This is the time of the year when, like all Dealers, I receive my load of new catalogs. A pain to carry, but a joy to read to find new parts (that usually I will modify for my projects) and get some fresh inspiration. To notice this year is the 2008 Paughco catalog. This is the first new catalog they put out in almost 4 years, and it was worth waiting for. The four-color publication has 320 pages full of the latest and greatest aftermarket accessories and reproduction parts for Harley-Davidsons. It is much more user-friendly for dealers and consumers alike, because it has now grouped the company’s product offerings into sections. And areas like the frame section that contain more than a thousand frame combinations, now feature easy-to-use charts to make finding that particular configuration for your special needs, that much easier. The exhaust section was also completely revamped, and now features more than ninety different exhaust systems photographed on-bike, on their respective pages. A must have catalog to carry around (huh) your garage. Paughco.
Archive Page 401
New 2008 Paughco Catalog
Published by February 6th, 2008 in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.Panhead Style Rocker Boxes For Your Twin-Cam
Published by February 6th, 2008 in Editorial and Engines.
The Panhead look. Who doesn’t want it? You can keep the comfort of your Twin-Cam bike and add a little bit of Harley nostalgia on your bike. These rocker boxes are a 4-piece set that you can install with hand tools without removing your engine from the frame. Top is in chromed steel with billet aluminum D Rings and of course all necessary hardware is provided. They fit all Twin-Cam Harley-Davidson bikes from 1999 to 2008, and sold for a reasonable price of $649.95 per set. Be a "Pan Man" or close (!) to it. TDC (The Driveline Company).
While strolling the 3rd floor of the V-Twin expo, I had a chance to spend some time checking out the bikes from Zero Engineering. Designed in Okazaki City, Japan and built in Las Vegas, Nevada, their choppers are the foremost bikes of the custom motorcycle industry in the land of the rising sun. And it’s true that their bikes offer uncompromising style, beauty and attention to details. In 2008 Zero Engineering introduces a Samurai Chopper line inspired by their award winning motorcycles. You can check models and prices in their website. Zero Engineering.
Crime Scene Choppers just unveiled in Cincinnati a very cool line called “Rapide” (yes, it’s a French word meaning Fast) including a headlight, taillight and air cleaner They all feature raised scallops and grill with art-deco lines that I adore (a style also invented by the French in the 30’s…). They are available in all-chrome, polished brass with a satin and polished body (as shown) and on request in black powder coating with polished grill edges. The Headlight uses a 4.5" sealed beam, and they also offer a 225 watt halogen lamp unit as an option. The taillight uses a super-bright 48 LED lamp and comes with a 3-bolt mount base. They offer a chrome license plate mount available as well to be used with this taillight. The air cleaner fits S&S Super E and G, and Stock CV carbs. It has a washable filter element. Call Joe on my behalf at 831.406.0126. Crime Scene Choppers.
Exclusive. American IronHorse Motorcycle Closing Its Doors?
Published by February 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Sad news at a time where we are in Cincinnati celebrating our love for the V-Twin industry. American IronHorse was the main competitor of Big Dog Motorcycles in the market segment of "production custom motorcycles". Follow the confirmation I received from one of their employees. " American IronHorse closed its doors officially this past week. Laying off pretty much everyone with the exception of a couple of big salaries. Employees were told possible return in march but nothing definitive . This during a 2 week layoff already in place. Doesn’t look good". Can it be only temporarily? It’s what I wish them. CH.
February 5th. Below is the letter that Buck Hendrickson, CEO, just sent to all American IronHorse Dealers.
"This letter is intended to address dealers concerns with American IronHorse. Despite rumors, we are not closed, we have not filed bankruptcy, and we are not abandoning our dealers. We are currently in a production hold, in an attempt to prevent overproduction from the factory, or overloading individual dealers. This same overproduction and overloading of dealers has led to the majority of problems that you each see on a daily basis. As a manufacturer, if we do not take action to prevent a repeat of a problem, we are committing a huge injustice to each of you, and to ourselves. We are still offering incentives to dealers to help sell bikes, and hope that you will take advantage of these programs. As a manufacturer, we are also working diligently on projects to ensure a quality future both for us, and each of you. Moving forward, we will keep our network of dealers informed of all happenings, and hope that you will do the same. We thank you for your patience, and your loyalty to American IronHorse Motorcycles" Buck Hendrickson, CEO American IronHorse Motorcycle Company
First Meeting With Vinnie & Cody
Published by February 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly, founders of V-Force Customs, made their 1st public appearance in Cincinnati since leaving the popular television series “American Chopper” with OCC. Hey, I am flattered: they wanted a picture with me and told me that they read my Blog. When they appear at Daytona Bike week February 29, 2008. DiMartino and Connelly will begin a year-long rally tour with their new custom bike built under their new brand name of V-Force Customs. I wish them the best.
If you are an individual who heard about our V-Twin Dealers Expo who cannot visit it, or a professional of the motorcycle industry from the US or abroad who never attended it, you really wonder how this show can be. During the day, just like all trade shows of any industry: showing, demonstrating and explaining your new ware and, of course, meeting with the medias (very important). But the motorcycle industry is not like any other industries in the sense that we entered it by passion and for the pure love we have for motorcycles. Not with financial gain being our primary motivation. And it shows, especially after hours when we all meet for parties (at least 3 every evening organized by manufacturers and magazines), improvise dinners with tables for 15 or more, (driving crazy the managers of the best restaurants of Cincinnati). And when the booths are closed, it’s all about friendship, camaraderie and an almost all night contest for the best jokes of the year. Yes, we care about each other (health, family & kids). We never forget to congratulate who deserve it for his last year successes (a part, a bike…or a blog). Yes, the show is about business, but it could not exist without the bond we have with each other. Just simple people very passionate about what they do. Talented craftsmen pushing the limits of design and technology. So, how can I illustrate such a post? Maybe with this "family" picture taken last night. From left to right. Hilarious Tammy (Easyriders Advertising) who is trying to make it in the frame, Ted Sands (Marketing Director of Performance Machine), an another funny Easyriders staff girl (after 3 glasses of wine, I forget names), a custom builder and internet publisher called Cyril Huze, a fellow technician from Charlotte Harley-Davidson, Arlen Ness and many more around the table. What was unveiled during the show is in this Blog. What happened after hours will stay in Cincinnati.
Look at this picture. Even kids can be ticketed because their bike lights are not street legal. Yours should be and Adjure Inc. has a vast selection of lights to see and be seen without being noticed by the cops. At the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo I noticed this brand new, DOT approved and very custom headlight that I like very much. I think that all police motorcycles should be equipped with one like that. Adjure Products are available through all major worldwide distributors and can be seen on their Online Store.
Cincinnati V-Twin Expo Best Tattoo And Haircut.
Published by February 3rd, 2008 in Customs and Editorial.
On Saturday evening, after the show closed for the day, Easyriders Magazine gave away his 2008 V-Twin Expo Awards. Me, I have to give 2 non-official awards. One to Randy Connell from "Four Rivers Harley-Davidson", Kentucky who found me in the crowd to show me his new tattoo, my company logo. Thank you so much Randy. Very touching. Also, during the show, I had a very young waitress caring about my food needs and preparing my burgers the way I like them (well done, swiss cheese, mustard, no tomato, no ketchup, no pickles). I was amazed by her "custom haircut" and the work involved (around 14 hours). Don’t worry, I will give you very soon the complete list of the Easyriders winners in each category. It’s 11 PM Sunday evening. The Super Bowl is over. The NY Giants won. Time to party again…
Today at the Cincinnati Show I stopped by the Kiwi Indian MotorCycle Company display and stumbled on the bike called Rocket that Mike built for the Sturgis Michael Lichter’s exhibition called “One World”. The bike is pretty cool, but noticeable to me was the new leaf spring forks with custom Heim joints on the front connecting links attaching to the leaf pack. This version creates a smaller open area between the tire and leaf pack. Mike Tomas explained to me that his new forks creation come with a 1” neck stem for a direct no fuss fit to Harley, after market and British frames and accept wheels from 16” to 23” diameters. A top crown is offered as an option to accept any style aftermarket handlebars. Kiwi’s forks are made in house with extensive jigging and TIG welded for the highest quality possible which can be found on many award winning bikes around the world. Forks come in bare steel finish and accept left or right side brakes. Kiwi Indian MotorCycle Company or info@kiwiindian.com.
One of the hottest trends when customizing a Bagger is to replace the front wheel by a 21” And now there is a FL series front fender to accommodate you new wheel. It is manufactured with wider and longer mounting tabs to accommodate the lower FL front end bolt location. Although fender spacers are required the new design from B’COOL eliminates the offset brackets typically used. It is made from 12 gauge cold rolled steel and TIG welded. Like all B’COOL Products fenders they are fully warranted. B’COOL Products 613-925-0704
Mike Corbin Unveils New Bagger Setups
Published by February 2nd, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
The V-Twin Expo just got started. And when you go through the huge entrance doors you immediately bump into the huge and always gorgeous display of Corbin Inc. And there, Mike Corbin is showing off his new proprietary bagger setups for several brands and bike models. For example one for the Rolling Thunder chassis, both 200 and 250 series) including bags, rear fender, side covers and license plate/taillight. Or one for the Yamaha Raider including a Fleetliner fairing and saddlebags, a chin spoiler, and of course a choice of seats. The beauty of these kits, in addition of their designs, is that all body components come pre-painted to coordinate with factory colors and are constructed of durable fibertech. Corbin Inc.
New Fork Models From MeanStreet
Published by February 2nd, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Kicking off the week-end of new product announcements for the V-Twin Industry, MeanStreet unveils 3 new hot front ends. A retro styled "Hot Rodder", a futuristic designed "Blade Rider" and a stylish "Linea". They all feature a new sleek smooth triplle clamp, stainless steel steering stem with innovative adjustable nut system, hard chrome steel alloy slider tubes, billet lower egs, semi hidden axle. All forks in polished, black or chrome finishes. Raked triple tree available in 3, 5, 6, and 7-degree rake. MeanStreet Products.
Global Motorsports Group Sells Custom Chrome To Korean Company
Published by February 1st, 2008 in Editorial.
I am at the West Palm Beach Airport on my way to Cincinnati, and now that it is official I can upload this post to tell you that Global Motorsports Group (GMG) has sold all its assets including Custom Chrome (CCI) to Korean Dae-II corporation, the RevTech (engines and transmissions) program manufacturer. Global Motorsports Group (GMG) is filing a voluntary petition for reorganization under chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The Company states that it will not make any changes in employee numbers or facility locations. Former CEO Nace Panzica will return to lead the business with which he was synonymous until his departuret some eight years ago. He is one of the original founders of Custom Chrome in 1970 and the person widely credited with pushing Custom Chrome to a position of leadership. Transition to new ownership by Korean Dae-II should be completed by next March. Let me know what you think of this announcement
On My Way To The Cincinnati V-Twin Expo
Published by January 31st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
I am catching a red-eye flight to Concinnati. Or maybe my eyes are already red of too much blogging. This year, the V-Twin Expo will welcome about 500 exhibitors and thousands of v-twin dealers at the Duke Energy Center. The V-Twin Expo remains the one show to attend for both exhibitors and V-twin dealers. But I just regret that each year I see too many people who are not true professionals (either dealers, manufacturers or accredited member of the press) succeeding attending this otherwise very professional show (Jim Betlach, you have to do something about it). The V-Twin industry is experiencing major changes and you just need to read the 2008 seminar topics to understand the challenges we face. For example: “Combating Counterfeits and Knock-Offs in the Motorcycle World”, “What You Need To Know To Survive”, “Is the noise issue going to hurt all of motorcycling”, etc. Anyway, I will be there to report, and tell you my thoughts about this 8th edition. (Hilton personnel, please check again the speed of your wireless connection before I arrive. Or my readers are going to be upset and me too. Thank you).
Find Your way On Your Bobber Or Chopper
Published by January 31st, 2008 in Accessories and Editorial.
Of course, you are not going to install a cumbersome GPS on your chopper or bobber handlebars. Of course, whatever the distance you ride on your bare bone bike, like everybody you get lost. Garmin, a leader in GPS just launched the Forerunner 405, a sexy GPS watch looking like a watch and not like a mini computer cube attached to your wrist. It’s wireless, can be used indoors and outdoors, and even measure your heart rate…to be sure it’s Her when you meet Her. The revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel you can set all the functions. It’s even water resistant for your rides in the rain. Weight only 60 grams and available in black & sage green. Starting at $299.00. At Garmin.
Cyril Huze Builds A Vintage Motorcycle.
Published by January 31st, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.This vintage looking bike was built at the request of I.A.F.F. (International Association Of Fire Fighters) with objective to be auctioned. The proceeds will go to the "Burn Foundation". The bike incorporates a lot of vintage 50’s and 60’s fire fighter apparatus that we restored and adapted to fit this project. Detailed studio pictures on our Website. This 2.06′ video is a highlight of a 30 minutes TV show.
When you ride fast or in the rain, pants clips can be very useful. Clips are not new, but these ones seem to work a little bit better at protecting you from wind and water, and also look better. Can it even be a piece of conversation? Your lady may want some too because they are “bikers fashionable”. You can buy complete sets with different designs. For sale online at Ryder Clips.
I have a lot of engraving on some of my customs (see bikes “Miami Nice”, “Deanager”, “Cruising” etc on my website). Talking to my fans, I discovered that many of you would have liked to do the same, but didn’t for 2 main reasons: 1- They didn’t know any engraver. 2- They thought about engraving at the end of their project when they were already…over budget. The purpose of this post is to guide you to an excellent engraver, and to tell you that you should think of engraving at the beginning of your project, the same way you budget your paint job. In addition, engraving is a slow process and must be done, of course, before chrome plating on polished steel or aluminum. Her name is Heather and she hand-carved some of the top bikes that you know. She works out of beautiful Calgary, Alberta Canada. Don’t worry, distance is never an issue with an engraver because you just need to send a sketch or photocopy at scale of what you want to be done. For coherence of the engraving work to be done and for planning optimization, I also recommend that you send all your arts in one time. Tell her I sent you and maybe you will get a discount. And don’t forget to email a picture of her work when it’s installed on your bike. New-Line Engraving.
Bruce Springsteen To Rock Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration
Published by January 30th, 2008 in Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary Celebration in late August is shaping up as the music event of 2008 with today’s announcement that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, along with Billboard 200’s top-selling artist Daughtry, will headline separate concerts over the course of the four-day event in Milwaukee. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform a concert on Saturday evening, August 30, at a venue Harley-Davidson has dubbed Roadhouse at the Lakefront, located just north of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Daughtry, who burst onto the music scene in 2006 to become today’s hottest-selling artist, will perform at the Summerfest grounds, also on Saturday evening, August 30. Additional acts include Los Lonely Boys, Black Crowes, ZZ Top, Peter Frampton and Buddy Guy. These artists, along with Daughtry and others will perform during two days of entertainment and activities at the Summerfest grounds on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30, 2008.
Admission to the Daughtry concert at the Summerfest grounds is included with the two-day Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket package. Admission to the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert requires a separate ticket purchase in addition to the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket. Ticket packages are currently on sale for $60.00 plus $5.00 tax, shipping and handling at Harley Davidson 105th.
Polaris Industries Inc. said Tuesday fourth-quarter profit increased 16 percent, driven by solid snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle sales. Snowmobile sales surged 30 percent to $80.2 million, while ATV revenue grew 21 percent to $336.8 million. Sales of Victory motorcycles were up 7 percent to $36.1 million and parts, garments and accessories revenue gained 19 percent to $88.3 million. The maker of snowmobiles, motorcycles and ATVs said net income rose to $37.7 million, or $1.06 per share, compared with $32.4 million, or 83 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago.
All Woman Bike Build In Chicago February 8/10
Published by January 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
More women are riding (+ 36% in 5 years). More women are building bikes. More events feature women riding and building bikes. To help promote motorcycle safety and rider education among women riders, Allstate will sponsor Gina Woods’ XX Chrome ‘All Woman Bike Build’ at the 27th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, Feb. 8/10. In Chicago. ‘It’s not about taking the backseat anymore, it’s about taking the reins and heading down the Open Road , said Woods, a motorcycle talk show host of Open Road Radio (airs – Sunday 11a-12p on 9 FM: 92.5, 92.7 & 99.9 ) and creator of the XX Chromes ‘All Woman Bike Build”. A team of 4 women bike builders will roll into Chicago and descend upon the convention center for 3 days of wrist-wrenching, knuckle-busting bike-building in front of a live audience. This event will benefit Mooseheart Child City & School. The “Moose Bike” will go on a raffle tour across the country, with a stop at the International Moose Convention in Las Vegas this June. The builders are: Laura Ellifson (Klock Werks) the fastest woman on a bagger, Jasmine Clark, owner of Motorcycle Training Co and MSF instructor, Jesse Combs, Wyo Graduate and mechanic chick, Kim Jordan ex Las Vegas Harley-Davidson. At Chicago Convention Center, Feb. 8/10. Info at: www.xxchromes.com, or www.openroadradio.com or call 630.833.9889
I didn’t want you to miss this one. For now, only a concept vehicle, but automotive spies (the ones with very long camera tele-objectives) think it’s the basis for the new Hummer H4. Full time 4WD, 35 inch tires, an E85 Flex Fuel 3.6 L SIDI V6, removable doors, roof and fender flare, to make it look like a racy convertible on high wheels? In this case, adjustable air suspension would be very cool. I think it looks bad-ass and I pray for this one to make it to the assembly line.
Jesse James To Debut Air Stream Side Car “At Legend Of The Motorcycle”
Published by January 28th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Custom bike builder Jesse James has announced that his newest creation, a glistening aluminum-clad motorcycle and sidecar combo for client Airstream will make its first public debut at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours on May 3rd. James and his welders machined, riveted and hammered 18-gauge steel and razor-thin aluminum into a space-age looking vehicle, applying some of the same construction methods Airstream uses in its shiny luxury trailers. So, you can expect quite an interesting bike. At the inaugural Concours in 2006, James debuted his Radial Hell aero bike powered by a 7-cylinder Rotec radial aircraft (picture). Shinya Kimura, Billy Lane and Paul Cox also plan to unveil something new at the May event. The 3rd annual Legend of the Motorcycle takes place the first weekend in May, Saturday the 3rd, on the lawns of the Ocean Side Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, just south of San Francisco. Tickets can be purchased, and additional information can be found at Legend Of The Motorcycle.
OCC Limited Edition Production Bike Line
Published by January 28th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This weekend, during the 2008 Cincinnati V-Twin Expo, OCC will unveil (at booth 2460) the 4 models of their new limited edition production line (they are named Original, Splitback, Web and Greenie). I understand that OCC just added 2 extra models. And of course, OCC is looking for Motorcycle Dealers here and abroad, and hope to sign a few during the trade show. The company will offer to them a list of traditional incentives: sales and service training, sales and service support, financing, sales incentives and promotions, limited warranties, marketing materials and you guessed it, official OCC retail gear. OCC Production Bike Line.
S&S Enters The Classic And Vintage Engines Market
Published by January 28th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
In July, I was the first one to post and inform the industry on the acquisition of Flathead Power by S&S Cycle. Flathead Power was a company that serviced classic/vintage engine lines and components dating back to 1936, and was a perfect compliment for the S&S product line and brand. Since the fall of last year, S&S has been researching and pursuing opportunities to expand their product line and their overall market penetration. The acquisition of Flathead Power’s assets and trade-name allows now S&S to sell complete engine assemblies and aftermarket components from 1936 year groups through 2007. All 1969 and earlier engines will be marketed under the Flathead Power name. This includes the KN Series OHV engines for 1936 to 1947 big-twins and replacement parts for Harley-Davidson Knucklehead and FlatHead engines. S&S will also offer replacement parts and engines such as the P series engines for 1966-69 big twins. In April 93 cu KN-series engines will be available, and later a 103 cu monster. I would not be surprised that S&S introduces his classic and vintage parts this weekend at the V-Twin Expo of Cincinnati. Updates will be published at Flathead Power
