Roland Sands Design introduces a technical waxed cotton jacket to brave wet weather and subzero temps. Taking traditional waxed cotton and elevating it to the 21st Century, RSD combines the best of both worlds. Waterproof lined British Millerain waxed cotton and technical details, including wrist sealed neoprene cuffs and collars, YKK water-resistant zippers and sealed seams, make sure function follows form and keeps the wet weather out and warm in. Continue reading ‘RSD Houston Jacket’
Archive Page 75
A store that sells new husbands has opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates: “You may visit this store but ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the value of the products increases as the shopper ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!”
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 – These men Have Jobs. She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads: Floor 2 – These men Have Jobs and Love Kids. “That’s nice’” she thinks, “but I want more.”
So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 – These men have Jobs, love Kids, and are extremely Good Looking. “Wow”. she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going. She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads: Floor 4 – These men have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help With Housework. “Oh, mercy me!” she exclaims, “I can hardly stand it!” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
New Diamond Black Grips Add Dark Custom Texture To Harley Street Motorcycles
Published by February 2nd, 2016 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Add some raw, machined texture to a Harley-Davidson Street® 750 motorcycle with the new Diamond Black Collection Hand Grips (P/N 56100142, $89.95) from Harley-Davidson®. The Diamond Black Collection of blacked-out hand and foot controls feature knurled surfaces that expose raw billet aluminum for a dramatic contrast. The satin black finish is designed to wear like denim to achieve an ultimate personalized look.
These new Diamond Black grips fit 2015-later Street models and feature narrow rubber bands for a positive grip and a comfortable, 1.3-inch diameter.
The Diamond Black Collection also includes foot pegs, a shifter peg and a brake pedal pad for Street models, and similar custom controls and fuel caps for many other Harley-Davidson motorcycles. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer or go to Harley-Davidson for fitment details.
In 2015 Ducati North America Exceeds Previous Sales Record With 12,132 Motorcycles Sold
Published by February 2nd, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In 2015, Ducati North America increased unit sales by +14.1%, based on 12,132 total motorcycles sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This is the sixth year the company has shown impressive overall sales growth in its largest worldwide sales region. All three countries reached higher sales levels, with the United States at 9,674 units sold (up +10%) and northern neighbor Canada at 1,458 bikes (up +12%). Mexico, thanks to the addition of new exclusive Ducati dealers, experienced significant increases, with 1,003 motorcycles sold, a growth rate of more than 85%. Continue reading ‘In 2015 Ducati North America Exceeds Previous Sales Record With 12,132 Motorcycles Sold’
ShockStrap Ratchet That Can’t Fail And That Can’t be Over Tightened
Published by February 2nd, 2016 in Accessories.
ShockStrap released a new 18′ ShockStrap Ratchet Safety with 2 interesting features.
1) if a catastrophic accident happens and the ShockStrap breaks, the Safety Strap will keep the tie down tight and in place. 2) The Safety Strap also acts as a limiter so you won’t over-tighten and stress everything you are trying to secure. The commercial grade ratchet has an outside release for ease of use even with gloves on. It is bolted on so you can replace it in the future and keep your investment working.
The ShockStrap maintains constant pressure on the strap when hitting bumps or having side pressure applied to it. The manufacturer claims that you will not have to pull over every 50 miles or at a gas station to retighten the straps. Continue reading ‘ShockStrap Ratchet That Can’t Fail And That Can’t be Over Tightened’
Custom Harley-Davidson WLJ By Hard Nine Choppers
Published by February 1st, 2016 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Building and riding the wild custom bikes you build in Switzerland is not an easy gig. Cops know very well what you should never roll in the streets of the Helvetic Confederation. In Bern, the seat of the federal authorities, it doesn’t prevent Danny Schneider from Hard Nine Choppers to be very creative at taking old vintage parts to turn them into contraptions with a purpose which is not exactly what the bikes have been originally intended for.
All stories behind each of Schneider’s builds are unusual. In this case, he met at a local bike show a cousin he didn’t see during the previous 20 years. He found out that his relative was collecting and restoring old British cars and also owned 2 old bikes, one of them being a 1951 Harley WLJ. Schneider convinced his cousin to let him work on the Flatty and obtained from him the agreement of building whatever he wanted. A dream briefing for any custom builder… Continue reading ‘Custom Harley-Davidson WLJ By Hard Nine Choppers’
The New Victory Octane Model Is Coming February 19, 2016
Published by January 31st, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.On February 19, Victory Motorcycles will launch The Octane, a new modern “American Muscle” motorcycle. I can’t tell you more right now, but if you have read me attentively during the last 6 months and heard about the Project 156, then about the Ignition and Combustion custom bikes, you can guess what the new platform will be all about. A very short video teaser.
The XKürsion® luggage line has two all-new options that mount on virtually any motorcycle. The XTR1.5 and XTR4.0 Seat/Rack Bags both offer riders plenty of versatile features ideal for short getaways or the everyday commute.
XKürsion XTR1.5 Seat/Rack Bag The removable base pad provides a recessed mounting area that coordinates with the contours and widths of passenger seats or luggage racks. A wide, clamshell-style opening with weatherproof zippers offers easy access to the spacious main compartment. Two thermoformed side compartments provide additional packing space, while internal zippered and elastic pockets throughout the bag allow for personalized gear organization.
Padded electronics sleeves can accommodate up to a 10” tall x 8.25” wide tablet and other small devices. • Overall Dimensions: 14” wide x 12” deep x 12” tall. • Cubic Inches: 1,512 (main storage) • Mounts on most luggage racks, tour trunk luggage racks, and passenger seats with or without sissy bars. • P/N 5275, MSRP: $189.99
XKürsion XTR4.0 Seat/Rack Bag. The larger XTR4.0 also comes fully loaded with unique packing capabilities. Three thermoformed external compartments in addition to the 2,500-cubic-inch main storage area provide ample packing space. Five internal zippered pockets in the main storage space plus two padded electronics sleeves for tablets and cellphones in the rear thermoformed compartment keep smaller items safe, organized and easily accessible while on the road. Continue reading ‘XKürsion Seat And Rack Bags’
Fast Motorcycle Industry News
Published by January 30th, 2016 in Builders, Controls, Driveline and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson President And CEO Matt Levatich About Indian Motorcycle. During the 4th quarter earnings call on January 28, Matt Levatich, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, made the following statement in an interview with financial magazine The Street: “We respect Indian, they have sold motorcycles in the U.S. that didn’t exist a few years ago. Our belief is that some Harley-Davidson sales went to Indian, but every other bike manufacturer lost sales to Indian, too. This isn’t a one-shot deal. And Indian is only in the range of mid-single digit percentage market share, we are at 50%. This is not some sky is falling fear at all. It’s respect. It’s great for Harley-Davidson and the industry — it spurs us to raise our game. And guess what we are doing, we are raising our game. Bring it on. We don’t like to lose.”
Owner Of Erik Buell Racing Liquid Asset Partners Makes Parts Available To Buell Owners. Liquid Asset Partners is currently reviewing options for an individual, a company to acquire or finance the EBR motorcycle business to take it to the next level. At the same time, Liquid Assets Partners offers repair parts to the owners of the EBR RS, RX and SX models, as well as performance parts for previous Buell models that had been available from EBR
Danny Gray Seats Terminated Its Relation With Harley-Davidson. Danny Gray announced this week that it has terminated its 17 year relationship with Harley-Davidson and no longer supplies Harley’s custom seat program. The company has also announced that it has severed ties with industry giant, Tucker-Rocky. Dealers may continue to purchase their Danny Gray seats through Western Power Sports (WPS) and Drag Specialties.
Primo® Belt Drives Moved In Two New Locations. The company got started 43 years when the founders started to pull SU caburetors off British imports to graft them onto Harley motorcycles. During all these years Primo remained located in the same Whittier, CA area. The company moved on February 1st and is now serving its customers from two new facilities. A Los Angeles satellite location in Paramount, California housing the sales staff and some assembly. The new Headquarters, warehouse and production is now in a 70000 sq. ft. facility in Goleta (Santa Barbara County), California. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Man Breaks Solo Cannonball Motorcycle Record from Los Angeles to New York City in 38 hours, 49 minutes
Published by January 30th, 2016 in Editorial and Events.Carl Reese of Santa Clarita, California broke the solo cannonball motorcycle record from Los Angeles to New York City in 38 hours, 49 minutes. Reese completed the 2,829-mile feat on a 2015 BMW K 1600 GT six-cylinder motorcycle, breaking George Egloff’s previous record of 42 hours set in 1983. No one in history, with the exception of Erwin “Cannonball” Baker himself, has set as many cross-country records in such a short period than Reese and his team. Reese set six records in under seven months from April through October 2015, including the official Guinness World Record for the shortest charging time from Los Angeles to New York City in an electric vehicle. In October 2015, Reese and two other drivers set the first semi-autonomous driving record from Los Angeles to New York City in 57 hours, 48 minutes in a Tesla Model S P85D. Continue reading ‘Man Breaks Solo Cannonball Motorcycle Record from Los Angeles to New York City in 38 hours, 49 minutes’
New CHIZELED LO Handlebar For Harley-Davidson Road Glide Models
Published by January 29th, 2016 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
The new CHISELED LO Road Glide® Handlebar (P/N 55800568 Chrome, P/N 55800569 Gloss Black; $349.95) is a compact Z-bar features a low 9.0-inch rise and a flat drag-bar hand position that puts the rider in an aggressive, tucked-in posture. The 1.25-inch diameter handlebar replaces mitered and welded corners with strong, cast seamless 90° elbows that eliminate sharp internal bends. Continue reading ‘New CHIZELED LO Handlebar For Harley-Davidson Road Glide Models’
Former OCC Building To Be Auctioned March 9, 2016. Paul Teutul Sr Facing 1.4 Million Lawsuit.
Published by January 29th, 2016 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The well known property in the town of Newburgh, New York where Orange County Choppers was building its customized motorcycles will be auctioned on 3/9/2016 at 10:00 AM PST. Starting bid is $900,000 for all the real estate valued at 13 million.
OCC surrendered the building that holds its custom-made motorcycles in 2011 to its lender, which then sold it to a Dallas, Texas-based company. Paul Teutul Sr. says his company has leased the space and that the auction won’t impact its business.
A bankruptcy trustee representing a subsidiary of Orange County Choppers is suing the parent company and its owner, Paul Teutul Sr., to recover 1.4 million he says was fraudulently transferred from the subsidiary at the behest of and for the benefit of the defendants. Explanation of the lawsuit after the jump.
The OCC building sitting on approximately 1 acre of land is as famous as Paul Teutul Sr and Paul Teutul Jr who became instant celebrities when they were featured in 2002 in the TV reality show American Chopper on the Discovery Channel, continued in 2007 on sister channel TLC, to end on the CMT network in 2013. In one way this auction symbolizes the end of an era of TV (non)reality motorcycle shows supported by the public at large but intensely criticized by the majority of custom industry professionals.
The facts of the case go back to the mid-2000s, when the debtor, formerly called Orange County Choppers Merchandising and now called Hudson Valley Merchandising, licensed trademarks, copyrights, logos and likenesses of Orange County Choppers to various companies for merchandising items such as T-shirts, hats, party goods, cake decorations and other consumer products. At the time, the lawsuit says, Orange County Choppers, the Town of Newburgh-based builder of custom chopper-type motorcycles, owned 20 separate Choppers-styled entities. Continue reading ‘Former OCC Building To Be Auctioned March 9, 2016. Paul Teutul Sr Facing 1.4 Million Lawsuit.’
Harley-Davidson. Fourth Quarter And Full-Year 2015 Results. Profits Fall On Lower Sales.
Published by January 28th, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Throughout 2015, Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales were adversely affected by heightened competitive pressures including those arising from shifts in world currencies. Harley-Davidson Inc reported a 43.3 percent fall in quarterly profit, hurt by weak demand in the United States, its biggest market. The Milwaukee-based company said its net income fell to $42.2 million, 22 cents per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, from $74.5 million, or 35 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue slipped 2.3 percent to $1.01 billion.
Retail Motorcycle Sales Highlights: In the fourth quarter, Harley-Davidson’s U.S. market share was 51.4 percent in the 601cc-plus category, flat compared to the year ago period. “Our U.S. market share stabilized as we began to ramp up marketing investment, and as we lapped the initial impact of heightened competitiveness and price discounting that began late in the fourth quarter of 2014,” said Levatich.
Retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales are down in the US 3.4% in 4th quarter and 1,7% for full year 2015. Sales in Canada grew 12.3 percent in the quarter, following the company’s move to direct distribution in the market. The Asia Pacific region had its best year ever for dealer sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. For the full year 2015, worldwide Harley-Davidson sales were down 1.3%. But Harley remains number one in market share in the 601cc-plus segment in the U.S., Canada, Australia, India and Japan. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson. Fourth Quarter And Full-Year 2015 Results. Profits Fall On Lower Sales.’
Twin Power™ Introduces 34-Tooth Compensator Eliminator Sprocket For Harley Dyna
Published by January 28th, 2016 in Editorial.
Biker’s Choice is announcing the addition of a 34-Tooth Compensator Eliminator Sprocket to the Twin Power line. Twin Power is known for their high-quality parts and accessories designed for the Harley-Davidson® enthusiast.
The Compensator Eliminator Sprocket eliminates slipping, reduces noise, and improves the starting and starter life of the motorcycle. It reduces spinning weight by 4.8 lbs. and is designed to fit 07-15 Big Twin models and 2006 Dyna.
It has been machined from 4140 heat-treated steel and is made in the USA. This product does not require alternator rotor replacement. At your local Rocky/Biker’s Choice dealer or more info at Tucker Rocky.
Les Paul 100th Anniversary Commemorative Custom Chopper At International Motorcycle Shows® in Cleveland
Published by January 28th, 2016 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The Les Paul Foundation has announced an exhibition of the Les Paul 100th Anniversary Commemorative Custom Chopper built by Count’s Kustoms at this week’s Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) at Cleveland’s I-X Center beginning Friday, January 29th – Sunday, January 31st. Les Paul invented the solid-body electric guitar, multi-track recording and numerous other recording techniques. As an inventor Les was always creating from ordinary things he had in his studio or home. Continue reading ‘Les Paul 100th Anniversary Commemorative Custom Chopper At International Motorcycle Shows® in Cleveland’
Harley-Davidson Unveiled The Dyna Low Rider® S and the Harley-Davidson® CVO Pro Street Breakout® motorcycles
Published by January 27th, 2016 in Editorial.Today Wednesday January 27 at the X Games in Aspen, Harley-Davidson unveiled two powerful cruiser additions to its 2016 model-year lineup.
The new Low Rider S. The raw dark and trimmed to the essentials, is the most powerful non-CVO™ Dyna® cruiser ever offered by Harley-Davidson. The Screamin’ Eagle® Twin Cam 110™ engine, Screamin’ Eagle® Heavy Breather performance intake and Fat Bob-style 2-into-2 exhaust deliver 115 foot pounds of peak torque at 3500 rpm. Premium suspension and brakes complete the performance package. The new limited-edition bike joins the Fat Boy® S and Softail Slim® S models as the third in the new line of S series cruisers for the 2016 Harley-Davidson® lineup. The Low Rider S model joins the recently released Fat Boy® S and Softail Slim® S models as the third member of Harley-Davidson’s S Series cruiser lineup, bikes designed to deliver maximum performance with styling inspired by global custom motorcycle culture. Upgraded suspension and brakes complete the performance package of a motorcycle that’s stripped down and ready for action.
The new CVO Pro Street Breakout. Conceived to rewrite the factory-custom book with obsessive attention to styling detail, this limited-edition motorcycle has a new, darker look and utilizes cutting-edge finishes and textures. Menacing, muscular and steeped in drag racing attitude, the CVO Pro Street Breakout motorcycle matches the high-intensity performance of the Screaming’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine with a look that is pure American street machine. Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles are customized using premium components and exclusive paint treatments and surface finishes combined with numerous items from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. One new finish being introduced on the CVO Pro Street Breakout model is called Smoke Satin Chrome. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Unveiled The Dyna Low Rider® S and the Harley-Davidson® CVO Pro Street Breakout® motorcycles’
Collector’s Edition Jack Daniel’s Branded Indian Chief Vintage
Published by January 27th, 2016 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Indian Motorcycle®, America’s first motorcycle company has joined forces with the Jack Daniel Distillery to create a limited-run, collector’s-edition Jack Daniel’s-branded 2016 Indian® Chief® Vintage motorcycle. The partnership brings together two of America’s most iconic brands who share a mutual commitment to independence, originality and American craftsmanship that dates back more than a century. The collaboration commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery, which was registered in 1866.
The 2016 Collector’s Edition Jack Daniel’s Indian Chief Vintage is on display from January 23-31 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction. It will also make an appearance at a series of events throughout 2016, including Daytona Bike Week, taking place March 4-13. Ultimately, this first-in-the-series display bike will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Las Vegas, which takes place October 6-8. All monies raised from the charity auction will be donated to support “Operation Ride Home”, a partnership between the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA that provides funding and travel assistance to help junior-enlisted military personnel spend time with their families during the holiday season. Continue reading ‘Collector’s Edition Jack Daniel’s Branded Indian Chief Vintage’
A more minimalistic design on the 5-Spoke design intake and looking good on both modern and retro styled bikes. It includes a protective mesh screen and a set of breathers. Available in polished and black contrast machine finishes. For carburetors CV, S&S E or G, EFI. MSRP $433.04 (free shipping in continental US). Ken’s Factory USA.
Realizing the positive influence of custom motorcycles on a brand and model image and sales, most manufacturers now organize dealer build-off contests. The Scrambler is the most successful launch in many years for Italian Ducati. The original Scrambler was produced for the American market between 1962 until 1974, in versions between 250 and 450cc. The modern Scrambler, in 6 versions from 399cc to 803cc, is a great platform for customization and the custom featured here by Untitled Motorcycles (San Francisco & London) is a great example. Continue reading ‘Naked Ducati Scrambler’
Buffalo Chip $100,000 Pledge To Create Permanent Special Olympics Athlete Facility
Published by January 27th, 2016 in Editorial.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® and participants in its signature Legends Ride are teaming up in a special effort to help Special Olympics in the Black Hills area create a permanent athlete training facility. Buffalo Chip President Rod Woodruff has pledged $100,000 to a fundraising campaign effort by Black Hills Works and Special Olympics to renovate an existing facility in order to meet the growing needs of the organization.
The 127 Special Olympians who are members of the “Rapid City Flame” team have been training in various borrowed locations over the past few years but are now in need of a facility that will offer the team members a sense of permanence and accomplishment. For the past three years, Legends Ride contributions have been used to purchase a van to transport participants to practices and events; now the need for a facility is a priority.
“I couldn’t think of an organization more deserving of our help than Special Olympics,” said Rod Woodruff, Buffalo Chip President. “When the kids come to events, and we see how happy and proud they are to have the van we purchased, it is abundantly evident we are making a difference in their lives and in the Black Hills community. Now they need a place to train, a place where they can feel at home, and we are ready to step up and help them with that too.” Continue reading ‘Buffalo Chip $100,000 Pledge To Create Permanent Special Olympics Athlete Facility’
New Dimpled Brake and Shift Components By Covingtons Customs
Published by January 26th, 2016 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Jerry Covington just added new products to his existing line of custom Harley-Davidson accessories. He is now offering Dimpled Brake Arm and Shift Lever Assemblies for all H-D Touring Models.
The Brake Arm assembly includes the complete arm and pedal which replaces the stock pedal. The Shift Lever Assembly complements the “dimpled” style of the brake pedal. Matching Inner Lever and Shift Linkage are also available. All products are CNC machined from the highest grade billet aluminum with a streamlined, dimpled style.
Brake Arm Assembly fits ’08 to present. Shift Lever Assembly fits ’88 to present. Mounting Hardware is included. vailable in your choice of chrome or black finish. Brake Lever Assembly MSRP $389. Shift Lever MSRP $199.99 Made in the USA. Covington Customs 580-256-2939
Touring Edition™ 400 Watts Motorcycle Speaker System By UNiQ Cycle Sounds
Published by January 26th, 2016 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
UNiQ Cycle Sounds announces the Touring Edition™ motorcycle speaker system designed to give riding enthusiasts the superior sound quality and entertainment they desire. The Touring Edition™ features 400-watt Pioneer™ speakers rated for highway conditions along with built in FM radio, MP3 playback and Bluetooth® capable. Continue reading ‘Touring Edition™ 400 Watts Motorcycle Speaker System By UNiQ Cycle Sounds’
Polaris Reports 2015 Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results. For Full Year, Motorcycle Segment Sales Increased 67 Percent.
Published by January 26th, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Full year 2015 net income was $455.4 million, or $6.75 per diluted share, in-line with Company revised expectations. Sales for full year 2015 increased 5% year-over-year to $4,719.3 million. Excluding currency impacts, sales increased 9%. Polaris announced 2016 guidance reflecting continued currency market volatility and ongoing weak industry demand; expects full year 2016 net income to be in the range of $6.20 to $6.80 per diluted share, with sales in the range of down 2% to up 3% compared to 2015. Fourth quarter 2015 net income was $110.7 million, down 18% on 13% lower sales primarily due to weak retail sales in the North American oil and gas regions. All businesses increased market share in North America for 2015 despite a weak powersports industry. North American dealer inventory finished 2015 up 5%, in-line with Company guidance; ORV dealer inventory was down 4% year over year, lower than implied guidance.
Polaris motorcycle segment sales increased 67 percent compared to the prior year. North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment, including Victory®, Indian Motorcycle® and Slingshot®, was up low-single digits percent during the 2015 fourth quarter while the overall motorcycle industry retail sales, 900cc and above, declined high-single digits percent in the 2015 fourth quarter. During the 2015 fourth quarter, the Company began retailing its newest addition to the Indian Motorcycle® line-up, the new 2016 Indian® Scout Sixty™, which shares many elements of the award-winning Indian® Scout® released in 2014, but starting at a sub-$9,000 price point that brings industry-leading mid-sized performance within reach of every rider. Continue reading ‘Polaris Reports 2015 Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results. For Full Year, Motorcycle Segment Sales Increased 67 Percent.’
2016 Verona Motor Bike Expo. Custom Chrome Europe Bike Show Winners.
Published by January 25th, 2016 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Last weekend January 22-24, in Verona, the city where William Shakespeare located the tragedy of his Romeo and Juliet’s play, organizers Francesco Agnoletto and Paola Somma received a large part of the worldwide custom motorcycle industry on 7 halls for the 2016 edition of the Motor Bike Expo. One of the many highlights of this extremely popular event in the Custom Chrome Europe/Italian Championship Of Custom Building. A bike show competition where most competitors premiere their new creations. Below are the top winners. (photos@ H. Roesler for C. Huze)
Indian Motorcycles Special Award
V-Twin Garage. Indian Scout Tomahawk. Charly Abraham, Dominique Mariaulle
Victory Motorcycles Special Award
Patrick Meyer PM Springer, “Hammer 8-Ball”, Patrick Meyer Performance
Class Championship
1. Juri Shif Motorcycles. Ducky
2. Inglorious Bastard Motorcycles. Full Metal BMW
3. PLAN B Motorcycles. Full-faired HD Drag Racer
Class Jammer Old School
1. PDF Motociclettes. Big Kahuna
2. Radikal Choppers. Knucklehead
3. Hard Nine Choppers. 1951 WLJ. Danny Schneider
There is more! 6 More Winners After The Jump. Continue reading ‘2016 Verona Motor Bike Expo. Custom Chrome Europe Bike Show Winners.’
Motorcycle Riding Humanoid Wants To Race Faster Than Any Racer
Published by January 24th, 2016 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.
“I was created to surpass you” says the MotoBot. At the Las Vegas CES, the yearly world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, Yamaha unveiled its latest R&D tool to improve the performance of its motorcycles. The motorcycle-riding robot is challenging the best racers to set new speed records. For example, can the MotoBot beat the lap times of an exceptional champion like Valentino Rossi? Can GPS, CPU’s, sensors, etc calculate new dynamics and surpass the brain capabilities of racing champions accustomed to hair-raising flirts with the upper limit of speed and edge of physics?
The MotoBot is able to operate the six basic functions of a motorcycle: throttling, steering, clutching, gear shifting, front and rear braking. The robot’s brain autonomously calculates the right speed, optimal rpm, lean angle, acceleration, best lines to take around a track. For now, maximum speed is only about 60 mph (100 km/h), but when this humanoid will reach and surpass champions’ speed Yamaha expects to be able to find new ways to improve its motorcycles. So, humans learning from a robot or the opposite?
“The individual activity of one man with backbone will do more than a thousand men with a mere wishbone.”
William J.H. Boetcker
