After thinking of many potential compositions to commemorate the 2008 Sturgis Bike Week, painter David Uhl decided to paint something rather current. As starting point, he used a picture he had taken in Sturgis at the Chip of Elizabeth perched on his own Springer. And yes, it’s David you can(not) see in the mirror.
David, I am desperately seeking Elisabeth…
Most people know that ABS or anti-lock braking system is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. The purpose of this is to allow the driver to maintain steering control under heavy braking and, in some situations, to shorten braking distances by allowing the driver to hit the brake fully without the fear of skidding or loss of control. .Harley-Davidson introduced an antilock braking system on two police cruiser bikes in 2005. Now it’s a factory installed option on all 2008 Touring & V-Rod models (total of 10). The use of Brembo brakes with the latest in braking technology will improve consistent braking and stopping power under all operating conditions. At the Dealer Convention July 9th in Nashville TN, Harley declared that the system is almost invisible Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is a manual, independent system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of how much of each brake is applied. The ABS system is provided by Delphi Corporation.
I am not making reference to the famous 1951 movie an “American In Paris”, but to Bill Dodge from Blings Cycles having a good time in the the French capital, my native city. Since it would have been difficult for Bill (because of legislation) to ride one of his customs on the Champs Elysees Avenue, fellow french builder Fred Duban of Dub Performance lent him one of his own more cops-friendly customs. No word yet about how much Bill Dodge spent in bling bling.during his parisian vacation
Tool rolls, tank panels, pouches that you can snap in and off your bike, and whatever you want to dress your bike with in the leather of your choice, George does it since 1982. And he does it a little bit better than the others because the little extra details make the difference between good and awesome leather work. George’s Leather Design
There are quite a few brands of very good motorcycle brakes & discs. Brembo, Performance Machine, HHI, Jay Brake, RC Components, etc…Another good brand that I used one time and that I don’t see very much on bikes around me is Wilwood. This company has an extensive experience with cars, trucks and motorcycles. What’s different? I am not sure I can perceive a real difference when comparing same number of pads brakes. Wilwood brakes have a slightly different shape. Have you ever thought about braking in color? Red looks good to me. Wilwood Brakes & Discs.
Do you lose quite a bit of time when you are in Sturgis asking for directions? Want to know where the hots spots are? Do you want to know where are certain vendors, custom builders, music, roadhouses, eats, and etc.Do you want to get the biggest bang for your visit?To get the most of a motorcycles event, you need a map and a plan. But not any map. A rally map conceived specifically for bikers to help them uncover what they want to see and experience. A company called Biker InCite has produced over 2 million Motorcycle Vendor and Event Maps for Daytona, Myrtle Beach, Laconia and Sturgis. Each map contains ride information, vendors and events listings, and a list of "Top Ten Things to Do”.These maps are free on site, but if you need to guarantee your copy and preplan your visit, download your 2007 Sturgis Mini Map on www.bikercityguide.com.
Suited for bobbers, choppers and any customs with old school look, it’s no surprise that this Flathead offered in 80 or 84 displacement comes from Indian Kiwi Motorcycles. It will be hand crafted for you in Kiwi’s facility in Riverside California and of course tested and pre-run before delivery. It’s a 42-degree v-twin flathead design equipped with a CV carburetor and electronic ignition. Call Mike Tomas on my behalf at 800-601-kiwi or go to Indian Kiwi Motorcycles.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is inviting motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide to give a unique holiday gift this year by participating in “Living the Legend”. Here how it works. You go to the Harley Museum Website. You buy for yourself (or a friend, or a family member, co-worker, etc) one or several stainless steel rivets (3 or 6-inch size). You decide the message you want on them, and recipients will be able to view their rivets displayed on the Museum grounds when it opens next year. Rivets will be permanently placed on either curved steel walls or special plazas on the grounds of the Harley-Davidson Museum. To ensure installation in time for the Museum grand opening in summer 2008, enthusiasts should customize their Living the Legend rivets by December 31, 2007.
Revenue for the quarter was $1.62 billion compared to $1.38 billion in the year ago quarter, a 17.7 percent increase. Net income for the quarter was $290.5 million compared to $243.4 million, an increase of 19.3 percent over the second quarter of 2006. “During the second quarter, 95,117 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles were shipped to dealers around the world, driving strong financial results,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “On the retail side of the business, dealers’ sales were down 1.2 percent worldwide during the quarter, with U.S. dealers sales down 5.5 percent and international retail sales growing at double digit rates. Retail sales in every major country in Europe were up during the quarter, resulting in 13.7 percent growth in total European sales. Japan, Canada, and all other international markets grew at a combined rate of 13.4 percent,” he said. The Company expects to ship between 91,000 and 95,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the third quarter of 2007. “While we remain comfortable with this guidance, U.S. retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the first half of the year have not met our expectations. As a result, we will continue to closely monitor the retail environment and regularly assess our planned wholesale shipments throughout the remainder of 2007,” said Ziemer.
Sapka Muvek. Say it loud 3 times after me because you need to memorize their names and know who they are. They are the Hungarian duo who built the Time Machine (red one) winner of the AMD European Championship of Bike Building. This bike will be in Sturgis in 3 weeks for you to admire all the neat tricks & custom parts it features. Not bad for 2 guys who started to build custom bikes in 92 by customizing…an Ural. Time Machine 1 was retro, so they decided that their new project should be high tech but in the same fluid design approach. And here is the computer design of Time Machine 2 that they will begin to fabricate as soon as they return from South Dakota. The new Time Machine (like the1st) will have an automatic transmission, a 300 mm tire in the rear and 200 mm in front, a 124" S&S engine and a GPS navigation system in the gas tank to find their way to the numerous bike shows in which they compete. They have a cool website with an English Version. Sapka Muvek
Lisa Wade is the niece of Bruce Rossmeyer who owns the largest number of Harley Dealerships and also Daytona Destination Harley (total 12 locations). Since January 15, Lisa is in charge of the new Bruce Rossmeyer’s Elvis Presley Graceland Harley-Davidson boutique in Memphis, TN and intends to open in 2010 Destination Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson on 5.3 acres in nearby Horn Lake, Miss. The pretext for opening Graceland Harley-Davidson is the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley to be commemorated next month. Because Elvis loved and owned Harleys (and also gave some to friends), Bruce Rossmeyer created replicas of the 1957 Harley-Davidson Elvis owned. 25 of these limited-edition Harleys would have already been sold at a price of $58,850. In addition, Lisa Wade is already thinking about the possibility of an annual Elvis Presley Rally in Memphis She reasons that with the food, the music, the entertainment for which Memphis is famous there is a great opportunity to have a tremendous motorcycle event in this area. She thinks that there is much more to do there for bikers than in Daytona and that music can compete with the beach. Her first evaluation is that a 1st Elvis Rally in Memphis would easily bring 30,000 to 50,000 bikers.
As you know, I don’t make personal comments on the case of fellow builder Billy Lane. But for those who are asking over and over, below is factual information.
(By Keyonna Summers Florida Today). Lawyers for Billy Lane, the famed motorcycle builder charged with DUI manslaughter, will next appear in court Sept. 21, more than a year after the accident that left a Melbourne Beach man dead. At a hearing Friday in Viera, Circuit Judge Meryl Allawas granted a request by Lane’s attorneys, hired earlier this year, to postpone the case until late September while they continue to investigate the charges. Lane faces 15 years in prison if convicted. “There’s work that we need to do that is ongoing,” said defense lawyer Robert Berry. “These (types of cases) take whatever time they take, and the court’s always interested in giving people a fair trial, especially with the penalties involved in a case like this.” mong other things, Berry said the defense wants to arrange a date to inspect the condition of blood samples taken that night. Assistant State Attorney Tom Brown did not return a call for comment. Investigators said Lane, 37, had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit last Labor Day when he crossed a double yellow line on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach to pass several other vehicles before striking Sebastian Inlet park ranger Gerald Morelock, who was riding a 1983 Yamaha motorcycle. Morelock’s family has since filed a civil suit against Lane. The next court date in that case is set for 8:45 a.m. Friday in Titusville, court records show.For the criminal case, Berry said he expects Allawas to schedule a conference in the near future for attorneys to lay out a timetable for gathering evidence. Contact Summers at 242-3642 or ksummers@floridatoday.com
I received a flow of direct emails (please, comment directly on the Blog for everybody to read) regarding the new 2008 Softail Rocker (FXCW) and Rocker C (FXCWC). Reactions not only about what Harley-Davidson calls the Rockertail Rear End mimicking the hardtail look, but also about the seat systems used on these bikes. Here are 2 close-up pictures to satisfy your curiosity. Personally, I think that the stock seat is going to be replaced very fast by a slimmer aftermarket one. The passenger seat? What is the legs length required? Ladies, tell me if you are you going to travel on it?
In 2008 Harley-Davidson will celebrate its 105th Anniversary with thousands of loyal Harley enthusiasts riding home to Milwaukee via 105 different official starting points and along 25 major routes across the country. The celebration will take place August 28-31, 2008, with several exclusive ticketed events, as well as many activities that are free and open to the public. In true Harley-Davidson style, there will be four days of non-stop activities planned throughout the city of Milwaukee. The events will be centered around the Milwaukee lakefront area with highlights including music, food and entertainment at the Summerfest Grounds, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum, and a special Harley-Davidson exhibit at Discovery World. Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket packages will go on sale August 15, 2007. Advanced ticket sales to H.O.G. members will take place August 1-15, 2007.
Until last year, a law prevented two people from riding on one motorcycle on the Japanese highways. Since this rule was scrapped sales jumped 13% in one year. The number of new Harley-Davidson registered in Japan hit a record of 14,000 in 2006, 48 percent more than in 2000. Japanese have always been enthusiastic with the cachet of owning famous foreign brands, fashion or motorcycles. Harley-Davidson fits the bill and attracts a new clientele of upscale baby-boomers using their bikes as a family sport activity
I don’t know what it is worth and if it is really practical when riding. but a company called Grip Ace offers grips inorporating microprocessor controlled switches. They even propose to install this system on your own grips. You can watch the video with more information by going to their website at Grip Ace. If you use them, just tell me your experience.
I posted several times about the work of Fabricator Kevin. For the garage or shop builder looking to install a solo seat, Kevin proposes this 10 gauge steel laser cut pan. After being formed it is equipped with a built-in nose hinge assembly that utilizes a bearing pivot tube. The hinge plates are stainless steel, so the pan can be powder coated and the hinge polished. The spring mounts are welded onto the pan, and are threaded to allow the springs to be affixed. Pan size is 13" long by 10 1/2" wide. The pan has rivet holes pre-punched to help the job of your upholstery shop. Very reasonably priced at $285.00 (bungs & 3” springs included). By the way, the seat pan is called Muskrat because it’s the name of the bike on which this seat pan was installed for the 1st time. See It HERE
Who doesn’t like the slammed look of a rigid frame with the rear fender tucked close to the rear tire? Who doesn’t prefer a comfortable ride? The Harley-Davidson Softail family grows in a new direction for 2008 with the introduction of the FXCW Rocker and FXCWC Rocker C 2 Softail models with the hard tail look. These factory customs are developed around an all-new Rockertail rear section that faithfully reproduces the profile of a slammed, hardtail frame but delivers the smooth, comfortable ride of a modern suspension. What Harley calls the “Rockertail Rear End” mounts a broad expanse of rear-fender sheet metal directly to the swing arm, just an inch over a massive 240 mm x 18-inch rear tire. When the Rocker rolls, the rear fender and wheel move together with a 3.4 “ of travel. The solo saddle is just 24.5 inches off the ground. New this year, in contrast to the paint job there is a new Satin Stainless Metallic powdercoat finish on the fork lowers, triple clamps, headlamp, handlebar riser, tank console, swing arm, turn signal housings, hand controls, belt guard, oil tank and engine trim. A very good thing that custom builders always do, the frame is now custom color-matched to the bodywork. Tell me what you think?
Here is part of the new lineup. The 2 first pictures are the ones of the new Rocker and Rocker C Softails equipped with a 240 mm rear tire. Notice the seat off the rear fender and the rear fender placed at 1" of the tire to give the illusion of a hardtail bike. Also, there is an ABS option for Vrods and Touring models. More to come…
S&S Cycle Inc. will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a motorcycle event that’s expected to draw thousands of people next June to the La Crosse, Wisconsin based headquarter. I have been contacted to be among the 50 custom builders who will build an S&S based custom to be exhibited during the June 27-29 celebrations. The engines used will have a special serial number from 1958 (the year the company was founded) through 2007. It is estimated that about 20,000 people could attend this next year event. S&S Cycle.
Is the new Buell 1125R sport bike the riding experience that young riders were looking for? For the 1st time at Buell, the 1125R is powered by a liquid-cooled engine (Twin side mounted radiators). It is a 72º V-Twin “Helicon” fuel-injected built in Austria by BRP-Rotax. Bore and stroke are 103 x 67.5 with a compression ratio is 12.3:1. Transmission is 6-speed with final belt drive on the left side. The aluminum frame is also the fuel tank and holds a capacity of 5.6 gallons. Wheelbase is longer than before: 54.6” and weight is only 375 pounds. The front wheel (17”) is supported by 47 mm inverted forks. A new Buell ZTL2 front brake features an eight-piston caliper based on the brake developed for the Buell XBRR racing motorcycle. Buell Motorcycles.
This is the first carbon fiber velocity stack that I have seen. But the interesting part is that it includes a unique mounting ystem allowing adjustment to fit any HD or aftermarket V-Twin engine. It is available for all Evo and Twin Cam type engines with S&S E or G and Mikuni HSR 42/45 and stock Keihin carburetors. Note also the unusual "flat" design. From Sansone Motorcycles.
Last time I was in Las Vegas visiting Mondo Porras at Denver’s Choppers I saw this bike but didn’t know the story being it. Elizabeth Stiers was a busy career woman when she met Nick Schulz, a man with whom she shared common interests of riding motorcycles, collecting Indian art, visiting the southwest and more. The romance blossomed, they were engaged, and then bad news came. Nick was diagnosed with brain cancer. They were wed by a Native medicine person and lived life as normal until Nick’s condition became worse. Elizabeth quit her job to take care of him full time and they were together only 17 months before the same gentleman who married them returned to be with Nick before he passed. The couple’s shared love of Native art and culture, and of the Santa Fe Indian Market, gave Elizabeth the idea of donating Nick’s beloved chopper to SWAIA, an organization that serves as an advocate for Native American art and culture. Nick spirit and zest for life (and motorcycles!) will now live on in by supporting the event and artistry they both loved so much. The chopper will be available for purchase at an auction gala, held August 18th at the La Fonda Hotel. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available for $135/person or $1250/table of ten by calling 505.983.5220. Individuals interested in bidding on the chopper but who cannot be there in person, may submit an absentee bid, with all contact information and maximum bid amount to SWAIA no later than August 10th. Southwestern association Of Indian Arts.
I know a few custom builders who are taking this direction. They take a big American V-Twin and stuff it into a sport bike chassis that they hand fabricate. But it’s always for a one-off project. As the opposite, the idea of Curt Winter, owner and designer of Big Twin Racer, is to offer a ready to assemble aggressive riding style sport bike chassis accepting most of your Big Twin components. So he designed a rubber mounted frame with increased longitudinal ridgitity by the use of a unique perimeter style double backbone. Rear suspension is single shock. Critical components such as oil tank and gas tank are rubber mounted so that over time vibration won’t be a problem. The gas tank is also is shaped to fit between the twin backbone and give free movement to the rider. Oil is carried in an aluminum oil tank, mounted low and in front .to lower central mass weight and increase oil cooling by grabbing fresh air from the front. You can buy the kit or ask Curt to assemble your components. To see how it would look, go to War Horse Big Twin..
How many times do you have to adjust your engine idle speed? Now you can do it in style with these custom idle screws made for Mikuni carburetors 42/45. It’s made by a company called Pistor and they offer 14 different models and shapes from skull to 8-ball to maltese cross. Because you will have to order them in Germany (yes, they speak broken English), you are better off to save on shipping by ordering a dozen for you and your riding buddies. Pistor.
Who doesn’t want more torque and horsepower? A company called “Revolution Performance Motors” provides high quality 4=valve engines and head sets for your V-Twin needs. Their patented Hemi 4- Valve heads move 1.5 times more air than the stock 2 valve head. Due to the hemispherical design of the heads and the position of the spark plug in the center of the chamber, engines are able to run less timing advance. This allows us to run higher compression without pinging or knocking. A 96 cu. in. 2 valve motor can make 70-80hp. The same motor with our Hemi 4 Valve Head kit installed makes 90-100HP. When it comes to getting off the line, our Hemi 4 Valve Heads give your 96 incher over 100ft/lbs of torque at 4000rpm. A 2 valve engine puts out about 90ft/lbs at the same rpm.. These Hemi Head Kits will fit any Evo or aftermarket V-Twin engine up to 125 cu. inch. From 3.5" bore up to 4.25". RPM Hemi
