiser Cool Your Pipes Zone outside of Turn 4 on March 1, 2 and 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 5 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless Inc.
American IronHorse $10 Millions Garage Sale
Published by February 27th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
American IronHorse is trying to liquidate $10 millions of inventory through a Michigan based auction and liquidation house. It seems to me that it’s a very good opportunity for many bikers and actual AIH dealers and owners to get some parts at a big discount. You never know…CEO Buck Hendrickson states that the sale is a way to get rid of inventory not needed to equip the 2008 and 2009 bikes lineup. Will we really have new AIH models is of course the big question? I heard that several companies were looking at the books of American IronHorse during these last weeks and that a deal could be imminent. Nothing certain and nothing official, yet. Anyway, if you are ready to make a minimum order of $5,000, you can bid on a lot of brand new V-Twin custom motorcycle parts from frames, to transmissions, to controls, fenders, wheels, tires, etc. You can even make an offer on the AIH Dyno and Show Booth. Details of the sale at: Liquid Assets Partners.
Breaking News. Hot Rod King Boyd Coddington Dies At Age 63
Published by February 27th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I was just informed that Master Car Customizer and Hot Rod King Boyd Coddington died today February 27, around 6 am. Boyd was in and out of the hospital over this past month. I have no details on what caused his death. I knew Boyd personally and I am trying to contact some friends working for his business. We will miss his innovative style and his influence on the custom car world. Family will be releasing a statement very soon. My condolences to his family, friends, employees and fans
Rick Fairless Eyeball Grips And Pegs
Published by February 27th, 2008 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
You are not believing your eyes. I guess only Custom Builder Rick Fairless could think of putting eyeballs at the end of grips and pegs. But after all, when riding, with all these crazy cagers around us, extra vision is not a luxury. I recommend to Rick to decline this line with different eye expressions, from happy to angry. What about winking eyes when you see her riding by. I am thinking about a lot of other things eyes could do to entertain crowds . But it’s Rick’s vision. So, I will leave it to him. For 1" bars. Pick your eye color at: Strokers Dallas.
Lawyer Of Class Action Against Harley-Davidson Jailed, Fined And Barred.
Published by February 27th, 2008 in Editorial.
Bill Lerach one the most feared corporate lawyers who started a class action against Harley-Davidson was sentenced to two years in prison, fined $250,000 and barred forever from practicing law. He operated a kick-back scheme that bribed shareholders to act as lead plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits he initiated against by corporations. In 2005, Bill Lerach sued Harley-Davidson accusing the company’s senior management of pushing US Harley Dealers with excessive inventory to inflate the company financial results and send the Harley share price up. Under his allegations the Harley-Davidson Directors were then selling share options for top dollars. Harley-Davidson denied and refused the trap of setting the lawsuit out of court. The SEC, the US stock market regulatory authority, investigated the allegations and decided that there wasn’t much substancein this Haley-davidson lawsuit. As the opposite of what he expected, Bill Lerach ends up in jail and has also to pay $7.75m in damages.
