Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2007
in Editorial.
I am sure you don’t think too much about this one. At what age a child should be able to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle and what mandatory equipment should he be equipped with? Why is it that a 6-year-old is allowed to ride on a motorcycle, but the same 6-year-old is legally required to be in a car seat and buckled in while riding in mom’s minivan? Most states currently have no age limit requirement for children riding as passengers on motorcycles. But all states require a minimum age and a minimum weight to ride in a car without a car seat. Even though national agencies specializing in safety recommend children under 16 do not ride as passengers on motorcycles, there is no law preventing babies and children too young to be out of a car seat from riding on motorcycles, which have no similar safety restraints. Since the motorcycle does not have seat belts, the law no longer applies. Like me, especially in bike rallies and parades, you have seen parents endangering the life of babies and very young children who don’t have the strength to hold to the riding parent. I think that the legislature should care more about this than worrying about the fact that we could have modified our engines, carburetors and exhausts. As a biker and parent, what do you think?
Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2007
in Editorial and Merchandise.
When I built the “Graffiti Bobber”, I had to do some research on the best New-York artists. I found out that many went from exhibiting their talent on brick walls, subway stations, trains, etc to Soho art galleries where they make quite a bit of money. Yes, a graffiti painting looks good, especially in a loft. Now, I discover that these same artists who are now legends (Blade, Crash, The Wiz, Lady Pink, Voice of the Ghetto) are designing packaging for chocolate manufacturers. Why not? Especially when you know that the proceeds of these chocolate bars wrapped with graffiti art go to benefit the All-Stars Project, a charity that sponsors performing arts and development programs for youth and adults. Now, you get a good excuse to eat more chocolate. Buy a few of these treats ($40/set in several flavors (Milk Almond, Milk Cafetto, Caramel, Cookies-n-Cream), eat some and keep a few (if you can) for your art collection. In 10 years they will be worth??? Graffiti Chocolate Bars.
Published by Cyril Huze June 17th, 2007
in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
I bet with you that we are going to see a return to the enclosed primary system.Why? Because the open belt system is over used in all the new customs, and because of the uncertainties with the EPA new rules many will prefer now to customize a Harley. Most of these "stock bike" riders are going to keep the wet clutch system and change only the outer primary cover. And this one from Jay Brake (owner is Jay Brenard) has a retro look to emphasize the old school look. As a matter fo fact, I use it a couple o years ago on my Bobber "Graffiti". A matching transmission cover is available and the good thing is that they are made in the US. Maybe you didn’t know, but Jay produces many other parts than brakes. Jay Brake..
Published by Cyril Huze June 16th, 2007
in Editorial.
Father’s Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of Dad. It is a day to not only honor your father, but all men who have acted as a father figure in your life whether as stepfathers, uncles, and grandfathers or big brother fathers. Contrary to popular misconception, it was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards and make tie manufacturers get rich. Throughout history all cultures have honored their fathers and husbands for putting food on the table. Father’s Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide. Since my family is from both the US and Europe I can be celebrated twice a year. So, twice a year (full weekend starting this morning) I wake up past 7 AM and have my breakfast served in bed (it’s my younger son Indy dressed as a Starbucks Barista bringing me some coffee). Happy Father’s Day to all.
Published by Cyril Huze June 16th, 2007
in Editorial.
From what I hear from them it seems that all motorcycle magazines here and abroad want to increase their online presence. And it’s a logical marketing approach in a fast pace world where we need up to the minute news and where medias and readers want more interaction for the benefit of both. I strongly believe in citizen journalism, reason of this Custom Motorcycles Blog (in case you wonder the term Blog is actually a blending of the words web and log. Over time the two words combined to become weblog and eventually simply Blog). Each print magazine will pursue a different approach (I hope). One of the print magazines trying to make it in the cyber world (I will report about the others, too) is the Harley oriented magazine American Iron (AIM for short). It offers a message board to post messages, ask questions and get answers on a variety of topics, defined by the online readers. You can even upload pictures of your ride and download PDF files of past technical articles published in the print version. American Iron Magazine Online.
Published by Cyril Huze June 15th, 2007
in Editorial.
You read my Blog. So, you know the definition of Blogging: “The frequent, chronological publication on the Web of personal thoughts and opinions for other internet users to read" But do you know all the Blogging Terms? For all those who already Blog about motorcycles, for those who want to and those who think they do (when they don’t because they don’t follow the proper definition of blogging), here a list, and it seems to get longer every day. Warning: some terms are quite funny, but some definitions are going to make you fall asleep. To read slowly, repeat in your mind, and next time we meet, I ask questions. List Of Blogging Terms.
Published by Cyril Huze June 15th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
I like spoke wheels, and I must admit that on my most recent customs 40-spoke was my choice. But my choice of parts can be very eclectic and I could use these over spoked wheels from Pat Kennedy in Bisbee, Arizona. I think – I am retty sure – that it’s the only place in the US where you can find 160-spoke wheels with a choice of straight, twisted or diamond spokes. And depending how lazy you are when it’s time to clean your wheels, Pat Kennedy can also lace a 120, 80, 40 or even 20-spoke wheel just for you. Pat Kennedy Custom Motorcycles. .
Published by Cyril Huze June 14th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial, Events and Wheels.
For the fifth consecutive year, Metzeler’s wildly popular Custom Bike Contest is returning to Sturgis. Amateur and professional builders will compete in a variety of judging classes, including Consumer Class, Custom Builder/Custom Chopper and Bobber/Old School. This year’s prizes include: An all-expense paid trip to Metzeler’s headquarters in Milan and factory in Germany with American Iron editor Chris Maida, where you’ll be interviewed as the subject of an American Iron feature Inclusion in the upcoming Metzeler ad and poster series. A seat at the Annual Metzeler Round Table at the 2008 V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. High-quality apparel, hardware from top manufacturers. All entrants will also be automatically eligible in random drawings for a host of other unique prizes and merchandise from some of the industry’s biggest names. The event will be held Tuesday August 7 inside the Sturgis Thunderdome at Thunder Road. Metzeler Tires.
Published by Cyril Huze June 13th, 2007
in Editorial and Painters.
Graceland has quite a few special activities planned for August, when Elvis Presley Enterprises commemorates the 30th anniversary of the death of the King of Rock-and-Roll. Among the events, the unveiling of a new painting by artist David Uhl. And you can preview it here in exclusivity. It’s called “In Tune With Graceland” and once again David’s work is superb. This is the 1st depiction combining 2 o America’s most important icons in one painting. It captures Elvis outside his new home in Graceland tuning his original Gibson J200. Behind Elvis is his 1957 black Harley-Davidson Panhead. A numbered and signed print edition is being released and persons interested must contact Greg Rhodes ar ART Inc. Po Box 260759 Lakewood, CO 80226.. David Uhl Studios.
Published by Cyril Huze June 12th, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
Industries are always buzzing with rumors. And the volume of buzz increases during very good and very bad times. I hear a lot of them, but most of the time I don’t pay attention until I have tangible proof that the rumor is fact. During these last two months I heard a persistent rumor coming from my friends in Italy (as you can guess I have many industry friends in Europe). Ducati and Harley-Davidson would consider a strategic merger. As I just said, I don’t blog on rumors, so I stayed silent. Then today Dennis Johnson, Dealernews and Big Twin Dealer Senior Editor, advises me of an article just published by the very serious Financial Times and titled “Ducati Would Consider Harley-Davidson Merger Anytime, Ducati CFO Says”. Now I feel free to talk & write. Surprising? Yes when I heard the rumor 2 months ago. Not anymore because I had the time to think about it and although I am not a specialist at reading, big corporations financial statements, at analyzing EBITDA, and at justifying any buyout/merger/acquisition opportunity, it makes sense. Think about the alliances in the car industry between American & European companies. Some were very good, some turned bad. In this post, I am not going to explain the “total complementary” between Ducati and Harley-Davidson. I send you to the Financial Times article. It’s important news and if the merger happens, it can change all the landscape of the motorcycle industry and the way we do business. So, more than ever, after you read the Financial Times, feel free to comment.
Published by Cyril Huze June 12th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial and Events.
In 8 weeks, about 120 bikes are going to compete in Sturgis in the World Championship Of Bike Building. It will be the 4th edition and a deserving builder is going to receive some Bling Bling (see picture) from the hands of AMD publisher Robin Bradley. You can still register a bike by filling out an entry form by clicking HERE. The event will be held at Champions Park on Lazelle Street. In addition to the quality of the participants the very interesting part of the competition is that it will feature a contingent of custom bikes coming from Europe. And we all know that on the other side of the big pond there are great builders creating amazing machines. Come to check them out in Sturgis.
Published by Cyril Huze June 11th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Roland Sands has been in the industry basically since he was born. He grew up around bikes and bike people his entire life. (His father Perry Sands started Performance Machine in 1970). Roland built his first custom bike when he was 16, He was inspired to film this video to show people what went into building a conceptual custom and to inspire people to think about what is possible, what has not been done and what can be done. The pretext for this movie? A MotoGP KRV5 engine (200+ HP)provided to him by “King” Kenny Roberts (a 5-time world champion) and his prestigious race team. Never before had a builder had the chance to create a complete custom with such a highly-engineered engine and Roland Sands Design put the build on DVD for all to see. During 82 minutes “New Blood” provides a glimpse into his creative mind and his drive to infuse this unique motorcycle with the history of MotoGP racing. The video details the storied backgrounds of Kenny Roberts and Roland Sands, shows the work in progress until the custom V5 Board Tracker is completed and includes interviews from MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden, legendary builder Arlen Ness, Perry Sands and Charley Boorman. Because building a custom bike with a KRV5 engine is a first and because the story line involves the passion of men of different generations and background, I found this film more inspirational than any previous BBO. I recommend you watch it. You can order it online at the Choppertown Store.
Published by Cyril Huze June 11th, 2007
in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
Rand Mc Nally is about to release the second edition of the Harley-Davidson Atlas of North America. Fortunately, the people of Rand Nc Nally know that we view maps differently than someone in a car or other vehicle. We live for winding roads and long rides. This new release present 29 new exciting rides and is full of very good tips about lodging, gasoline availability, best season to ride some roads, traffic, wildlife, history and filled with scenic pictures of the landscapes you are going to cross. The Ride Atlas 2nd edition includes a 16-page ride log to record journeys and is sturdier with a redesigned water-resistant cover, magnetic closure and more durable pages. Of course, in addition to the rides, the book includes hundreds of reliable Rand McNally state and city maps. Trust me, it’s beautiful, and even sitting on your couch you are going to dream a lot. The Harley-Davidson Ride Atlas of North America 2nd Edition will be available in June at Harley-Davidson dealerships, select bookstores, automotive stores, military outlets and directly online at Rand Mc Nally.
Published by Cyril Huze June 10th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
It’s not a true full custom if you don’t fabricate your very own set of exhaust. But how do you get started? Like most pros, you need a Builder Exhaust Kit which is basically, as the name implies, a selection of pre-fabbed tubing, header flanges and exhaust tips. In other words, everything you need to build a set of pipes for one bike, with enough scraps left over to start on two more (for your next projects or the ones of your friends). Here is what you get for less than $200.00. Two 16-inch-long (350mm) straight sections. Two 3.5-inch radius (90mm) U-bends with straights. Two 5-inch radius 134mm) U-bends with straights. Two Evolution cylinder flanges. Two Shovelhead cylinder flanges. Two Ironhead cylinder flanges. Two fishtail tips. The kit doesn’t include mounting tabs but you can fabricate them out of flat stock, or buy some at any good industrial hardware store. So, what are you waiting for? Biltwell Inc.
Published by Cyril Huze June 9th, 2007
in Books, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Whether you are building a bike from the ground up, adding a 300 mm rear tire to a stock Harley or just tinkering with a few chrome parts, you must read this new how-to book. I did, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best written (meaning explained in plain language) book to understand the correct process of building a bike. And as the title indicates a big part of the book is about choosing the right frame and how to make modifications to it to be unique.But it is also about shocks, forks, brakes, tires & wheels, sheet metal and wiring. This new Chassis book includes over 400 color images spread across 144 pages, explaining not just what to buy but how to assemble all those parts. Two Hands-On chapters cover the assembly of both an Evo Softail and Twin-Cam bagger, from bare frame to rolling chassis with drivetrain installed. For the price of a few chrome bolts you can order it here: Advanced Custom Motorcycle Chassis.
Published by Cyril Huze June 9th, 2007
in Editorial and Merchandise.
This post was transmitted to me for publication and was written by Erin Kobayashi, Fashion & Beauty Writer.
"Eco-fashion can be edgy. Although we associate earth-friendly fashion with yoga-inspired cuts and graphics that reflect nature, Chopper Couture is the sustainable alternative. Made from organic cotton, lyocell and bamboo fabrics, the line’s tops and leggings come in refreshing blacks and gun metal greys. Couture Designer Irene Zingenberg who lived in California brings L.A. inspiration to her Toronto studio. She uses phthalate-free ink for screen printing and her prints are inspired by and named after rock and roll goddesses Stevie, Aril and Bjork to name a few. And instead of promoting blatant environmental messages, the shirts simply state "love", perhaps the greatest environmental message" Chopper Couture runs from $100 to $150. Online at Chopper Couture.
Published by Cyril Huze June 8th, 2007
in Editorial, Frames and Wheels.
Renowned manufacturer of custom motorcycle frames and wheels Santee Industries is auctioning all its equipment Thursday June 21 at its location in Valencia, California (preview June 20 from 8 am to 4 pm). I have used many Santee frames, and it’s sad to see such a great company disappear. But as always during this type of event some are going to get at great prices some of the best modern CNC, tube bending machining, tig welding equipment, etc in the industry. Auction information: Roy Gamityan 818-884-3737 x 281 at Great American.
Published by Cyril Huze June 8th, 2007
in Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Frames By Wild West in Texas introduces the Dusold Designs "Double Down" frame. It features a single sided swingarm with a very comfortable 5 1/2" rear wheel travel, accepts a 300 or 360 mm rear tire. Completely Tig welded, it is available in many different rakes and stretches. A wild frame for a very wild project. For sale at Wild West Frames.
Published by Cyril Huze June 7th, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This bike just won a trip to Sturgis to compete in August in the 2007 AMD World Championship. Stellan Egeland, owner & builder of this show winner in Sweden, sent to me the following information: (Pictures by Sheriff Media Group): “The bike is called Hulster 8 valve. It has a knucklehead bottom end and homemade cylinders in bronze and cylinder heads in aluminum with open valves. The transmission is a Norton 4-speed from the thirties. The rims are 23″wm1, the rest is mostly hand made parts. I will get more pics of it on my website soon, but i suck at computers. The bike can be seen at the World Championship in Sturgis. Best regards Stellan Egeland. SE Service. Owner and Builder”.
Published by Cyril Huze June 7th, 2007
in Editorial.
Seen in Chicago, this billboard rented by a woman lawyer specializing in divorce. It says "Life’s short. Get a divorce". Powerful images are there to convince you. Don’t argue with a lawyer. I am not responsible for any divorce in Illinois caused by reading this post.
For reasons of looks and to make our bikes lighter, it seems that during these last 5 years we drilled holes everywhere we could. Frame, exhaust, fender, struts, battery box, grips, headlight, floorboards, multitude of brackets and even in oil bags & gas tanks. I must admit my share of responsibility for this trend. This new plate from Indian Larry Legacy continues the theme under the transmission, and if it’s not the best location on a bike to show “how drilled” you are, it’s still a very cool part. This adjustable light weight transmission plate fits 4 speed frames and accepts 4 speed, 5 in 4 and 6 in 4 transmissions. Polished and nickel plated. Indian Larry Legacy Store
Published by Cyril Huze June 5th, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
It will happen in Spearfish during the Sturgis Bike Rally. Arlen Ness and about 20 well known builders will gather to raise money for the Shriner’s Transportation Division, in Rapid City. Arlen Ness, in partnership with Maverick Publishing and Black Hills Choppers, will hold the "Million Dollar Ride" on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Black Hills Choppers owner and Maverick Publishing president Dave Withrow announced that the custom bike builders will unveil brand-new creations at the event. The ride will leave Black Hills Choppers at noon with registration starting at 9 a.m. At $20 a rider, Withrow said the group’s goal is to raise between $15,000 to $20,000 for the local Shriners. The Shriner’s Transportation Division provides free transportation and motel accommodations for parents who must take their children to the Shriner’s Hospital in Minneapolis, where children are treated for a variety of health conditions
Published by Cyril Huze June 5th, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
On a custom bike I like to have matching caps on gas tank & oil bag. In the new retro style, a young company called Nash Motorcycle offers this brass caps sold with weld-on vent fittings for venting tank into frame. Cap bung are machined out of mild steel for easy welding. You can order online at Nash Motorcycle Co. or call one of the 3 brothers (Trent, Taber or Teddy) at 360-693-4225.
Published by Cyril Huze June 4th, 2007
in Editorial.
There is a businessman I admire very much. Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic. Yesterday, he delivered the first batch of motorcycles that will help to bring much-needed medical support to small villages and communities in Kenya and throughout Africa. The money for the motorcycles was raised by customers contributing to Virgin Atlantic’s onboard charity appeal and by staff who took part in a wide range of fundraising events over the past year. The money was then donated to support the work of the charity “Riders for Health” which was selected by Virgin Group’s charitable arm Virgin Unite. “Riders for Health” has been working in Africa for 17 years and will buy and maintain the motorcycles. The motorcycles will enable a team of healthcare workers to provide rural communities with improved access to essential drugs and basic health services. Because many of the suffering who need help live in remote areas and are often many miles away from the closest hospital or clinic, these bikes will enable healthcare to get to the remotest of areas, quicker than it might otherwise. Each mobile health worker could potentially reach thousands of people each year, offering health education messages as well as vital medicines. The first 31 motorcycles provided are Honda C10’s which have been kindly assembled locally by Marshalls Ltd, the Honda agent for Nairobi.
Published by Cyril Huze June 3rd, 2007
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Look at this blender. The handlebar grip speed control lets you rev it up like a motorcycle! And it’s a gas powered blender!!! I am not sure many of you are going to buy it ($260) but I wanted to show you one more time the influence of our lifestyle on designers who probably never rode a motorcycle. The Daiquiri Whacker Gas Powered Blender features a 25cc Homelite engine, an unbreakable jar, and Zip Start technology. For sale at Uncrate
Published by Cyril Huze June 2nd, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Chris a.k.a. Sheriff, Swedish reporter/photographer and Hamsters Club member, sent me this awesome black & white picture of the winner of the 2007 Swedish Bike Show in Stockholm. I don’t have many details to give you, but I know that it was built by Stellan for himself and that it’s a 1500 cc with a british transmission. And for those who go to Sturgis, the bike will be there. Cool. Stay tuned.
