Archive Page 47

Flashback. 1911 Flying Merkel.

1911flyingmerkelJoe Merkel started designing his own motorcycle in 1903 in Milwaukee. A 316 cc one-cylinder engine which was was also used in the contemporary Indian. In 1910 he launched the first two-cylinder engine. His company was bought in 1911 by Miami Cycle and Manufacturing Company of Middletown, Ohio and the original trademark “Merkel Light” was replaced by “Flying Merkel” with all motorcycles painted in orange. They were produced from 1911 to 1915. A road version with a 884 cc engine, 2-speed, a rear wheel hand brake, for a maximum speed of 60 mph and sold for $325. Then a 997 cc sport version without brake. The Flying Merkel had an automatically dripping oil feeder, which was subsequently copied by Harley-Davidson and Indian. A 1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer was auctioned for $423,500 USD in 2015. On display at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa Iowa. Photography @ Doug Mitchel 630.605.6276.

Thought For The Day

cyril-huze-thought-of-theday“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry.

If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying.

There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.”

Dalai Lama

Icon 1000 Martini Triumph Thruxton

1-icon-10002-icon-1000Icon 1000, based in Portland, Oregon sells men’s and women’s gear. And when each fashion season ends, after hours, some members of the team build a radical bike to add to the company “Moto Harem.”

All projects designed and built with retro cues and future tech. Named after the preferred booze intake of the building team, the Icon 1000 Three Martini Lunch Motorcycle is a low-slung Triumph Thruxton based creation mixing Harley forks adapted to the Triumph frame thanks to a Nitron suspension, Kawasaki KZ1000 wheels, EBC brakes and Avon tires.

Painted in Verduro Green like the Pontiac GTO. Conceived with the same philosophy behind the Icon 1000 clothing line: with a “last jacket standing’ mentality.”

Ken’s Factory Coming To 2017 Drag Specialties FatBook

1jken2kenDrag Specialties have given attention to detail; the stylish and detailed craftsmanship that Ken’s Factory is known for. A new partnership between Ken’s Factory and Drag Specialties, hitting the ground running orders from Drag to Ken’s for hundreds of part numbers are underway. Coming to the 2017 Drag Specialties FatBook, these premium, world-class components will be available through every Drag Specialties dealer.

“For those who believe that Details Create Style, I believe that Drag Specialties made available this line for you,” states Nelson Kanno, Ken’s Factory General Manager. Some of these components are already available in their “The Skinny” newsletter. To see which products are available through Drag Specialties, go online to the Ken’s Factory Website 

Storz Steering Damper Kit For Harley Sportster Roadster Model

hd1200-rds3The purpose or a steering damper is to dampen oscillations in the front fork assembly (aka “headshake”) when the front wheel is deflected from its normal track by road bumps, tire reaction, frame flex, etc. .Developed for Harley’s latest café racer style Sportster Roadster model, this complete bolt-on steering damper kit features a 16-position adjustable, rebuildable, racing quality Ceriani steering damper with smooth and consistent damping.  The damper is attached with CNC machined billet aluminum mounting brackets and full front fork rotation is retained. Mounting hardware and instructions are included. P/N: HD1200-RDS. MSRP: $435.00. At Storz Performance. 805-641-9540

The Victory “Thank A Hero” Program To Donate Up to $100,000 To US Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans

hero1Victory Motorcycles® is proud to launch the “Thank A Hero” program, which invites the public to thank a military veteran or active service member with a personalized note posted to the Victory Motorcycles Website. Victory will donate $100 to IAVA for every “Thank A Hero” note submitted on behalf of a U.S. military veteran or active service member. For every note that’s submitted, Victory will donate $100 to IAVA on the hero’s behalf. Also, when people submit their Thank A Hero notes to their loved ones, they’ll have an option to share their “salute” on Facebook and Twitter.

hero2Launched November 1, the beginning of Military Appreciation Month, the Thank A Hero program benefits Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), an organization committed to providing support and resources to the newest generation of U.S. military veterans.

The Thank A Hero program is one of the ways Victory Motorcycles and Victory riders and dealers are saluting military veterans and those currently serving. Additionally, on Saturday November 19, the public is invited to visit their local Victory Motorcycles dealer for a charity ride in honor of the IAVA. Any individuals who have served in the military, police, or fire department will receive $1,000 off the purchase of any new Victory heavyweight bike and $500 off the purchase of a new Victory Octane. Log on to Thank A Hero for more information. Continue reading ‘The Victory “Thank A Hero” Program To Donate Up to $100,000 To US Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans’

Motorcycle Parts Website

Polaris Recalls 2016-17 Slingshot For Possible Brake Issue

2017slingshotPolaris Industries, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured between Dec. 28, 2015 to April 27, 2016. In the affected units, the brake pressure switch may have been over tightened in the affected motorcycles. Over tightening of the brake pressure switch may damage the seal, allowing brake fluid to leak, resulting in reduced brake performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will install new brake pressure switch seals, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris’ number for this recall is T-16-02. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Destroyer Exhaust For Harley Baggers

exhaustdestroyer1Parts from custom builders are born as one-off, usually for radical projects. As is this Destroyer exhaust now available from the Covngtons shop.

Bold, powerful looking, it features a 3-step header with a patented Covingtons wide collector. It is sold with heat shields, short baffles, O2 ports plug and the necessary mounting hardware. Will fit 1995 to present Harley Touring lineup.

Available in chrome (MSRP 1,195) or black (1295). A “hole shot” design variation is also available. Made in the USA. (not legal for sale in California) At Covintons.

Is Law Enforcement Training To Terminate Bikers?

I publish below the highlights of a just written set of remarks and comments made by David “Double D” Devereaux. He is the Spokesperson for the Washington State Council of Clubs, Founder of the Motorcycle Profiling Project, and works with motorcyclists at the national level. Below are the highlights. The full article is HERE.

2law-enforcement-training-terminate-bikers-screesnshotPractice Targets

Many people interested in target shooting are familiar with practice targets. Many times these targets are silhouettes of human beings. Nothing descriptive, just a neutral target. Then there are practice targets that more graphically depict people. Beyond neutral practice targets, these targets depict stereotypical images of terrorists, bank robbers, and armed criminals with a hostage. It’s impossible to defend the actions or goals of any of these types of people so vilifying their images receives little objection.

But what about law enforcement practice targets that depict motorcyclists as a caricature of criminality? If motorcyclists wearing helmets and leather jackets are depicted pointing a gun as if they are a threat during training, doesn’t it make sense that this would eventually create the same instinctual threat assessment when they see a biker in the field? Do these targets encourage and reinforce discrimination and profiling against bikers, or worse?

It only makes sense that biker practice targets reinforce a discriminatory mindset that has persisted for decades. But what do the experts or studies say? Experts and university studies both say the instinct to shoot is intimately tied to the visual depiction of the target. And subject matter experts agree that biker shooting targets are dangerous, and all use of such targets should completely cease. Continue reading ‘Is Law Enforcement Training To Terminate Bikers?’

Trigger And Zombie Hand Levers For Harley Softail And Touring Models

These custom hand levers are now available for select ’15-’17 Harley-Davidson® Softail™ and ’14-’16 Touring owners. Trigger Levers – New for ’14-’16 Touring & ’15-’17 Softails

2triggerkuryKuryakyn Trigger Levers incorporate an extended “trigger” to provide maximum leverage. The rider’s normal hand placement allows both index fingers to fall naturally into place and utilize the trigger for comfortable and controlled operation. Made from A380 aluminum available in chrome or gloss black finishes, I guess these are the perfect levers for riders with small hands.  • P/N 1835 – Chrome, 1836 – Gloss Black. Fits: ’15-’17 Softail Models (except ’15 FLSTNSE, ’16-’17 FLSS, FLSTFBS & FXSE) • P/N 1843 – Chrome, 1844 – Gloss Black. Fits: ’14-’16 Electra Glides, Street Glides, ’15-’16 Road Glides & ’14 FLHRSE CVO Road Kings
MSRP: $69.99. Additional H-D fitments. available:

1zombiekuryZombie Levers. New for ’15-’17 Softails. The ergonomic design of Kuryakyn Zombie™ Levers serves up a sinister combination of style, comfort and control. A dished back coupled with contoured finger grooves provides minimized reach and high leverage. Cast from A380 aluminum available in chrome or gloss black finishes with included chrome Zombie and Grooved medallions. • P/N 1841 – Chrome, P/N 1842 – Gloss Black
Fits: ‘15-’17 Softail Models (except ’15 FLSTNSE, ’16-’17 FLSS, FLSTFBS & FXSE).MSRP: $99.99.

Additional H-D and metric cruiser fitments available.

Limited Time Pricing On S&S Cycle Winter Power Package.

silver-winter-power-packLimited time pricing. S&S Cycle let you save over $400 on one of their ultimate performance packages. S&S introduces the NEW Winter Power Package designed to transform your big twin into the monster it was meant to be! Bump 1999-’06 engines from 88ci to 100ci and 2007-’17 engines from 96ci or 103ci to 110ci with the new S&S 4″ big bore bolt-on kit.

1ss2ssThe kit also includes matched cams, cam plate, oil pump and everything else a high performance big inch engine needs to reliably make serious power. With winter only pricing of $2450, you can save over $400 on MSRP! Good only from today through Feb 28th, 2017, so get yours now. Order from your favorite dealer or get more info at S&S Winter Power Package

At Las Vegas SEMA Show, Polaris Debuted Turbocharged Kid Rock SS-R Concept Slingshot

polaris-slingshot-kid-rockAs a featured vehicle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and paying tribute to Detroit’s bad-boy rocker, Polaris introduced the turbocharged Slingshot Kid Rock SS-R concept. A collaboration between Slingshot® and Bob Fehan Motorsports, the SS-R concept pushes approximately 400 horsepower through the signature three-wheeler’s rear wheel, thanks to a custom intercooled turbocharging system on the Slingshot’s standard 2.4-liter engine. Road-race suspension upgrades help to channel that extra power through the corners for a more exhilarating experience on the track or highway.

The concept vehicle’s high-performance is complemented visually with custom carbon fiber body panels, a bold wing spoiler, custom lighting and Kid Rock graphics. The cockpit features custom racing seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, short-throw shifter and much, much more. “Standing out from the crowd and delivering an on-road experience like no other is what Slingshot is all about.  With its distinctive style to its turbocharged performance, the Kid Rock SS-R concept is as bold as the rocker himself,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Motorcycles.

Built by Bob Fehan Motorsports, the roster of custom and unique content on the concept vehicle includes: Continue reading ‘At Las Vegas SEMA Show, Polaris Debuted Turbocharged Kid Rock SS-R Concept Slingshot’

Buffalo Chip “Rock The Holidays” Sweepstakes. Win Autographed Guitars and Shopping Sprees

1guitarsbuckcherryThe Buffalo Chip, the largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™ is teaming up with some of the biggest names in music and apparel to give away two very cool collector’s guitars and two hefty holiday shopping sprees.

The Members of rock bands Buckcherry and Pop Evil each added their signatures to an Epiphone Les Paul Special guitar while performing at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in 2016, instantly turning both instruments into highly sought-after music memorabilia.

One incredibly lucky Chip fan will win the Buckcherry guitar, another will win the Pop Evil inscribed instrument and both will win a $125 Hot Leathers .  Rock 106.7 in Salt Lake City, Revolver Magazine and Hot Bike Magazine will also encourage fans to enter the free sweepstakes at Buffalo Chip Rock The Holidays Registration closes Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at 5 p.m. MST. The winner will be announced Dec. 12.

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

cyril-huze-fast-news-18Royal Enfield New bikes Will Be Powered By New Family Of More Poweful Twin Cylinder Engines. Enfield wants its models to be compared to big brands like Harley, Indian, Triumph, etc. and in 2017 plans to increase the number of variants and compete with the best in business. One such larger cc Royal Enfield motorcycle was spied earlier this year but the company didn’t yet announce an official launch launch date although it is expected to be in March 2017.

Sturgis City Council’s Resolution To Change Official Dates Of Rally To August 4-12, 2017. These new ten-day rally dates coincide with what has been the Buffalo Chip’s traditional schedule for the last 27 years for its Musical Festival Of Motorcycling. As a reminder, new for 2017, AMA Pro Racing is bringing the American Flat Track Series to the Chip’s amphitheater. The inaugural race on the Buffalo Chip’s TT track is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 6. The Buffalo Chip Street Drag Invitational with Crazy John and hooligan flat track races are slated to take over the amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Fourth Annual American International Motorcycle Expo Welcomes Largest Number Of Consumers to Date. JTwo weeks ago the Fourth Annual American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) bid farewell to its founding host city of Orlando, Florida, capping off a memorable tenure inside the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) that included a record number of consumer attendees. The premier powersports trade show welcomed a combined 18,399 total attendees over the course of the four-day affair, highlighted by 12,029 consumer enthusiasts and 2,459 dealer attendees who filled the aisles and booths of the 451 exhibiting companies and numerous show features over the weekend. The AIMExpo will move to Columbus, Ohio, next September. With its close proximity to the densest population of dealerships in the country, a state-of-the-art host facility at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the desirable location in America’s heartland is poised to boost AIMExpo attendee numbers across the board during its fifth year.

BMW Plant in Brazil Starts Motorcycle Production. South America is becoming a big player in the automotive world, with several companies having plants there to meet demand for vehicles. The latest brand to start building there is BMW’s motorcycle brand, BMW Motorrad, which is starting production at the BMW Group plant in Manaus, Brazil. The building of BMW motorcycles in Brazil is significant because this is the first time a plant outside of Germany has been built to solely assemble BMW Motorrad products.

Harley-Davidson CoolFlow Fan For 2017 Touring Models

1coolflow-fan-kit-2Your Harley Touring engine overhearing in rush-hour traffic, during parade duty, in extreme temperature environments? The CoolFlow Fan (P/N 26800128; P/N 26800121; P/N 26800120, $299.95*) for Touring models is engineered to maximize rider and passenger comfort and keep your cool on a sweltering summer day.

Unlike traditional fan kits that try to cool the engine by blowing air across the cylinders and often onto the rider’s legs, the CoolFlow Fan keeps riders comfortable by drawing heated air away from the rear cylinder and exhaust pipe and directing it toward the ground. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson CoolFlow Fan For 2017 Touring Models’

Operation Octane. Dealers Compete For The Best Custom Built Victory Octane. You Decide The Winners.

operation-octaneVictory Motorcycles® has launched “Operation Octane,” a contest that has Victory dealers competing against each other by turning wrenches to create the ultimate custom Victory Octane®motorcycle. You’ve seen Victory Octane customs built by builders like Zach Ness, Aaron Colton and Rick Fairless. Now, over 20 Victory dealers from around the world have created their own interpretations of the light, fast and affordable Octane. Fans of Victory Motorcycles who vote earn a chance to win a 2017 Victory Octane, $3,000 worth of Victory Octane accessories and the opportunity to customize their awarded bike with TV’s Bryan Fuller

1vic4vic3vicDealers participating in Operation Octane were asked to utilize a 2017 Victory Octane, however their build inspirations and themes were up to them. There’ll be four winners – a North American champion, North American runner-up, International champion and International runner-up – who’ll compete for prizes including a 1st place of $5,000 and inclusion in a print ad, and a 2nd place of $3,000. The four winning dealers are determined by the voting public. Continue reading ‘Operation Octane. Dealers Compete For The Best Custom Built Victory Octane. You Decide The Winners.’

New Classic Women’s Skinny Jeans From Harley-Davidson. For The Road Or The Rave

1ws-skinny-low-rise-front2ws-skinny-low-rise-backDressed up for a concert or geared up for the road, the new Women’s Skinny Low-Rise Jeans (P/N 99135-17VW, starting at $75.00*) deliver wardrobe versatility.

These black jeans offer classic five-pocket styling in a comfortable 10-ounce denim blend of 68-percent cotton, 30-percent polyester, and 2-percent spandex. The fit on these women’s jeans is low-rise and slim through the leg.

Details include a left-side coin pocket with embroidered Bar & Shield logo, embroidered Harley-Davidson® graphics inside the waist band and a small embossed leather patch on back waist, plus signature Harley-Davidson® back-pocket embroidery. Offered in 28-, 30- and 32-inch inseams in a wide range of Regular, Tall and Petite sizes.

Available at more than 750 authorized retail locations in the United States and online.

A Custom Harley Softail Named Singapore Sun

1sun2sun3sun9sun15sun16sun8sunToday, in most countries around the world, making street legal a custom bike built from the ground is quite a challenging task. So, many builders have taken the path of only customizing factory models, in most cases keeping at least the original – although modified – original frame and motor, preserving the oem title, with the huge benefit for clients to enjoy a custom ride without risking repetitive police harassment. A benefit overcoming the extra cost and labor it takes to make a custom factory bike as radical as a full blown one built only from custom parts. At the challenge of free styling a factory model while improving the original spec sheet, few custom builders succeed. One of them is very well known German Julian von Oheimb from One Way Machine (OWM), whose creations built for clients who want to ride, regularly beat his best competitors presenting one-off machines.

14sun17sun12sun13sunSingapore Sun, of course built for a Singapore client, is a great example of an-easy-to ride custom Harley with beautiful lines and high-end finish. Before being shipped to its owner, it went on the 2016 European show tour where in the toughest competitions it always won gold or bragging rights fort either Best of Show, 1st place Harley modified, 1st place V-Twin, 1st place Old School, etc. The story of this bike starts in southeast Asia, in the island city state of Singapore, where a certain Mr. Ang is very unhappy with his 2003 Softail bought brand new from his local Harley dealer. Not enough power, so-so aesthetics. So, he had it somewhat customized, swapping the stock rear wheel for a bigger one, raking the front end, adding some decorative custom bolt-on parts, and ending up riding a much worse looking and riding bike than stock… Continue reading ‘A Custom Harley Softail Named Singapore Sun’

It’s Halloween. Horror Night!

happyhalloween

Touring RCX Hellbender Headers By RC Components

1rcx-305b-hellbender4__35293-1456873646-1280-12802rival-ecltips__69023-1456873646-1280-1280This 2-into-2 header system is designed with smooth radius bends that are surrounded by a 2.5? heat shield that flow into two 3.0” mufflers. Just like many other RCX Exhaust products, the RCX Hellbenders are available with your choice of multiple tip designs and each header system is available in a chrome or ceramic black finish.

All necessary hardware is included for an easy installation. Equipped to accept both wide and narrow band oxygen sensors for 2009-2016 HD Touring models (except HD Trike models). All RCX Exhaust products carry a lifetime warranty.Made in USA. At RC Components.

Thought Of The Day

cyril-huze-thought-of-theday“The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits”…

Albert Einstein

New Arlen Ness Saddlebag Levers

1243They are forged billet aluminum levers to fit 2014-up Harley FLT saddlebag lid levers. Simple bolt-on installation. Available in 10-Gauge, Deep Cut or Beveled styles in chrome or black finish. Sold in pair. Each design has a matching saddlebag latch covers set available. At Arlen Ness.
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JIMS® Shifter Mechanism Sleeve Removal & Installation Tool

jims1jims2This is a real time saver for removing and installing the shifter mechanism sleeve in Cruise Drive Big Twin transmissions.  With this new tool, the sleeve (bushing) can be removed and installed correctly without disassembling the transmission, saving hours of labor.

This tool can pay for itself in one use.  Proudly made in the USA, featuring JIMS lifetime tool warranty. For use on 2006 Dyna and all 2007-present Big Twin with Cruise Drive 6-speed Transmission. Suggested retail price of $88.00.

For more info, email JIMS USA or visit JIMS USA Website or  call 805-482-6913.

Flashback. 1918 Johnson Motor Wheel Co.

1918johnsonmotorwheelIn 1914, the Johnson Brothers Motor Company of Indiana offered a two-cylinder/two-stroke engine kit to be installed on any bicycle equipped with a 26’ rear wheel. It had 2 flywheel magnetos and a float feed carburetor. and produced only one 1 HP.

The complete kit came with a wheel, hub tire, shock-absorbing spring sprocket holder, wheel sprocket and chain, handlebar controls for choke, throttle and engine shutoff, three quart gas tank and gas line, and all necessary fittings to adapt the engine and rear wheel unit.

This kit was was patented in the USA in 1919 and in the UK in 1920. The Johnson Motor Wheel Kit was advertised at $97.50 and the complete Johnson Motor Bike at $140.00. Claim was a speed of 6 to 35 mph, a riding range of 150 miles on 1 gallon of gas or 60 miles for 10 cents. On this photo the kit is installed on an Iver Johnson bicycle. (photography @ Doug Mitchel)

Balancing A Motorcycle Tire The Right Way With Counteract Beads.

1counteractbead2counteractbeadsCounteract Balancing Beads for motorcycles dynamically balance a wheel internally versus wheel weights that are a static balance. When balancing tires via weights the tire never stays balanced for the life of the tire because no ever does go back to get their tire re-balanced. An imbalanced tire will start to wear unevenly, making the tire run at a higher temperature due to friction, shortening its life.

The Counteract Beads provide an automatic, readjusting, trouble-free, lifetime balance of the tire. When they are installed inside the tire the specially coated micro-spheres are distributed throughout the tire through centrifugal force as the wheel rotates. As the force of the out-of-balance spot increases and pulls the suspension in an up and down motion, the inertia causes the beads to move in the opposite direction and rapidly shift until complete wheel assembly is balanced.

Counteract claims to provide a smoother ride and longer lasting tires. Also, form an aesthetic point of view, when using an internal balancer you can rid of ugly wheel weights on your rims especially when most shops have had to go to a less dense metal like zinc or steel to balance their wheels, leaving a bigger footprint of weights on the rim. Continue reading ‘Balancing A Motorcycle Tire The Right Way With Counteract Beads.’

Artist David Uhl Announces Release Of 3rd Of “Lone Ranger” Series

uhllonerangerThe 3rd and final piece in David Uhl’s “Lone Ranger” series has been released. All 3 pieces come with a bottle of wine, each with a special label signed and numbered to match your print edition number. This new piece, yet to be titled, follows “Lone Ranger” and “The Sentinel” (Lone Ranger is completely sold out.) Orders will be taken through the end of the Lone Star Rally on November6, then the edition will be closed.

Matching print numbers are available for those who have the first two in the series.  A few “Sentinel” prints are available and will be offered as a package with the new piece for those wanting both.

This new piece comes in 3 sizes, all canvas, hand-signed and numbered with Certificate of Authenticity. Framed prices: * Image size 18 x 24 is $895
* Image size 24 x 32 is $1,295 * Image size 30 x 40 is $2,295. Contact Greg Rhodes, International Sales Director 303-913-4840.
uhl2uhl3



Cyril Huze