Published by Cyril Huze December 29th, 2006
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Almost 30 years after his death, Elvis Presley is still one of the top grossing dead celebrities over the past year (FYI late Kurt Cobain from band Nirvana is # 1 money maker). But because of the aging of Presley’s longtime base, Paul Jankowski, chief of marketing for Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. wants to reach a new wave of younger fans, from 18 to 34 years old. To help Elvis continue his reign, he is going to launch in 2007 a huge campaign to make listening to Elvis cool again. It will begin with the Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration at Graceland in January, followed with special DVD and CD releases and special official products from licensees. Then in March, it continues with the unveiling of a special painting of Graceland Mansion and release of limited edition prints available in both canvas and paper. In July the Hershey Company will introduce a limited edition of their Reese’s peanut butter cups with banana crème flavor with an image of Elvis Presley on the packaging (I gained 1 pound just thinking about the taste). Culmination of the campaign will be, of course in August in Memphis for the 30th anniversary of Elvis death. But wait. Guess who is also going to participate to this campaign? Our friend Bruce Rossmeyer, the largest Harley-Davidson retail franchisee. In January, Bruce is going to open a satellite location called Graceland Southern Harley-Davidson in the visitor center across the street from Elvis Mansion. He will introduce the design of a limited edition of 30 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to be customized in tribute to Elvis. Construction on each of the 30 bikes will commence as each advance order comes in. All are scheduled for completion in August for Elvis Week and purchasers will be given the option of attending a special ceremony at Graceland when taking delivery of their custom Elvis Harley-Davidsons. You can contribute too and help Elvis family (Huh). If you are between 18 & 34 buy a CD or download at least one song (you can pass on his movies).
Published by Cyril Huze December 28th, 2006
in Customs and Editorial.
Not all famous couples are in jeopardy. Harley-Davidson and Ford are still going strong and their union will be extended to at least 2009 (I believe in vows renewed by periods of 2 years). Since 2000, date of the union, 50,000 Harley-Davidson editions of the F-150 have been sold. Each year model has been different, making them all an instant collectible. For 2007, an F-150 Super Crew and an F-250 Super Crew will be available dressed in a monotone black paint with subtle blue hot-rod-style flames (cool), or in a dark amethyst (the color making you think that your truck is neither clean nor really dirty). The new edition features a more aggressive front end with blacked-out headlights, a chrome billet grille and a front air dam that gives the truck a lowered appearance. Standard are 22-inch forged-aluminum polished wheels. The instrument panel features spun-metal Harley gauges, and you will brake and accelerate with black-and-chrome pedals. Of course, to make you feel confident that you spent your money for a good ego reason, you will find the Harley logo stamped everywhere you look at. At Your Ford Dealer.
Published by Cyril Huze December 27th, 2006
in Editorial and Engines.
S&S president Brett Smith states that the new X-Wedge engine is the most important in the company history, other than his grandfather’s original racing endeavors that got S&S started. Evidently, this new engine is the answer to the new tightened EPA requirements, and shows what S&S research & development team is capable of doing in terms of responsible performance from both an air and sound emissions perspective. A departure from the traditional 45-degree v-twin, the X-Wedge is a 56-degree, three-cam, closed-loop fuel-injected, air-cooled v-twin. This all-new engine design features three belt driven cams—two exhaust, one common intake—S&S closed-loop fuel injection, five studs per cylinder, plain bearings, wedge-shaped combustion chambers, automotive-style rockers, one-piece forged crank, and overhead valves. Bore sizes range from 4 1/8” to 4 1/2” and stroke can go from 4 1/8” to 4 3/8”, offering displacement of 110 cubic inches to 139 cubic inches. The X-Wedge will currently pass 2008 ARB and 2010 EPA standards. An upcoming 2007 S&S tour named Project X-Tour will start in February at the Dealers V-Twin Expo and will feature 5 X-Wedge bikes built by Big Dog Motorcycles. Bourget Bike Works, Edmondson Custom Built, Rucker Performance & Cory Ness. Information about the new engine and the 5 bikes being created can be found at this website: www.x-wedge.com.
Published by Cyril Huze December 27th, 2006
in Editorial and Suspension.
I have to acknowledge that I never been a big fan of air adjustable rear suspension. First because I very rarely build bikes for 2. Second because I am not too crazy about showing a compressor and extra air hoses on my bikes. Third because at the time Legends introduced its rear system, there was no equivalent air adjustable front end suspension, and for me, a bike must always be perfectly parallel to the ground when its rider sits on it (or sit in a show). Now, you have an option offered by a company called Tricky Air & Billet. A nicely designed Springer with 2 air shocks that you can adjust via an onboard compressor. The front end is provided assembled in the length you want and includes all the necessary hardware & hosing you need. It can be adapted to any brand of motorcycles (cool) and is sold raw, in chrome or black chrome. It’s very good looking, will impress your friends and the judges of your next bike show. But for me, aesthetically, it looks better on high tech style bikes. For retro style, I stay with the old fashion springs (dual or single). Tricky Air & Billet has a very nice Flash site (high speed connection required).
Published by Cyril Huze December 26th, 2006
in Editorial.
Hope you are all having good holidays and that Santa brought to you all the gifts you asked for. As you can see on this picture he is drunk and resting in a UPS warehouse. Me, I didn’t ask anything, so I got much more that what I wanted. I got a Video IPod with a gift card for ITunes songs that I emptied in less than hour, a new wallet (it looks thinner than the one it replaces, Is it a bad sign for next year? I wonder), new pajamas (no, I will not upload a picture of me wearing them) and a ton of chocolate (at least, today it feels this way). I know that the next few days will be slow business, so I cleaned and vacuumed my office and you should do the same before we hit 2007. When you are done with it, go to your keyboard (don’t forget to dust it, too) and tell me all what you got for Christmas. Comment with details.
Published by Cyril Huze December 26th, 2006
in Editorial and Events.
One of the first big shows of 2007 is the Motorcycle Expo in Clearwater, near Tampa, weekend of January 27/28. The 15 to 20,000 spectators expected this year will be treated to much more than the usual rally activities, vendors of parts, accessories, dealers, demo rides, live entertainment, bike show etc. During the event, the best builders of Florida, all brands, are invited to compete in a Build-Off with $15,000 of cash prize. It’s an invitational show and at this date 83 bikes by 61 different builders have been entered. By the way, since you ask me all the time where I will be next, know that I will be there for all weekend as a guest of the organizer Full Throttle Magazine. I should bring new rolling chassis & shirts, judge the show, have felt pens with me to sign whatever you want, and party all night with you at the VIP party. Vendors & participants can get more info at: Florida Bike Build-Off.
Published by Cyril Huze December 24th, 2006
in Editorial and Events.
Discovery Communications will move its popular motorcycle series American Chopper from the Discovery Channel to its sister network TLC, and launch “Turbo,” a programming block, a broadband channel and a video-on-demand (VOD) package to complement the show. American Chopper has earned the Discovery Channel a healthy 2.1 million viewers with new episodes this year, but network executives have said they are looking to return Discovery’s programming to its roots in science and nature. The motorcycle reality show, currently on Mondays at 10 p.m. on Discovery, has been on the network exclusively since 2003 and will move to TLC January 18. Turbo on TLC’s complete lineup includes Overhaulin’ starting January 18 at 7 PM (ET/PT); American Hot Rod starting January 25 at 8 PM (ET/PT) Biker Build-Off starting February 8 at 10 PM (ET/PT); Visit Tubo’s 24-hour broadband channel.
Published by Cyril Huze December 23rd, 2006
in Accessories and Editorial.
I just came back from the mall and I can’t believe it. In 2 1/2 hours of Christmas shopping I must have crossed 100 people (young and old, male & female) wearing some clothing or accessories featuring the Ed Hardy signature. I visited the 3 department stores Bloomingdales, Saks & Nordsdrom. All filled with clothing from Ed Hardy: tees, jackets, shoes, caps, belts, watches, and even pet clothing. So, for those in my Blogosphere who don’t know yet who he is (and who may already wear his gear), here a short presentation: Don Ed.Hardy is a painter, printmaker and is considered the godfather of the vintage tattoo. Fascinated by tattoos since childhood, Hardy has become a master of his craft while continuing his work in the more traditional mediums of painting and drawing. A scholar of tattoo history and lore, Hardy has curated tattoo exhibitions and written and published catalogs about the art of tattooing. In 2000, he completed a 500 foot long scroll painting of 2000 dragons in honor of the turn of the century and the Dragon year. Ed Hardy’s original Tattoo City shop is located at 700 Lombard Street (corner of Mason) in the heart of San Francisco’s historic North Beach. All of the artists at Tattoo City have amazing freehand drawing capabilities and specialize in the pace-setting high quality work that Ed’s shops have always been known for. A must visit when you are in Frisco (open 7 days a week, tel 415-345-9437). But how do you go from being a superb (and different) tattoo artist to a clothing logo that everybody wants in his closet in 14 different countries. Just mix Ed’s talent with the one of French fashion designer Christian Audigier and you get an amazing line of Tattoo clothing appealing to everybody, from kids to surfers, from bikers to soccer moms, from computer executives to athletes, from struggling actors to famous singers, including Madonna! (Huh). I love the artistry of Ed, but too much is too much. Please, don’t wear at the same time the shoes, the socks, the tee, the jacket, the watch & the glasses or you are going to look like a walking Christmas tree. Personally, I will not wear any of his vintage tattoos, but I still dream of having one of his original paintings hanging on my wall. The one saying that ‘Love Kills Slowly” (so true). You can visit Ed Hardy’s shop at Tattoo City Website or shop online for his clothing at Ed Hardy Vintage Tattoo Wear.
Published by Cyril Huze December 22nd, 2006
in Editorial and Engines.
We all know that the addition & accumulation of small trick details make the difference between a good custom bike and an exceptional one. With the retro trend, brass, a combination of copper & zinc (from 5 to 45%), made a big return as a choice material for components installed on vintage looking motorcycles. Brass hand grips & foot pegs are already available from several manufacturers. For other parts you are still obliged, like I did on the bike “The Bravest” to give it its antique look, to find a good brass plater who will do the job for you. Recommendation: send him all your parts in 1 time or you take the risk of getting them back in different brass colors (he would not be able to compare the final tint of each part). The family of brass motorcycle parts is a little bit larger with the introduction of brass engine head bolt covers. Of course, brass looks very good when installed on a polished engine, but also in contrast of a powder coated one. They are CNC machined and held in place with a set screw. Available from Crime Scene Choppers.
Published by Cyril Huze December 21st, 2006
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Board Track motorcycles from the 1st decades of the 20th century are the new inspiration of some custom builders. Some build reproductions as faithful as possible. Others like Roland Sand, from RSD, are not afraid to install a mind-boggling 200 + horsepower engine in a newly designed board-tracker body. And you have to know how it happened. Roland Sands is only 32 years old, but has a racing background with a career which stretched from 1994 to 2002 with 9 career victories in the AMA 250GP series to his credit. He also claimed the 1998 250GP championship. Then Roland hung up his racing leathers once the physical toll became too great and became a full time custom builder of bikes and of parts for his father’s company Performance Machine. Then, Roland Sands and road racing legend Kenny Roberts met during the 2005 USGP at Laguna Seca. Roberts, a three-time world champion, racing legend, and owner of MotoGP’s Team Roberts, and his team manager, Chuck Askland, discussed the possibility of utilizing the Team Roberts KRV5 engine in a non-MotoGP context. Sands’ racing background made him as the leading candidate to come up with a radical KRV5-design by the time the USGP rolled back into town. The chassis designed by Sand is similar to its stylistic board-track progenitors and keeps the rigid rear of its ancestors. The customary board track girder front end was swapped out for black anodized forks sourced from a GSX-R1000. Sporting a 24-degree rake angle, the forks are locked into place with triple trees fabricated by Sand’s company (RSD). Custom made turned down handlebars and a vintage looking custom seat keep with the classic spirit of the board-track. Dropping in a five-cylinder MotoGP engine presented some challenges not found on a typical build. Sands mentioned the biggest issue with the engine was "getting the gas tank to look right and getting all the lines to blend in together." Another issue was the wiring, as Sands and his crew had to eliminate the motor’s complex telemetry. Very trick, are the engine’s five hand-built titanium exhaust pipes pieced together until they looked right. More at: Roland Sands Design
Published by Cyril Huze December 20th, 2006
in Accessories and Editorial.
Motorola’s Razr V3 mobile phone is everywhere, even in my pocket. 25 millions of the iconic clamshell wireless phone have been sold since its launch! First in black, then in silver & pink. How do you sell more? Just add a new hip and urban look. And for this, just ask tattoo artist Ami James who stars in hit cable show “Miami Ink” to design new covers. The 2 new designs feature laser-etched tattoos on brush aluminum cases. And it will cost you $70 to get one like that if you sign a contract for 2 years. To all graphic artists of this world, there is money to make if you can sell a cool cover design to Motorola. They want the Razr to sell for many more years. Motorola
Published by Cyril Huze December 20th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
Why would I run again a press release about a company that I already mentioned 3 days ago? Simply because I messed up with the date at which you can see its leader on TV in the famous TLC show “Miami Ink”. Ok, it’s this evening Thursday 21st at 9 & 12 PM EST. The guy builds wild custom chopper bicycles inspired by the big chopper bikes of the well known builders. He survived the invasion of cheap Chinese knock off bicycles (do you really want a plastic chopper?) and is supposed to be the best in the business. Trust me, Chopper bicycles are a lot of fun not only for teenagers but also for adults. So, like me, you want to see his own wild collection before you ask Doc to design one especially for you. Doc’s Choppers.
Published by Cyril Huze December 19th, 2006
in Editorial and Wheels.
I received quite a few emails about the black wheels installed on the custom Fat Boy called “Silverado” that I just built for a client in England. These very simple looking 5-spoke wheels are black anodized and come from Renegade Wheels (Monterey model) . Of course you can get them polished or chrome, and like me, request single flange with the other side of the hub with an hourglass shape. Matching pulleys, rotors and chain sprockets are also available. Call Wendell Smith on my behalf 714-998-7241. Of course, see more of this bike (and of these wheels) by going to my Website at the page "Custom Harleys".
Published by Cyril Huze December 19th, 2006
in Accessories, Chassis and Editorial.
Chopper motorcycles have little brothers called chopper bicycles. And the little brothers are a lot of fun for both for adults and teenagers. They sit in the shops and private garages of the most famous motorcycle builders and you can even see some of us riding them during bike events (I love to see the face of our fans when they see us pedaling down the street). But you can be sure that we don’t want to be caught on camera riding a chinese factory chopper bicycle. Our chopper bicycles are, like our motorcycles, fully customized. So, what is the best place for you if you want your own and be certain that nobody will ride the exact same? You talk to a guy called Doc based in a chopper and low rider bicycles paradise called Miami Beach. The guy will listen to you, propose a choice of frames, parts and custom paint jobs, and will build your custom bicycle following your wish list. Now, hurry up to order yours because Doc just appeared on the popular TV show “Miami Ink” and may be already overwhelmed by the volume of custom orders. Call Doc on my behalf at 786-200-4756 or visit Doc’s Choppers
Published by Cyril Huze December 18th, 2006
in Controls and Editorial.
I love Italy. For many reasons I may explain to you some day. One of them is that Italians have always produced some of the most innovative designs in the world: for fashion, architecture, automobile and decoration. Let’s not forget the motorcycle industry and the design of custom accessories. The leader is called Livio Rebuffini and he just sent me the first pictures of his new line of Mini Hand Controls for 2007. Bel Lavoro! (Beautiful work).Instead of hiding the master cylinder (which is also a good idea), the Mini hand controls make it the most interesting visual part of the design. This picture shows you only 1 out of 3 available designs (called Alpha, Beta & Gamma).What I also like is the fact that these controls will look very cool on all types of bikes, from Bobbers to Choppers to Street Racers. They will be available in polish, chrome or black anodizing (my preference). I will distribute these controls in the US and they will be soon in my Webstore. If you can’t wait to be on the waiting list or just need more info, write to me at editor@cyrilhuzeblog.com. .
Published by Cyril Huze December 17th, 2006
in Controls and Editorial.
I always loved ape hangers and often had to fight the skepticism of my clients. A lot of people continue to think that they are uncomfortable and that at high speed they create a bike wobble. It’s quite untrue. I used with success mid and high ape angers on my customs but had always to fabricate mine due to the very few available choices. Todd Siicato from Todd’s Cycle just released the Knuckle Bars, an interesting design provided in 2 different rises 12 & 17” with a 5” pullback, in 3 different finishes: raw, chrome & flat black. To see other wicked parts & bikes, visit Todd’s Cycle
Published by Cyril Huze December 17th, 2006
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Difficult to believe that Daytona Bike Week is only 11 weeks away (March 2/11). Hundreds of pro and garage builders, here and abroad, have already started fabricating their new custom sleds hoping to get one of the 1st place trophies awarded during the mother of all bike shows, the Rat’s Hole Bike Show (Saturday March 10th). By the way, I heard that a 1st place trophy adds an average of $25,000 to the value of a winner bike….. But in 2007, Ted Smith, organizer of the show, tells me that spectators will get extra entertainment (in addition of the 600 hundred bikes competing, of the half naked girls posing on them, and of a few master builders and myself riding by on our show pieces). Ted got the idea of having the 3 best Boss Hoss builders compete in a biker build-off. At the difference of the famous Discovery channel TV show, builders don’t have 10 days, but all the time they need as long as the bike is completed and on display during the show. Time being a critical aspect of the quality of a custom construction, you can expect to see on stage the 3 most outrageous V8 bikes ever built. Ok, Boss Hoss bikes are not my cup of tea (I prefer to employ my skills on light & skinny bikes), but I respect and admire any custom work on any bike, especially when it is produced by the 3 best in their category. They are Bruce Vetti of Boss Hoss-Stamford, Tom Shaffer of Mountain Boss Hoss, and Alan Lee for Boss Hoss of Virginia, These guys are right now working very hard while you do your Christmas shopping. So, March 10th stop by the show located at the beautiful Daytona Lagoon Complex. (Located at 601 Earl Street). Regular show competitors and public can get more info from the Rat’s Bike Show Website.
Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
This post is an email sent to me by Mike Tomas, the Indian Motorcycles guru. I publish it as received: "Cyril, Some very true words spoken here. We are all so lucky in this business to be able to share our passion with others and for others to enjoy our creations. Yesterday we had Twisted Sister stop in on their SoCal reunion tour. What a delight, we ended up having dinner together, going to their concert and after concert party. Dee and Mark wanted to cancel their
show just to stay and hang out at our shop.They loved what we had going on and we’ll spend a couple of day riding around through Death Valley. We wake up every day not knowing what great things will happen that day. These are the great experiences that we (meaning all us builders) get from being in this fantastic industry". Visit Kiwi Indian Motorcycles Website.
Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
No. In this picture Willie G.Davidson is not handcuffed. I think he tries to explain what is the optimal degree for a V-Twin engine. Anyway, Harley-Davidson styling guru and Motorcycle Hall of Fame member William G. Davidson will share his vision of Harley-Davidson’s iconic design heritage at the 19th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Fundraising Breakfast. This breakfast will be held at the Hilton Daytona Beach from 9 AM to 11 AM on March 9. Each year, funds raised at the Breakfast play an important role in supporting the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s mission of education and preservation, including world-class exhibits. Willie G. Davidson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer for Harley-Davidson, and he continues to guide the company’s team of innovative designers. He was one of 13 employees to buy the company back from AMF and guide it to financial health during the 1980s. A passionate rider, Davidson continues to be an immensely popular participant in motorcycle rallies and events around the country. He is one of the most widely recognized enthusiasts in the world. If you want to listen, meet with Willie G., get his autograph or simply look for sponsorship opportunities contact the museum at 614-856-2222. For a complete Willie G. biography please visit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame website www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Published by Cyril Huze December 14th, 2006
in Books, Builders and Editorial.
I knew Indian Larry, but not so well that I could reveal here some facts that you could have never known, heard or read before. I am not the kind of person to rush to read a book about somebody who just left us, even if it’s a fellow bike builder. Since his death, I never made before any public comment about him, and if I would have had made any, I would have only stated that the best way to pass is when doing what you love to do. I don’t know why, I just decided to open the book Indian Larry-Chopper Shaman written by Dave Nichols & photographed by Michael Lichter. And I learned a lot about Indian Larry Desmedt. Not about his past that I knew (cocaine addiction, prison time). Not about his bikes that I observed and admired with him by my side. Not about his unlikely stardom acquired through the TV screen. But about how the love of hot rods & motorcycles brought so much happiness and peace to his life. Although I love designing and building bikes, I have my times whinning and bitching about money, vendors, clients and whatever. But after reaching the last words of this book, I felt exceptionally good because Larry reminded me all the joys that I get by making a living doing what I love to do. You don’t need to be a bike builder to find immense pleasure in reading this book Indian Larry-The Chopper Shaman is not only a biography. It’s much more than beautiful pictures of choppers and tattoos. It’s an odd to sincerity and to the passion that keeps us going with our lives.
Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2006
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I officially launched this Blog October 5th, my birthday (I believe in symbols when giving birth to new projects). At this date, I wrote 142 posts, blogging anywhere, anytime I can. Only 3 posts were related to me, my bikes or my parts. And it’s fine this way. But I warn you. This is the 4th one and I have no shame talking about one of my new customs. The one I call my absolute custom vintage bike. Of course, I am proud of all the bikes I have dreamed and built. But this one called “The Bravest” has many characteristics which make it very special to me, and I hope to you. First, it was commissioned to benefit the IAFF (International Firefighters Association) Burn Foundation. How many times in his professional life a custom builder can do what he loves and at the same time benefit a great human cause. Second, this new vintage bike has, evidently, a fire truck theme. Do you remember the surge of adrenalin we all felt as kids when a big red fire engine roared down the street? Third, this bike is partially built using authentic firefighter apparatus from the mid 40’s that I had to discover, win in auctions (what a pain), and fit on the bike without making it look gaudy. Since all my bikes are commissioned, they leave the shop as soon as they are road tested. And I always miss them so much. It’s when I see them again ridden by my clients or featured in magazines that I get an objective view of my work. I just looked at “The Bravest” featured on the cover and as the centerfold of the Jan/Feb issue of Barnett Magazine. Builders don’t look at their bikes the same way readers see them. I can look at each part of my bikes and remember the frustration, the struggle and the joy it was to succeed its fabrication. I can look at each curve, at each detail and remember the hesitation, the doubt and the final certitude that it was absolutely right. I can look at each intricate detail of the paint job and congratulate myself for convincing the client that I was right before he knew I was. I remember each night after everybody is gone when alone at the shop I decide to be my worst critic and promise to myself that I will not go back home until I find at least 2 new ideas to feed the work of my collaborators in the morning. All people belonging to my industry know what I mean. To all custom motorcycle fans reading this Blog, I want to reiterate that custom builders have an extremely challenging job on each one-off bike they conceive, and at the same time absolutely and sincerely love what they do. But can you spend a little bit more time looking at each square each of the bikes you see in the streets or in magazines? Can you guess how it was done, how difficult it was to do it and how many times it had to be redone to look perfect to your eyes? If all of you have this mental approach it will make you enjoy even more the custom work done on your own bikes. It will also make all of us, clients and builders, a stronger community to share and perpetuate the same passion. You can see a slide show of 28 large pictures of “The Bravest” by going to my Website.
Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
I remember the time when riding a 80 cubic inch Evolution Harley-Davidson on the South Florida I 95, I always feared not being able to have enough engine power to escape caged old ladies confusing right & left turn signals. I also remember that during Sturgis Bike Week, I always got frustrated of not being able to zoom to the top of the hills of Wyoming & South Dakota. 88 cubic inch Twin Cam A & B with restrictive exhaust to meet EPA emissions rules also failed to convince me to ride a standard factory Harley. Fast forward to the 2007 models and everything changed for the best. Gone the anemic engine, gone the noisy & grinding transmission, gone the carburetor. Keeping for reliability the 3 ¾” bore of its predecessor, but equipped with a longer stroke crankshaft, the new 96” Harley engine is a true screamer. As a matter of fact, what you get now is basically out of the dealership showroom what was before a hopped up Screaming Eagle engine. I rode tested a couple of new models bought by friends and I never been happier on a stock Harley. The fuel injection system fulfills its objective of a better air/ fuel ratio for better performance and mileage. The new helical-cut gears 6-speed transmission is quiet, The gauges look better. The seats are comfortable (but not as good looking as I would like). And many more details which make me think I could almost (I said almost) keep a 2007 stock Harley in my garage without touching it. Wow. The Harley-Davidson factory just impressed me. If you own one, write to me.
Published by Cyril Huze December 12th, 2006
in Editorial and Engines.
Hank Young was a well known hot rodder at the time he appeared on the motorcycle scene with a famous bike called the "Flying Pan" that all custom builders remember well. His strong hot rod influence can be seen not only in his bikes but also in all his new motorcycle parts. Here a perfect example. A horseshoe oil tank that I like very much although I usually don’t like oil bags with such a shape. But this one is unusually constructed and the material used makes all the difference. It’s made out of aluminum and the cool oil cap on the right side deserves to be shown because it’s cool looking and machined from a big chunk of 6061 billet aluminum. In addition, because of its fat ribs, this oil tank will slightly lower engine oil temperature. You can see this oil tank and other hot rod inspired motorcycle parts (air cleaners, taillights, wires) by visiting Hank Young website at Young Choppers.
Published by Cyril Huze December 12th, 2006
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Arlen Ness wants you at his 1st Annual Bike Show & Parts Extravaganza to be held January 27/28 near San Francisco at the San Jose Mc Energy Convention Center. You with your Pro-Street, Chopper, Bobber and whatever custom sled you ride. You, vendors to show off your latest custom parts & accessories to a crowd of bikers ready to buy anything making their bikes look better and ride faster. You the public for a weekend of fun, entertainment with music and a bike show gathering the best custom works of the west coast and beyond. And of course, you will get photo opportunities with the Ness Family (Arlen, Cory & Zach) and with a few master builders in attendance like Donnie Smith & Dave Perewitz. I need some west coast fresh air and I love Frisco, so maybe I will show up, too. I was about to forget: bikers love swap meet and the event is just after Christmas. So, Arlen will give you 25,000 square feet of prime space to discreetly trade the parts that Santa Klaus delivered to you by mistake. For more information, call 866-907-7790 or visit Arlen Ness Website.
Published by Cyril Huze December 11th, 2006
in Accessories and Editorial.
Why would I talk about Hot Rod clothing in a Blog devoted to all things custom motorcycles? For several good reasons. First you could have seen me and many of my fellow builders wearing their threads (sometimes we can get tired of ours). Second, Hot Rod guys, like us, are beating steel and burning rubber (sometimes in the same shop and on the same strips). Third, this clothing comes from one of the world’s leading Hot Rod shops and we like to pay respect to the best of the custom scene. Fourth, So-Cal clothing is both traditional in style and authentic to the core. If you cannot visit the headquarters in Pomona, California, you can still order online their very cool shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, caps & beanies. If you want to know, my preference goes to the Jimmy Shine line. At the same time, don’t forget to pick up for your garage a So-Cal Cam Vintage Tin Sign and for your long winter nights front of the fire place, order the great Speed Shop Book compiled from founder Alex Xydias own archives. So-Cal Speed Shop.
