Published by Cyril Huze January 20th, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson announced that strong international sales of its motorcycles helped drive its fourth-quarter profit up 9.7 percent. Just above Wall Street expected . But U.S. sales were flat. Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 6.4 percent for the quarter. Over the past few years, Harley has improved overseas dealer networks and marketing programs, which in turn has boosted sales. There are about 1,300 dealers worldwide. Shipments grew 6 percent to 92,848 units. Domestic sales gained only 0.3 percent, but Harley estimated the overall heavyweight motorcycle market was down 1.7 percent for the quarter. Overseas, sales of the bikes rose 29.4 percent, with Canada seeing an increase of 37.4 percent and Europe an increase of 31.2 percent for the quarter. Dealers will hold more rallies and safety programs in the U.S. this year to bring in new riders, young, minorities and women. Fifteen years ago, 2 percent of Harley buyers were women. Last year, they made up 12 percent. Females want to get into the sport but want to find out how to learn to ride safely. The main point is, Harley is growing faster than the market.
Published by Cyril Huze January 19th, 2007
in Editorial and Painters.
I am not going to explain again the techniques of powder coating & its advantages. I am sure you already know. Instead I will focus on the company I use for many fancy projects. Since 1987, date at which Sumax founder Kirk Van Scoten bought his first powder gun, the company is not only still the leader in powder coating, but also excels in special projects and engine treatments. You know: the ones that we conceive at the shop and ask experts to produce, especially if nobody did it before. Meaning very challenging ideas that some would reject & colors that some would not touch. And at the game of custom powder coating, I can say without hesitation that Sumax (that some pro-builders call affectionately Zoomax) is a team of the most talented people you can find to resolve technical and paint issues, including working with difficult engine textures and special colors like candies. Sumax Website.
Published by Cyril Huze January 18th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The new Viper-brand motorcycles that will start rolling out to dealers later this month are going to be very fast. The company is reasoning that in the crowded custom cruiser market people want more power. Four years after its discreet launch in 2002, Viper’s production lines started up at the Big Lake plant in Minnesota. The models launched are equipped with in-house produced 152 cubic inches billet engines giving the bikes top speeds of 150 miles per hour. Last year, to prove their performance, the company lined up a three-quarter mile time trial against an F-16 fighter jet at an Air Force base in New Mexico. The F-16 covered the distance in 19.55 seconds, the Viper in 19.75 seconds, reaching 158 MPH. The first 3 produced models are called the “Diablo”, “Diamondback” and “Mamba ”. I know that there will be a lot of skepticism in the V-Twin industry. So many "Harley Clones" companies have already failed. But Viper states that a total of 200 bikes have already been pre-ordered and that they need to sell only 110 more in 2007 to break even. The target seems to be older baby boomers who kind of got tired of their Harley-Davidsons. Price range: $30/35,000. More info at Viper Motorcycles.
Published by Cyril Huze January 17th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
After publication of the Bobber “Bombshell” in the January issue of American Iron magazine, I received a lot of emails and calls about where was the battery installed, and from those who guessed right, how was it done?. The desire to hide what is not of visual interest or at the opposite to show what seemed before without aesthetic value, have made builders very creative about locating their bikes batteries. Most common custom locations? Under the transmission, between the transmission & cases (if there is no frame mid post), behind the motor plate (a cut out in it may be necessary), at the bottom of the front down tubes (visible or hidden in a custom air dam), hanging on the rear left or right side of the frame, or hidden in a saddlebag.
Just a warning: the length and the routing of the battery cables can be an issue and a real headache. So, think about it before deciding, and like with all your electricity, cables & lines, rehearse first during the mockup phase. In the case of “Bombshell” these 2 pictures are self explanatory. To have a bag enduring time, rain and wash (leather not cracking/collapsing) the upholstery was done over a steel shell that we fabricated at the shop. Battery is held though a custom made strap. The bag is bolted to the frame through bungs welded inside the frame tubes. The battery cable to the starter runs invisibly inside the frame lower tube. It’s your turn: show me where you located your battery. Bobber Bombshell.
Published by Cyril Huze January 16th, 2007
in Editorial.
The Harley-Davidson Factory Tours of the Kansas City, Capitol Drive and York manufacturing plants were honored with the 2006 Best in Class Public Tours award for a mid-size tour program at the Guest Relations Association annual conference in Illinois. The Guest Relations Association consists of companies across all industries who host customers and visitors through a unique experience in the form of a tour of their museum, factory or visitor center. More than 100,000 total visitors participated in Harley-Davidson Factory Tours
Published by Cyril Huze January 16th, 2007
in Editorial.
There are about 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycles still running on the communist island of Cuba. Mainly Knuckelheads & Panheads, the most recent being a 1962 Duo Glide. Since the 1962 embargo (el bloqueo) on Cuba it is impossible for Cubans to import American products. Without American spare part, but with sweat, improvisation and imagination, they give us lessons of creativity. Especially to those in the US always complaining because they would like a custom part to fit right away and all the times on their custom applications. Aside from politics, since more than 50 years Cubans struggle to keep alive the spirit of Harley-Davidson, and I think it’s beautiful and inspiring. CNN just did a report and I recommend that you watch their video shot in Havana. Cubans Ride On.
Published by Cyril Huze January 15th, 2007
in Brakes and Editorial.
If you secure your bike using a disc lock (or pad lock), I bet it’s going to happen to you. And if it didn’t happened to you, it happened to one of your friends, or at least you heard this story. Because a disc lock is clamped to the motorcycle’s brake rotor, this allows the bike to be rolled in either direction, although only 1 foot or so. It prevents the wheel from rotating fully, but what happens if you forget to remove the disc lock before trying to ride? Embarrassment, a lot of damage to your bike and possible injury. Under the simple principle that if you cannot move at all your bike when locked (no movement = no damage) a company called RoadLoK offers a new simple technology called the Sniper. The Sniper stays on the motorcycle because it is built into the brake caliper. When the locking pin is secured it passes through a ventilation hole in the brake rotor eliminating all possible movement in any direction. No damage is possible because the motor stalls if the rider tries to go. HHI (Hawg Halters), a very good brakes company that I use a lot on my custom bikes, just incorporated this technology in their 4-piston front brakes. It is built into the HHI brake caliper and models are available for all Harley-Davidson from 1984 to 2007 ((except Springer, ’06-up Dyna/V-Rod). I consider the Sniper system one of the best bike security ideas in a long time. RoadLoK Security will offer a $30 rebate on the purchase of any new RoadLoK Sniper Series MID. The GEICO Rebate will be available exclusively through the GEICO Privileges website.
Published by Cyril Huze January 14th, 2007
in Editorial and Merchandise.
I didn’t know. Nor you According to the Organic Trade Association, roughly one third of a pound of environmentally harmful chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers are typically used to grow enough cotton to produce one of your t-shirts. Wow! Cotton is one of the most chemically treated crops on the planet! Instead, Bamboo holds the promise of a sustainable, cost effective alternative to the wide spread clear-cutting of the planet’s old growth forests and is in addition the most sustainable textile material available today! Bamboo, classified as a grass, thrives in many different climates without the use of environmentally harmful pesticides and fertilizers or irrigation. It has an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself. No old growth forests are touched – No trees are cut! Conclusion: wear Bamboo. If you want to see a nice collection of couture made out of bamboo (sorry, women only), go to Chopper Couture.
Published by Cyril Huze January 13th, 2007
in Accessories and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson is entering the digital world and is now offering six types of wallpaper and two different ringtones for your mobile phone. The ringtones feature the sounds of Harley-Davidson engines revving up or accelerating down the road (personally I think it’s ridiculous and there are 1000’s of more appealing sounds). Various types of wallpaper allow you to display your passion, whether it is Harley-Davidson racing or the new Twin Cam 96 engine. They charge to download wallpapers? Instead I wonder why they never offered the downloading of their bike manuals. Anyway, if you cannot live without HD, here the rates: $2.99 for a ringtone & $1.99 for a desktop wallpaoer. To download visit http://mobilestore.harley-davidson.com
Published by Cyril Huze January 12th, 2007
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
I started my professional career in 1992 by showing my 1st custom in the Rats Hole Custom Bike Show, the only one I knew at this time. Guess what? At 1st appearance, I won my class. As a matter of fact several times in a row, both in Daytona & Sturgis. It’s the way I became friend with the late Karl Smith (a.k.a. Big Daddy). He asked me first to judge some classes, then to become the Chief Judge (I was no more competing), and we began to travel together intensively, here and abroad, from Rats Hole Shows to Rats Hole Shows to foreign exhibitions. In a plane or around a good BBQ meal (his favorite), Big Daddy loved to tell me stories about his show, how it was created, how it evolved. Each conversation ending by him telling me not to forget that it is in his show that the public & medias discovered me. I never forgot and this intro is another proof. Ted Smith, his son and new promoter of the show, just reminded me that the 1st edition of the Rats Hole was in 1973. So, this year, the show celebrates its 35 years anniversary. And I will be there. And you too. As a visitor or participant because if you read this Blog, you love custom motorcycles. So, what will be new March 10th in Daytona to celebrate this anniversary? Sign of the time, a lot of top of the line custom metric bikes competing in new classes created by Ted Smith. He even commissioned a bike called the “Rat Track” to 2 well known metric builders: Nick Anglada, of Custom Sportbike Concepts (to be soon featured on ESPN 2 Metric TV show) and Adam Canni of Canni Design who sketched the bike accompanying this post (he made his reputation providing Industrial Design Services to many motorcycle companies, including Kuryakyn, and Arlen Ness). So if your planning to attend Daytona Bike Week 2007 stop by the Daytona Lagoon Complex (located at 601 Earl St.) and check out the debut of this awesome machine (it’s a single sided swingarm Suzuki Hayabusa 1300). To show off your hot Metric Custom it is recommended that you pre-register your bike by going to the Rats Hole Website.
Published by Cyril Huze January 11th, 2007
in Builders, Editorial and Engines.
In my business, I know pretty well 2 “father & son” teams. The 1st team is arguing all the time front of the cameras of the TV show “American Chopper”. No introduction necessary. The second one is discreet, hard working, and producing very cool Bobbers. And they deserve to be introduced to you. I met Steve Broyle Sr & Steve Broyle Jr of Stevenson’s Cycle quite a few years ago. You know, traveling on the same icy roads during the winter show tour, competing with each other (not against), sweating side by side cleaning our bikes to please the fans, and everything else making life on the road the cement between custom builders. I just told you, their bikes are cool and deserve to be seen. But in addition, they just released the Split Rocker Box Kit for Shovelhead engines. The Broyles used to spend hours and hours machining & welding the original Shovel rocker boxes for the bikes they were building. People liked what they saw on their customs and wanted the same look for their Shovel engines. So they decided to offer an easy to install kit to all Shovel owners (from 1966 to 1984 and all after-market motors using the same type of rocker boxes). The kit includes brand new rocker boxes in raw metal form with all the machined areas finished, and a cool copper oil line kit. Once the finishing touches are put on, the boxes can be sent out to chrome, be polished, or powder coated, or just left in machining finish for a tougher more aggressive look. Check the bikes and the Shovel Rocker Box Kit at Stevenson’s Cycle.
Published by Cyril Huze January 10th, 2007
in Editorial and Engines.
It surprises me that people ask me all the time what is my best selling custom part. Probably because I think you should not buy a part because of its marketing success but because it’s the right one for the look you are after for your own bike.. Anyway, my 2006 most selling item, in number of units, is my Spade Velocity Stack. I designed it to work well and look good both on radical bikes, bobbers and choppers. It is small and narrow to not interfere with your right leg, will increase engine air flow and includes a non restrictive screen. Machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum, it is highly polished, then beautifully chrome plated. Since it looks good painted or anodized, we know accept to sell it in machined finish. Fits S&S E & G and most custom applications. I was about to forget: it is the perfect complement of our Spade Sidemount Tag Light. Spade Velocity Stack and Spade Taglight..
Published by Cyril Huze January 10th, 2007
in Editorial.
We all know that cars are at fault in most motorcycle accidents. But bikers can be responsible too . Motorcycle deaths increased in almost all states during this last year and state officials wonder if the reason why it is happening could be related to the age of the riders. For now, it is just a guess, but they think that more and more motorcycle riders are not as sharp as they used to be. To demonstrate this, they say that the number of bikers who are registering their motorcycles are getting older, with the fastest growing group ages 45 to 54. They begin to think that these middle-aged riders are having trouble judging distances with the more powerful engines in modern bikes. But what about young new riders buying their first sports bike able to go beyound 120 mph in a matter of seconds? In my state of Florida, a new law which goes in effect July 1, 2008 will require every new motorcycle operator to take a safety course before going on the road. All states should require the same from new licensees.
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2007
in Controls and Editorial.
To all those in love, as I am, with the new bikes built with the look of the past, here a great idea to finish off your handlebars. How I didn’t think about this? Tired of flames, of skulls, of iron cross designs? Refresh your style with these Coke shaped grips coming in 3 colors: coca brown, white or black. They are made out of Krayton, a very soft, tacky (not to slip off your grips) and durable material. They are available for the standard 1” bars but also for 7/8” bars if you build something very special. You can personalize them with some aluminum cone ends, but I prefer them without it, keeping their full authentic coke flavor. The good news is that they are produced in the USA in Texas by a company called Avon Grips.
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2007
in Editorial.
In our V-Twin industry, reaching your 10th year anniversary is quite an achievement. Especially when you are a “grass roots” motorcycle magazine. Even more when you start as the local level (Tri-State around Pittsburg), and end up a decade later by being a national publication sold in all Barnes & Noble bookstores in the US & Canada. Maybe you never got a copy of Cycle Source, so just let me say that it’s a very different magazine from the other big names of the motorcycle publishing business. Probably complementary of the others you are already reading. Christopher Callen, its Chief Editor, describes his magazine as developing, on purpose, un-extreme topics. And it deserves an explanation. His magazine centers on the average biker, its lifestyle, and develops stories he can relate to in real life. The Cycle Source staff believes that by riding along side of the average everyday rider, putting the time in and racking the miles up, they are more in touch with them. In a couple of words Cycle Source has a “grass roots” approach. Learn more by going to Cycle Source Magazine. .
Published by Cyril Huze January 7th, 2007
in Editorial and Engines.
You install an after market air cleaner or velocity stack and want to get rid of the ugly stock engine breather crossover tubes. What do you use to make your engine breathe correctly without having engine oil mist ending up on your exhaust or on your right leg or, most of the time, both? It’s the question I get all the time. After testing many systems, I found out that the Doherty Vent Kit is probably the most efficient system to reduce the blowly oil mist. In addition, the Doherty Power Vent reduces crankcase pressure and prevents gasket leaks. Another reason you see it on most of my customs is that it is small and quite good looking, which is, as you can imagine, very important to me. Available for head or crankcase breathing engines, with kits for both Evo & Twin Cam engines. Doherty Machine.
Published by Cyril Huze January 5th, 2007
in Editorial and Painters.
Thanks to the retro trend, pinstriping is back in a big way. From Bobbers to tee-shirts, everything is getting pinstriped. I was even thinking asking my painter to do it on the covers of my laptop and iPod. Artwork in its own right, or as a complement of flames or of any graphics, pinstriping will enrich any paint job and correctly used will emphasize a shape, a form or any part of a bike. But sometimes I am horrified to see beautiful bikes with poor (trembled lines) or inadequate (there are so many different styles, and you must pick the right one) or done incorrectly (tracing a line along taping?!?) pinstriping. As many know, I am very fussy on the quality of my paint jobs, and the truth is there are very few painters who deserve the name of pinstriping artists. By respect for Von Dutch & the hot rod culture, use only these masters. It just happened that 12 of them show you their skills in a book called Advanced Pinstripe Art. Each chapter presents a start-to-finish project done by one artist. These photo sequences take the viewer from the initial sketch to the finished design. Not only entertaining, but also useful to define the best style for your own paint job. Advanced Pinstripe Art should belong to your books collection.
Published by Cyril Huze January 4th, 2007
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Me, of course!?!? But I am not in the competition. For the cameras of the TV show American Chopper, Paul Senior competes with Paul Junior and you can vote to decide the winner of this new family feud. But you will have to travel to Fort-Lauderdale, Florida where both bikes & both Teutuls will be present, waiting nervously for your vote. Huh…it’s not quite true. Of course, they don’t care about who wins, but are anxious to show you their new line of OCC production motorcycles (this, I want to see). It’s going to happen saturday January 6th (voting starting at 10 AM) at the location of Orange County Choppers of South Florida, the nation’s first authorized OCC dealership (2608 South Federal Highway, Fort-Lauderdale, FL 33316). They tell me that there will be a big block party with bands, fine cigars smoking at "Stix Cigar Lounge", and I am sure a lot of OCC apparel & accessories that you can buy (if you want to be able to to get an autograph). For more info, you can email to Aimee Sullivan at info@bourgetsflorida.com. . .
Published by Cyril Huze January 3rd, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
Kevin is a great fabricator with a simple philosophy. “If it ain’t steel, it ain’t real”. Where most well known bike builders (including myself) will refuse (by lack of time) to do a one-off part for your bike if they don’t build the full bike, Kevin is the specialist in custom made to order steel parts for your bike. Virtuoso of CAD design, and of CNC plasma cutting, Kevin can make for you a very accurate unique part at a reasonable price (You guessed I know how much time is involved in creating a one-off). Of course, you could buy as is one of his original creations (taillights, sissy bars, foot clutch, springer risers, fender struts, jockey shifts, etc) but Kevin encourages you to have your own ideas and to challenge him to fabricate it. Rare enough in this business to deserve a post in my Blog. Visit Fabricator Kevin’s and tell him I sent you..
Published by Cyril Huze January 3rd, 2007
in Builders and Editorial.
For the first time ever, J.D. Power and Associates has publicly released brand-performance results from their annual Motorcycle Competitive Information Study. Over the past years, the firm has conducted this research to help the industry’s major motorcycle manufacturers improve. Now, portions of their recent 2006 study have been made. The study, now in its 9th year, measures ownership experience with new motorcycles and examines the major components of the overall ownership experience. Each brand is scored based on the number of problems that customers report experiencing with their new motorcycle. A higher number of "Power Circles" (maximum 5) indicates a higher level of quality (i.e., fewer problems experienced). Here the results for the 3 American brands. 1-Product Performance: Harley-Davidson (3) Victory (5) Buell (3) 2-Cost Of Ownership: Harley-Davidson (2) Victory (5) Buell (5) 3-Quality: Harley-Davidson (2) Victory (4) Buell (2) 4-Sales Experience: Harley-Davidson (5) Victory (4) Buell (2). Headquartered in Westlake Village, California, J.D. Power & Associates quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.
Published by Cyril Huze January 2nd, 2007
in Controls and Editorial.
Spider designs have replaced the Maltese Cross emblem has a theme developped on many of today’s choppers & bobbers. Spider frame gussets, spider covers (for open and enclosed belt systems), spider risers, spider rotors are already available from several manufacturers. But if you want to extend this theme up to your mirrors (in case you need 1 or 2), there is only one place where you can order these cool mirrors. In chrome or black, they are real mirrors that you can use as such to see much more than your white knuckles. From Bossley Cycle.
Published by Cyril Huze January 1st, 2007
in Brakes and Editorial.
I didn’t try this one, but the company manufacturing the TCB system (Traction Control Braking) markets it as a lifesaving device for all motorcycles, even ATV’s and snowmobiles. It’s not an ABS unit as found factory installed on a few motorcycles. The TCB uses its Patented "Gas Charged Accumulator Action" to help prevent wheel lock from happening. Normally brake fluid in the brake system acts like a metal rod causing the brake pad to find a high or low spot on the rotor in order to lock and stick. Lifesaver’s accumulator acts like a "shock-absorber inside the brake system to allow the brake pads to float and drag on the rotor to help eliminate wheel lock from happening. The TCB device needs to be threaded into the brake caliper (or master cylinder if room does not permit installation at the caliper. You can use it for both front & rear brake. This Product fits 95% of any year, make or model of any motorcycle. Check your application by going to MBJ Technologies LLC.
Published by Cyril Huze December 31st, 2006
in Editorial.
Year after year you make the same resolutions. And of course, you never keep them. Here are some resolutions that you can actually accomplish very easily.
10- When you have to take an urgent decision, procrastinate. Urgent decisions may not be as urgent as you think now. To know for sure, just wait a little bit longer. 9- Read less. It’s a waste of time and money. Just ask a friend who read to tell you the story. It’s faster. 8- Stop exercising. Instead drive past a gym at least 1 time a month.. 7- Wait as long as you can before seeing your dentist. Most dentists charge the same price for a small or big tooth cavity. 6- Gain weight, at least 30 pounds. It’s only 2.5 pounds every month and anyway frozen diet food is more expensive. 5- Spend more time front of your TV. If you knew how many good shows you missed. 4- Become superstitious. It’s always a good excuse for not doing something. 3- Wake up later. There is less traffic on the road to the office after 10 AM. 2- Take a new bad habit. Something like smoking. 1- Don’t stop looking at other women.
I wish you all a very Happy New Year.
