Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle riders can go solo in style on the new Brawler Seat (P/N 52000268, $349.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories. This one-up saddle features a quality cowhide surface and a smooth, sleek design that hugs the frame rails for a custom look. Shaped to place the rider in a low-slung riding position, the Brawler seat is supported by contoured foam padding that provides a firm but luxurious feel. The seat width is 13 inches. This Brawler seat fits 2008-later Harley-Davidson Touring models except Trike or models equipped with Passenger Grab Rails. It does not accept a rider backrest and does not fit with passenger pillions. Black only. MSRP $349.95. Available at more than 750 authorized retail locations in the United States and online (some dealerships allow demo tests of their seats, be sure to inquire about options)
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Solo Touring With The New Brawler Harley-Davidson Seat
Published by August 10th, 2016 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
If you like fancy details to create your own tourer style, these mufflers by Ken Nagai feature an evident hot-rod nostalgia look that you may looking for.
The Vanquish slip-ons provide a deep, lower tone that the factory ones. Offered in chrome or black, with either black or polished end caps.
Ken’s Factory USA offers a flat rate shipping to the continental USA of only $10.00 on all its products.
Hamsters USA Raise $285,395 For Special Kids At LifeScape Children’s Care in Rapid City, South Dakota
Published by August 9th, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Proving again that bikers have big hearts for kids, the international motorcycle group Hamsters USA raised a record $285,395 for LifeScape Children’s Care of Rapid City in fundraising events this year, culminating with their annual gathering in Spearfish during the Sturgis Rally on Monday, August 8th.
Funds raised will provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies, plus psychological services, to children in Western South Dakota–plus parts of Wyoming–through LifeScape Children’s Care of Rapid City (formerly Children’s Care Hospital and School and South Dakota Achieve)
Hamsters USA has raised and donated funds at their annual meeting for the last eleven years, wanting to give back to the greater Black Hills community, which many Hamsters consider their second home. In 2015, the Hamsters broke the $2 million mark in total dollars raised for LifeScape Children’s Care in Rapid City. Their gifts help provide services to children in their Black Hills area homes and communities, delivered by LifeScape Children’s Care personnel who drive over 10,000 miles a month to provide services. Continue reading ‘Hamsters USA Raise $285,395 For Special Kids At LifeScape Children’s Care in Rapid City, South Dakota’
Jesse James Signs Deal With NRA For Second Amendment-Themed Apparel Line
Published by August 9th, 2016 in Editorial.
West Coast Choppers CEO Jesse James and the National Rifle Association announced a new licensing deal that will see the custom bike and firearms maker venture into Second Amendment-themed apparel. The branded clothing line, NRA Originals, will launch later this summer with hats and shirts.
James gained notoriety through a series of TV shows on the Discovery Channel showcasing his signature style and custom motorcycles. His “outlaw persona” has gathered a large fan base — one the NRA hopes to tap into. The gun lobby group said in a release that James’ tenacious business and marketing approach as well as his savvy design capability are what drove the organization to add him to their roster. Continue reading ‘Jesse James Signs Deal With NRA For Second Amendment-Themed Apparel Line’
Sturgis Black Hills AMA Half-Mile Pro Flat Track Racing. Watch It Live Tonight On Your Computer.
Published by August 9th, 2016 in Editorial and Events.
This evening Tuesday night, August 9, is AMA Pro Flat Track racing in Rapid City on the half-mile oval at Black Hills Speedway. Defending Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines champion Jared Mees appears to be hitting his stride at just the right time with the 2016 season approaching its home stretch.
The No. 1 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XR750 pilot will return to Sturgis with a scant three-point lead over “Mile Specialist” Smith. With five races remaining on the schedule, two of which are Miles, the GNC1 championship is definitely still up for grabs. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Black Hills AMA Half-Mile Pro Flat Track Racing. Watch It Live Tonight On Your Computer.’
At The 76th Sturgis Rally Indian Motorcycle Unveiled The FTR750 Flat-Track Racer
Published by August 8th, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Sunday evening, Indian Motorcycle unveiled the new FTR750 for AMA Flat Track competition. Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Living Legends, Bobby Hill and Bill Tuman were on-hand to celebrate the historic return of Indian to professional racing. The Indian Scout FTR750 was revealed at the “Motorcycles as Art” industry event that took place at the famed Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. Special guests on-hand were the two surviving members of the legendary Indian Wrecking Crew, Bobby Hill and Bill Tuman, both of whom are AMA Hall of Fame members. The third member of the Wrecking Crew, Ernie Beckman, passed away in 1999. The motorcycle featured the #51 of Bill Tuman, as a tribute to the last rider to win a Grand National Championship on an Indian in 1953. Continue reading ‘At The 76th Sturgis Rally Indian Motorcycle Unveiled The FTR750 Flat-Track Racer’
Michael Lichter’s Annual Motorcycles As Art exhibition “Skin & Bones” Is Open At The Buffalo Chip
Published by August 8th, 2016 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
For 16 years world-famous photographer Michael Lichter has curated motorcycle exhibits at the Buffalo Chip art gallery. Motorcycles from the best and upcoming great custom builders whose woks are not only visual pieces of art but also engineering masterpieces. This year, 34 of these builders have accepted the challenge to build a bike befitting the theme “Skin and Bones”. In addition to these builders showing their bikes on pedestals lit with theater lighting inside the 7,000 ft exhibition hall, tattoo artists display their art ending up as ink on flesh or paint and engraving on motorcycles.
This must-see “Motorcycles As Art Exhibit” is free to the public and located near the east gate at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip: Russ Brown Events Center, from Sunday August 7 to Friday August 12, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. So don’t miss your chance to see one of the finest and most comprehensive industry collections of custom motorcycles ever assembled during the Sturgis Rally. A few shots of these customs shot before and during the industry grand opening party last Sunday evening, August 7.
More custom motorcycles and list of builders after the jump. Continue reading ‘Michael Lichter’s Annual Motorcycles As Art exhibition “Skin & Bones” Is Open At The Buffalo Chip’
Motorcycle Driven Off Sturgis Buffalo Chip Stage. Two Injured.
Published by August 8th, 2016 in Builders and Events.
Sturgis August 7. 10.30 p.m.
At 9.45 p.m. local time, Roland Sands was riding a motorcycle on the Buffalo Chip stage between the concerts of Lita Ford and Kid Rock when the motorcycle drove off the stage, injuring 2 people in the crowd.
Roland Sands is an ex professional racer and a very experienced rider, The stage was slightly wet because of rain.The reason of the accident is unknown.
The 2 injured concert goers were treated on the scene by the Buffalo Chip medical staff, then were transported to a local hospital.
Unveiled In Sturgis. New K&N Intake System.
Published by August 7th, 2016 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
With exhaust, air cleaner is one of the first modifications that Harley riders do on their factory motorcycles. An after-market business with many participants, including K&N, a company worldwide famous for its filters used in many automotive applications. The K&N forward intake system (the company use the term Air Charger) is of course filtering air to almost perfection, but also because of deeper and smoother breathing provided to your engine, adds up to 6 hp. This power number is achieved using technology that K&N pioneered on their car and truck intake systems.
This new K&N Aircharger kit fits 2008-2016 Harley touring models (#63-1134) and 2001-2015 Harley Dyna and Softail models (#63-1137). The kit include a cast aluminum intake tube and come in a textured black finish with a raised, brushed aluminum K&N logo. feature an oversized, oiled cotton, clamp-on air filter that feeds air directly into a wide air tube with an integrated velocity stack. An integrated breather system ensures a direct replacement of your stock intake. In Sturgis K&N display is at the vendors parking of Black Hills Harley Davidson. More information on this kit or any others at K&N Filters.
Sturgis and surroundings is something very special for most of us. Incredible roads like Needles Highway, Canyon Road, Spearfish Canyon, the Wildlife Loop, etc. The amazing monuments and breathtaking destinations: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, The Badlands, Custer and Bear Butte State Parks, Devil’s Tower National Monument, etc. And of course, the multiple friendships made year after year in this western part of South Dakota, the excitement of seeing the new manufacturer models and demo rides, the custom parts, visiting the bike shows and exhibitions, the colorful madness of Sturgis Main and Lazelle Streets, enjoying first class music concerts and the wild parties…
As soon as I arrived rally officials told me that that this year they expect a smaller and quieter event versus last year’s 75th anniversary celebration with record crowds of bikers (740,000) Sturgis City officials have announced that as of yesterday morning, 588 Temporary Vending Permits have been issued. This number compares to 773 in 2015 and 510 in 2014. So, a rally to enjoy even more with less time lost in traffic at idle speed (exit 37 on I90 directly to the Buffalo Chip is a big help). The legendary hospitality of the South Dakotans will be the same and we will all enjoy to be there for the 76th edition.
So, see you around the Black Hills. And if you can’t make it this year, stay tuned. I will try to make daily reports and share them with all of you.
For your information.
Main Street is closed to regular traffic since Friday morning. After closure, only motorcycles will be allowed to use Main Street. Many of the side streets in the downtown area will also be closed or will have restrictions. To view a street closure map, go there
Main Street Photo Towers are open 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. Towers are located at Junction and Main as well as Main and Third. You will have free access to these towers for photos if you show your official press credentials from your organization.
Upcoming Harley-Davidson Engine Is Called The Milwaukee Eight. 107” Twin Cylinder.
Published by August 6th, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
It will be Harley-Davidson’s 8th generation of engines. It’s a new 107” (1753 cc) engine Featuring 8 valves – 4 per cylinder – hence 2 reasons for naming it the “Milwaukee Eight” Other higher cubic inch versions may follow.
The surprise is that this new family of engines is air cooled with pushrod actuation. Which 2017 & 2018 models will it equip? Rumor is one cruiser in 2017 and the touring models for the 2018 model year.
Expect this brand new Milwaukee Eight engine to be the big announcement during the reveal of the 2017 Harley lineup at the end of this month. Stay tuned…
A Behind The Scene At Custom Motorcycle Builders Getting Ready For The Born Free Show
Published by August 6th, 2016 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.The video is a behind the scenes look at the motivation behind some of the top custom vintage bike builders in the country. The builders make sure that the bikes they build maintain their vintage feel, even though they are being built in 2016. The video is also a look at one of the largest annual gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts- -Born Free – giving you a sense of what the show is about including the Wall of Death (video sponsored by Coker Tires)
Marco was a German company founded in 1926 by brothers Wilhelm and Otto Maisch to build small two-stroke lightweight motorcycles. Production of these motorcycles was interrupted during WWII, the company shifting its production to the manufacture of components for the German army. Motorcycle production resumed in 1947 with for main model the Taifun (Typhoon in English) a 350 cc then a 400 cc air cooled single cylinder machine. Main features included a single down-tube, an automatic clutch inside the transmission, a duplex chain final drive, a swinging-arm rear suspension, a leading-link front fork. It was marketed as the ultimate touring machine but was dropped in 1958, all Germans and Europeans having their mind on acquiring an automobile.
John Shope Indian Scout Signature Series By Kuryakyn Launched In Sturgis
Published by August 5th, 2016 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Looks like Kuryakyn® has decided to join forces with some top builders to develop high-quality custom parts to meet the demand for personalized styling on today’s hottest motorcycles. First in the artist lineup is Dirty Bird Concepts® founder and owner, John Shope, and the Sprint Signature Series for Indian® Motorcycle Scout models.
The Sprint Scout Series will be on display at Kuryakyn’s rally headquarters at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City. John Shope will also be appearing for a series of meet-and-greets in Sturgis to promote the Sprint Signature Series: Saturday, August 6 from 11:00am – 3:00pm at the Kuryakyn display at Black Hills H-D; and Tuesday, August 9 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Indian Motorcycle Sturgis located on Main Street in downtown Sturgis
Sprint Frame & Body Accents. Available separately, Sprint Signature Series accents are the easiest way to add rugged race styling to the Scout. Each is stamped from high-quality 6061 aluminum finished with black powder coat and visible stainless steel rivets for sharp contrast. The cohesive grilled mesh styling enhances areas on the exposed frame’s neck, side covers, radiator and swing arms, as well as the rear fender. All accents are easily applied via high-strength 3M® VHB™. • P/N 5674 Sprint Radiator Side Accents, MSRP: $49.99 • P/N 5675 Sprint Swing Arm Frame Accents, MSRP: $34.99 • P/N 5676 Sprint Side Cover Frame Accents, MSRP: $29.99 • P/N 5677 Sprint Neck Frame Accents, MSRP: $29.99 • P/N 5678 Sprint Rear Fender Side Accents, MSRP: $59.99
Sprint Café Fairing.
The new Sprint Café Fairing provides a sexy, streamlined appearance to completely revamp the headlamp area. This sleek café-style quarter fairing features a scalloped design crafted from durable injection-molded high-impact ABS that comes fully prepped and ready to paint.
Includes mounting bracket and all hardware needed for easy bolt-on installation.
• P/N 5671 Sprint Café Fairing $149.99
Sprint Chin Spoiler.
The new Sprint Chin Spoiler delivers aggressive style and also improves engine cooling thanks to a contoured design that forces additional air into the radiator. This finely sculpted direct replacement for the flat-black factory spoiler mounts to existing holes and offers full coverage on the radiator’s outer perimeter. Constructed from durable high-impact injection-molded ABS that’s ready to paint-match any custom color theme out of the box.
• P/N 5672 Sprint Chin Spoiler $149.99
Sprint Front Fender
. Using existing bodylines found on the factory fender, the Sprint Front Fender is a bolt-on direct replacement that’s cut shorter to hug the front tire for a racier look. The sleek, concave design is formed from durable fiberglass that also comes fully prepped and ready for custom finishes. Installation is hassle-free with the included mounting brackets, reusing existing factory bolts.
• P/N 5673 Sprint Front Fender $149.99 (ea)
For more information and view the entire lineup, go to Kuryakyn Sprint Signature Series by John Shope
After getting all of Pope Francis’s luggage loaded into the limo at the airport, the driver notices the Pope is still standing on the curb. ‘Excuse me, Your Holiness,’ says the driver, ‘Would you please take your seat so we can leave?’ ‘Well, to tell you the truth,’ says the Pope,’they never let me drive at the Vatican, and I’d really like to drive today.’ “I’m sorry, Your Holiness, but I cannot let you do that. I’d lose my job! ” protests the driver, ‘Who’s going to tell?’ asks the Pope with a smile.
Reluctantly, the driver gets into the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel. The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 130 mph. “Please slow down, Your Holiness” pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
2016 Surgis Papy Hoel Classic Half-Mile Races. August 8th-9th.
Published by August 4th, 2016 in Editorial and Events.
On August 8th, AMA Pro Half-Mile featuring top local professionals. On August 9th, 20th Century Racing will feature Harley against Indian vintage racing. Post racing meet & greet on the track.
Both events will happen at the Meade County Fairgrounds.The Meade County Fairgrounds are 6 blocks south of Sturgis Main Stree. Off south junction avenue, then right on Ball Park Road,,,and follow the signs. On both days gates will open at 10 a.m.
More info at Gypsie Vintage Cycle 605-490-3652. Steve Nace Racing 270-442-7532. (photos H. Roesler for C. Huze)
The Steampunk Collection. The “Diva” By Artist David Uhl
Published by August 4th, 2016 in Editorial and Painters.
The Steampunk Collection of 3 paintings by David Uhl has enjoyed boundless success. This 4th piece is very important to him. His model is daughter Isabella, an accomplished opera singer, recently graduated from high school. Bella is headed to San Francisco soon to hone her craft and spread her wings…
In David’s words, “That bittersweet moment parents experience is upon me, feelings of dread and overwhelming pride fill my heart. My little opera princess has grown into a lovely woman and will be leaving for the San Francisco Conservatory on scholarship. My Steampunk series seemed the ideal whimsical vehicle to capture her before her departure. Since she was 3 she has embraced the famous play “Phantom of the Opera”. I have heard her perform this musical score countless times throughout her life, and I chose this theme to optimally manifest our two art forms. The background of this piece is inspired by George Grie featuring the birthplace of the story, the amazing “Opera Garner” in Paris.” Continue reading ‘The Steampunk Collection. The “Diva” By Artist David Uhl’
Simulating A Black Hills Ride Without Leaving Sturgis
Published by August 4th, 2016 in Editorial and Videos.While in downtown Sturgis, climb on a Sportster, and test your riding skills on the Black Hills roads without leaving Sturgis. This riding simulator is a lot of fun and maybe also of interest for youngsters or for ladies interested in learning how to ride and the feelings doing it. This simulator is located during all the rally at the corner of Junction and Lazelle street, just outside the Iron Horse Saloon. A short video demo.
4th Annual Motorcycle Film Festival in Brooklyn September 14-17. The fourth annual Motorcycle Film Festival will debut award-winning films from international filmmakers from September 14-17, 2016 at The Gutter, 200 N 14th Street in Brooklyn, New York. The Motorcycle Film Festival celebrates the world’s best dramatic documentary, short narrative, and experimental films created by members of the international motorcycling community. Tickets are available now at Motorcycle Film Festival. The event consists of four days of compelling and engaging films, installations, panel discussions, and more. The Motorcycle Film Festival brings together established and up-and-coming filmmakers, riders, builders, enthusiasts, and industry executives.
Worldwide Royal Enfield Sales Up 31% in July. Chennai based Indian motorcycle manufacturing company Royal Enfield, has announced total sales (domestic+exports) of 53,378 units as against 40,760 units during July 2015, an increase of 31 percent. In the first four months of fiscal 2017 (April-July because RE exercise starts in April)
sales stand at 200,861 units against 147,373 units during corresponding period previous year.
Harley-Davidson Adds Directors To Its Board. Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced the election of Maryrose Sylvester and Brian Niccol to the company’s board of directors, effective today. Sylvester is President and CEO of Current, powered by GE, and Niccol is CEO of Taco Bell Corp. The election of Sylvester and Niccol by board action brings the board to 11 directors. Their terms will expire at the company’s 2017 annual meeting of shareholders.
Andria Yu, Former Front Page Editor Of USA Today, Has Joined The Motorcycle Industry Council As Director Of Communications. She is a longtime journalist who has been riding motorcycles more than 15 years. Yu worked with McLean, Va.-based USA Today for 10 years, starting as deputy night editor and rising to page one editor, managing the content and design of the front page as well as the entire print news section of one of the nation’s largest print circulation newspapers. Prior to her time at USA Today, Yu was a copy editor then night/production editor at The Baltimore Sun. Yu will remain on the East Coast for the time being, giving MIC Communications and Motorcycles.org quicker and easier access to New York City media and other East Coast outlets.
Dirty Bird Concepts Indian Saddlebags Anti-Theft Hardware
Published by August 3rd, 2016 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.Are you an owner of an Indian motorcycle model with saddlebags? If so, you may have heard a few complaints surrounding the stock mounting hardware. You also know that it’s extremely easy to steal saddlebags.
John Shope just released a safe option in mounting hardware that will greatly reduce the chance of loss or theft. These mounts are sold in a set and are easy to install. Other Indian custom parts also available online at Dirty Bird Concepts. 623-465-5263.
Cafe Racer Magazine’s 9th Annual Reader’s Ride-In Bike Show In Pittsburgh. August 13, 2016.
Published by August 3rd, 2016 in Editorial and Events.
On august 13, the small quaint residential city of Sewickley 12 miles northwest of Pittsburgh will be the epicenter of the Cafe Racer scene. Last year’s event even drew a 75 show entries from across the U.S. including some of the top builders from Velocity’s Cafe Racer and Naked Speed series.
With nearly a decade of staging an annual Custom Cafe Racer Show under their belts, the staff, advertisers and sponsors have upped the ante for this year’s event. Not only will sponsors Spectro Performance Oils, Cognito Moto, Workshop Hero and Design Engineering award each of the first place class winners with prize packs of their amazing products, but there’s a $300 cash award for the custom machine and builder who rides away with this year’s Best in Show trophy. People’s Choice Award will also receive a cash prize of $200. Trophies will be awarded for Best American/European Cafe Racer, Best Japanese Cafe Racer, Best British Cafe, Best Bobber, Best in Show, People’s Choice and crowd favorite Wildest Engineering.
A free classic and custom motorcycle sale corral will be open for folks wishing to flog their unwanted machines. Custom builder Dustin Kott – who will join comedian and confirmed petrolhead Alonzo Bodden as guest judges – will have a pair of his award-winning show custom Cafes on display. Add to this groovy food trucks, a swap meet area and of course, some of the best two-wheel artistry on the planet. It all gets revving Saturday, August 13 at Sewickley War Memorial Park on Blackburn Road (behind the YMCA) with a free Cafe Racer badge for the first 100 through the door. For details on accommodations, directions and other details, visit Cafe Racer Magazine Shows.
Seen here still in progress, this new painting by Marc Lacourciere will be exhibited with others throughout the 2016 Sturgis Rally at Motor Marc’s gallery just outside the front doors of Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.
Something new he created for this event will also be unveiled Sunday August 7 at 3:00 pm.
Prints can already be ordered from Motor Marc’s Website.
New S&S Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioners
Published by August 2nd, 2016 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Several years of development and 1000’s of hours of testing have fine-tuned the NEW S&S Cycle Cam Chain Tensioners, creating a durable solution for the weak spot in the factory cam chest.
Larger piston diameter, tighter tolerances, thicker shoe material, and built-in direct chain oilers make the new S&S hydraulic chain tensioners the best option for 1999-later Harley-Davidson® Big Twin owners running chain drive cams. It’s a late model bolt-in or an early model conversion using S&S TC3 cam plate and oil pump. . These billet tensioners will add longevity and performance to your valve train. Made in America. S&S Cycle. 608-627-1497
Triumph Confirms New World Land Speed Record Attempt End Of August
Published by August 2nd, 2016 in Builders and Events.
Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle brand, has confirmed that it will return to the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in August 2016 to try to break the motorcycle world land speed record. Triumph’s aim is to exceed the current record that stands at 376.363 mph, using its purpose built 1,000 bhp Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner.
The Triumph Infor Rocket features a carbon Kevlar monocoque construction and two turbocharged Triumph Rocket III engines producing a combined 1,000 bhp at 9,000 rpm. Developed between Triumph, Hot Rod Conspriacy and Carpenter Racing, the motorcycle is 25.5 feet long, 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall. Powered by methanol fuel, the bike is competing in the Division C (streamlined motorcycle) category.
Riding the purpose-built Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner over the measured mile will be Isle of Man TT racer and multiple speed record holder Guy Martin. Continue reading ‘Triumph Confirms New World Land Speed Record Attempt End Of August’
London’s Burning. Ace Cafe’s All Out Stunt & Drift Show July 18.
Published by August 2nd, 2016 in Editorial and Events.
Held in July 2016, the Ace Café Stunt Festival and Streetfighter Show is a celebration of extreme motorcycle acrobatics. The location is not, for practical reasons, the Ace Cafe itself, but the world famous (for its soccer matches and rocker shows) Wembley stadium, a Londo suburb . 15 of the best motorcycle stunt riders from all over the world competed for trophies and a big cash award of 5000 British Pounds. Fuck gravity…(photos@H.Roesler)
