Published by Cyril Huze November 9th, 2006
in Accessories, Builders and Editorial.
Neon is an art form which is both delightfully kitsch and contemporary. Almost seventy-five years after its invention in France, and historic entry into America (the first neon signs were imported by businessman Earle C. Anthony), neon has become a popular medium for post-modern artists. No surprise logo neon signs are used by a lot of famous custom builders to welcome you inside their shops. If you ask one of these motorcycle builders who was in charge to shape glass tubes to form their logo, they will give you the name of Atti Bethlenfalvy from Get Bent Neon Works. I know the guy. He is a master at his craft and loves challenges like shaping my own tribal logo. He always proposes an initial concept or start from your original logo if you have one. Then full size patterns are drawn up. All the glass is free handed using a variety of torches (more in his shop than in mine) to form different bends. Since neon signage reads from the front and is a 3 dimensional tube, bending is done in reverse, and generally upside down. Depending on brand, the glass starts out in 4′-5′ sticks. Once the glass ‘unit’ has been completed, it still doesn’t light up! That involves processing, in which all the impurities are cooked out of the tube under vacuum, then backfilled with inert gas and sealed off. I told you it is Art. A few names using his talent: Choppers Inc, Exile, Hank Young. Detroit Brothers, Chopsmiths, etc and your writer who still wonder which colors to pick for his own shop logo neon sign. Contact Atti at getbentneonworks@gmail.com or go to his MySpace.Com Pages
Published by Cyril Huze November 8th, 2006
in Editorial, Engines and Painters.
Unfortunately, not all the calls we receive are about ordering one of my custom parts or about meeting with me to discuss a new build. By far, the largest category of calls fits in the category “How do you do this? Where do you do that?” And in this category, powdercoating questions are at the top of the list. First, let me say that we use several companies, and I apologize to the others not mentioned in this post. Second, when you chose yours, make sure it is well equipped for sandblasting and has a very good in-house polisher. Also, be aware that candy colors are difficult to control (orange peel effects, color variation on different material like steel or aluminum). Don’t send your parts to be powdercoated the same color at different times. Powdercoating all your parts together helps the guy in charge to control that the color rendering is the same on each part going on the same motorcycle. One company I can recommend is Precision Coating. They can powdercoat your frame, engine, etc and also do “High Temp” ceramic coating for your exhaust system (Flat black, semi gloss black, silver, gray & metallics). To improve cooling they even offer an optional “Insulkote” inside your exhaust. Precision Coating
Published by Cyril Huze November 8th, 2006
in Editorial.
A state lawmaker in Tulsa, OK is proposing giving a break to motorcycle riders on the state’s highways. State Representative Paul Wesselhoft says it’s not fair for motorcyclists to pay the same price as a car on the toll roads because motorcycles cause less wear and tear on the roadway. And he says the bikes cause less pollution and are more fuel-efficient. His proposal calls for motorcycles to be charged half the toll currently charged to two-axle vehicles such as cars and SUV’s. Wesselhoft says he doubts the state would lose any revenue by reducing the toll because he believes more bikers would drive the turnpikes if the toll were lower.
Published by Cyril Huze November 7th, 2006
in Driveline and Editorial.
Most of you know or have used open belt systems of BDL, Primo Rivera, Performance Machine. All excellent products. But there is also a small company called Tauer Machine offering complete open primaries and billet 6061-T6 pulleys. Their specialty is an oil filter/cooler in the primary drive and a choice of wicked 3D covers that you can fit on BDL & Primo 3” primary systems if you are already equipped. By the way, they run during a few days a special price on their Renegade open belt system. Check out Tauer Machine.
Published by Cyril Huze November 7th, 2006
in Editorial and Wheels.
I never been fond of motorcycle wheels looking like Christmas ornaments. They are for (some) SUV’s. I am minimalist, and with the retro trend making bikes looking like reideable bikes again, I bet that a lot of builders are going to get back to the basics. The Invader wheels are made in America since 1975, and they almost never changed. They are chromed steel wheels, the ultimate in strength and durability.
Steel wheels are stronger than billet aluminum and this strength allows the steel material to be thinner creating a wheel approximately the same weight or less than billet aluminum. The wheels are hand assembled and TIG welded, enabling the wheels to run true at or better than factory specifications. All the Invader wheels wheels are made to run tubless tires. They are so simple that they are trendy again for any Chopper or Bobber. Visit Wheels 4 Choppers.
Published by Cyril Huze November 6th, 2006
in Controls and Editorial.
There are many brands of Internal throttles available. Some made abroad will not fit your 1" grips without remachining the grip to make it fit inside. Others will fit but are hard to twist, A company called Streamline Designs offers a "strret legal" internal throttle running smoothly on bearings. The twist needed to reach full throttle is also much shorter than older designs. Result: no more re-griping to reach full throttle. Exactly the way it should be. This company also build a few full blown custom bikes. Streamline Designs.
Published by Cyril Huze November 6th, 2006
in Editorial.
From motorcycles painter Doug Wozney out of Wisconsin a very cool & cheap idea to embellish the right side area of your engine. It’s called the ‘RAPPERZ’ air filter cover. Don’t ask me why he picked this name. Personally, I now regret that I threw away so many teardrop S&S covers. I could have used the Rappers with special graphics to match the paint job of my bikes. Made of heavy gauge paintable ABS, it can be installed in two minutes and makes a great stocking stuffer. It comes with high-strength 3M tape to do the install. Of course paint job is not included because you want to make it yours. Only $29.00. You can order with a credit card from Doug Wozney at 608-783-3684 or doug@dougz.com
Published by Cyril Huze November 6th, 2006
in Editorial.
More than 65,000 motorcycles were stolen in 2005. That’s one bike every 8.5 minutes. (For your information a vehicle is stolen every 25 seconds) We all know that if the bad guys really want your bike, they’re going to get it one way or the other. And when a motorcycle is gone, it’s gone (stripped down in parts for resale or shipped abroad with a “brand new” title. I belong to those who have used LoJack for cars, not yet for Motorcycles. LoJack is the only stolen vehicle recovery system that works directly with the police using tracking computers in police cars, planes, and helicopters. LoJack for motorcycles uses a small, silent transmitter that’s hidden within your motorcycle. Once police enter a stolen vehicle report, LoJack is automatically activated and enables the police to track and recover your motorcycle Two year warranty offering your money back if it isn’t recovered in 24 hours. And you may be able to get a big discount on your insurance premium, up to 35% in states like California. LoJack for motorcycles is not available in all states, but if you can get Lojack where you live, do it now. Get Lojack, and get back your precious bike.
Published by Cyril Huze November 3rd, 2006
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I don’t know any custom builder with a household name who didn’t deserve the recognition of our industry. But I know a lot of custom builders, professionals or amateurs, who deserve more recognition than the one they acquired locally or among a circle of friends. In Alberta, Canada, there is a professional builder named Miles Brown (a.k.a Smiley) with 35 years of experience who just produced one of the best Bobbers I have had the opportunity to see this year. Everything making a motorcycle a Bobber is right there: single loop frame, Knucklehead engine, circa 1950’s Superior pipes, 4-speed tranny with jockey shift, Coker tires, VL style Springer front end, mechanical brakes, 50’s spark plug wires, etc and some brass to add a lot of class. The good thing is that if you are a biker appreciating old school craftmanship, Smiley will accept to make one for you. He will even let you decide some options. But only if they are faithful to the Bobber era See more pictures in his site E’Ville Twin Motorsickle Co.
Published by Cyril Huze November 3rd, 2006
in Editorial and Events.
About 300,000 biking enthusiasts are expected to roll into Galveston, Texas for what the organizers claim to be the 3rd largest motorcycle rally in the United States (after Daytona & Sturgis). Bikers from across the nation are already arriving on the island anticipating four days of partying, camaraderie, music, group activities, a Navy ship tour and constant parading along the Strand to show off their pride and joy: those big, bad, beautiful bikes. The Lone Star Rally began in 2002 as a pay event. The next year it became free. "The Lone Star Rally is one of the fastest growing and most successful rallies in the country," says Tom Lindsay of the American Motorcyclist Association. The rally started on Thursday and revs its way through Sunday with more than 30 bands, 400 vendors, contests, exhibitions. The main attraction is, without question, riding up and down the Strand. All actibities of the weekend are listed on the Lone Star Rally Website.
Published by Cyril Huze November 2nd, 2006
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
VH1 Classic has partnered with bands Def Leppard and Journey to auction off a custom bike, designed by Arlen & Cory Ness. The bike is autographed by each member of both bands. Now through Nov. 22 online users can visit VH1 Auctions to bid on this rock-n-roll machine. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to CAN (Cure Autism Now). Beginning today, VH1 Classic will air promos about the auction showing members of the bands test-riding the bike. The custom Journey/Def Leppard bike that Arlen Ness Motorcycles created is one bad-ass, wicked-mean bike with all the frills and best parts that money can buy. A lucky fan will own this bad boy in just a few weeks. "It was an honor and privilege to build a motorcycle for these rock icons. Neal Schon (Journey) and Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) not only rock, they know how to design a motorcycle," said Cory Ness. This bike not only rocks, it rolls! Someone is going to own a piece of history." To bid, go to VH1 Auctions
Published by Cyril Huze November 2nd, 2006
in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
For years, Russ Austin, owner of Precious Metal Customs has been rigid about only building hardtail frames. But for those wishing to spend a lot of time in the solo seat, Russ has decided to offer the Softail version of his already successful Spoon Rigid style frames. Logically, it called it the Spoon Flex. The Spoon Rigid accepts up to a 300 series tire with a 530 Chain and the Spoon Flex is offered up to the massive 360 series Vee Rubber tire. Both frames are constructed of DOM mild steel tubing. These frames are designed right hand drive transmission (Dyna tranny mounting optional). Offered in a variety of frame dimensions, Single or dual, straight or curved and just about any neck angle can be done. As a Pro, what I appreciate is the quality of the welds: a lot of time & money saved at molding time. Russ also offers full rolling chassis. Precious Metal Customs. .
Published by Cyril Huze November 1st, 2006
in Books and Editorial.
It’s the season for the release of great motorcycle books. This week it is Art Of The Chopper 2, a sequel of the best selling Art Of The Chopper 1 published two years ago. Choppers, one of the most enduring symbols from the 1960s are more prevalent than ever. After a foreword written by James Hetfield, Tom Zimberoff provides an in-depth analysis of 21 more builders explaining their respective philosophies and unique style. This new edition includes exquisite black-and-white candid portraits of these chopper builders, and illustrates their creativity with hundreds of lavish color studio of their most recent motorcycles. The book also features the work of late Indian Larry with pictures never seen before. For those of you who missed Art Of The Chopper 1, I would recommend you buy both, because these 2 books are a must and a reference for any choppers fan. Amazon sells both at a discounted price. Hurry up, Christmas is coming fast.
Published by Cyril Huze October 31st, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
The NADA Guides website, allows shoppers the ability to research information about virtually every new motorcycle available on the market today, (as well as scooters, ATVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft). The tool allows consumers to compare up to three different motorcycles side-by-side, with pricing and specification information of each motorcycle displayed simultaneously. And once shoppers select specific motorcycles to compare, a "Thumbs Up" icon appears in various categories to highlight superior features equipped on a particular bike compared to other motorcycles. This online tool includes dynamic pricing capabilities. Once a shopper selects a specific option, the overall pricing information for the motorcycle with that particular option also changes simultaneously. NADA motorcycle building, pricing and comparison tool is the only tool of its kind on the market. In addition to new motorcycle information, pricing and comparison tools, Online NADA Guides also offers the most comprehensive database of used and classic motorcycle pricing on the Internet today
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
Have you ever seen a bike with 2 (yes I say two) 121” TP engines, one on the right, one on the left running in reverse, boosted by Garrett T-25 t turbo with 9 psi. of boost, equipped with a 310 front tire and a 360 rear one? If yes, you must have visited, like me, the bike shows of Biketoberfest. It’s not my style, but I still admire builders who are able to create (and finance) such fancy custom machines It was a crowd favorite in Daytona and it won a bunch of 1st place trophies. By the way, the builder is Mike Beland, and he told me he was preparing something even more outrageous. Oh, my god! You can see his creations at A1Cycles.
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Controls and Editorial.
O School Chopper, out of Las Vegas, offers these minimal mirrors for Choppers & Bobbers. Small but that you can use to see behind you, not only as a decorative piece. At 1.5” x 2.375” inches or 3.56 square inches these radical new mirrors are probably the smallest available that pass State minimum requirements (Amazing, these boys from Sin City are laws abiding citizens). They will not vibrate, and create a low profile for your custom. Manufactured from billet aluminum they are available in polished or #2 machine finished. They can be mounted on the hand controls or below your bars with an optional arm, which is cool for those using ape hangers. Contact Adam or Chop at O School Choppers.
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
If you are a Bobbers fan, here your opportunity to own one of my Signature Bobbers. Only 10 of this design will be hand made and sold First, the frame has no stretch, a 32-degree rake for a true bobber look. Transmission plate is welded to the frame and the frame neck got internal fork stops. A custom gas tank was fabricated then Frisco mounted with recessed brackets for a very clean look. The rear fender was fabricated to be also the oil tank and contains 4 quarts of oil. Custom oil lines exit invisibly and are routed through the frame post. Engine is a polished Rev Tech Pan style 100" (EPA & CARB approved E.O. # M-073-001). Transmission is chrome & polished 6-speed. All the hard work of setting up the drive line has been done, and it includes a BDL 3" open belt and a rear chain brake/sprocket kit. Front end is Springer type wide glide with Z-bars on risers. Custom battery box was fabricated and sit at the bottom of the frame behind the transmission. Rear wheel is 60-spoke with a 200/55 x 18" Avon Venom tire. Front is 60-spoke with a 120/70 x 21" Avon Venom tire. You can buy this awesome custom chassis ready to paint or I will complete one for you (No China parts = No China price). Call 561-392-5557 or for more pics, go to page “For Sale” in my Website
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Editorial.
I think it’s worth a post. Rossiter Harley-Davidson in Bradenton, FL just held an event for women only called “Garage Party”. The objective is to let women, in an “intimidation free” environment, ask questions about owning and riding their own motorcycles. I applaud this initiative because I meet a lot of women who want to ride and don’t know how easy it is to access our sport. Ok, they are attracted by our bikes (maybe by us, too) but feel extremely intimidated just by the idea of pushing the door of a dealership. A stock bike weights more than 500 pounds and cost can be from $7,000 to $35,000. But as we know, women have more and more financial power if not more muscle Today, nearly one in 10 motorcycle owners is a woman, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a nonprofit organization in California. The number of women owning motorcycles has grown 39 percent since 1998. In 2005, 725,000 women owned a motorcycle. To all women, ask your Harley Dealer to organize “Garage Parties”. I want to see more of you on the road. Of course, next step will be to call me for some custom parts. Rossiter Harley-Davidson. (Sorry ladies. to illustrate this article I could not find a fully clothed woman in my digital pictures album )
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Brakes and Editorial.
Did you know? (I acknowledge I didn’t). Two Harley-Davidson front rotors add 8.38 pounds to your bike. Two composite brake rotors from a compagny named W8LESS ROTORS will add only 3.80 pounds.And of course, reduced weight means less rotating mass, better accelerationand and also deceleration. Of course, they will not rust, are 6 mm thick and provided in different sizes for HD, customs and sport bikes. Good news for us custom builders, they come with different color accents and I just found out that these colors match the colors of the EK 530 chains, making these rotors even more desirable for any build. Unfortunately their website at W8LESSROTORS.is still in construction, but you can contact them at 831-594-7783 or raycwheeler@gmail.com, .
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Builders and Editorial.
When waiting at the red light on one of my full ground up customs, I am always amused by people in the car next to me saying “Nice Harley”. When I tell them it’s not a Harley (to avoid that they lose time trying to get one like mine at the closest HD dealership), of course they are skeptical. The other day I rode next to a custom V-Star. A car driver passed by and shouted at its rider: “Nice Harley”. Now that metric bikes are getting heavily customized, people think they are also from the Milwaukee factory. I just lived my 15th Daytona Biketoberfest and custom metric bikes were everywhere, even competing in the Boardwalk & the Rat’s Hole shows. And guess what? They beat “us”. In the mid-90’s you didn’t see lots of high quality metric customs but now the bolt-on metric accessories market has taken off. As I observed in Daytona, owners & shops no more hesitate to do heavy gas tanks and fenders fabrication and very fancy paint jobs. There was in Daytona an incredible metric machine illustrating this trend. It was produced by BMS Choppers in Florida. For now their website has only snapshots of the bike, but look at the “mono tube” front end in the picture above. Wow. I hear that a 13 episodes TV show called “Metric Revolution” is about to be released. In it you will see all the details of this outrageous bike from BMS Choppers.
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Editorial.
From my friends at Freeway Magazine I got this info. A gas tank/handlebar faucet called the MFX Classic (It seems to me that it is a stock gas tank version, but I am sure they are going to do a chopper & bobber one). Turn your handlebars right or left and it will run cold or warm water. No exhaust sound, yet. Personally, I think it’s tacky, but I can understand that it can be entertaining in a motorcycle shop bathroom (not in mine). No, it’s not made or licensed by Harley-Davidson (yet), but it could be… It offers a ten year warranty on parts and a five year warranty on the finish. All of the above is available for (only) $699. What about a jockey shift to flush the toilet? Hope not. For those who disagree with me, you can order it online from Cycle Faucets. Don’t tell them I sent you. They would read this post.
Published by Cyril Huze October 28th, 2006
in Accessories and Editorial.
How to recognize a hard core biker when he is not near his sled of seated at his preferred bikers bar? By his watch, of course! You are looking at the “Lost Skulls Precious Stones” watch made by Steve Stoffa from Hardcore Watch Company. He describes it better than I would do: “The watch represents the demons of those warriors that tried to steal the Maltese Treasures. When captured, Dr. Plug had their living remains cast in the same precious metals that the Silver Maltese is made of. Each skull is still alive, but is casted to look in the same direction through the eyes of fire for eternity”.
I told you, I could not say it better. The company offers other themes like Flames, Gothic, Maltese, and Jokers. Order one for you and one also for your Hardcore woman by going to HCW.
Published by Cyril Huze October 27th, 2006
in Builders, Editorial and Wheels.
I saw this wheel as a prototype for the 1st time in 2005, then again during Daytona Bike Week 2006. At this time, the manufacturer didn’t seem ready or inclined to mass produce such a piece of jewelry. Then, Capricorn Cyclo Works advised me that they are now manufacturing a limited edition of the “Involution” wheel in chrome & black nickel or whatever finishes I want. Or that I could submit my own design and that they would work with me to create a crazy one-off wheel design.
So, I went to their website and I encourage you to do the same to see 3 of their wheels in motion. I watched their videos a few times. My head is still spinning and I still don’t know what time it is. Capricorn Wheels.
Published by Cyril Huze October 27th, 2006
in Editorial.
The 23rd annual Love Ride is November 12. This year, the ride is a 40-mile stretch from Harley-Davidson of Glendale to Castaic Lake, California. The Love Ride welcomes all brands of motorcycles and 20,000 bikes are expected to participate. The ride will start with a concert by Edgar Winter at H-D of Glendale and will end with more music by the Fryed Brothers and the Black Crowes. Free demo rides will provide bikers the chance to test ride the 2007 Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles. Participants will get the chance to meet Harley-Davidson staff members and executives such as Deane Jaeger, Principal Engineer, as well as Jay Leno who will be the Grand Marshal. Proceeds from the Love Ride benefit the Los Angeles Times Literacy Initiative Reading. A portion will also be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy. More information concerning the Love Ride at 818-246-5618, ext. 7, or visit the Love Ride Website
Published by Cyril Huze October 27th, 2006
in Editorial.
Triumph Motorcycles just announced that they have become the latest motorcycle brand to join Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, the massive 150 acre motorcycle complex near Daytona Beach, Florida. Triumph’s line will be displayed in a branded showroom in a separate building adjacent to Daytona Harley Davidson, the Worlds Largest Harley dealer. By expanding the range of motorcycles being displayed at Destination Daytona, it will broaden the appeal of the site to customers interested in something besides a traditional v-twin. Triumph is one of the oldest and most famous names in motorcycling. It is the only British motorcycle brand still producing bikes today. The Triumph factory in Englandis the most modern motorcycle manufacturing facility in the world. For more information go to Triumph Motorcycles.
