The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, will spotlight over a hundred of the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts in its new exhibit, "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles." Scheduled to open in late March 2008, the 8,000-square-foot exhibit will feature many priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures. A dedication ceremony for "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" will be held June 28, 2008, on the grounds of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. The dedication ceremony will gather featured MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts. Notable celebrities offering personal motorcycles and memorabilia to the exhibit are auto racing legend and Alligator motorcycle inventor and manufacturer, Dan Gurney; General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz; "King of the Kustomizers" George Barris; and rock legend, "Rush" drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart. Famous movie bikes include the 2004 MV Agusta F4-SPR ridden by Will Smith in "I, Robot." Following the exhibit’s installation at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, a national tour of "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" is planned. For more details, contact David Morris at damorris@motorcyclemuseum.org or (386) 852-9898.
Archive Page 403
Motorcycling Memories From Stars Of screen, Sports, Music
Published by January 15th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Anita Kohler Builds A Chopper. Tiki Pretty.
Published by January 14th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Anita Kohler and Peter Penz are life and business partners at Penz Custombikes in Austria. They specialize in fancy & rock solid frames that I have used on my customs and also sold with success in the United States. One year ago they sent me the 1st pictures of their Tiki frame (Softail and Rigid versions) featuring a very cool curved twisted downtube. Not sure how they imagined this one. Maybe after 
sipping quite a few loads of exotic rum punches, refurbishing their offices with rattan furniture, wearing flower leis in their hair and dressing with brightly colored fabrics. You know, Austria winters can be very cold… Anyway, they had to promote this new frame by building a bike and Anita decided that she would show the world (and partner Peter), what she can do (and you too) wth it. Here the result. A Polynesia theme chopper called “Rocksteady” whose fabrication details are inspired by the tikis, these large humanoid carvings used to mark the boundaries of sacred sites. Here the shortened tech sheet. Penz Tiki frame with 1" out, 6" up, 42-degree of rake with twisted single downtube. S&S engine 93". Jeri Springer front end upside down (springs at bottom) 14"over. Baker/S&S 6in4 transmission, hand shift. Black rim American Wire Spoke wheels, 21 x 2.15" front, 18 x 8" rear, Kustom Tech Controls (black & gold), Belt Drive 2" open belt system. Seat (gorgeous) by Armin Dobstetter, etc. More in English at Penz Custom Bikes (photography Gerd Scheidel/Studio 1/Germany)
Dale Needleman Launches A New And Improved 360 Brake
Published by January 13th, 2008 in Brakes, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
You remember that when it was launched the revolutionary 360 Brake was unanimously acclaimed by the motorcycle industry and got the original inventor, the Baldwin Wilson Development Corporation, quite a few professional awards. Then, some controversy started when the company had difficulties to assume its success by filling orders on time, then when it was discovered that in some very extreme conditions, the 360-Brake could overheat because of insufficient venting. The new 360 Brake company, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, was formed in October of 2007 after purchasing the assets and intellectual property from Baldwin Wilson Development Corporation. At that time I talked to Dale Needleman, the new President, and he told me that he was starting a new engineering and R&D campaign, to create a more functional, better performing brake. 360 Brake selected the new engineering team, with specific braking expertise, forming a cohesive team with one goal: to redesign the original 360 Brake to be a competitive product for the custom motorcycle market. The 360 Brake engineering team developed a testing protocol based on the FM VSS 122 DOT test. They tested the new brake for 4 days on a closed course in controlled conditions. Readings and tolerances were documented and repeated to validate 
the data. After completing these tests, the new team expressed their utmost confidence in the product. “We really wanted to get quantified data on the stopping power and the heat dissipation of the brake,” Needleman said. “After employing our new designs and completing the rigorous testing protocol, the 360 Brake performed extremely well, surpassing the testing protocol in some instances by well over 100%!”. I remind readers that this unique braking system is completely contained in a five-inch hub mounted around the axle; it looks like there‘s no brake at all. The circular piston and pads are activated by hydraulic pressure delivering 360° of braking pressure to the rotor in a compact hub. In its new design, the new rotor, which is grooved and vented, together with the brake hat’s newly designed venting system, effectively eliminates dust build-up providing superior airflow to the brake. Dealers will be able to see the new brake at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo, 3rd floor, booth 4225. 360 Brake
V-Force Customs To Unveil First Custom Bike During Daytona Bike Week
Published by January 12th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly, founders of V-Force Customs, will introduce their first custom bike since leaving the popular television series “American Chopper” when they appear at Daytona bike week February 29, 2008. DiMartino and Connelly will begin a year-long 12-rally tour when they join Rob Hassay’s ProTour on February 2nd in Cincinnati, Ohio at the V-Twin Expo. Company plans to give away bike to one lucky winner after year-long inaugural rally tour.. “This gives Vinnie and me our first chance to get away from the shop but more importantly it allows us to visit with everyone and personally thank and shake their hands” Connelly said. “Then we’ve got to rush back to the shop to get the bike finished for Daytona,” DiMartino added. At each event people can register to win this inaugural bike, which will then be awarded to one lucky winner at Daytona bike week, 2009. To learn more about V-Force Customs, get updates on personal appearances and list of sponsors of this first bike, visit V-Force Customs.
Republican Carlos Lopez-Cantera, from Miami, has proposed a measure that could lead to the forfeiture of motorcycles if riders exceed the speed limit by 50 mph or more, or are charged with reckless driving. The measure also could lead to them losing their licenses to ride motorcycles for 10 years, if convicted. The proposal is designed to address high-speed stunt riding. He played a video from South Florida that showed motorcyclists buzzing in and out of traffic at high speeds and doing tricks such as popping wheelies. But the measure drew opposition from motorcycle advocates, such as James “Doc ’’ Reichenbach, President of ABATE of Florida, a group that has long lobbied on motorcycle issues. Reichenbach said the State shouldn’t single out motorcycle riders for increased penalties, as it also has problems with people in cars driving recklessly. “This is a discriminatory bill” he said. I understand that Rogue, our Freedom Fighter, was also present, answering questions and arguing to defend equality of rights and obligations between motorcyclists and automobilists. The House Infrastructure Committee did not vote on the bill Thursday and it seems that Lopez-Cantera has already scaled back the bill from an initial proposal that would have increased penalties for motorcyclists riding 30 mph or more over the speed limit!!! ABATE OF Florida
Last September I stated that the US was already in a recession (our economists disagreeing on the definition of a recession, they always announce it a minimum of 6 months after it was started). Look at the Harley-Davidson stock. On Friday, the stock closed at a 52-week low of $39.84. The 52-week high was $74.03 in January 2007. Since that time, shares of HOG have been falling and falling due to increasing credit fears.S&P gives Harley-davidson a rating of negative 2 Stars selling out of 5. Yesterday, American Express warned that slower spending and more delinquencies on credit card payments will hurt profits throughout 2008. Conclusion # 1: the economy will be the main topic of our candidates to the Presidential election. Conclusion # 2: help yourself: for your bike, please buy only high quality products made by American companies.
Bonneville World’s Fastest Motorcycles
Published by January 11th, 2008 in Books, Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Based in Germany, chief editor for High Performance, contributor of many US magazines, book author, crossing the Atlantic many times a year to document all 2-wheel events, Horst Roesler is a very hardworking famous photographer “motographer” that I count among my good friends of the industry (he is also the only one to be able to jump with his camera above a custom motorcycle to show you he is happy to shoot it. See pic. of Horst flying above one of my bikes!). But the reason of this post is not friendship, but his recently released new book “Bonneville, World’s Fastest Motorcycles” already a 5-star best seller on Amazon. Bonneville is the great white emptiness in the middle of the Utah desert where 150 bikes make the salt their home for one week each year in September to break the Land Speed Records in several categories. Bikers have always been interested in Bonneville. But the release of the movie “The Fastest Indian” had for effect to amplify this interest for the bikes, for the limitless salt, for the sunburned faces of the crews and riders. Several years in a row, Horst Roesler spent time in Bonneville interviewing the racers, capturing in pictures the bikes, the passion and motivation of all these men trying to reach the self-imposed goal of trying to ride faster than anyone else. High quality photography bound as a hardcover book. 129 pages. Bonneville World’s Fastest Motorcycles
Hulster 8-Valve Voted Bike Of The Year By MCM Magazine
Published by January 11th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
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In addition to bringing news to its readers and featuring new motorcycle parts, the mission of a magazine is to support custom builders. Without them, no motorcycle magazine is viable. So, MCM Scandinavia, the leading custom bike magazine since 23 years in this part of the world has decided to create a Bike Of The Year award competition. And it’s true that the Nordic custom scene is bubbling over with creative energy. Among 10 finalists, not surprisingly, MCM readers voted Stellan Egeland creation “Hustler 8-Valve” bike of the year. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to post about this extreme piece of two-wheeled art where every single component has been handcrafted except the 1930’s Harley crankcase and Norton gearbox. By the way, the trophy is also a true piece of art and was designed and cast in solid bronze by artists Ola Stenegard and Andreas Krause. More about this bike at: Service SE.
Is it possible? Ask the engineers and designers of BMW. They filed for a patent with series of sketches showing a motorcycle supposed to “correct “ itself in case of imminent crash. How? Apparently, first by building a chassis with a system of multiple pivots where each part can be moved independently. Even the handlebars can be moved independently from the front wheel. Second, an onboard computer system will be able to sense and address anything wrong about the rider/motorcycle behavior, like a loss of adherence to the ground, or incorrect/abnormal maneuver, etc.. So, for example, it means that the motorcycle computer will put back the wheels in the direction they should be in relation to each other! Wow, I am impressed but I am not sure if I want to test or even build the custom version of this “uncrashable” motorcycle. I heard that even computers crash from time to time. And you, do you want to ride a computer? (Via Autoblog)
From a custom motorcycle wheels manufacturer called Sinuous Inc., a new wheel with no sinuous lines at all. It’s called Summer and is a new interpretation of the spoke wheel with a pattern reminiscent of sunrays (huh). It is available, like their other designs, in 18", 21" and 23" diameter. For the rear they go up to the size fitting the 300 mm tire. The company proposes wheel packages including the front & rear wheel, tires mounted and balanced, matching one-piece stainless steel rotors, matching pulley and chrome hardware. All their wheels have the soft lip rim design and are offered in chrome or diiferent colors. Sinuous Inc.
My Chopper called "Peacemaker" is featured in the current issue of Easyriders Magazine (dated February). I am not going to tell you here the full story of this custom bike and list the tech sheet. Just read Easyriders! The only thing I want you to know is that this bike was built for charity in the memory of Mattie Stepanek the child poet, friend of former President Jimmy Carter, and that the proceeds will go to MDA (Muscular Distrophy Association). This video is about me ride-testing this chopper for the 1st time. Sunrise at 7.AM in Florida. I have a cameraman with me. No problem during the test. Just a carb and clutch adjustment.
Old Ford Inspired Air Cleaner
Published by January 9th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
If you didn’t know, Hank Young was born and raised in a Rodder family. Hank has worked on (and still do) and owned (and still do) quite a few Hot Rods. So, no surprise that his proprietary parts have all this old cars feel. Like this air cleaner which incorporates a vintage Ford style horn cover. It fits all current S&S and Bendix carburetors. A chrome velocity stack holds the polished stainless cover. Includes a copper screen element and mounting hardware. 3" long x 4" wide. Young Choppers
S&S Announces Emissions Certification Lab
Published by January 9th, 2008 in Editorial, Engines and Exhaust.
S&S® Cycle announces its new in-house emissions certification laboratory located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With this lab, S&S has the capability to complete motorcycle exhaust and evaporative emissions testing in accordance with requirements set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board). S&S will use this lab to help expand the number of emissions-compliant components and engines in the S&S Catalog. S&S will also be offering services to support customers with their aftermarket and vehicle emissions testing needs. The lab provides S&S with a long-run competitive advantage in the industry. S&S will support emissions-compliant Proven-Performance engines and aftermarket. The S&S emissions certification laboratory will also be available to support aftermarket parts suppliers with their executive order testing needs, enabling them to provide the industry with emissions-compliant aftermarket parts. S&S Cycle.
From Stock Harley To Harley Bobber
Published by January 8th, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Conversion kits where you know exactly what to buy to go from stock to where you want to go, are quite popular. This one to transform your factory Harley Twin-Cam in a machine with design clues from the past but keeping its modern technology and reliability. Yes, it looks like a Bobber but with a 250 mm rear rubber (I prefer 180 mm maxi, also possible, of course). The system is complete with all what you need to do the job right: swingarm, fender, solo seat, offset kit, etc and all necessary hardware. In addition you should also lower yor bike by about 2" to look as good as the Twin-Cam featured here. Heartland USA.
The oldest known dice were excavated as part of a 5000-year-old backgammon set, at an archeological site in south-eastern Iran. The newest ones come from Jaxon 5 from Wild Card Customs (817-831-9700) and will fit any valve stem. Offered in 4 different styles: Lucky 13, Starz, Skull, and The 5. By the way, Jaxon will be on the 2008 Easyriders Show Tour where he will sell them if any remaining. Rush.
Touring Bikes Heel-Toe Control Set
Published by January 7th, 2008 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
No surprise. I receive more and more requests for cool touring motorcycles custom parts. This Heel-Toe Shifter extends 1" over stock on each end for ease of shifting with the advantage for the rider’s feet to use the whole floor board. Of course the same design is available for the brake side. Made out of billet aluminum and available for FL models from 1997 to 2008. It’s just a 15 minutes installation for each side. Mammoth Choppers.
It’s too cool. A rare quality footage of early American board track racing. Indian rules!
I guess that when you are a celebrity, you must, or should, set the example. Jay Leno worked with Mobil and S&S to develop a cruiser bike which meets the tough 2008 California Tier II emissions standards but can still perform almost with the agility of a sport bike. Both legal and practical even on steep canyon roads. You can learn more about this “Green Garage Project” by going to the site of Popular Mechanics.
It happened to me. Without warning my welding supply shop moved to nowhere. Panic, I need today some replacement parts. I wished that I could have had the help of an online source to locate who would be my new vendor. Now it exists. The Welding Supply Guide is one of the most comprehensive directories on the web for manufacturers of welding and fabricating equipment, supplies and accessories. The site lists easy to read categories for hundreds of manufacturers. All the user needs to do is click on any category of interest to immediately see manufacturers of everything from arc welding power sources to ironworkers and cold saws. There are no usernames or passwords for the visitor to remember. No inquiry forms to fill out, just fast direct access to the leading manufacturers of welding and fabricating equipment and supplies. The Welding Supply Guide.
As Harley-Davidson states in its website, only the Motor Company can build the 105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Seems very evident to me. And to you? Each one of the 14 different models offered is serialized and numbered. They all come in copper pearl and vivid black paint job, with chrome and copper detailing. And if you buy one before February 2nd, you can get a rare 1.05% financing. And remember, they come around every 105 years, and me I am not sure I will be there. And you? Harley-Davidson.
Sigh Of Relief. Harley Announces Its 105th Anniversary Concert Acts
Published by January 5th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Bikers remember Harley-Davidson catastrophic 100th anniversary HOG concert. The event was hyped during months with Harley announcing a secret headliner. The buzz was that the Rolling Stones would be playing and nothing was done by the Milwaukee Factory to stop these rumors. The opening act was country singer Tim McGraw, counting mainly young women as his primary fans. Not too shocking for a biker’s crowd. But, nothing could have prepared the crowd for the secret headliner: Elton John. As talented and a huge act he is, not exactly a rebellious Rock ‘n’ Roll star. Many laughed and way too many made homophobic remarks and headed to the exit. Elton was completely unable to relate to bikers and had to play front of a disconnected crowd. This year Harley-Davidson booked 2 “safe” acts: Aerosmith & Kid Rock. The 40,000 bikers expected to attend this concert should not leave before the 2 gigs are over.
Correction: It’s the concert for the 25th Anniversary of HOG, not the 105th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson. But it doesn’t change anything about what I wrote! Thanks to my readers.
Dynojet Fined $1,000.000 By CARB For Its Power Commander
Published by January 5th, 2008 in Editorial and Engines.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced recently that it concluded an investigation against Dynojet Research, Inc. At issue was the company’s "Power Commander" that can be used to alter the air-fuel mixture and engine timing of on- and off-road motorcycles. CARB said that the installation of these devices would adversely affect the emissions control systems of vehicles that were certified by the original equipment manufacturers to comply with the agency’s emissions standards. Dynojet has now certified a California version of the "Power Commander" and has agreed to pay $1,000,000 in penalties to the California Air Pollution Control Fund. Dynojet Research.
The Way Big Dog Motorcycles Sees It In 2008.
Published by January 5th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
It’s a tough time for everybody in the motorcycle industry. The market is hurt by aging demographics, market saturation and the real estate crisis in the US spreading outside our borders through the loss in value of mortgage backed securities. In an interview, Big Dog’s president Nick Messer, explains how his company intends to face the motorcycle market challenges. Since 2005, Big Dog Motorcycles didn’t release any dollar or unit sales. In 2004, the last year the company reported results, it had sales of $120 million on about 4,500 bikes. Messer states that sales last year are about 15% lower than the year before. The company had to do 2 rounds of layoffs and is actively pursuing cost cutting. He thinks that Big Dog still owns 35 to 40 percent of the custom motorcycle segment. The hot trend for high-dollar custom bikes was a fad, he said. Seeing the market for very high end bikes shrink, Big Dog intends to pursue a strategy of lower priced models (like with the new Mutt model for 2008) with a strong trend toward the retro look imposed by the one-off bikes created by custom builders. Big Dog is also looking seriously at expanding into Canada next year and is busy lining up dealers and studying export requirements. Like many, Messer remains cautiously optimistic and just released the new 2008 models. Big Dog Motorcycles.
Update Friday January 4th, 2008, 11.50 PM: Blaming a downturn in the economy, Big Dog Motorcycles announced a layoff of 20 employees this Friday. In an e-mail from Marketing Director Paul Hansen, he admits that 2007 was a difficult year for the custom motorcycle builder. The high-end motorcycle market has suffered with the housing market decline and the financial lending crisis. "We believe that a lackluster economy will continue to keep demand for our motorcycles lower than normal over the next year," said Hansen. The 20 positions come from across the company. "These are good people, and a most difficult task. The affected employees have been treated with respect and fairness."
Converse Is A Century Old. Yippee. New Shoes For Me.
Published by January 4th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
Like many of you I am a Converse addict. From low top to high top and everything between, in canvas, suede and leather (ok, from time to time I cheat with a couple of other brands). And if you didn’t know, Converse is celebrating its 1st century. 100 years of basketball, music and cultural rebellion. Their shoes have helped grow a game from its infancy to the epic spectacle of today. They have shaken nails loose in countless garages, in countless bands.They have trashed more than one hotel room and sat-in on more than one college administration building. They have played millions of final seconds counting down against the best of imaginary foes. They have been the best blank canvas for countless artists and designers. And some of them have melted on my exhaust pipes. For 100 years they have been part of the primal anthem of what it means to be young, free and alive. And now The Converse Century Line is online.
Lot Of News From S&S Cycle
Published by January 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
First, S&S Cycle ® will be presenting several seminars at the 2008 Cincinnati V-Twin Expo (reserved to motorcycle dealers) and an opportunity to meet NHRA Pro-Stock Motorcycle Champion Matt Smith. Seminars will cover their exciting 2008 product line with topics including Flathead Power vintage engines and components, the S&S X-Wedge, S&S EPA Certified Engines, fuel injection components, performance and remanufacturing services and much more. The S&S Cycle Dealer Essentials Seminar will provide an in depth look at S&S Dealer Development Initiatives, Training and Certification, Dealer Appreciation Programs and also discuss their 50th Anniversary Celebration. All current and future dealers are welcome. Seminars will take place Feb 2&3 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Dealer 
Essentials Seminar will take place Saturday and Sunday, Feb2&3 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Second, S&S Cycle® announces a three year extension to its agreement with Polaris Industries, Victory Motorcycles. S&S will maintain its status as the exclusive provider of performance aftermarket engine components for the Victory Motorcycle line. S&S has built a 106ci Hot Set Up™ Kit for Victory® motorcycles that will make close to 40-percent more horsepower and over 20-percent more torque than the stock engine. The kit consists of a flywheel assembly, cams, valve springs, an S&S high flow air cleaner and a downloadable tune file for the fuel injection. Additionally, S&S offers the high flow air cleaner along with its downloadable tune file, capable of about a 10-percent gain in performance. Watch S&S Cycle for more info..
New Baker Drivetrain King Kong Klutch
Published by January 4th, 2008 in Driveline, Editorial and Engines.
The boys at Baker Drivetrain have a cool slogan to describe their new King Kong Klutch: “A gorilla in clutch grip, but a mouse in clutch effort”. The company intends to continue to innovate and dominate with superior parts all the area of our motorcycles from motor to rear wheel. The King Kng Klutch is intended to offer a solution to take on these larger motors and is an OEM replacement clutch. It gains holding power while retaining a light clutch effort appreciated by everybody, especially those doing bumper to bumper, stop/go riding through traffic. The secret, or part of it, is 20 single sided friction plates of 7” diameter, 3 spring loads options and a 66-tooth configuration, a 1-piece basket design. Steel sprocket options are 35, 36, 37,or 38-Tooth. Designed to fit most Harley-Davidson models (1990-06 Big Twin, excluding 06 Dyna), and of course custom applications. Technical info and orders at: 517-339-3835. Baker Drivetrain.
