Iron Thread is a custom embroidery and design business. Jason Pedriani states that he is “servicing identities” by offering embroidery with a creative pulse. From custom one-off patches for individuals or businesses to club colors, Jason does it all using the best machinery and materials. The good part is that wherever you are in the US or abroad, thanks to internet, you can email your ideas, sketches, pictures of bikes or cars, etc and Jason will probably fire back an answer saying that yes, he can do it. See his work portfolio at Iron Thread Embroidery.
Archive Page 417
Riders Choice. A New Affordable Motorcycle Insurance Program.
Published by June 1st, 2007 in Editorial.
National Insurance Underwriters announced it has released a new national motorcycle insurance program called “Riders Choice” through its network of independent insurance agents. This program is being kicked-off initially in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada and Tennessee. The “Riders Choice” program is underwritten through A.M. Best “A+” Rated American Modern Insurance Company. “Rider’s Choice will provide insurance for Mopeds, Scooters, Traditional Motorcycles, Cruisers, Touring, Sports Touring, Street Performance, Super Sport, Custom and Trike Conversion units. In addition, it will also provide coverage for off-road vehicles, i.e. Dirt Bikes, ATVs and ATCs. “Rider’s Choice” offers a wide range of discounts ranging from homeowners, transfer credits, renewal discounts, driver training and multiple unit coverage discounts and more. These discounts allow this product to be one of the most affordable programs for qualified customers in the marketplace today. The product can provide liability coverage, personal liability, including guest/passenger liability and medical payments coverage. It also offers comprehensive and collision coverage with optional replacement cost coverage along with a travel loss reimbursement and safety apparel coverage. National Insurance Underwriters is also offering unique travel protection for motorcycles. This optional coverage provides identity theft protection, rental car discounts, emergency cash, lost luggage protection and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage. The AD&D coverage will give the beneficiary $5000 in the event of a death as a result of a motorcycle accident. The combination of these two products provides, “Total Protection” for most riders.(and because you are going to ask me, yes I built this bike)
After a hiatus of almost 15 years, baggers are again attracting customizers and small volume bike manufacturers.They are all busy at designing very creative touring bikes. A good example is Big Bear Choppers with their new Grand Touring C-Wedge (GTX) which will be offered for sale in November as part of the 2008 fleet. You will immediately notice the unusual position of the rider & passenger sitting way forward the rear wheel. The reason? By placing more weight in the center of the bike you are supposed to get better handling & comfort. There are 2 fuel tanks for a total of 6 gallons, the auxiliary tank being placed under the seat near the oil tank. Regarding the body work, I let you appreciate the flowing lines due tothe low stance and the stretched out saddlebags. A new version of this GTX is also in he works and should also appear in November. Big Bear Choppers.
Long time that the Martin Brothers (Joe & Jason) didn’t release new parts and specifically new exhaust systems. July 1st, you will be able to order from them these new pipes to fit all Softails models (including customs, of course) with standard left side drive. These exhausts will come with removable baffles (I didn’t tell you to remove them) and, by popular demand, heat shields. For the 07 models you will have the option of O2 sensor bungs. Martin Bros Bikes.
You change your front end or your wheel (s), or build a bike from the ground up. Nothing you can do without the right spacers. And don’t expect that the front end or wheel manufacturer is going to tell you or provide the right spacers setup. Why? Because it’s impossible due to the multitude of possible configurations and hub sizes. So, you call or email pro-builders for advice. You tell us that you even don’t know where to buy spacers. Especially 1” inside diameter spacers that few motorcycle shops seem to keep stock. Here is a good address to buy polished bar stock aluminum wheel spacers packs & kits in different ID’s and widths. They are easy to cut to perfectly adjust the centering of your wheels. Doherty Machine.
What do motorcycles, Hollywood and the Playboy Mansion have in common? Absolutely nothing. Except that October 6, 2007 motorcycle industry entrepreneurs, dealers and enthusiasts will meet at the Playboy Mansion to raise money for several 501(c)charities. All guests will enjoy Playboy mansion hospitality and games, tented dinner, live entertainment, photo opportunities, etc. Several price packages and sponsorship opportunities are still available and you can make your reservation at Motorcycle Charity.
I am not in jewelry. Most of what I see in rallies is a lot of junk or too much bling for me. But you can still discreetly show your passion for motorcycles by wearing one of these tire rings from Brian Bergeron Designs. They are no bling, just tread in a wide range of metals from silver to platinum, from cruiser to racing bike tires. And for those couples who are going to get hitched in Sturgis next August, these rings can do the trick and replace the wedding rings. Advantage, you can keep it around your finger after the split. Order a few for yourself and your riding buddies, or propose to her. Just don’t tell her they start at only $100, much less than the price of your custom bike 300 mm rear tire. At Uncrate. .
The F-150 Harley-Davidson was painted purple. The coming Super F-250 Heavy Duty Harley-Davidson truck gets a black-and-copper paint scheme all around. Copper-colored lower rocker panels continue around the rear wheel well to wrap the rear bumper, and copper-colored seat inserts and trim panels dress up the big truck’s interior. The special-edition Super Duty gets an upgraded interior to match the truck’s exterior paint job. The 250’s black-and-chrome five-spoke wheels display the Harley badge in the center caps. (KGP Photography).
You care or you don’t care having a horn on your motorcycle. Me I don’t care because I solely rely on my judgment and on the noise of my pipes. You know what I mean. If I have absolutely to install one on a ground up bike that I am building, I install a mini horn & cover. But for those wanting to have the 128 decibels attitude to ask everybody half mile ahead to get out of your way, there is the Dual trumpet Horn offered by Metal Arts Inc. It features a new compact air compressor integrated under a chrome plated ribbed cover and doesn’t require hoses and wires to run & hide. Just a 10 minutes installation. Metal Arts Inc.
It’s a weekend to remember and to relax. I am going nowhere because I hate to travel when others do. Just staying in my hometown of Boca Raton FLorida enjoying traveling life at a slower speed. Maybe I will write a few more posts for you to enjoy next week. But most of you are going to ride, drive, boat, etc. Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of the 101 critical days of summer with a huge increase in accidents and fatalities. So, please chose to commemorate safely and I will talk to you on Tuesday…
From Sgt David P. Willer "This letter is well over due. I would like to take the time to thank each and everyone one of you that had something to do with the building of my bike. To refresh your memory I am the Marine that while in Iraq had 3/4 of my bike sold out from under me by the ones that were supposed to be building it. When I got back I took possession of what was left, a roller. Two weeks after taking possession of what was left the shop closed its doors for business and skipped town never to be seen again. Shortly after that I sat down and wrote lengthy letter telling my sob story trying to petition for some help. To my surprise I received a lot more help than I ever expected and to that I owe all of you a great deal of thanks. Sampson for Exhaust. Cyril Huze for Headlight. S&S for Rocker Boxes. Spyke for Starter. Big Bear Choppers, Kevin and Mona for hand made fender. Badlands for Automatic turn signal shut off module. Danny Grey for Seat. Brembo for Brakes. Mike Duncombe the Builder (not free but one hell of a deal and now a great friend)" Sgt David P. Willer USMC.,6370 Caminito Partida, San Diego, CA 92111
For those putting riding comfort as their number one priority, Billy Lane of Choppers Inc introduces new Six Gun Rubber Grips. These grips are the logical evolution of his Six Gun line-up of parts and accessories (heel/toes shifter, shifter pegs, fold-up pegs, gas cap, chopper aluminum grips & pegs). Billy intends to release new products during the 67th Sturgis Rally (August 6-12). Complete line at Choppers Inc.
To all my fellow Canadians, just a reminder that the 3rd edition of the Canadian Biker Build-Off will be held July 27/28/29. The BBO competition is open only to Canadian custom bike builders with only one custom bike authorized to compete for each builder. After judging, Canada’s Top 5 are ranked 5-4-3-2-1 by public ballot voting. A ride-in-bike-show is also organized with no limitation on nationality and number of bikes exhibited. This part of the show is judged by the International Master Bike Builders Association. Participants & vendors can register at Canadian Biker Build-Off.
I can’t distinguish Hiragana, Katakana or Kanji Japanese alphabets. But I know a couple of things about Japanese design. First, it’s all about pure lines and uncluttered spaces. Second, Japanese design is asymmetry because symmetry is stagnant and asymmetry is creative. Since I share the same philosophy, it’s no surprise that I am attracted by the style of custom bikes that fellow builder Chica is designing out of Huntington Beach, CA (by the way his real name is 
Chikazawa). The bike you see is a Biker Build-Off winner, but it is not important to me. The interesting part is that this special built “Captain Japan” is the Japanese version of what a chopper would have looked in his native country in the early 70’s. A lot of similitude in the stance and overall geometry of the bike, but also a lot of differences in the cosmetic details and their layout all over the bike. I know it’s difficult to see it on these pictures – it’s a blog – but believe me when I say that Chica uses a minimum of parts, and each time it’s possible he places them independently, away from each other so that each of them can be admired for its own beauty. There are a lot of good builders in this business, but the ones you know by name are not only good at what they do, design, fabrication and assembly. They have, like Chica, an absolutely unique signature style. Chica Custom Cycles.
A reader emailed me this picture published by Time Magazine showing former US Vice President and current Apple Inc. Board of Directors member Al Gore’s personal (Apple) computer setup featuring no less than 3 Apple Cinema HD displays. His email comment was “Look Cyril. Gore is reading your Blog”. I am not sure at all. As a matter of fact, I am sure he doesn’t, at least on this picture. But if Mr. the Vice President wants to announce here that he is candidate to the next presidential election or wish to comment on any of my posts, he is welcome to do so. Good for my traffic and I can even keep his email address anonymous. Anyway, I nominate Gore King of Custom Computer Screen Real Estate (he beats my Web Designer son by one 30-inch screen). To all my readers, buy a Cinema HD display from Apple (even if you use a PC). Trust me, the best way to look at a Blog…Ask Gore.
A Pro-Street Frame Engineered To Endure
Published by May 21st, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Mike Beland of A1 Cycles in Florida builds unusual bikes with a tendency to go to the extreme by putting in the same frame 2 engines and of course 2 drivelines (and making them work). From this experience Mike has a taste for frames with fat tubes and extra heavy wall thickness. So, no surprise that his new frame, this one made for a solo engine, has all the characteristics of “All In” his “monster bike” winner of the 2007 Daytona Rat’s Hole Show. Tubes are 1 ½” with a wall thickness of .120”, and dual down tubes offer reliable handling even if you buy the biggest motor the industry can sell. This pro-street frame gets both an aerial and aggressive stance by combining a 6” out with a low neck raked at 38-degree to provide a good trail. It will accept up to a 310 mm rear tire with a right side transmission setup. Mike tells me that a full rolling chassis will be available very soon. Call him at 561=784-2992 or visit A1 Cycles .
Designed by Mark Daley of Thunderstruck Custom Bikes and produced by RMD, this new belt drive system has the particularity of using not one, but two 1 ¾” belts. I like the simple and original outer bearing support and the fact that the kit uses a Barnett Scorpion clutch. Both left & side drive configurations are available foe Evo & Twin Cam with offset up to 2” if necessary. Polished or chrome. Available at Thunderstruck Custom Bikes. Tel: 541-779-0340.
Advanced Metalforming Technologies, Inc. (AMT), is a supplier of wheel blanks to many of the industry’s leading wheel manufacturers. Under the brand name of Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels and Accessories, the company is now manufacturing their own wheel designs. Forge-Tec has already 13 new styles available in a wide variety of popular sizes and applications (including the new 23” x 3.5” front wheel and 20” x 10.5” rear wheel), with matching rotors, pulleys and sprockets (designs shown are Deviante and Scalpel). For further information on complete wheels, rotors, pulleys or sprockets, contact Forge-Tec Motorcycle directly at 805-982-9820. or go to their Website.
We all know the advantages of a bike cover: protection from the elements, rust, damage, and one that many don’t know: your bike has less chance to be stolen. So, everybody should use one. And now the choice is wider with this all new “touchless cover” to hide your custom in seconds via a remote control. The cover is not a hollow shell. It has an aeronautical skeleton (which means it has fiber glass rods running trough the shell mounted on a galvanized steel frame that is what gives it its form and strength. Its remote control signals to a maintenance free motor mounted inside to retract the cover. It comes with 4 posts to mount outside and 4 support cables to mount inside to the rafters of your garage. This is an overly engineered product, offered in several colors with the possibility to customize it with your logo or the name of your bike. I think there is at least one niche market for this cover: high end bikes exhibited in indoor or outdoor shows. For a brochure and CD presentation contact on my behalf Rodney Adkins 877-679-2217 or Rodneya@touchlesscover.com
Exclusive. The Crocker C4 Concept Motorcycle
Published by May 18th, 2007 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The Crocker C4 Concept you admire here was designed by Daryl R. Tearne, for the Crocker Motorcycle Co. The C4 gets its name from being the 4th model in the Crocker lineup, after the “Speedway”, the “Small Tank” and finally the “Big Tank”. In conceiving the C4, the objective was to build a modern Crocker the way Al. Crocker himself would have done it if he was still with us today. Some design elements and even some parts were inspired by the original design and incorporated into the new C4. Things like a chassis design with the same original concept but a much more high tech approach. The Headlight’s styling is very similar in shape, but integrates a very modern 7-lens xenon projector lamp into the body. The single sided front fork was inspired by aircraft landing gear. By using this type of front-end setup, the front end is much more narrow and stiffer under heavy braking. By using Penske suspension, and designing rake angle adjustments in the front end, Crocker will be able to offer a custom fit for all customers.The Single sided rear swing arm has also some very unique design features. Body styling use old Crocker elements and alloy accents taken from the Big and Small Tank original models (like the alloy air intakes on the front of the tank). This concept bike will be built to order by Crocker Motorcycle Company.
Ladies Tour De Force For Great Causes
Published by May 18th, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The event: Midwest Cycle Mania. The place: Green Bay, Wisconsin. The objective: raising money for 2 foundations. The challenge: assemble a custom bike in 8 hours. The team: 4 ladies (Laura Ellifson of Klockwerks, Tami Walker of Diva Customs, Jody Perewitz of Perewitz Cycles, Sara Liberte of North Hills Cycles). Thanks to an elaborate plan of attack (we help each other but never step on other shoes), 5 hours and 5 minutes later the team was able to fire up the bike at 1st try. Wow, I need a couple of these ladies (or all) at the shop. The keys of the bike were given to 2 organisms, The Ribbon Of Hope and the Marti Ziegelbauer foundations. Congrats to all. We are proud of you. (from the left: Sara, Laura, Jody & Tami)
Independent Gas Tank Acquired By Bad Toys Holdings
Published by May 17th, 2007 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.
Bad Toys Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: BTYH) announced today that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire the assets of Independent Gas Tank Co. of Gilbert, AZ. Kyle Krejci, the former owner of Independent Gas Tank, will accept the position of General Manager of the newly acquired tank company as well as General Manager of Gambler Motorcycle and Sprint Car operations. All operations will be based in Gallatin, TN. Larry Lunan, CEO of Bad Toys Holding, Inc., stated, "We are extremely excited about this acquisition and having someone with Kyle’s industry background join the Company’s management team. Kyle has owned and operated Independent Gas since its inception and has a broad background in the motorcycle and automotive industry. We expect that this acquisition and Kyle’s expertise and reputation throughout the motorcycle and automotive industry will have an immediate positive impact for Bad Toys”.
Detroit Brothers Menace
Published by May 17th, 2007 in Accessories, Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
From the Detroit Brothers, a couple of good parts for bad boys. The Menace headlight and velocity stack are both CNC machined from T6 aluminum and are sold machine finish or highly polished. They tell me that the Menace headlight is incredibly bright even with the grille which can be positioned horizontally or vertically. It is sold with a mounting block. The matching velocity stack breathes through a K&N air filter and fits Big Twins from 84 & up and most S&S carburetors. I heard there is a promotion going on till’ the end of May. So log on to the Detroit Brothers Webstore.
You didn’t have the time to look for it, or you could not find it in Daytona or Sturgis or Laughlin or Laconia….Just go online at Chopper Stickers to find the hard core sticker or decal to adorn your helmet (if you wear one), your tool box, or whatever you want. They stock 1000’s of stickers to make a bold statement about what you think, like or hate. The good thing for such a small and cheap item is that there is no minimum order, they offer free shipping for 5 stickers or more and they deliver in the US, Canada and to all military APO/FPO. Chopper Stickers.
Not all steel fenders are born equal. B’COOL Products is now offering their new FCF 200 Rigid Series fenders. They are CNC spun from 11 gauge cold rolled steel, fully TIG welded and metal finished. At 8.5" wide they offer exceptional fit and a look that will make others envious. Like all B’COOL fenders they are guaranteed not to split, spring, twist or distort when shaping them to your desired look. They are available in both pre-cut styles or the Pro-Builder as shown. Available only from B’COOL Products or selected dealers. For more information contact 613.925.0704 or info@bcoolproducts.com
If I had to pick only 1 bike to own and hold on to for the rest of my life, it would be a genuine Panhead (1948-1965). And of course I would add a few personal touches like these finned dishpan rocker boxes. They are made since 1968 by Randy Smith of Custom Cycle Engineering and continue to be a best seller with all the Pan fans. Cast out of A356T6 material these covers are virtually warp and leak free, provide noise dampening and a cooler running motor. They are reasonably priced and, an important point, still made in the USA. Custom Cycle Engineering.
