Published by Cyril Huze April 7th, 2007
in Editorial.
No, I didn’t find an illegal way to access Harley-Davidson archives. And if it was the case, of course I would not tell you. But I am excited (and you are going to be too) by the fact that you can read online a lot of letters (dating back from the beginning of last century) sent by the Milwaukee factory to his dealers and customers. How is it possible? Because people like motorcycle journalist Charlie Lecach are searching all the time everything and anything having a potential historic and collector value. And Charlie has decided to share with you his collection of Harley literature in a new site called Hardavmocy. Strange name until you find out that hardavmocy (it stands for “Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles") was the cable address of the Motor Factory. Have a beer, sit back and relax and read some of these letters. I did and learned a lot. Charlie tells me that he is also about to upload vintage racing pictures, memorabilia, listings of Harley pilots and even old movies that you never seen before. I can’t wait. Hardavmocy Website.
Published by Cyril Huze April 6th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Representatives of Saxon Motorcycles Europe are proud to announce that they have obtained the European Approval, making their bikes "road legal" in all countries of the European Union and Switzerland. Saxon Europe was created in January 2006 by Frank Vermeulen and Rinke Andringa of the Netherlands to provide the European market with custom American style motorcycles. The 2 European models approved are the Warlord, a rebellious U.S. High-neck Chopper, and the Firestorm, a long and low Pro-street. Both models come standard with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, 96" or 1573cc S&S engine, 260 rear tire, right side drive transmission and Softail-frame. Being born European, I know how difficult it can be to go through the European motorcycle legislation. So kudos to Saxon Europe for succeeding in such a short period. Saxon Europe.
Published by Cyril Huze April 6th, 2007
in Accessories and Editorial.
Riding season is also trailing season. Not only for the pros traveling the show tour trailing their prides. Most accidents on custom bikes happen inside the trailer. Here an interesting little device to save chrome & paint and a lot of aggravation when you check how your bikes are doing when they travel behind you. It’s called the Bar-Cuf and this device is meant to secure your bike, or ATV, or boat or whatever, without scratching or slipping. Made out of aluminum with thick hard rubber compound inserts, you can now put a lot of torque on your tie-downs without hurting chrome, aluminum and paint. It is manufactured in different designs, sizes and colors (because you are a custom guy). I just saved you at least a few hundreds bucks. Order at Bar-Cuf..
Published by Cyril Huze April 5th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Intel has commissioned a custom motorcycle from Orange County Choppers of American Chopper reality TV fame. Intel’s OCC bike has a built-in computer system that includes GPS navigation and a fingerprint scanner to ensure only authorized people can start it (I don’t think it prevents a bike from being stolen). Could this keep OCC’s Mikey from having a joyride on the new bike? Stay tuned for the next episode if you really care. Why an Intel’s custom bike? Because motorcycles are appealing to a broad range of people and Intel may be hoping a little bit of cool image. Having its name thrown throughout a couple of hours of television is an added bonus.
Published by Cyril Huze April 5th, 2007
in Builders, Editorial and Wheels.
You see them more and more on a lot of custom bikes. Perimeter rotors look extremely cool and present 3 main advantages. 1- Showing the full design of your expensive wheels by eleminating the clutter of a traditional rotor/brake setup. 2- An evident powerful braking due to the diameter of your rotor matching the size of your wheels. 3- Better heat dissipation. Cook Customs from Milwaukee Wisconsin offers perimeter rotor kits to install yourself or you can send your dubs and they will do the job for you. Contact Dave Cook on my behalf and check also their very interesting inverted hand levers. Cook Custom Components.
Published by Cyril Huze April 4th, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
The construction of Harley-Davidson Inc.’s museum complex just south of downtown Milwaukee is continuing, with the project scheduled for completion in 2008. Harley broke ground in June for the $95 million development, which will include the museum, company archives, a restaurant, cafe, gift shop and special-event space. The complex overlooks the south bank of the Menomonee River, east of the 6th Street Viaduct at W. Canal St. The 130,000-square-foot museum complex is expected to attract 350,000 visitors annually, and will have 70 full-time jobs.The development’s financing includes $7 million in city funds, which will be repaid through the museum complex’s property taxes. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce estimates that museum visitors, many of them from outside Milwaukee, will spend $39 million a year on hotel rooms, restaurant meals, bar tabs and other items
Published by Cyril Huze April 3rd, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial, Seats and Wheels.
Roland Sands Design has expanded their widely popular Vintage Conversion Kit to include new fender and seat kits that accommodate a 200mm rear tire on stock Softails. The new product builds on the successful Roland Sands Vintage line, while eliminating the need for costly wide-wheel conversions. These two new kits carry the same vintage look of the Sands Vintage Handlebars, Vintage Gas Tank and Cap, and the Sands Vintage Cover Line. The 200mm Vintage Seat Kit fits all 2000-2006 stock Softails and includes a hand laid fiberglass battery cover, CNC machined billet aluminum seat pivot, laser cut steel seat pan support, stainless steel “torsion” seat springs, stainless steel spring perches, hydro formed steel seat pan and all necessary hardware. The Vintage Seat Kit retails for $599.95. The 200mm Vintage Fender Kit is designed to be used on OEM Harley Davidson Softail frames from 1990-2007 accommodating any tire up to 200mm. (180mm tire has to be used on 18” x 5.5” rear wheel, 200mm tire on an 18” x 5.5” to 6” rear wheel). The kit includes CNC machined billet aluminum fender struts, one piece formed, 14-gauge steel fender and all necessary hardware. The RSD Vintage Fender Kit retails for $899.95. Both kits are manufactured in the U.S.A. by Performance Machine, Inc. Roland Sands Design.
Published by Cyril Huze April 3rd, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
Hey, here are a few numbers you should know to make yourself looking good when the topic of conversation is about Harley-Davidson. About 9,000 people work for Harley-Davidson worldwide. Harley-Davidson’s Springettsbury Township plant is its largest manufacturing facility with about 3,200 employees. There are more than 970 independent Harley-Davidson dealers in Asia and the Pacific area, Canada, Europe, Latin America, South America and the United States. Harley-Davidson has 7 facilities that perform manufacturing operations. They are in Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania. East Troy, Wisconsin. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Kansas City, Missouri. Manaus, Brazil.
Published by Cyril Huze April 3rd, 2007
in Accessories and Editorial.
In the category “it has nothing to do with motorcycles, but maybe it does”, this custom stainless steel accessory should grace your bedside table. You know the seductive power of our motorcycles on the other sex (always proportional to its level of customization). You both feel in the mood but you and your partner would never have unprotected sex Right? Be ready and avoid the inevitable fumbling to find a condom. This functional cube is straightforward to know where to find it and keep it safely. Now I wait for somebody to design the perfect accessory to dispose it when the party is over. Only $35.00 at Condom Dispenser.
Published by Cyril Huze April 2nd, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Watch for upcoming magazine features and articles written by Cyril. The next issue of Easyriders will showcase his Bobber “Kiss My Wheels” inspired by an old song from The Byrds. The next issue of American Iron Magazine will also feature his custom Fat Boy “Silverado”. For the next issue of The Robb Report Motorcycling Cyril wrote a piece about his passion for everything custom. He also wrote an article for the next Barnett Magazine called “Protect the true custom builders”. And since Cyril loves to write about what’s happening in his industry (you knew it), Cycle Source magazine will also publish his thoughts about chinese knock-off parts in article titled “Free trade or fair trade”. And for his European fans, Cyril is writing a monthly column titled “My America” for Freeway Magazine. Did you say busy? See many pictures of these bikes in big size by going to his Website.
Published by Cyril Huze April 1st, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Big Dog Motorcycles just announced that is has cut its work force by 7 percent because of slow sales of its custom motorcycles. In March of 2006, the company stated that it had 320 employees. The company said in a press release that it had overstaffed in anticipated of its normal seasonal increase in demand, but the increase was weaker than expected. The company said the entire motorcycle industry is experiencing a sales slow down this spring. Big Dog Motorcycles described the layoffs as pre-emptive. The company remains healthy and is moving ahead with new models.
Published by Cyril Huze March 31st, 2007
in Accessories and Editorial.
While all motorcycles are vulnerable to theft, the 1st report on stolen bikes made by LoJack indicates that the most popular theft targets are the newer sport bikes. Four of the top five stolen/recovered bikes are sport bikes and 87 percent were either 2005 or 2006 models. Top five stolen motorcycle makes: 1. Suzuki 2. Honda 3. Yamaha 4. Kawasaki 5. Harley-Davidson. Newer bikes are top theft targets for a number of reasons. To begin with, they are typically in high demand and parts for new bikes aren’t always readily available. So, thieves have an opportunity to sell the bikes whole or disassemble them for parts, sometimes even selling parts online. In addition, proud owners of new motorcycles tend to ride their bikes a lot initially to show them to friends and relatives, and they often do not take the necessary theft protection measures. How LoJack for Motorcycles works? The product is directly integrated into law enforcement agencies in LoJack markets, is based on LoJack’s tried-and-true radio frequency technology, and is hidden on the bike so that thieves would not suspect the device exists and, therefore, would not attempt to find and disengage it. Taken together, these strengths enable LoJack to deliver highly effective, proven recovery systems.
Published by Cyril Huze March 30th, 2007
in Editorial and Painters.
You are looking at the new painting of internationally acclaimed artist David Uhl. Because David paints motorcycle stories, I am sure you will enjoy reading what he wrote to me about The Legend Of Bob Perry.
"The task of depicting an Excelsior involved deviating from my usual subject of early Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After reviewing much of the Excelsior-Henderson history, I found a remarkable story which would continue to haunt me until it showed up on canvas. Bob Perry was known as one of the hottest racers of his time. He was not only an accomplished competitor, but a well liked figure in the industry. Known to his peers as "the student" he had a specific style which he manifested in his racing career (symbolized with the book). I was compelled to pose him next to the motorcycle that ultimately led to his demise, a special OHC machine which was designed to put the Excelsior team back on top. On a qualifying run in at the Ascot track in 1920 , Bob pushed the thoroughbred Excelsior into a turn faster than any other bike on record. He did not survive the lap to tell about it . During his years with the company, he had grown very close to the Schwinn family ,and upon hearing the news of Perry’s death, Ignaz Schwinn, in agony, was reported to have taken a sledge hammer to a racing bike at the Excelsior shop. Even though Perry disliked the board track, I chose to put the scene couched in front of the Newark track, which was known for an accident so catastrophic that the sport would not survive through the 20s. This piece of art speaks to these type of events, the advancing technology, and some fearless jockeys pushing the limits of their machines to ultimately steer the sport of motorcycle racing in a new direction" David Uhl.
Published by Cyril Huze March 30th, 2007
in Controls and Editorial.
From Sweden, the country of the very long winters and chopper bikes I bring you this new amazing and gorgeous stainless steel handlebar/control system kit conceived by Martin xxxxx (you would never be able to pronounce correctly his last name) from a small company called ICM. Yes, there is in the US a company called CCCS offering very nice concealed handlebar/control systems. I like them a lot and used them on several of my bikes. But this Swedish setup is not only beautiful in its own right (the design works well for both radical & retro bikes), but is offering a few more options regarding functions and the way they work. On the right side, of course it’s an internal throttle system with master cylinder inside the stainless steel bars. On the left side you choose between an internal cable clutch or internal hydraulic master cylinder that you both activate with the left lever. Your left turn signal (if you have one), activates when twisting the left grip backward. The right turn signal activates when twisting the left forward. High & low beams are controlled by pulling the left grip. You can have optional micro switches (maximum of 2 on each side) for start/shut/horn. And of course the bars are delivered with everything already assembled including wiring, cables and stainless steel clutch/brake lines. The bars are made one at a time, in 2 widths 33” or 40” with a rise of 3 ½” or 8”. Ok, it’s not cheap because Sweden is not in China, because the US dollar is very low again the Sweden Kronor and because UPS International is not a free service. But we all know that what we want the best of the best on our customs we don’t hesitate one second. If you want a set, my company can help you and handle all the red tape for you. Email info@cyrilhuze.com.
Published by Cyril Huze March 30th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If “Metricity” is your thing, tomorrow morning Saturday March 31 at 11 AM (EST), ESP2 will air the Metric Revolution’s Motorcycle Build Off. The show features 22 of the nation’s top metric and custom builders in a head-to-head competition with $500,000 in prizes at stake. 22 contestants were selected to compete in three categories – Cruisers, Sport Bikes and Rookies. 18 professional builders were chosen to set the bar very high for the competition. 4 Rookies, who are not professional builders, were also selected. Each contestant was given a brand new stock "metric" motorcycle; (Triumph, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kawasaki) to convert to their most outrageous custom design in only 180 days. Metric bikes make up almost 80% of the motorcycles on the road today/. Bikers and pro-builders are slowly beginning to embrace foreign manufactures as the basis for their custom bikes. I know quite a few of these builders and their bikes are superb. If you prefer to set up your Tivo, here the full schedule (EST). March 31 Sat. 11 a.m. April 4 Wed. 5 p.m. April 8 Sun. 11 a.m. April 9 Mon. 5 p.m. April 15 Sun. 12:30 p.m. April 16 Mon. 5 p.m. April 22 Sun. 11:30 p.m. April 23 Mon. 5 p.m. April 28 Sat. 12:30 p.m. April 30 Mon. 5 p.m
Published by Cyril Huze March 29th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
To launch a new model is never easy task. Especially in such an unpredictable V-Twin market. So, I have to applaud when I see an individual like Walter Roerich trying to bring something new and different to our industry. Roehr Motorcycles introduces the V-Roehr 1130 Superbike, a new generation of American motorcycles. Powered by the Harley-Davidson* Revolution* engine, the V-roehr combines modern state-of-the-art engine technology with a race track inspired chassis design, resulting in a truly modern American Sport Bike. The design goal for the new Superbike was simply to produce the fastest, most powerful, and finest handling machine. It was designed and constructed by company founder Walter Roehrich. He will also offers a full line of high-performance parts and accessories, with engine kits producing up to 180 hp. Production of the first 50 units is scheduled to begin in 2008, with pricing estimated at $39,995.00 (which is almost 4 times the price of a Buell.Firebolt XB12R). Escrow deposits to reserve your V-Roehr will be accepted starting Aug.1st 2007 for 2008 delivery. I can see one like that (in flat black with glossy black pinstriping) waiting for me in my garage. Roehr Motorcycles.
Published by Cyril Huze March 29th, 2007
in Editorial.
James Ziemer, CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc. received compensation last year that the company valued at $4.25 million. It included a salary of $824,551, $989,461 in compensation under a non equity incentive plan and $75,697 in other compensation, including a non-qualified deferred compensation plan matching contribution of $25,824. He also received stock and option awards with an estimated value of $2.36 million at the time they were granted. Ziemer, has been president and CEO since 2005. He has worked at Harley for 38 years, acquired 106,344 shares in 2006 with an estimated value of nearly $5.34 million
Published by Cyril Huze March 28th, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
If you are like me, you will never design a motorcycle without immersing yourself in the “atmosphere” of the style of bike you are thinking of. It is especially true if you intend to build, rebuild or restore a vintage bike. Journalist Charlie Lecach from Freeway Magazine pointed out to me an excellent website called Vintage American Motorcycle Photos created and maintained by Curt Montague. Want to see how it was originally done? Want to find inspiration? Just want a free trip down memory lane? Racing bikes? Police bikes? Military bikes? Commercial bikes? They are all there. The site is quite big with new pictures uploaded all the time by readers. Now, a sad note: the best ever vintage pictures of Harley-Davidsons were done by Pohlman Studios of Milwaukee. Thousand were sold everywhere and they have been featured in a lot of historic books. These pictures were so good that scanned in high resolution you could even see the most intricate details of each bike, even read the engine serial number, all things useful when doing a restoration. Vintage American Motorcycle Photos website used to show these pictures. But the Harley-Davidson has decided that it was not their interest anymore to let these pictures circulate freely in the motorcycle world. So, under pressure, Curt Montague was obliged to remove them. Still, his website is a must to visit and visit again. Vintage American Motorcycle Pictures.
Published by Cyril Huze March 28th, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
According to industry contacts there are indications of weak sales for Harley-Davidson in January & February. Harley sales may be down 20% in January and 12% in February. The worrisome part is that it can’t be due to the recent strike because during these 2 months dealers had adequate bikes inventory. Since other manufacturers might have lost sales in about the same percentage, it is once again the evidence of an industry wide slow down. Since the end of February shares of Harley-Davidson (NYSE HOG) lost more than 15%. In addition, it seems that in the wake of the subprime mortgage loans mess, many of Harley-Davidson Finance’s securitized loans have under performed, posting higher than expected credit losses and delinquencies. The beat goes on…
Published by Cyril Huze March 27th, 2007
in Editorial and Engines.
While governmental EPA and CARB compliance were high on the S&S list when conceiving their new engine, another major issue was to resolve problems associated with large-displacement V-Twins. Although the V-Twin industry is synonymous with the 45-degree V configuration, engine builders have always contended that the main limiting factor of performance is the construction of the flywheels. Current designs have the flywheel pressed or bolted together. These construction techniques can lead to flex or movement of the assemblies in relationship to one another, resulting in degraded engine performance. Also, as displacement grows, and the weight of the reciprocating mass increases, vibrations increase as well and can become outright uncomfortable. Another ongoing issue for many years with V-Twins is excessive crankcase pressure and oil carryover. So, S&S decided to start from square one and come up with a new design that would avoid these potential issues. Thus, the X-Wedge engine program was born. Configuration of the X-Wedge is a departure from the engines S&S has historically produced. The major difference both technically as well as atheistically is now (instead of being a 45-degree angle) 56.25-degree to address concerns of space limitations. Another major departure from current engine design is the use of three camshafts. A major reason for multiple cams is to provide for nearly straight pushrod angles. The X-Wedge is available only with fuel injection. The engine will be making its debut sometime in the fall of 2007 in select Big Dog Motorcycle models as well as models from some other OEMs. Customers will be able to purchase the X-Wedge in either a raw finish with polished fins, black finish with polished fins or completely polished. X-Wedge Engine.
Published by Cyril Huze March 26th, 2007
in Editorial and Engines.
Handcrafted from polished stainless steel these 6 velocity stacks will not only reinforce the sinister, apocalyptic look of your sled, but using a special mounting bracket you will be able to personalize even more by rotating yours 360-degree. Each stack contains an internal screen to prevent debris from going in your engine. You can bolt on any of these stacks to your existing carburetor support bracket or use an adjustable (from Sportster to big strokers) carburetor support bracket sold by the same company. This bracket even incorporates internal head breathers for a clean look. Sharp. You will not be surprised to know that the main business of this company is custom exhaust systems. Stainless Creations.
Published by Cyril Huze March 26th, 2007
in Editorial and Events.
Scott Di Lalla and Zack Coffman, directors of the award-winning documentary Choppertown just finished the photography of Brittown featuring Meatball from the “Hell On Wheels” bike shop in California. This new documentary goes like that. Meatball splits his time between working on vintage British bikes, doing dirt track racing, playing with his rock band “Smiling Face Down” and his family. Scott & Zack, camera in hands, follow him during several months as he heads to races, plays gigs and uses all his skill to turn an old 650 Triumph Bonneville motor into a 130 mph road-ready screamer. About to be released, you can get a glimpse of what it’s all about by watching a first teaser clip by going to their Brittown Website. Looking and sounding good to me.
Published by Cyril Huze March 25th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
While you were enjoying Daytona Bike Week, Exile Cycles crew was extremely busy working on Main Street in the middle of Automatic Slims Bar, building in 5 days a bike for singer John Mellencamp. All the build process was filmed by the Discovery Channel to be featured in the show Motorcycle Mania 4 on The Learning Channel. At delivery of the bike John sang a few numbers for the crowd, and then went with Russell Mitchell for a test ride. What you can expect from Russell & his crew? A few unexpected events like a frame catching fire, a burn out which almost threw him in jail for his last night in Daytona, a new color Mohawk (dark) and a few pretty wild girls. Be sure to watch Motorcycle Mania 4 on TLC, scheduled to air April 15.
Published by Cyril Huze March 24th, 2007
in Editorial and Events.
The 16th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend, held annually every 3rd weekend in July at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach/Los Angeles, returns this year on July 14-15th, 2007. The event is presented by Performance Machine and produced by Jim Gianatsis. They are excited to announce even more great activities that have just been added to this year’s 2007 show. S&S leading manufacturer of high-performance American V-Twin engines and performance parts will be conducting V-Twin Performance Tuning Seminars both days at the show. Iron Works Magazine/Licks Custom Cycle Bobber Give-a-Way. Here’s your chance to win the hot new Bobber Project Bike recently featured in Iron Works magazine. The Calendar Motorcycle Show welcomes Topping Events, producers of the Nor-Cal and So-Cal Cycle Swaps, in producing an All-Brand LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Swap Meet during the show weekend in the separate Harbor Village location. Join 20,000 motorcycle and rock music enthusiasts for the world’s most exciting 2-day motorcycle event weekend in the beautiful Queen Mary Event Park on the grass alongside the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach! This is the world’s premier motorcycle show weekend, featuring over 200 major motorcycle and parts manufacturers as well as selected product and apparel vendors. LA Calendar Show.
Published by Cyril Huze March 23rd, 2007
in Editorial and Painters.
Mike Learn is a well known airbrush artist whose work has been featured on some of the most acclaimed custom motorcycles. But Mike is also a master at creating fancy flush mounted taillight lenses. The best, of course, is when the lens is “invisible” and seems to belong to the rear fender paint job. I did a few of these flush mounted taillight lenses on my bikes. Mike Learn is an expert and just released an instructional DVD to show you he has created some of the most intricate and jaw-dropping integrated LED lighting designs. Materials, preparation and step by step instructions are laid out in simple terms. Each DVD contains 3 popular template designs so you can get started with a project right away. Mike Learn.
Byron Morelock is the brother of Gerald Morelock killed in the accident with Billy Lane. He wrote to me and to all of you. I am very moved by the ending of his writing. Below is his message. Please, comment respectfully. If you prefer privacy, email your messages to 
