It seems that everything has been done in terms of motorcycle exhaust design. But if a lot of manufacturers seem satisfied in reproducing the shapes of other pipe benders, a few continue to explore new ways to get rid of your engine exhaust fumes. Like this company called Miami Exhausts offering a few unseen surprising twists and ends to make your bike look like nothing else in the street. I will not develop here the EPA story regrading what you should do or not do with your exhaust. The purpose of this post is just to show you that creativity is still possible and to guide you to a site where you can find a lot of fine examples of pipe art. Miami Exhausts.
Archive Page 402
Do We Need One More Motorcycle Exhaust Manufacturer?
Published by January 27th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.The Best Race. Bugatti Veyron Against Eurofighter Typhoon. Who Win?
Published by January 27th, 2008 in Editorial.Any gear head is going to love this one. I wish I could have driven the Bugatti. So well filmed and edited that your heart is going to race very fast. And the winner is…
It looks at its best on any bobbed or chopped bike. It’s slightly smaller than the traditional Goodson air cleaner (6 1/2″ x 3.5″), ribbed to emphasize the retro style, breathing big through its Unifilter element. Of course, I use it on my custom bikes (see it on my Peacemaker Chop featured in current issue of Easyriders, or in my website). I have a few left in stock for S&S carburetors (drill yourself the 3 holes in the backplate if you have a CV carb). Dont miss this one or you are going to regret. Old School Air Cleaner.
Who would have thought that the worst taboo word of the English language could provide so much social philosophy? This book presents images of real public signs that have been altered by affixing fuck stickers. The results are hilarious. For example, when you go to the park, please “Don’t Fuck The Pigeons”, or are you shopping at “Fuck Depot”? and be careful when you “Fuck Off The Valve”, etc. There is not one repetition in the nearly one hundred pictures! Yes, they’re all funny and some are ambiguous, provocative and profound. I liked the fact that none of the images has a social comment but that the book illustrates perfectly the sexualization of our society. Bodhiser, a designer and photographer, has spent months looking for the perfect signs to be “improved”, and is brilliant at demonstrating that utilitarian signs, with a slight improvement, can make you laugh, be subversive and philosophical. This book is not about provocation but a visual essay at performing street art. An extraordinary cultural commentary. Fuck This Book.
American Custom Exhaust For Victory Riders
Published by January 25th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Quite a few of my readers own a Victory. You know, the only true American V-Twin Brand. But Victory owners don’t have yet as much choice to customize their ride as Harley riders. To help them, here an American address where they can choose among a wide choice of custom exhausts. Hacker Pipes will even let you decide your power band, your tips, and your finish in classic chrome or black ceramic. The exhaust featured in this post is called “Zoomies” and will work with the 06 and up Hammer & Jackpot models, with the sensor bung included fot the 08 set. More at Hacker Pipes.
Motorcycles save lives. A lot of celebrities (Richard Branson from Virgin Air was the 1st one) are giving motorcycles to doctors and medical personnel working in Africa to help them access remote areas where cars can’t be used. Sir Elton John just did it and donated 120 motorcycles to doctors in Lesotho (a small country surrounded by South Africa) to help them go about their daily rounds. “We want to improve the transport system by bringing health care to millions of people living in the most rural areas and thus making a difference in their lives,” Sir Elton John said. The five-year program is being run in cooperation with the government, which will help maintain the bikes and instruct medical personnel in riding them.
Spy Shots Of 2 New Viper Motorcycles
Published by January 24th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
They are still in the garage being prepped for their 1st appearance. Here a sneak preview of what Viper Motorcycles will unveil in 10 days at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. Both bikes have the same 152" billet engines (wow) but with short stroke to deliver lower vibrations. Later this year, Viper will offer their proprietary "gasket less" engines to OEM and custom builders. The blue bike is called the Diablo Deluxe Package with a 
company designed low profile and quick release wind screen (don’t confuse with a wind shield). The black chopper is a departure from their former rubber mounted engine system. Professionals will see the bikes at the V-Twin Expo (at booth 2719 ). Viper Motorcycle Company.
Your Road King or Dresser Missing Link
Published by January 24th, 2008 in Driveline, Editorial and Engines.
This link is designed to eliminate the uncomfortable condition known as tank slap or high speed wobble occurring on rubber mounted models like Dressers and Road Kings. The main cause of this problem is “Rearsteer” which happens when the swingarm rubber mounts are compressing. When cornering, the suspension movement is side loaded and will nothing to prevent the swingarm from moving sideways the entire rear of the drive train. This results in the front trying to compensate or counter-steer. This condition is most noticeable in sharp turns, and amplified by both speed and rough road surfaces. The “Missing Link” keeps the engine centered in the frame and prevent compression of the rubber mounts. Made out of steel to prevent any flexing, the “missing Link” is sold with all necessary hardware with detailed photographic instructions. Call 336-526-2468 or visit Grandeur Cycle.
More or less, in the US, we are all “upside down” with our motorcycle or car loan, real estate mortgage, and depressed seeing our 401 K retirement plan melting like snow in Florida (yes, it happened). And nothing much we can do while going through this recession (whatever our economists and politicians are saying or calling it). How to reverse this hangover? For a very short time by drinking a full bottle of Champagne in an upside-down bottle with a giant cork. It is offered in a limited edition by Piper Heidsiek at your favorite liquor store. And yes it will set you back $125.00 more. But the company promises that this nice rose champy will make you euphoric with its fruity flavor of morello cherry, citrus and mandarin. If you drink one, please send me the empty bottle. Don’t forget the giant cork.
New Harley-Davidson Cross Bones. Darker Than Dark
Published by January 23rd, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.
I swear that if you had asked me 2 years ago I would have told you that the Mother Factory would probably release, sooner or later, a Softail Bobber. It was so evident. Not only because the retro trend was in full swing, but because nothing screams more Harley than a Bobber. For example, sketch a bobber. Show it to anyone you want anywhere in the world, even to non-bikers, and ask which brand it can be? Harley will almost always come up. The new Softail model, inspired by early Knuckles and Pans, was announced at the Harley-Davidson Winter Dealer Meeting in San Antonio. With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat (2 positions),half-round rider floor boards, gloss black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a black and polished Twin Cam 96B power train, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission,and a Softail suspension.The FLSTSB Cross Bones is available in premium custom graphics with wicked striping and paint featuring new Dark Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Denim,as well as Vivid Black, Black Denim, Olive Pearl and Pewter Denim. MSRP starting at $16,795. Harley-Davidson Dark Custom
This post reserved to the professionals of the motorcycle industry. For its 40th edition in Indianapolis IN, February15/18, the 2008 Dealer Expo promises to offer new features. 1- The Exhibitor Pavilion located at the Marriott will be opening February 15th, one day earlier to allow Dealers to have enough time to preview the new product lines. 2- A new Product Guide as an easy pre-planning tool to identify in advance your "must see" products. 3- A committee of Retailers will identify the products they feel are going to make the biggest impact on the 2008 selling season and award them the "kickstart"status. These "kickstart"award winners will be on display at the New Exhibitor Pavillion and identified by a Logo on the show floor. Dealers register online at Dealer Expo 2008. .
Regarding his DUI Manslaughter case, on January 18th Billy Lane was in Court in Viera, Florida for a hearing about where his blood evidence should be tested. His lawyers argued that the state of Florida cannot dictate where the blood works should be sent. They also claimed full responsibility for the blood evidence once it will be under their control. Judge Allawas allowed the blood work to travel to Rocky Mountain Labs in Colorado. However, the Judge mentioned that the state would be able to argue as to whether the test performed by the independent lab. will be admissible if they feel the Lab used is not competent. Billy Lane next pre-trial hearing is March 5th. He is facing criminal charges for DUI Manslaughter from the September 4th, 2006 crash that caused the death of Gerald Morelock. In Florida such charges can bring up to 15 years in prison.
Pro Builder Custom Saddlebags Kit
Published by January 22nd, 2008 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Professional builders use this kit to use it as is or as an easy base to custom design your saddlebags (a lot has to be invented). It includes everything you need to do it yourself. It includes the 2 unpainted bags, all powder coated brackets and all necessary hardware. It’s a very good deal at $399.95 (try to start from scratch and you will understand). It’s made by Hardstreet. If you are satisfied with the design and you are not a “do it yourself guy”, complete painted saddlebags are also available. Hardstreet Online.
From Rogue, I received the following story. Most of us in the industry know South Dakota Jay Allen, owner of the Broken Spoke Saloon and owner/developer of Broken Spoke Saloon and Sturgis County Line Campground. And a lot of you have spent time at his places during motorcycle rallies. At a December 5, 2007 review session with the commissioners of Meade County, Jay Allen, was denied the renewal of his liquor license. He purchased the Broken Spoke Saloon in Sturgis on Lazelle Street in 1993. In the almost 15 years since he took ownership, he has gone without one liquor infraction ever in South Dakota. The reason stated for the denial was Mr. Allen’s "moral character" allegedly stemming from a dispute with contractors involved in the Sturgis County Line project. Having initially invested millions in Sturgis County Line, in less than two years Mr. Allen reduced his total construction debt from $1.4 million to under $90,000. All the while he has stayed in close communication with the people and businesses he owed. The only contention is with two contractors, which remains to be resolved in court. Mr. Allen supplied the commission with all the documentation regarding the two in contention. This included a letter exhibited by Allen’s attorney from August 2006 requesting documentation for an exorbitant invoice. The contractors have yet to produce the requested information. Of the five total members of The Meade County, S.D. commission, one is known to be good friends and close neighbors with one of the contractors in dispute. This commissioner sided with the contractor despite the lack of any evidence in their favor. ¨Commissioner Dean Wink was asked by Mr. Allen to please look at the evidence and not judge this on business relationships or on the basis of his being, as they referred to him, "an outsider." Allen employs mostly all locals at the annual motorcycle rally and has committed millions of dollars to the county with both The Broken Spoke and Sturgis County Line locations. Along with the biggest icons in the motorcycle business, he has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for Kids and Chrome Charity and the South Dakota Make-a-Wish foundation as well as raised thousands of dollars for Foothills Assisted Living, a local rest home. He helped pay for the lights at the nearby Fort Meade ballpark and has received multiple awards for what he’s done for Veterans through Broken Spoke over the years. Allen’s business and community efforts extend well beyond Sturgis. How does it benefit anyone, especially Meade County residents and business-owners, to take away the income-earning potential of someone who’s contributed so much, both financially and philanthropically to the community in which he not only does business, but has considered his second home since the 1980s? If you want to support Jay Allen, you can contact Mead County at meade@meadecounty.org. Feel free to speak out and let the commissioners know what you think! You can also support Jay Allen by writing to supportjayallen@cyclesource.com
The Sprocket Brake Kit system is probably the most frequently seen brake combo system equipping the driveline of retro bikes. Originally created by Tolle in Sweden, it was refined by Exile Cycles who was the 1st one to re-introduce it in the US (many other brand versions are now available). The rear brake and final drive sprocket are combined into one great-looking unit, cleaning up the rear wheel completely (see here on my Bobber “Kiss My Wheels”. The polished stainless steel sprocket/rotor is coupled with a slick two-piston billet caliper, available in polished aluminum, black anodized or chrome. The kit comes complete with a frame tab and all the necessary mounting hardware. Exile Cycles.
We all know that the iPhone is the smartest of the smart phones. And if you own one you already know that to unlock (open) it you need to slide your finger at the bottom. Must have given some idea to the guy who created the iPhone panties, Enough playing games on your iPhone (the phone). Your lady wants some attention, too. Ask her to try these at Valentine’s Day. I am going to stop there because I don’t want to make bad jokes about what you can do with this new iPhone. At GameGirl.
How to protest, being there without being there. Very practical and the signs can be used and reused as many times as you have to say something very nice to your politicians. Better to have some road signs removed by police than to be arrested for blocking the streets and screaming too loud what you are thinking. There are no limits about being creative using road signs. Got new protest ideas? Email them to me.
New Open Belt System For Baggers
Published by January 19th, 2008 in Driveline, Editorial and Engines.
As you already know, right now touring bikes are attracting the attention and interest of custom builders and parts manufacturers. Very radical baggers are being built in many shops around the country. Starting with the bike shows of Daytona Bike Week, expect to see very inflated Bagger Classes. Better and fancier custom parts are going to be unveiled in 2 weeks to Dealers during the V-twin Expo. Like this new open belt system just released by New York City Choppers. A cool one which, in 2 or 3” wide version, will not interfere with your floorboards. Since us, custom builders, we already know that more and more baggers are going to be built from after-market frames with engines more powerful than stock, this new open belt uses a Bandit Clutch to handle the torque of big inch motors. This system is also available for Softail & Dyna models It comes standard in show polished billet aluminum finish with optional drive covers. New York City Choppers.
Seems very interesting to me. As you can imagine, I have hooked and unhooked trailers thousand of times, and in all possible and perilous situations: trailer full, empty, on a slope, on sand, on snow with different vehicles with hitch and receiver at different levels. A real pain and a safety issue for the trailer, the bikes, me and crew. The TiltAHitch is a load-leveling trailer hitch that allows you to safely and easily tilt a trailer to any angle before you secure it to your vehicle. It is supposed to make loading, unloading and hauling easier and safer. It mounts to a standard 2” receiver and works on any ball mount trailer. The TiltAHitch has met or exceeded the requirements for a class 4 (6-10,000 lbs GVWR) Weight Carrying Hitch in accordance with the Society of American Engineers J684 test and the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission Regulation V-5 test. It won the 2007 Best New Product Award at the SEMA Show. $189.00 (Ball not included) Big Boar Products.
Motorcycle parts. What and who will be the award winners in 2008. Watch my reports on these 2 trade shows: the. V-Twin Expo February 2/4, in Cincinnati, and Dealers Expo February 15/18 in Indianapolis. Just as primaries and caucuses define this year’s political landscape, these two motorcycle trade shows compete to introduce trends that will shape 2008. Each show has its own personality (Respectively, V-Twin only and All Motorcycle Brands). Each has its own surprises and its own influence, whether a few months from now we will go for old or high-tech school, for stripped or over-equipped baggers, adopting or not wireless iPod cradles for heavy touring, clamoring for retro drum or quasi invisible 360-brake, subdued or flashy accessories. The worst would be that in a time of economic uncertainty manufacturers and designers withhold their creativity by lack of money. The only thing I know for sure is that at the end my legs will feel like Jell-O, that I will have heard a lot of tasteless jokes, that my stomach will hurt during all the flight back home, and that I will be happy to realize one more time that I have so many good friends in the motorcycle industry. And if my posts are a little bit out of schedule, it’s not because I am drunk. Just aboard an airplane stuck on the tarmac waiting for the end of a Midwest snow storm.
Battistinis New Foot Shifter Components
Published by January 17th, 2008 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
When you have a best seller design, there is no reason not to continue declining the theme all over the bike. Rikki Battistini does it again by releasing his new “hole design” foot shifter components: separate heel and toe shift levers for floorboard-equipped bikes, shift lever pegs, shift rods and shift linkage. You can fit them On a Dyna, Softail, and FLT/Touring models. Heel and toe shifters will work on any floorboard-equipped model, shift rods will work on all Big Twin models and shifter linkage is for FLT/touring models only. All Battistini parts can be purchased in chrome or black anodize/machined finish. For more information please call on my behalf Rikki at 925-270-4211. To see the entire line, visit Battistinis USA.
Sterling Silver Dog Tag To Keep Your Secret Computer Files
Published by January 16th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
Finally, you can have a good justification for wearing some man jewelry. These sterling silver dog tags in different styles hold an included 2 GB USB memory stick. Now you know where are your secret compter files, whatever they can contain. They come on a 24-inch chain and feature a secure lock technology. All dog tags fit 512mb, 1gb, 2gb and 4gb USB cards. By the way, and I don’t know why, I love seeing women wearing dog tag jewelry. Any idea why I find it sexy? Olinari Sterling Silver Dog Tags.
Exhaust Tips. Are You Rocket or Spade?
Published by January 16th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Exhaust.
A1 Cycles just released new exhaust tips to fit all true dual exhaust systems. They come in three different designs: Rocket 1 Rocket 2 and the Spade (which will complement very well my Spade Velocity Stack). Looking even better in contrast to black pipes. They attach in 2 minutes with stainless button heads (don’t forget to loctite). For a reasonable 149.00 the set. For sale at A1 Cycles.
Motorhead Extraordinaire At A Discount
Published by January 16th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
You can save a lot of money on your garage or shop workspace equipment (and put the difference in more parts) by going to the website of Motorhead Extraordinaire. They sell brand new stuff but also have a page called “junk yard Specials” where you can find at heavely discount prices demo units, slightly blemished products, customer returns and cancelled orders. It’s not junk. These pieces are sold as-is, but still carry their 100% unconditional guarantee that they will function properly and be exactly as described. Motorhead Extraordinaire.
Learn How To Work On an S&S X-Wedge Engine
Published by January 15th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Since the release of the X-Wedge engine during the fall of 2007, demand for training has been high, and the company offered Dealers a four-day class. In summer, a consumer technical training program will also be available. Two days of the class is spent working with the engine from a mechanical standpoint, learning the belt-drive three cam set-up, assembling the new crankshaft assembly, installing the oil pump and installing the new fuel-injection system. The second two days are spent in VFI (Variable Fuel Injection) training class, since the X-Wedge is only available with fuel injection. Classes will be available to S&S dealers immediately and can be found on the S&S website at S&S Cycle Website and clicking on the Dealers Center button. A consumer technical training class will be held during the week of S&S Anniversary Celebration. It will be a 3-day class offered for $1100 and will provide an in depth look at S&S SH, T, V and Wedge series engines. Limited seating. To register contact the instructors at train@sscycle.com.
Today at 9 AM PST Steve Jobs is going to make his annual keynote address at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Some of you, Apple fans (you are supposed to represent 8% of the computing population, so 8% of my readers!) are getting very excited and will enclose themselves in their office watching live on internet Steve making his announcements. A show to demonstrate that Microsoft past near-monopoly is melting like a north pole ice cap. Personally, I am tired of the “Blue Screen Of Death” of Microsoft and already began the transition to Mac (still have one remaining PC till it crashes, probably very soon). So, I will watch, too, hoping that Apple will introduce the rumored skinny MacBook (called Air?) working without a hard drive replaced by a solid-state flash drive (no noise), half as thick as today’s MacBooks, under 3 lbs? A traveling blogger dream. Please, my PC laptop, crash tomorrow so that I don’t feel guilty buying some “Mac Air”. And if you wonder why I am posting about computers, it’s because I don’t want you to tell me again that you could not read my Blog during 3 weeks because your PC got the "Blue Screen Of Death". Also, because Steve Jobs keynote is the largest live blogging event on the net. Gizmodo’s live blogging it. Geekbrief’s live blogging it. Every tech blog seems to live blogging it. Pretty geeky. "And one more thing", like Steve Jobs says at the end of each keynote: this post written & uploaded on a Mac. Apple.
