The launching time of the new Indian Chief has been postponed several times. The reason? Indian Motorcycle chairman Stephen Julius explains that he didn’t want to buy an engine from a 3rd party, and no surprisingly it takes longer than anticipated. We all know that without a proprietary engine, the new Indian Motorcycle company would have no credibility. Indian Motorcycle is right now testing the 09 Chief prototype equipped with a new in house produced Powerplus engine with fuel injection (the last rendition of the PowerPlus was a 100ci, 1638 cc 45-degree V-Twin). Launching date is now set to be fall of 2008. It is clear that the company is not in a hurry to release new models without being certain to meet the high expectations of all Indian motorcycle fans. The released prototype picture shows that the company intends to keep the traditional look, skirted fenders, a studded comfortable seat, and the trademark headdress logo on the gas tank. I hear that many customizing options will be offered through a wide range of factory designed accessories like wheels, saddlebags, fenders, etc. A 1st flagship dealership is in construction near Charlotte, North Carolina and 50 dealers across the US are scheduled to be ready to sell the Indian Chief at the time of its launch. Each dealer will have the obligation to have an interior space devoted exclusively to selling and servicing the new Indian Chief. All technicians will be Indian factory certified. I can only applaud Indian Motorcycle for taking all the time necessary to do it right. Indian Motorcycle.
Archive Page 405
Testing The New 2009 Indian Chief
Published by December 19th, 2007 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Harley-Davidson Approves Buy Back Of Up to 20 M Shares
Published by December 19th, 2007 in Builders and Editorial.
Even if you don’t know what is a buy back program, at least understand that in most situations it is a good thing. When a company reduces the amount of shares outstanding by declaring a stock buy back program, each of your shares becomes more valuable and represents a greater percentage of equity in the company. Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE:HOG) has authorized the buyback of up to 20 million of its common shares, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week. The new repurchase program, which has no dollar limit or expiration date, is in addition to the 6.2 million shares remaining as of Sept. 30 under the October 2006 authorization. It’s also in addition to the ongoing approval to repurchase shares to offset dilution.
Indian Larry Legacy’s Paul Cox And Keino Sasaki Go Their Separate Ways
Published by December 18th, 2007 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The collaboration known as "Indian Larry Legacy" was formed in 2004 with one goal in mind, keeping Indian Larry’s memory alive. It was an organization composed of 4 friends and partners of Indian Larry: Paul Cox, Keino Sasaki, Bobby & Elisa Seeger. Together they produced custom motorcycles, parts, and apparel. In 2008 all partners will be branching out to follow various independent pursuits in the motorcycle industry. Paul Cox, long established as a leather craftsman and fabricator, will be expanding his independent company "Paul Cox Industries". He will continue to build handmade motorcycles in the style of Indian Larry, along with custom parts and leather work. He will remain in Brooklyn, NY. Keino Sasaki is launching his own custom motorcycle shop “Keino Cycles” at proximity also in Brooklyn. Keino will focus in motor configuration, frame work and sheet metal. Bobby Seeger and Elisa Seeger, the driving force behind the creative and diverse line of Indian Larry merchandise, will continue to offer the public a quality group of accessories. They will also focus on "Grease Monkey Mayhem" an event started in Sturgis in 2006. Indian Larry, Paul Cox Industries, Grease Monkey Mayhem. No website yet for Keino. (On the right, Paul Cox with his new look).
Thanks to Rogue who sent me the link, this is a slide show of David Mann paintings flying on the music of Bob Seger “Roll Me Away”. Produced by Burt Corbinson. And I can tell you that if you don’t get goose bumps at first viewing, you are not a biker…and will never be. Volume up.
The Christmas Gift Of Accurate Engineering
Published by December 18th, 2007 in Editorial and Engines.
Accurate Engineering, the king of Custom Panhead Engines is playing Santa Klaus by giving you (you must promise you have been very nice in 2007) big discounts on their 93” and 120” versions in natural finish. Here the deal as they emailed it to me. “Due to the fact that we are closed from 12/22 to 12/30, we thought we’d make our first special an attention-getter. From now until December 21st, our natural finish 93” Panhead will be reduced in price from $8750.00 to $7750.00 (That’s $1000 off dude!) Not to be out-done by its little brother, our natural finish 120“ Outlaw Panhead will be reduced from $11,150.00 to $9600.00 (bigger engine = bigger discount!) These special prices are available only on natural finish engines in standard configurations. Shipping is not included. All orders must have a deposit in place by the close of business on Friday, December 21st to be eligible”. Hey guys, Santa stops by only 1 time a year. Accurate Engineering.
Another part from Cycle Visions to make your bagger the most visible on the road without making it look too much like a Christmas tree. It’s a new windshield trim with integrated sequential amber turn signals and featuring 16 run & turn LED’s. Installation is easy by connecting the Tech Trim to your stock wiring harness. Trim is applied by drilling only 2 holes. It will fit all 96-08 FLHT and FLHX models. Retails at $159.99. Cycle Visions.
Motorcycle Accidents. Mike Greenwald Says It The Way He Sees It.
Published by December 18th, 2007 in Editorial.
I received this very interesting article written by Mike Greenwald without first realizing that he was one of my faithful readers usually commenting under the name of GoldIron. This post is a little bit long for a Blog, but very much worth reading from A to Z. And I expect a lot of comments on this one. .
"The cost of crashes (accidents as some people refer to them) is astronomical. The insurance for a motorcycle in the USA is limited by the industry. They do not allow proper limits of coverage to cover the costs and yet in many states this insufficient coverage is not only mandatory but also insufficient. 1% bikers such as the Hell’s Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos (and the list goes on) mostly operate and celebrate in stealth. However, the emulator of the patch on the back of the vest promoting the bad boy image is Harley Davidson with their owners group called HOG. Many of these HOG members are delusional in American patriotism in purchasing their bikes and even more do not know how to ride them. Attribute this fact to the slipshod training available from the Harley dealerships and the industry funded Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The sole purpose of the MSF is to market motorcycles and the secondary purpose is to give licensing skills test waivers to its attendees. As a note of interest, deaths during training have risen significantly since the MSF has taken over training.
The charities are usually held harmless in the crashes and deaths here. Many of these benefit rides are dangerous and poorly organized for the rider. The headlines have been full of injury and death related to these events. Irresponsible riding is not attributed to the individual rider, rather, it is attributed to all motorcyclists. Similarly the age group that has been the target of Harley marketing is also attributed with increasing deaths as Harley sells more and more bikes. Many of these riders attempt to recapture youth with money spent upon motorcycles, erectile dysfunction drugs, politicians and the desire for complacency.
Inexperience is the cause, albeit older people have slower reflexes it’s the lack of experience that most often gets one into a situation that reflexes are "that much" of an issue. I’m not so sure that kids today are immune to risk taking. I do however feel that they have not learned respect as it was taught back in the day. And are more apt to have an "it’s an all about me attitude", as does most of today’s population.
I think we, as motorcyclists, have finally convinced the general population we are no longer anything to be afraid of. On the contrary, we are to be used/fleeced and then ignored, on the roads and in the legislatures. Our fault.
Harleys are now a fashion accessory. That desire for complacency is shared by motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers of all sorts. Motorcyclists enjoy some of the convenience of the "Lazy-Boy" attitude and lifestyle while driving in a manner that exacerbates vulnerabilities of motorcycling. Many of motorcycling worst practices have evolved from style and imagery promoted by Harley-Davidson. Riding position and posture, ineffective mirrors, poor cornering angles and poor handling. It is no wonder that these motorcyclists die more often than predictable or acceptable regularity. My gut feeling is that it’s a combination of simple things that are responsible for the death rate. The increase in the number of riders, the increase in the number of drivers (especially SUV drivers), more and more driver distractions like phones, GPS, and the like, much more powerful bikes being ridden by newbies, and also deteriorating roads just to name the obvious. I think the general public just doesn’t take driving seriously. How many times have you been at a 4-way stop and realized that at least one or more of the drivers didn’t know who had the right of way. They didn’t know the rules of the road? How many times have you been behind a driver that enters the freeway at 40 mph causing everyone behind him to hit the brakes and slow down before our hero finally gets around to accelerating up to the speed at which traffic is flowing?
Many methods of riding that are inherently safe for a motorcyclist are outlawed by the government based upon what is the least costly solution to accommodate an automobile or worse, a tractor trailer rig. I don’t think it’s the attitude towards motorcyclists that is the problem as much as it’s the attitude towards driving in general. And that includes riders as well. For example, lane "splitting" is legal in California provided it’s done properly. Meaning traffic is stopped or moving very slowly–25 mph and the motorcyclist is passing at just a slightly higher speed. However, in practice you see the vast majority lane splitting at illegal, and usually unsafe speeds. It is common to be moving along at 45-50 mph and have a motorcyclist doing 60-65 squeeze between your vehicle and the one next to you.
I think we have to look at the government/corporate/industrial relationship to see who is really running the country. The current government is a prime example and predictive as per that video. It is all economics. And the government/industrial complex would be more than happy to have us blame it on anybody but the real enemy….them. The government through the military, police and prison systems has always overtly promoted killing. Covertly, killing has been passively promoted by the insurance, pharmaceutical, medical and legal industries and professions. The generalized acceptance of this has been difficult to manipulate and has taken a number of factors and generations to assimilate into American society. The primary influence to our society has been the devaluation of family unity and family government as being a useful part of society through values like personal responsibility, morality, and God’s law. Once the general consensus demonstrated that these basic tenets of society had been eroded, the opinion of the value of a specific life could be easily swayed positively or negatively. This has had a devastating effect upon the motorcyclist. We abandoned these principles in exchange for the almighty dollar. It has a devastating impact on all aspects of society. Those of lower economic status cannot afford to defend themselves. The upper class can. This will only foster resentment and more violence.
Likening a motorcyclist to a criminal has made this easy. Likening a motorcyclist to the mentally ill because of risk assumption has furthered the perception. Likening the attire of a motorcyclist to an adversarial army has made the motorcyclist an identifiable enemy. These perceptions create a psychological condition of aversion. People will avert their attention, gaze, and concern about motorcyclists as a viable and valuable component of society. This aversion to motorcyclists makes it relatively easy to kill them without much fear of penalty or recourse. I think it’s possible to see it from this perspective as a motorcyclist. I also think other segments of society can see it from the same perspective based on where it they come from or what shoes they have walked in. Again, I would contend it is a class struggle disguised in any number of forms. And the higher echelons of society would be pleased as punch allowing us to fight each other as opposed to fighting them. I believe the accident rate could be cut in half if American drivers had a better attitude about driving. But that would mean that people would have to be educated and willing to assume more personal responsibility and that isn’t very popular these days. Easier to just let the government pass more laws to protect us from ourselves" Mike Greenwald. Goldiron Blog.
Last Minute Biker Christmas Gift Idea
Published by December 17th, 2007 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
He or she got everything, or you have no idea about what to offer him or her for Christmas. Uner $20.00,marker included, it’s a tee-shirt with the famous "im in ur" phrasing with blank spaces to fill out by you or the person who will receive it. Now,don’t ask me to suggest a few texts because I can be very hardcore and imaginative. The tee is100% cotton pre-packaged with its own write-on, wash off marker (hot water preferred).What’s happening in the rain? Not sure but you could write another message. Also a good tee too for those participating in biker protests or wanting to say it loud without having to talk during town meetings. Of course, you can use it to write something more romantic. It’s up to you. Order Here.
Roger Bourget Introduces The Shredder F-80 Quadracycle
Published by December 17th, 2007 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I knew that Roger Bourget was ready to try something new and build something else than 2-wheelers. Not only as a way to diversify his business but also to regenerate excitement in his professional life. Yeah, after a certain time (for him & me it’s already more than 15 years building bikes!) exploring new horizons is the best way to stimulate your creativity. After a short time spent on trikes, Roger jumped directly to the 4-wheeler motorcycle also called the Quadracycle. The difference with a car? It feels like a stable motorcycle, Roger would tell you! This one is a limited edition called the Shredder F-80 recently unveiled during the Sema Show in Las Vegas. It features an all carbon fiber body, a 375 hp 350 cubic-inch/fuel injected Chevrolet engine, a Turbo 350 transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension, Brembo brakes, and in-house made custom 17″ x12″ wheels dressed with Avon 330 Tires. In addition to customizing options, Roger Bourget would like to embrace the Green wave by offering an electric motor version of his Shreffer-F80. Didn’t ride (drive) one, yet. But looks pretty good to me. Bourget Bike Works
Yes, a Tattoo Artist career can be financially rewarding. But how do you learn? In a tattoo shop or in a tattoo school. Andrei Nichols manages the day-to-day operations of what he states as being the World’s Only Tattoo School. First off, the establishment is a registered, licensed trade school recognized by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. This allows giving certification upon completion of their courses. Why to go there? Their tattoo and piecing course includes all equipment, plus theory, history, health information, mechanical training, and of course actual application of the craft itself. No waiting for someone to teach you something new. 100 % of your school time is devoted to the art. Upon completion of the program you are capable of working and making money right away, whether for yourself or another establishment. They have a few seats available for their next session. They have a very comprehensive website where they answer many frequent questions. Tattoo School.
Technology is getting so cheap that you you can get a Christmas tree ornament scrolling and flashing 8 different LED messages for $14.95 only (4 AA batteries not included). It’s called "Season Readings" (got it?). Messages include Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays / Happy New Year / Peace on Earth / Seasons Greeting / Home for Xmas / Joy to the World / Feliz Navidad. It’s not too late to get one (don’t hang it on your bike, it would be very tacky), but to tell you the truth I am afraid that this ornament is made…in China. Season Readings.
No, in our custom motorcycle world not everything is retro style. For all those who need digital high tech instrumentation, it’s difficult to beat the performance, reliability and design quality of the Dakota line of miscellaneous gauges. This new Spiked Speedometer/Tachometer Information Center gives you all the following. 0-199 MPH or KM/H Speedometer, 0-8,000 RPM Bar Graph Tachometer with 0-16,000 numeric readout, Oil Pressure Gauge, (sender included), Voltmeter, Fuel Level Gauge, (bike must be equipped with a stock sender), Gear Position Readout, Clock, Million Mile Odometer with Dual Trip Meters and Countdown Service Meter, Turn Signal, High Beam, Neutral, Low Oil, Low Fuel, Low Voltage, Service Engine/Wait to Start Indicators, Performance Displays such as 0-60 MPH/KM/H Timer, 1/4 Mile Time and Speed, High Speed and RPM Recall. All this in a housing of 6 ½” x 2” x 1 ¾”. Do you have enough to read during your next long ride? Dakota Digital
Ex OCC Vinnie Di Martino And Cody Connelly Start V-Force Customs
Published by December 14th, 2007 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
First, I wondered if I should mention OCC in the title of this post because in their new V-Force Website none of them mention their former employer by name when each of them write his professional background. For both, it goes like that. Vinnie: "I started a job in a small local bike shop and the company (who?) received a call from the Discovery Channel…". Cody: " I have been blessed in being able to follow my passion by landing a job at a small custom bike shop (who?)". You understood that the duo didn’t leave OCC in the best terms with Paul & Paul. But it doesn’t matter to me. They have fans, a nice shop (they are still painting the floor and moving equipment), and a slogan "Feel the force. Ride the power. Take the journey". I always welcome a new custom motorcycle shop and wish the best to Vinnie and Cody. V-Force Customs
Ness Guest Speaker At Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum In Daytona Beach
Published by December 13th, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
On March 7 in Daytona Beach, FL I will not sit next to Arlen, but front of him to listen to his stories (I hope new ones) from his celebrated career. It will be at 20th annual Hall Of Fame Museum “Friendraising” Breakfast. The event will be open to the public for $49 per person. All proceeds support the preservation and education initiatives of the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, including award-winning exhibits and the country’s only Hall of Fame honoring America’s motorcycling legends. A Daytona Bike week tradition, the Museum Breakfast is the ideal opportunity for the public to meet face to face motorcycling biggest names and get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of their lives and careers. . I hear that fellow builder Russell Mitchell will join to interact with Arlen who never liked too much making long speeches. The event will take place at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Registration will begin at 8:00am with breakfast served at 8:30am. And of course, for his fans, Ness will host an autograph session following the conclusion of the breakfast. Reservations at (614) 856-2222
As a Custom Builder I am in the privileged position where I see all the new cool products just before they are released. And I can observe that the number of new items for baggers outnumbers by far any category of custom parts. Here a new example illustrating the explosion of touring parts. It’s a very nice clear or smoked gray lens with integrated LED run light & turn signals. It’s very clean looking with a nice chrome or black bezel. If you keep your stock turn signals, you will need to use a load equalizer (sold separately by the same company) as it is always necessary each time you add LED to your bike. Stock replacement for 98-Up Road Glide. For sale at Cycle Visions.
Ex-Titan Motorcycle Owner Andrew Donald Proudfoot Charged With VIN Fraud
Published by December 12th, 2007 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Andrew Donald Proudfoot, ex-owner of Titan Motorcycle Co. is charged in a 3rd-degree felony case of VIN fraud (altering or removing an original VIN number). Known as “Donn” Proudfoot, Andrew was arrested March 3rd in Volusia County, Florida during Daytona Bike Week. He was bonded out of custody the same day. He was arraigned August 20 and pled not guilty. Judge Edward J.Volz Jr will preside the trial set to begin December 17. Below, some background history regarding Titan Motorcycle.
The original Titan Motorcycle company began production in 1995 and was the first custom motorcycle company to produce in volume. At this time, you remember that there was a shortage of brand new Harley-Davidsons, and those who were lucky enough to get a new one would quite often disassemble them and add lots of chrome custom parts. There was a market for fast available mild customized bikes. These bikes had a valid VIN and were easy to finance & insure. Titan owners went public on the NASDAQ in 1997 and some would say that was the beginning of the end. The management failed, then dealer and customer support failed and Titan filed for bankruptcy in 2001. Andrew Proudfoot owned the largest Titan dealership in Florida and stuck with a lot of inventory went to events sell it. He also went To Titan’s headquarter and bought the company in July 2001. It is not clear if he paid anything to acquire the remaining assets. Titan number 2 was born but was never very successful due to inferior products, new competition from companies like Big Dog, American Iron Horse and many other Harley clones companies, and also because of a declining American motorcycle market since the beginning of 2006. In January 2007 Titan Motorcycles Cie (TMC) had filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In August 2007 an asset purchase agreement was signed between TMC (Titan Motorcycle Cie) debtor in-possession and Arizona Motorcycle Works as buyer where all assets of Titan were sold to Arizona Motorcycle Works. An Arizona bank called FNBA filed an objection to the proposed sale of now-bankrupt Titan’s assets to Arizona Motorcycle Works claiming it has a first rights lien on Titan’s assets and that the sale price undervalues the fair market value of the property. The bank also claims that Titan’s owner Don Proudfoot and Hope Smith, a principal in Arizona Motorcycle Works, have a personal relationship and that the latter company is subtenant of Titan’s and that this relationship has not been disclosed. These two allegations called into question that the proposed sale represents a good-faith, arms-length negotiation" between the two entities, the complaint claimed. FNBA stated that Proudfoots’ company, TMC Acquisitions, owes the bank about $813,000 on a $1.5 million business loan that the company took out in February 2006.
Breaking News. Wal-Mart Wiping Motorcycle Magazines Off Their Shelves
Published by December 12th, 2007 in Editorial.
Inside a supermarket, even newsstands must be profit centers. Right? Until now it seems that it was not the case at retailing giant Wal-Mart. So the chain has decided to clean the shelves from all non profitable magazines. And, unfortunately, it includes many motorcycle magazines that you will no more find during your next shopping trip for China imported home appliances or electronics. It seems that American Iron Magazine and RoadBike are safe and will keep their spot on the racks. But Wall-Mart will eliminate a very long list of some of your favorite magazines. It includes: American Rider, Iron Works, Street Chopper, Robb Report Motorcycling, Iron Horse, Hot Bike Baggers, Motorcycle Cruiser, Motorcycle Classics, Cycle World Specials, Ride, Ride Texas and others. It’s very bad news for those titles because Wal-Mart was one of their main points of distribution. And to make the matter worse, it happens just before the holidays…
12/12/07. Mark Barnett from Barnett Magazine, just informed me that his magazine made the cut and will remain on the shelves of Wal-Mart. Excellent.
Hot Shocks From Progressive Suspension
Published by December 12th, 2007 in Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Thanks to water-jet technology, you can now extend to your shocks the flame theme of your paint job. This is the first new product from Progressive Suspension for 2008. The company used their road proven multi-stage velocity sensitive damper system with 5 position pre-load adjuster, and combined it with water jet cut flamed cans. Shocks are provided in 2 spring colors: chrome cans with chrome or black springs. 812-Series Flame Shocks.
Harley-Davidson Facing The Great Wall Of China
Published by December 11th, 2007 in Builders and Editorial.
We all know that Harley-Davidson 3rd quarter earnings fell more than 15 percent from last year because of sluggish sales and that the company had to cut production because of the difficult U.S. business environment. More than ever, Harley needs to open and penetrate new foreign markets. China is potentially the most rewarding country. Harley-Davidson officially arrived in China in April 2006 with the opening of its first authorized dealership in Beijing, but the iconic American motorcycles faced various restrictions, including prohibitive taxes. Harley-Davidson sales in China are virtually non-existent. At prices of up to 90 percent more than in the United States due to Chinese customs duties and other taxes, only the very rich can afford the bikes. In addition, many Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, ban motorcycles from city center streets and highways. China’s roads are among the most dangerous in the world, with more than 100,000 deaths a year, largely from unsafe driving and poor enforcement. And if it was not enough cities also restrict the number of licenses they issue for motorcycles! Ahead of high-level U.S.-China talks this week in Beijing, four U.S. senators urged the Bush administration on Tuesday to raise pressure on China to open its market to U.S. motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson which has struggled with sluggish sales this year. The objective is to remove the “non-tariff barriers" erected by China that have the effect of unfairly limiting access to their vast market and to oblige China to be in compliance with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization.
Color My Spark Plug Wires
Published by December 10th, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
If you relocate your coils centered between your engine cylinders, you need a pair of same length spark plug wires (like was the setup on an original Harley FXR). And if you want the true custom look you will choose spark plug wires in a color matching or complementing your paint job. We sell these in candy red, candy blue, black or the classic silver. Order at our Online Store.
New Billet Edge Forks By Fierce American
Published by December 10th, 2007 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Fierce American introduces the Fierce Edge Billet forks. This exceptional American made fork features creative design, Quality billet construction, all stainless steel hardware and precision internal components. Available in single or dual caliper. Finishes available are show polish, chrome and black anodized. Offered for most Harley-Davidson models and custom applications. Fierce American Forks & Accessories
A Bobber And Two Women Builders To Fight Breast Cancer
Published by December 9th, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Jody Perewitz of Perewitz Cycle Fabrication and Sara Liberte of RT’s North Hills Cycle are teaming up to build a Bobber motorcycle live on stage at 3 of the Northeast Motorcycle Expo shows produced by Kev-Marv Productions. Jody is the daughter of builder Dave Perewitz, Jody and has been surrounded by motorcycles her whole life. Sara Liberte and her husband have been designing and building motorcycles for the last 10 years. Sara is also the author of “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twin Motorcycles” and a photographer who has been capturing images of motorcycles, builders, and events for years. The two female builders will be working side by side to build a Bobber to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation whose fight is to find a cure for breast cancer. You can win the bike by buying $10.00 tickets. The motorcycle shows will be in Hartford, CT on January 5th-6th, Reading, PA on Jan 25th-27th, and Boston MA, on Feb. 9th-10th. Stop by and watch live 2 female builders constructing in record time a bike for charity. More info at the following websites: Bikers For The Cure. North Hills Cycles. Perewitz Cycle Fabrication.
I thought that the drum or barrel shaped wooden board wall around which stunt motorcyclists ride defying gravity and carrying out tricks was only an American & English tradition. Until I saw this picture taken in India at the Jammu Carnival. To bikes, they add cars, with disastrous results, several riders and spectators being injured or killed every year (cars & bikes are frequently ejected out of the barrel!). I think we should send our experts Rhett Rotten & Sam Morgan to India to teach these people how to do it right …with an Indian Scout. (Picture Amit Gupta/ Reuters)
John Varvatos, one of the top American Fashion Designers (and the one who designed my Converse shoes model), got a fabulous idea to feed the hungry and fight societal labeling. He created the project “Labels Are For Jars”.(not for humans). For example, to raise money to help hungry people living in Lawrence, MA one of the poorest cities in the US, he sells caps with a “hungry” label on the front. The idea is to undermine the use of negative labels by using them prominently on your clothing. See also the line of tees with other negative labeling like “addict”, “homeless”, “geek”, “jock”, “mental illness”, “minority”, “pacifist”, “slacker”, “troubled teen”, etc. Every piece of clothing sold come in a “Labels Are For Jars” donation jar. Use this jar at home, school, or work to collect as much money as you can. Put your donations in a form of check or money order and mail it to the address indicated. Please, do it and help create the buzz. Labels Are For Jars.
For All Biker Geeks. Utili-Key 6-in-1 Tool
Published by December 7th, 2007 in Accessories and Editorial.
We’re swinging into holiday gadget giving season and this weekend I am almost certain that you are going to hit the mall or do some online shopping. To helpyou and if you are like me a biker geek, you should love this 6-in-1 tool looking like a key on your key ring. It’s the lightest and most compact multiple tools ever developed. If you can’t live without a knife, screw drivers, a bottle opener, etc, by your side this is the gadget you need. When closed, it blends perfectly with your other keys on your key ring. Made out of stainless steel, it’s very light and small (2 3/4 " x 3/4" x 1/8"). And you can’t accuse me of pushing you to max out your credit card. It’s only $9.99. For sale at: Think Geek.
Klock Werks New Flare Windshield
Published by December 7th, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
A windshield has never been the sexiest part of a touring motorcycle. But a lot can be done to improve its cosmetics and its efficiency. Here an example called the Flare Windshield. This one was developed in a wind tunnel and proven on the Salt Flats of Bonneville during a bagger speed world record attempt and success by Brian Klock’s wife Laura Ellifson. This innovative windshield creates a down force and less drag on the motorcycle, improving handling characteristics and providing a much improved air pocket for the rider. Plus, it looks cool. The Flare Windshield from Klock Werks is a direct replacement for your 1998 and newer FLTR/FLTRI. It is custom molded from premium quality, hard-coated polycarbonate to provide unmatched durability, and pre-drilled for easy mounting using stock windshield hardware. Options available are 8" Tint, 8" Black, 8" Paintable Clear 12" Tint and 12" Clear. All are priced right at $169.95. Klock Werks Baggers
