Published by Cyril Huze July 3rd, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you are in custom bikes, whether as a participant or as a spectator, you love the Easyriders /V-Twin Bike Show Tour visiting about 12 cities every year. It’s a great opportunity to show your work or to observe the newest trends in customization and maybe get inspiration (I didn’t say copy) for your next project. In addition a selection of well known pro-builders is present to meet with their fans and show a couple of their latest creations. For the 1st time ever in 2008 a metric bike built by Wild Card Customs was selected by 33 pro-builders to be exhibited during the full Easyriders Show Tour. A few months ago I had the opportunity to present you this spectacular bike built by Jaxon. Fyffe. It’s an amazing Yamaha with a high tech board-track look and now you can see full details of this piece of art named "Speedliner" by looking at the wonderful photography of Michael Lichter.
Published by Cyril Huze July 2nd, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
Thanks to a good tip received from one of my readers you can get online the complete list of the 2008 Harley-Davidson models still not officially released. This is the site of the California Air Resources Board, and it lists, broken down by engine displacement, all the 2008 lineup as approved by ARB. I let you discover the new engine sizes and models with new names. Tell me what you think. And of course, more info is coming from your favorite Blogger…Air Resources Board 2008 Approved Harley-Davidson Models
Published by Cyril Huze July 2nd, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Mats Lovgren, editor of the Swedish magazine Big Twin writes to me: "Hello Cyril. As an editor of the Swedish Harley focused motorcycle magazine BigTwin I follow your blog with great interest. There are always new exciting companies, products, events and other things popping up there and they are usually great leads for us when it comes to providing our readers with new ideas on what to do with their bikes. A little more than a month ago we launched a new version of our website. It’s filled with lots of goodies from the magazine. Among them you can find 3 films shot at the Custom Bike Show in Norrtalje and a rather extensive slide show from the same event. I thought that maybe your readers would like to see more of that fantastic bike and others. Check here the 3 films (about the 1st movie: don’t they ride straight in Sweden?!?!) and the slideshow. A lot to see…
Published by Cyril Huze July 1st, 2007
in Editorial.
Promise. It’s the second time and the last one that I write about the iPhone. I got one in my hands (not mine, the one of my web designer son) and how not to play with it. I had to try 2 things. First, traveling a lot, I was wondering if I would be able to Blog while in a show, having lunch or stuck in an airport. Second, I needed to check that this wonder called iPhone will let you read correctly website pages. So, I type this post on the virtual keyboard. With one finger because it’s true that there is a learning curve to familiarize yourself with keys that you don’t have to press, just touch. Tricky, but possible. Then I just saved my typing and first went to check my Blog before uploading this writing. Hey, thanks to the” big” screen you can really read it (with you holding the iPhone horizontally or vertically, your choice). You can even zoom in on a certain picture or paragraph. Now you can read and rant anywhere you want without the help of a computer (because the iPhone is a small one). No more excuse for missing one of my posts. And as Steve Jobs would say: “one more thing, the iPhone is also a phone”.
Published by Cyril Huze July 1st, 2007
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
New this year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this August 4-11, Harley-Davidson will feature new activities and events geared towards women at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The Women’s Booth inside the Civic Center will feature a new display showing the history and connection between Harley-Davidson and women riders through the years. Aug. 9, is the inaugural H-D Sturgis Women’s Day featuring an entire day of events for women riders and non-riders such as a demonstration on how to lift a dropped bike and how to customize a motorcycle to fit a rider’s ergonomic needs. From 8-9 a.m., women-only demo rides will be available with complimentary coffee and morning snacks. Special seminars will be held indoors at the women’s booth that day, including a special functional MotorClothes preview with Karen Davidson, great granddaughter of founder William A. Davidson, at noon. Renowned female moto-journalist Genevieve Schmitt is also slated to be at the booth at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Published by Cyril Huze June 30th, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
On August 9th, members of the 29-year old Hamsters organization will ride, escorted by police, from Spearfish to Champion Park in Sturgis. There, the Hamsters invite you to participate to their 150 plus bikes 4th annual ride-in bike show. Champions Park in Sturgis is one of the rally’s main venues with the AMD World Championship and exhibitions by major V-Twin vendors.
Published by Cyril Huze June 30th, 2007
in Editorial.
A little boy walks into his parents’ room to see his mom on top of his dad bouncing up and down. The mom sees her son and quickly dismounts, worried about what her son has seen. She dresses quickly and goes to find him. The son sees his mom and asks, "What were you and Dad doing?" The mother replies, "Well, you know your dad has a big tummy and sometimes I have to get on top of it and help flatten it." "Your wasting your time," said the boy. "Why is that?" the mom asked puzzled. "Well when you go shopping the lady next door comes over and gets on her knees and blows it right back up."
Published by Cyril Huze June 29th, 2007
in Accessories, Controls and Editorial.
You should have some mirrors on your bike. Right? Here some mini round ones featuring a bezel with 3 tiny spikes. Glass is enclosed behind the bezel with no risk of falling off because of vibrations. The minimalist look works well on Choppers and Bobbers. You can use mini stems or for a more radical look use a grip extension bolting on the end of special threaded grips. Check them HERE.
Published by Cyril Huze June 29th, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
Real estate is down, the stock market is still doing pretty good but American consumers are spending less on cars, motorcycles & ATV’s. We all know that Harley-Davidson sales have slowed down and because the 2008 product lineup is going to be announced in July struggling dealers are trying to clean out the 2007 inventory. Most of the bikes on the floor are now selling below MSRP and incentives offered by dealers include $ 0.00 down and 2.99% financing. All this is creating an unhealthy discount war between dealers. In this buyer’s market, speculation is high about what bikes or model makeovers Harley will introduce for 2008. Rumors include the possibility of a V-Rod touring bike, a chopper-style motorcycle, a sport bike and a 3-wheeler (Harley recently filed for a patent for a Bombardier Spyder style bike with two wheels in the front and one in the back). Of course, I will keep you posted.
Published by Cyril Huze June 28th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
During the 15th annual Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle rally held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Mayor William Troxell presented a Key to The City Of Gettysburg to Jennifer Levan and Sara Liberte. Jennifer Levan is co-owner of Battelfield Harley Davidson in Gettysburg, PA and Sara Liberte is co-owner of RT’s North Hills Cycle Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. The two ladies were recognized for their dedication to the Motorcycling community and continuous effort to better the community. Both promised not to use the keys as an ignition switch on a next project. Congratulations to both (the mayor looks extremely happy, too!).
Published by Cyril Huze June 28th, 2007
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Even if you are not an Apple fan boy (Personally I work on both Mac & PC), you already know that at 6 PM tomorrow June 29 there will be much chaos front of all AT&T and Apple stores to get the new Apple wonder called iPhone. Apple’s iPhone is the most anticipated phone since Alexander Graham Bell’s. It’s not difficult to guess that the iPhone is poised to become the poster child for the new breed of touch screen phone technology. So, grab a video cam, campout front of the store, try not to punch the guys & gals around you, and get 2, one for you & one for me. I will pay you in tee-shirts ($600 worth of it)…Good deal!!!. Then send me a picture of yourself browsing my Blog on your new toy. I will publish. I really want to see how it looks and works (my older son should grab one…for professional reasons, of course). But, please, don’t get injured in the melee. Apple iPhone
Published by Cyril Huze June 27th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
One of my readers called Ryan Harrigan got the good idea to point my browser to 2 excellent Japanese custom builders called Brat Style & Hot-Dock. As Ryan states, the bikes are completely counter to the billet-craze we have known in America. Travel to these 2 Japanese websites to see a lot of wonderful dark urban custom bikes.
Published by Cyril Huze June 27th, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The second Annual Sturgis Breakfast to benefit the "Make A Wish Foundation Of South Dakota" will be held August 7th at 9 AM at the legendary Broken Spoke Saloon on Lazelle Street. New sponsors this year will include Paul Yaffe Originals providing the food, Heel Guard for the drinks and Baker Drivetrain donating a build to order transmission to be auctioned during the event. Jay Allen (Broken Spoke) and Dave Nichols (Easyriders) will emcee the event and lead the live auction. For $25 Breakfast ticket holders will be served breakfast and are registered to win one of over 50 gift bags filled with Builders shop merchandise, bid on once in a lifetime signed materials, meet and have their photo taken with all 30+ Builders and have the chance to win a professional portrait taken of them with their favorite Builder at the event by Sara Liberte. Event will be covered by online magazine Bikernet. Builders scheduled to attend: Billy Lane, Arlen Ness, Kendall Johnson, Cory Ness, Cyril Huze, Eddie Trotta, Aaron Greene, Paul Cox, Keino, Russell Mitchell, Russell Marlow, Jesse Rooke, Kim Suter, Jerry Covington, Donnie Smith, Dave Perewitz, Rick Fairless, Chica, AMD World Champion Builder, Scott Webster, Fred Kodlin, Arlin Fatland, Paul Yaffe, Roland Sands, Michael Prugh, Randy Simpson, Stinger Custom Cycles and Jim Nasi. To buy tickets, visit Choppers Inc.
Published by Cyril Huze June 27th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
With a possible merger with Harley-Davidson floating in the air, Ducati is in the news. Maybe it’s time you discover more about the company producing the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world. The best way? Live out your MotoGP dreams on this absolutely insane ride. The “Tricolore” model (because it’s painted red, white & green, the national Italian flag colors) will set you back $25,000, and in exchange you will get a bike designed on the race track and producing 160 hp and 90.4 lbs/foot torque in a very light weight of 381 pounds. You will get the best of everything like Brembo brakes, light weight alloy Marchenisi wheels and 102 DB Termignoni racing muffler kit with dedicated ECU. The 1098 S is the quickest lapping Ducati in history and if you ride one, I want to hear from you. BTW, I think it would look good in Harley black and orange paint scheme Ducati.
Published by Cyril Huze June 26th, 2007
in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
In a fraction of a second you can recognize a dry primary (open belt system) from a wet primary (enclosed system). But now it will take you a few seconds more to identify this new Baker primary as a wet one because it looks exactly like an open belt system. And you see the point of Bert Baker: to attract all Harley-Davidson Softail owners who can now keep the stock Harley system but install a radical and unique belt look. It is a sleek design featuring a "glory hole" on the side, giving the primary the unique belt drive appearance, yet retaining all of the advantages of a wet primary system. It also comes with the option of using a stock clutch, or upgrading to the new Baker “King Kong Klutch”. Made out of 6061-T6 billet aluminum it is available raw, polished, black anodized or chrome. Baker Drivetrain
Published by Cyril Huze June 26th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you really belong to the custom scene you know that Bill Dodge was during 8 years the shop foreman at Jesse James WCC. At the end of 2005, Bill moved from California to New-Jersey to open Blings Cycles. His style? His own. Not the $100,000 trophy bikes he used to build in his former professional life, but simple, fast, functional and bitchin’ sleds. Bill Dodge builds bikes & cars since he was 16, and now is the time for him to build only what he likes and rides. Check out his new very different bikes and parts . Blings Cycles.
Published by Cyril Huze June 25th, 2007
in Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
Most custom bikes go toward a minimalist approach where hiding as much as we can is the rule of the game. Not an easy task. Even magician Houdini had his own limitations. When you run out of hiding places, the best other option is to show the accessory you wanted to hide but to do it in such a way that it adds a pleasant cosmetic detail to your bike. It was my reasoning when I conceived my own coil bracket to support coils that I mold, prime and paint to follow the color scheme of my bikes. The coil bracket is provided without or with a hole to accept an ignition switch and accepts single fire, single plug Dyna coils. Ignition switch and coils are sold separately. Custom spark plug wires for this set up are also available in silver, candy red apple, candy blue or black. At the Cyril Huze Webstore.
Published by Cyril Huze June 25th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Gerard (a.k.a.GG) is a familiar face in the industry. One that you can see only during big US events because his headquarters are in France where through his company called MAG he distributes our US parts to the countries of the European Community. So, GG knows everybody and every custom V-Twin part sold in this world. During almost 10 years GG accumulated some of the best sample parts coming from his vendors (lucky guy) and when the pile went too big (lucky guy again) he decided (no surprise here) to build his own custom daily ride. His story is interesting because the final result you see here is a bike which is about 95% compliant (a couple of front turn signals have been forgotten) with the tough European legislation which is much tougher than what EPA & CARB are imposing to us right now in the US. So, you can make one like that and fly down our highways without being interrupted by blue flashing lights. The engine is Harley Evo with (“invisible” to the authorities) Jimms and S&S mods coupled to an Ultima transmission sitting in a CFL Jesse James frame. Gas tank is from Independent and the rear fender is home made. Forward controls are from Paul Cavalho (Hell Bent Choppers), hand controls from Kustom Tech & Joker Machine and installed on GG’s friend Fred custom bent 1 ¼” handlebars. Front end is from SJP and the bike is rolling on one of the 1st ever made RC Components wheels. If you look attentively you can also find some of Billy Lane first produced parts. Add a lot of anodizing, a black & green metal flake paint and you get a retro custom Harley that you can ride every day. By the way, if you would like to have your cool custom part represented in Europe, maybe you should contact GG by fax at: 011-33-142011200.
Published by Cyril Huze June 24th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Stock Harley FL-series bikes use an exhaust system with a scavenge pipe connecting the front and rear exhaust. Doesn’t look too good, creates extra heat and slightly lowers performance. Samson Motorcycle Products offers a full line of true dual systems to correct this problem. In addition, you have the option to dress your pipes in black which is a relatively rare option for Harley-Davidson FL-series.after-market exhausts for To order online at Samson Motorcycle Products.
Published by Cyril Huze June 24th, 2007
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Like me you love women and want to celebrate their beauty. Two naked women locked in a romantic embrace should do it. And guess what? Some women (you guessed which ones) love also to wear this high quality graphic tee-shirt. Now, I don’t recommend that you wear this one when you visit your mother, but you can wear it to go to your favorite bar, or ride with it and feel like the luckiest biker in the world. Warning: this tee is not cheap. But how could it be? Women We Love Tee.
Published by Cyril Huze June 23rd, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
This is the story of Dain Gingerelli, editor of Iron Works Magazine. Gingerelli built for himself a bike from bike kit parts bought from Custom Chrome Inc. In April, he locked up a sure sale of his motorcycle but California DMV blocked the sale by refusing to issue a title. DMV has refused to give him any details about the investigation, other than acknowledging that it is investigating something related to the Custom Chrome bikes and that it affects all their California owners. Gingerelli says that an investigator told him the DMV is looking into a motorcycle shop that was improperly building and selling a large number of Custom Chrome kit bikes. As it happens, California State frequently goes after bike shops that sell large numbers of custom-built motorcycles. State law stipulates that kit bikes assembled by hobbyists for their own enjoyment are not subject to emission standards. No smog tests, no maintenance requirements and no special equipment. Some bikers touched by the Custom Chrome investigation have had their registration holds lifted. Gingerelli thinks that he knows why his hold has not been. He wrote on his registration form that friends from a motorcycle shop helped him assemble his bike although he didn’t pay for the help. It seems that three California DMV staffers were assigned to the case of the Custom chrome Bike Kits, each with 400 to 450 bikes to investigate. That could stick the number of affected bikes at 1,200 to 1,350. DMV doesn’t comment and only states that the investigation is ongoing. It is worth noting that recently, Custom Chrome informed its motorcycle dealers that it will no more sell any bike kits. I hope that Dain Gingerelli will develop this story in the pages of his Iron works Magazine.
Published by Cyril Huze June 22nd, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Riding through Texas or just living in the Dallas/Fort worth area, Strokers Dallas has always been a favorite destination for bikers because it’s not only a custom motorcycles shop, but also a bar/restaurant called Ice-House with free live music from Friday night to Sunday all day. You know, bikes, beer & babes. But owner and fellow custom builder Rick Fairless (whose Grateful Dead tee-shirts are as famous as my black leather pants) knew that something was still missing to reach the full spectrum of the biker lifestyle. Evidently a place where you could also get a tattoo. So, Rick just opened Strokers Ink next to Strokers Dallas and to Strokers Ice-House. Since an empire can always get bigger (especially in Texas), I would suggest Rick to plan for a Strokers Hotel (each room will wear the name of a well-known custom builder), and when it’s completed I will stop by for a rest in “my room” on my 2500 miles journey to Sturgis. Strokers Dallas.
Published by Cyril Huze June 22nd, 2007
in Editorial and Events.
Sandra (Sandy) Leone, 55, special events organizer & coordinator for Myrtle Beach Spring & Fall rallies was killed Sunday in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Her stepfather shot her, her mother and his wife before committing suicide. Sandy was a familiar & smiling face for all vendors & custom builders participating to the Myrtle Beach events. Hired by Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson in 2000, she played a pivotal role in organizing the spring & fall rallies. She was a very personable & friendly person. There will be a memorial service June 23 at 3 PM in Ormond Beach, FL, held at the War Memorial Gardens, 78 East Granada Blvd. Tel: 386-676-3250.
Published by Cyril Huze June 20th, 2007
in Books and Editorial.
If you didn’t already know I am a fan of photography and of Japanese design. A passion started when, in another life in the advertising industry, me and my fellow admen were studying Japanese commercials for their beauty, simplicity and commercial efficiency. “The Japanese Tattoo” is not a new release, but still a masterpiece of rare life-size Polaroid photographs of Japanese tattoo artworks shot by Sandi Fellman. The 46 color plates in this book are disturbing, provocative, fascinating, beautiful pictures of full-body traditional tattooing of men & women. The themes in the symbolism are timeless and the close-up views of the tattoos are so detailed –thanks also to the printer superb color separation- that you feel like you could actually reach out and touch the skin. This book is a reference to the Japanese repertoire of design and a must see if you are in tattoo, photography or elaborate design. The Japanese Tattoo
Published by Cyril Huze June 20th, 2007
in Editorial.
I received from John Cobb, Senior Vice President Group Publisher of Primedia, the following press release regarding major changes with the Group motorcycle magazines.
"Dear Industry Partner. In February this year we launched Hot Bike Baggers to address the popularity of this market segment. The news has been extremely positive both on the advertising front as well as showing strong demand for the title on the newsstand. As a result, starting with the October issue, BAGGERS will increase its frequency from bi-monthly to monthly for the remainder of 2007 and into 2008. In order to accelerate the growth of this title and provide our marketing partners with the largest possible consumer audience, we are absorbing Hot Rod’s Bike-Works into the Baggers title. This strategy gives us an additional 42,000 subscribers for Hot Bike BAGGERS and makes us the #1 book in the category. We will continue with the same editorial format that has made BAGGERS a success. Additionally, based on the input of our readers and marketing partners over the past six months we are also evolving HOT BIKE. The September issue of HOT BIKE introduces a new redesign that repositions this leading brand, addressing the changes in the Harley-Davidson and custom motorcycle market. The concept behind the redesign was to create a more contemporary and sophisticated magazine, which reflects the industry’s continuous progression. Key elements such as large, impactful images and engaging layouts help to vary the pace of the magazine and keep readers intrigued. What will not change is our goal to consistently deliver the best magazine to our current loyal audience and to attract new consumers. We believe these proactive changes are just the beginning of things to come from the American Motorcycle Group, as we continue to strengthen and grow our role as the market leader". John Cobb. Senior Vice President Group Publisher. PRIMEDIA Motorcycle Group
Published by Cyril Huze June 19th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
It’s nice to discover a company producing cool custom parts and which is not yet very well known by my peers in the industry. These 2 interesting velocity stacks (among a full line too wide to show it here with pictures) were designed by Kevin Renaldi from a company called Nerp Products. They are billet aluminum velocity stack with internal breathers. They fit Big Twins and Sportsters. Each is a complete kit with all stainless hardware and screen. They are true CNC machined parts (not castings) and they are available for CV, SS, and Mikuni carburetors. Pick your design and call them on my behalf. Nerp Products
