Archive Page 70

Joke Of The Week

cyril-huze-jokeShortly after take-off of an Irish airline Air Lingus flight from Dublin to Boston , the lead flight attendant nervously made the following painful announcement in her lovely Irish accent.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so very sorry, but it appears that there has been a terrible mix-up by our catering service. I don’t know how this has happened, but we have 103 passengers on board, and unfortunately, we received only 40 dinner meals. I truly apologize for this mistake and inconvenience.

When the muttering of the passengers had died down, she continued, “Anyone who is kind enough to give up their meal so that someone else can eat will receive free, unlimited drinks for the duration of our 5 hour flight.

Her next announcement came about 2 hours later:  “If anyone is hungry, we still have 40 dinners available…”

Plug-N-Go Driver Backrest For Indian Models Except Scout

K1The all-new Kuryakyn® Plug-N-Go Driver Backrest for Indian® models provides lumbar support that can be dialed in to suit the needs of virtually any rider.

The contoured pads are wrapped in premium black or tan synthetic leather that’s weather-resistant and tailored to flawlessly match factory Indian saddles.

Height can be adjusted by simply mating coordinated notches on the durable welded and stamped steel backrest with the included mounting bracket, which bolts securely to the frame beneath the seat. Fore and aft adjustability can be set up during installation, rounding out a full range of adjustable relief where it’s needed most. Continue reading ‘Plug-N-Go Driver Backrest For Indian Models Except Scout’

Beverly Hills Board Track Racing (1921)

This board track competition took place on April 24, 1921, at the Beverly Hills Speedway in Los Angeles, California. Although created at the time to promote Indian bikes, the film survives today as an important document for the history of motorcycle racing. Not only does it capture the short-lived Beverly Hills Speedway (1920–24), hyped as the world’s greatest speedway at the time of its construction, it also affords a glimpse of the charismatic Albert “Shrimp” Burns, one of the top dirt and board track racers of the time. In this particular event, he set a new speed record—102.5 miles per hour—for a stock motorcycle in competition. And this occurred after Burns had crashed in a previous race earlier that day and unexpectedly returned from the hospital in bandages to compete in the final race with a borrowed bike!

29th Annual Donnie Smith Bike and Car Show Is April 2-3.

1Donnie-Smith-Bikes-14Dennis Kirk’s Donnie Smith Bike and Car Show is the largest custom bike and car show in the Midwest. Established in 1987 by famed customizer Donnie Smith, the show now offers 35 classes of custom motorcycles including baggers, choppers, retro bobbers and cruisers , 22 classes of cars, the largest swap meet on the planet and free entertainment.The  custom bike and car show will kick off the new riding season April 2-3 at the St. Paul River Centre Continue reading ’29th Annual Donnie Smith Bike and Car Show Is April 2-3.’

New RSD Raid Wheel

1rsd-raid-wheel2rsd-raid-wheelThis Raid wheel features an interesting modern design inspired by classic hot rod styling: thin spokes resting between massive pocketed main spokes and a double pinstripe for an additional styling feature. Visually and structurally light. For sure a very different wheel design able to make your custom look unique. Price TBA. Roland Sands Design.

Picture Of The Week. 1923 Harley-Davidson Model JD23.

112JD1903 Magazine, a quarterly online publication for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, is a curated collection of timeless stories and authentic experiences about riders, racers, and builders; artists whose medium of expression is steel, rubber, and paint. In the issue 2, this 1923 Harley-Davidson Model JD23.

The stars on the wheels might suggest a law enforcement connection. But it’s unlikely this was ever a police bike. This 22 horsepower version of Harley-Davidson’s legendary 74-CID, 2 cylinder v-twin engine was designed especially for sidecar bikes. 1923 saw the first models with an electric ignition and headlight, and the solid wheels pre-date the drag-reducing composite wheels racer use today. The odometer on this bike shows 8874 miles. On 1923 US roads, that’s a lot of hard miles. (Image. @ Dan R. Boyd)

Motorcycle Parts Website

Harley-Davidson Making Its Numbers With Dodgy Tactics?

hdbisThe Motley Fool, a very respected multimedia financial-services company that provides financial solutions for investors through various stock, investing, and personal finance services ran last weekend an interesting analysis of Harley-Davidson 4th quarter results. Journalist Rich Dupreys wonder if Harley is using dodgy tactics to make the numbers for its shipping guidance. The issue is regarding falling Harley sales standing in sharp contrast to rising bike shipments to dealers that just manage to get it just above the low and of its guidance. I thought you would be interested 9investor in HOG or not) in reading some highlights of his analysis. Of course, it’s his opinion and does’t necessarily reflect mine.

“How many times will Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) use this tactic to make its sales numbers? To me it’s suspect, and investors should be wary that things might continue to get worse before they get better. The big-bike maker’s recent fourth-quarter earnings results showed Harley just making it over the hump of the low end of its dealer shipment forecast. After adamantly refusing to lower its guidance for most of the year despite every indication sales would keep falling, it finally capitulated after it posted its disappointing third-quarter results, reducing its dealer shipment forecast from a range of 276,000-281,000 motorcycles shipped in 2015 to 265,000-270,000 motorcycles. And when it reported its results late last month, it indeed made those numbers, albeit at the low end, with 266,000 bikes shipped.

Harley-Davidson Q4 U.S. Sales v. Shipments (% Chg.)
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Missing those numbers would have been horrible. Exactly! And that’s what’s troubling. A year earlier, Harley-Davidson was also under pressure to make its shipment numbers. Just as it did last year, the bike maker was suffering from falling sales as competitors like Polaris Industries introduced popular new models, such as the Indian Scout, and Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha were discounting their bikes. Even Polaris bemoaned having to join in on keeping prices low to attract customer. But Harley’s been bucking the trend, refusing to give up the premium it charges for its bikes for the sake of market share. And as the past year proved, it lost share to rivals, even though it still does own almost half of the big-bike market. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Making Its Numbers With Dodgy Tactics?’

LowRise Bars For Harley Touring Models

1kensfactoryHigh? Low? What about “LowRise”?

For most, the preferred position on a bagger may be acquired via reasonable heigh bars like these ones.

They fit all touring models with 1” clamps (except FLHTC, FLHX). In black or chrome.

At Ken’s Factory USA.
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Wanted. EMD Is Looking For A USA Sales Representative

EMD1EMD2EMD is a French manufacturer of motorcycle accessories with a vintage flair. Under Ben Lamboeuf’s stewardship, the company has successfully developed a dealer network and has achieved impressive sales over the last two years in the U.S.

EMD3EMD4EMD is now looking for a correspondent to handle its American representation. Duties include: customer relations and follow up with both dealer and retail enquiries, sales of EMD parts via its web store, stock management, attending key consumer shows, marketing and advertising to promote the brand with the press and social media. Knowledge of the Harley-Davidson aftermarket is a must. Please direct your enquiries to: contact.emd@orange.fr

Buffalo Chip Challenge™ Students Score at Black Hills Motorcycle Show

2-2016-Challenge-Bikes-BHMS3-2016-Challenge-Bikes-BHMSBlack Hills area high school students participating in the 2016 Buffalo Chip Challenge scored their first big win this weekend at the Black Hills Motorcycle Show. Just days after completing two world-class, custom baggers, the students unveiled the bikes at the Black Hills show and received two first place trophies. The students will now take the motorcycles on to compete at the prestigious Donnie Smith Bike and Car Show in St. Paul, Minn. on April 2 & 3. The program, developed by Sturgis Buffalo Chip® president Rod Woodruff and coordinated by Keith Terry of Terry Components, was designed to prepare the next generation of American motorcycle experts and cultivate motorcycle industry economic development.

1-2016-Challenge-Bikes-BHMS4-2016-Challenge-Bikes-BHMSThe 2016 Buffalo Chip Challenge participants had the opportunity to fully customize a 2016 Victory Cross Country and a 2015 Indian Chief Classic under the instruction of some of the industry’s most celebrated customizers. Randy Cramer of Dakota V-Twin and Chris Malo of Baggster provided hands-on instruction to students from start to finish to create signature builds that fit the style of their teams’ esteemed captains. Renowned builders Rusty Jones of Rusty Jones Customs and John Shope of Dirty Bird Concepts served as team captains and provided a great deal of influence on the look and style of each bike, with their extensive lines of custom body parts and components.

The student-built custom Victory Cross Country took top honors, winning first place in the Full Custom Bagger – Victory class and the Indian Chief Classic took first place in the Full Custom Bagger – Indian class. The students competed against professional custom bike builders, which makes winning these awards an even more remarkable achievement. Continue reading ‘Buffalo Chip Challenge™ Students Score at Black Hills Motorcycle Show’

Second-Annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis Announced. Call for Open Nominations through “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime”

VCR-2015-SturgisFull Vision Productions announced that the second annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) will be hosted in summer 2016 and a new nomination program, “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime,” has been added. Starting in Los Angeles, California on July 30, the nine-day ride to Sturgis, SD will provide twenty veterans a chance to use motorcycle therapy as a way to decompress from the challenges of post-war life.

VCR 2016 will give 15 ambulatory and five amputee/disabled veterans of various military branches – the majority of whom are post-9/11 vets – the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges on the open road. Riding from Los Angeles to Sturgis, the veterans travel through the most scenic back roads of the western United States on the latest Indian® Motorcycle models, some with Champion sidecars and custom trikes. They experience the great outdoors and the beauty this country has to offer, using motorcycles as a mechanism for healing. Along the ride route, the group will stop in small towns to meet with other veterans, supporters and riders, and participate in various adventures, including off-road excursions, and street rallies. Upon arrival in Sturgis, the group is treated to a special “Hero’s Welcome” and have a week-long “ultimate rider” experience, taking part in the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and further solidifying a brother/sisterhood that was formed on the open roads of the Wild West. Continue reading ‘Second-Annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis Announced. Call for Open Nominations through “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime”’

Roderick’s U-Model Bobber

0bobber00bobber1bobber4bobber5bobberLanguage, like life, does evolve. And often words we use today to describe a type of new-built motorcycle are not what they meant when originally used. Take the word Bobber, originally called a ‘Bob-Job’ from the 1930s through the 1980s. It was used to describe motorcycles typically built around unmodified frames (by opposition to a Chopper whose frame is either highly modified or custom-made frames) with an economical approach involving old, second-hand, recycled parts and hand-machined items before the mass-market motorcycle accessory industry had developed.

3bobber2bobber6bobber7bobberRoderick Braunius from the Netherlands got a 1947 Harley U-model, and with this legendary motor, had for objective to recreate a true Bobber. Not always being able to use period correct parts, but respecting the original spirit of this type of motorcycle: the very characteristic lines, the minimum bodywork, the absence of a front fender, a “bobbed” (as in bob-tail) rear fender, avoiding all superfluous parts to reduce weight and of course no extra chrome or decoration…and a plain distressed paint job. Continue reading ‘Roderick’s U-Model Bobber’

Twisted Contoured One-Piece Motor Plate For 4-speed Style Transmissions

techcycleTo use with Tech Cycle primary narrow 2” or 3” belt drive, and inspired by Indian Larry Signature electric start kit, the “Twister” contoured one-piece motor plate for 4-speed style transmissions provides the strength of a one-piece plate with the contoured design of their two-piece. In complement of their 4-speed start kits, Tech Cycle offers a very reputable line of Tornado starters. Tech Cycle Performance Parts.

Thought Of The Day

cyril-huze-thoughtfortheday86

 

 

“Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card. How you leave others feeling after an experience with you is your trademark”

Harley-Davidson CVO Motorcycles. The Reference Book.

CVOEach year Harley-Davidson offers to its “Alpha” clientele – those faithful to the brand who want the best of the best – limited edition factory premium custom motorcycles under the lineup name of CVO Motorcycles (for Custom Vehicle Operations.) Harley promotes them with slogans or statements like “True motorcycle masterpieces”,  “For the rider who wants it all”, “The kind of custom machine that’s miles apart from anything else on the road”, etc…

These CVO models use mass produced motorcycles as platforms, but are customized in-house by Harley-Davidson, usually with larger-displacement engines, fancy and much costlier paint designs, additional custom accessories, electric and digital components, custom seats, exclusive badging, etc not offered on the mainstream models. Sometimes criticized for their high dollar prices, reality is that it would be impossible for an independent custom builder to duplicate them for a lower price. In fact, a good value for those with high discretionary income. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson CVO Motorcycles. The Reference Book.’

SlingshotX. An Epic Demonstration Of Polaris Slingshot’s Driving Capability

The Slingshot® is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile, it does not have airbags, and it does not meet automotive safety standards. This film, featuring 3-time U.S. rally cross champion and four-time X-Games gold medalist Tanner Foust, is an epic demonstration of Polaris Slingshot’s driving capability. Fasten your seat belt.

Anthem Adjustable Levers For Harleys

1PSR2PSRPSR Performance Motorcycle Products is a 15-year old company specialized in creating high performance motorcycle parts and accessories inspired by on-track performance and durability.

These patent pending adjustable levers for V-Twins aasily adjust lever to bar reach to each rider preference.

CNC Machined from high quality aluminum.Sold in pairs & individually. Available in Black, Chrome, or Contrast Black. Single Lever: $119.95; Black Contrast: $129.95. Lever Set: $229.95; Black Contrast: $249.95. At PSR Performance USA.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip & Kuryakyn Kick Off Rock, Rumble & Rebellion Tour

rebelliontour1The Rock, Rumble & Rebellion Tour officially kicked off at Daytona Bike Week with Kuryakyn® unveiling the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® 35th anniversary Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® and Epiphone® Sheraton II guitar. The stage is now set for an epic celebration honoring 35 years of freedom, motorcycles and music at the iconic venue.

The stunning bike and guitar will be displayed at the Buffalo Chip throughout the 35th anniversary celebration held August 1-14. At the culmination of the Rock, Rumble & Rebellion bash, the one-off commemorative bagger and matching six-string will be up for private sale.

rebelliontour2“Kuryakyn has created a motorcycle masterpiece,” said Rod Woodruff. “It’s so much more than I expected. The fine attention to detail and design is remarkable, and it’s a joy to ride. There is no mistaking that the muscle and melodious grace embodied in this bike and matching Epiphone guitar clearly represent 35 years of rock, rumble and rebellion at the Buffalo Chip.”

Senior Designer Michael Bates led the Kuryakyn build team, working closely with the Buffalo Chip to give the stock 2015 Road Glide a complete overhaul. Close to 40 Kuryakyn parts are incorporated into the overall design, including nearly the entire collection of Tri-Line accessories for Road Glides, new satin black Teardrop Mirrors, Kinetic Grips and foot controls, L.E.D. Turn Signal Conversions and Saddlebag Extensions, and much more. A number of outside brands also stepped up to support the Rock, Rumble & Rebellion project, including Bahn™, Jim Nasi Customs, Mustang® Seats, Performance Machine®, Progressive® Suspension, Roland Sands Design®, and Xtreme Machine®. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Buffalo Chip & Kuryakyn Kick Off Rock, Rumble & Rebellion Tour’

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

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Harley And The Davidsons. A New TV Miniseries Set To Premiere On Discovery Channel September 5. The scripted drama will tell the story of the birth of the iconic Harley-Davidson brand that launched in 1903 by two friends from Milwaukee: William Harley (Robert Aramayo) and Arthur Davidson (Bug Hall). The Discovery Channel has set a premiere date for this upcoming Harley-Davidson miniseries as it continues to beef up the cast. The first two-hour installment is set to premiere on Monday, Sept. 5. Two additional two-hour installments will air over the next two nights, Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Wednesday, Sept. 7.

The 3 Assembly Lines Of The Polaris Industries Plant In Spirit Lake, Iowa Are Now Exclusively Producing Indian And Victory Motorcycles. The other Polaris motorcycle line, the sporty three-wheeled Slingshot that began production here in late 2014, is now being produced in nearby Milford, with plans calling for that line to be transferred to a new plant in Huntsville, Alabama, when construction is completed later this year. This is the first time in nearly two decades that the 400,000-square-foot Spirit Lake facility has focused exclusively on motorcycles. The plant produced personal watercraft when it opened in 1994, and had made nearly every other Polaris products since then. With about 1,000 employees, the Spirit Lake plant is designed to “level off on production of about 900, two-wheel units per week

Royal Enfield Eyes Mature Markets With Superior Motorcycles. Royal Enfield is working on its global brand image with in the foreseeable future an upcoming range of higher performance, highway-worthy motorcycles to be marketed into mature and developed markets. In the USA. Royal Enfield intends to reposition the existing motorcycle models, which are referred to as slower bikes, as city motorcycles. Then, the company will launch a new range of motorcycles worth of highway riding, if not super fast.

Erik Buell Racing Rolled Off The Line First 2016 EBR Models. Yesterday Thursday March 17, there was a press day at the East Troy company. Bill Melvin Jr., the new CFO, and Erik Buell answered questions from members of the press, then the first 2016 1190RX and 1190SX models, similar to the ones made before the company closed, were rolled off the new line of production. A custom painted one will be auctioned off to raise money for charity.

Guard Kits For The Harley-Davidson Street Model

1Street2Street3Street4StreetThe Street was conceived by Harley-Davidson to be a nimble and functional urban machine. But daily city abuse includes soft asphalt, tight quarters, inattentive car parkers, and many other everyday threats to a motorcycle living its life in the urban jungle. For some added protection, Harley offers a series of guards to improve and enhance your Street urban riding experience. The list includes an engine guard kit, a rear fender guard kit, a rear muffler guard kit, an exhaust guard kit, a swingarm guard kit and a handlebar tip guard kit.
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Today Harley-Davidson Kick-Starts A New Global Marketing Campaign To Inspire A New Generation Of Riders

“Don’t wait until the time is right to live your dream. Live your legend. The time is NOW” is the theme of Harley-Davidson newest global marketing campaign: “Live Your Legend.”

The first commercial in a series – which features the new Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S motorcycle – focuses on the bond shared between a father and his young son. Other ‘Live Your Legend’ ads include snapshots of life-enriching moments, as well as the unique and unforgettable bonds of friendship that are developed by riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Harley-Davidson will launch the new campaign this evening March 17 during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

“Generations of Harley-Davidson owners inspired the ‘Live Your Legend’ campaign,” said Shelley Paxton, VP Global Marketing and Brand. “For more than 113 consecutive years, riders have told us what they experience on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s the freedom, the adventure, the bonds and living life on your own terms – That’s the legacy this campaign encourages all of us to pass along.”

Joke Of The Week

cyril-huze-joke44 - CopyBlonde Moment…

This blonde was selling her pet Python on eBay.

A bloke just rang up and asked if it was big.

She said, “It’s massive.”

He said, “How many feet?”

She said “None..it’s a fucking Snake”!!!

First Customized Indian Springfield. The Frontier 111” By Azzkikr Custom Baggers.

azzkikrspringfield1Frontier-111.2It’s the first fully customized version and quite a radical interpretation of the new Indian® Springfield™ motorcycle. The “Frontier 111” was crafted by Azzkikr Custom Baggers of Phoenix, Ariz. On this project, custom builder Len Edmondson demonstrates, his acute attention to detail and outrageous craftsmanship to produce a truly show-stopping example of a thoroughly modern retro bagger that features classic lines via contemporary, artistic flare.

azzkikrspringfield2azzkikrspringfield4The Frontier 111 incorporates Indian’s heritage with a skirted front fender, a leaf-spring equipped springer front end, jockey shifter with foot clutch, and historically inspired color palette surrounding Indian Motorcycle’s powerful Thunder Stroke® 111 engine.

“We have been working on the cutting edge of the custom bagger movement for years now, but it’s not often that you get to reveal a custom based on a motorcycle the factory just introduced,” says Azzkikr’s Len Edmondson. “From day one, we wanted something that reflected the big front wheel trend but still spoke to the heritage and style that is uniquely Indian.” Continue reading ‘First Customized Indian Springfield. The Frontier 111” By Azzkikr Custom Baggers.’

Throttle-By-Wire Extensions For Tall Bars Installation

extensionSince 1948, Barnett has been producing clutches and control cables for direct-fit/upgrade applications for just about everything on two wheels. Installation of taller bars on Harley tourers getting more popular every day, Barnett offers throttle-By-Wire extensions for FL 2008 to current models. (does not fit 2008-15 CVO/SE models)

These plug and play extensions make installation easy. No individual wires to mess with and no soldering or modifications required. Available in lengths of 8″, 12″, and 15″ and can also be combined for applications requiring extra length. Also available is a 20″ extension with a bare bottom end for routing through sharp bends. MSRP: $39-$60. At Barnett Clutches.

75th Daytona Bike Week. Postcards (Part 4)

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More pictures after the jump. Continue reading ’75th Daytona Bike Week. Postcards (Part 4)’

New Shotgun Exhaust Pipes For Harley Sportsters By Lowbrow Customs

shotgunslarge00shotguns01shotgunsThese Shotgun Exhaust Pipes for 1986 – 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportsters are the latest addition to the large array of parts distributed by Lowbrow Customs. You may like them because they provide extra ground clearance for example on a Scrambler or Tracker themed Sportster.

Built by the Gasbox in Cleveland, Ohio, the Shotgun exhaust set is an easy bolt-on install with the included heavy-duty mounting brackets and hardware. Available in black or chrome, $349.95 – $379.95 per set. Shotgun Pipes are also compatible with Lowbrow Customs cast aluminum heat shields for added style and function.

Not legal for sale in California. Worldwide shipping. Order at Lowbrow Customs or call toll-free 1-855-456-9276



Cyril Huze