Published by Cyril Huze December 22nd, 2015
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
The day has arrived and you are ready to order the new engine that you have been wanting. S&S Cycle tells you that you should begin planning the installation when you order your engine. Here are several things to check during installation that are often overlooked.
1- When ordering the new engine it is wise to order replacements for any questionable parts. If the battery cables, throttle cables, oil lines, primary chain, spark plugs, etc. are old and worn, order replacements when you order the engine. This will save you down time.
2- Once you have removed your old engine it is time to prep the rest of the chassis. Replace any worn motor mounts in rubber mount chassis. Remove the oil tank and oil lines (if tank is removable from chassis) and flush thoroughly. If the tank is not removable flush it in place. This step is often overlooked and leftover debris is drawn into the new engine the first time it is fired, this debris can cause premature wear or damage. Also remove any paint or powder coat from the motor mounts. If the mount is not clean the paint will wear away over time causing the engine to be loose in the frame. Continue reading ‘Installing Your New Engine. The Recommendations Of S&S Cycle.’
Published by Cyril Huze December 22nd, 2015
in Editorial and Events.
Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally, Inc. (SMRi), official stewards of the Sturgis® brand, have announced that they have donated $50,000 to Sturgis® Rally Charities Foundation, $20,000 to the Sturgis® Rally Community Development Fund and $5,000 to Sturgis Community Preschool for 2015. The monies donated to Sturgis® Rally Charities Foundation will in turn be distributed to local charities in and around the Sturgis and Black Hills community. This is the fifth year in a row SMRi has made such a contribution, all of which have been made possible by community-supported official licensing agreements that SMRi manages for the Sturgis® brands. These donations come in the wake of SMRi’s overwhelming victory in court against Rushmore Photo and Gifts and WalMart over illegal sales of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally® counterfeit-themed goods. Continue reading ‘Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally, Inc., Donates $75,000 to Sturgis-Area Charities After Lengthy Lawsuit’
Published by Cyril Huze December 22nd, 2015
in Builders and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze December 21st, 2015
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze December 20th, 2015
in Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze December 20th, 2015
in Editorial and Events.
RIP Dealernews. UBM Advanstar, an event and marketing services, announced the cessation of Dealernews both in print, online and across all social media as of December 23, 2015. Dealernews was created in 1965 and celebrated its 50th anniversary last June. It was known for being the B2B Dealer Expo organizer – also shut down in December 2014 – and one of the voices of the powersports industry to motorcycle dealers in the US. Continue reading ‘Dealernews To Shut Down December 23, 2015’
Published by Cyril Huze December 19th, 2015
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze December 19th, 2015
in Builders and Events.
All HOG members Now Get Unlimited Admission, VIP Access To Harley-Davidson Museum. The Harley-Davidson Museum is swinging its doors wide open to all Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members around the world by adding unlimited admission and VIP access to more than 112 years of Harley-Davidson history to its package of exclusive membership benefits. Beginning this month, all Full, Life and Associate H.O.G. members will be treated to complimentary admission to the museum any time they visit simply by showing their membership card at the door. H.O.G. members will also enjoy exclusive members-only access to programs and benefits at the museum and online.
American Motorcyclist Association Updates Minimum Age In Motocross For 2017. The rules change was created through AMA Congress and approved by the AMA Board of Directors. This rule will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. The minimum age for amateur riders is 12. In motocross events, a rider must be 14 or older to ride a 250cc 4-stroke/2-stroke motorcycle. In motocross events, a rider must be 16 or older to ride a 450cc or above motorcycle. Example: A racer who is 13 years old on the day of the event is not permitted to compete on 250cc model motorcycle. A racer that is 15 years old on the day of the event is not permitted to compete on a 450cc model motorcycle.
Pikes Peak Hill Institutes Rule Change For Motorcycles. 2016 will be the 100th anniversary of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a controversial rule change for motorcycles. The board of directors decided that “Only Original Vehicle Manufacturer one-piece handlebars will be permitted. This Rule does not apply to bikes in the Pikes Peak Challenge Sidecar Class.” Practically, it means that means that sport bikes bikes with clip-on-type bars, like the Honda CBR1000RR and Kawasaki ZX-10R – the two motorcycles that won the motorcycle division in 2015 and 2014, respectively – will no longer be able to race. The reason behind this decision may be the deadly accidents of these last years. But many former Pikes Peak participants disagree and think that the way to improve safety is to let participants spend more time training on the mountain with more practice sessions, something difficult to provide to racers because the road is public and can’t be closed long enough to accommodate all participants. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Published by Cyril Huze December 18th, 2015
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
British Customs sells custom packages to make your Triumph your own. Mule Motorcycles is the shop of Street Tracker expert Richard Pollock, famous not only for his full custom bikes but also for the uber quality of his custom designed parts.
Using a 2015 Bonneville T100 as a platform, the result of a collaboration on design and parts is this BC X Mule Tracker Classic mimicking some of the major features of the 60’s Triumph Factory Flat Track racers. Engine was rebuilt with performance tweaks, to provide a big edge on the streets or on the track. Mule Tri-Oil Cooler Kit, 2 into 2 tracker exhaust, 7/8 Mule bars and a custom parts package kit sold online by British Customs.
Published by Cyril Huze December 18th, 2015
in Editorial.
You communicate all day long at work and at home. I communicate with you and occasionally you communicate with me and to other readers via the Comments section. Osmo Wiio is a Finnish researcher of human communication. He has studied, among other things, readability of texts, organizations and communication within them, and the general theory of communication. His laws of communication are the human communications equivalent of Murphy’s Laws. I hope that like me you will enjoy reading them. They are so true.
- If communication can fail, it will.
- If a message can be understood in different ways, it will be understood in just that way which does the most harm.
- There is always somebody who knows better than you what you meant by your message.
- The more communication there is, the more difficult it is for communication to succeed.
And I particularly like his observation that anytime there are two people conversing, there are actually six people in the conversation:
- Who you think you are
- Who you think the other person is
- Who you think the other person thinks you are
- Who the other person thinks he/she is
- Who the other person thinks you are
- Who the other person thinks you think he/she is If you find this interesting, you can read more about Oslo and his theories on communication.
Published by Cyril Huze December 17th, 2015
in Accessories and Editorial.
The Rushmore Street Glide Mount positions virtually any electronic device within the riders’ field of vision for added safety while maintaining the sleek, unobtrusive lines of the redesigned Harley-Davidson batwing fairing. A companion to the popular Street Glide Mount for ’13 & older batwing fairing models, the Rushmore Street Glide Mountis CNC-machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and features a blend of AMPS-approved device mounting patterns that allow it to be used with nearly any electronic device as well as an adjustable base to set proper device angle (Android OS smartphones, Apple iPhone, Apple iPod / Apple iPod Touch, Dynojet Power Vision • Garmin GPS • Samsung Galaxy • TomTom GPS) Continue reading ‘Harley Street Glide Mount For Your Electronic Device’
Published by Cyril Huze December 17th, 2015
in Builders and Editorial.
Take the best of Triumph (its 650 cc parallel-twin or Bonneville engine) and install it in a Norton Featherbed frame reputed for its racing performance. It’s the way in the 60’s the Triton (contraction of Triumph & Norton) was born. The combination required to adapt the engine mounting plates to the frame and since there were several ways to do it, each builder was choosing its preferred position for looks and handling. Keeping the Norton suspension and brakes and adding Cafe Racer accessories (clip-ons, solo seat, rear sets, upswept pipes) made the hybrid Triton one of the best motorcycles of the time and still remains an influence to this day.
Published by Cyril Huze December 17th, 2015
in Editorial.
Shame of me for never having published some work of Will Ryman, one of my favorite artists that I discovered while in New York City through his public sculpture installations usually incorporating plaster, paper, tubing, stainless steel, paper, copper and brass.
The sculpture you see here is built out of Bounty paper towels (about 20 rolls), reinforced with resin and glue and is a faithful reproduction of the Easy Rider bike down to some very intricate details. It was unveiled and is on display at the Shelburne Hotel bar.
I recommend you visit Will Ryman website and at least look at his Cadillac sculpture.
Published by Cyril Huze December 16th, 2015
in Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze December 16th, 2015
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
They were believed to have been destroyed, but earlier this year, eight long-lost Brough Superior Motorcycles were discovered in a Cornish village (Cornwall is the most southwesterly part of the United Kingdom.) Unveiled for the first time in more than 50 years, ‘The ‘Broughs of Bodmin Moor’ will be offered at by Bonhams in Stafford, UK on 24 April 2016. The 8 Brough Superior were stored in barns for more than 50 years. They were discovered whole, in parts, and some were partially submerged under decades of dust, old machinery parts and household clutter.
“This is one of the greatest motorcycle discoveries of recent times,” said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams “Collector Motorcycle Department. “A lot of mystery surrounds these motorcycles, as very few people knew that they still existed, many believing them to be an urban myth. There was a theory that they still existed somewhere in the West Country, but few knew where, until now. This is the last known collection of unrestored Brough Superiors; there will not be another opportunity like this. Only eight four-cylinder machines were built, and the example in this collection is the final one to be re-discovered.”
The late-vendor, Mr. Frank Vague, was an avid member of the Brough Superior Club. He acquired the majority of the collection in the early 1960. They’ve since remained unused for some 50 years.Brough Superior motorcycles are incredibly rare, powerful machines of the pre-war era. Dubbed the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles, they’re famed as the bike of choice for aficionados such as the playwright George Bernard Shaw, and T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia, owner of eight models. Continue reading ‘Eight Long-Lost Brough Superior Discovered. Offered At Bonhams Sale On April 24, 2016’
Published by Cyril Huze December 16th, 2015
in Customs and Editorial.
Action-sports helmet industry leaders, BRG Sports (parent company of Bell Helmets) and 360-degree camera innovators 360fly announced a formal partnership to develop a line of advanced helmets, featuring 4k single-lens 360-degree video capture technology. Plans are to unveil a full line of working prototypes in early January at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Whether tearing up the dirt or cruising the open road, until now consumers are forced to mount action cameras to helmets utilizing external mounting accessories and wait until they are at their PCs to download, edit and share footage. With the new smart helmets, users will simply activate the helmet’s integrated single-lens 360-degree camera to capture footage, and use 360fly’s proprietary mobile app to instantly edit and share the immersive high-definition 360-degree footage they capture. Continue reading ‘Coming Soon. Smart Helmets With Single Lens 360-Degree Video Capture Technology.’
Published by Cyril Huze December 16th, 2015
in Editorial and Events.
The Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration Day on August 11, 2016 will be a patriotic celebration and opportunity for folks to meet and honor some of the men and women who have made great personal sacrifices in the line of duty as they protected our freedom and country. The headliners chosen to perform at the Chip will embody America and its core values. One of them chosen by the Buffalo Chip is arguably one of the most successful female singer-songwriter in country music today – Miranda Lambert. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration On August 11. 2016 To Feature Miranda Lambert Performing On Wolfman Jack Stage’
Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2015
in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Another mufflers option for your Harley Touring bike from S&S Cycle, the engine maker with proven performance.
The S&S Power Tune™ 4” Race/Tour mufflers with billet end caps for 1995-later Harley-Davidson® touring models are now available with Power Band or Power Thruster end caps, in chrome or black ceramic coated mufflers!
S&S Marketing Manager, Patrick Garvin explains. “We’ve created a high performance 4″ muffler with a removable baffle allowing the user to choose between two unique sound levels”.
The S&S Power Tune mufflers uncork the true sound of your Bagger and can be set up for a deep but mellow growl or more wide open and aggressive rumble. For more information, contact your S&S customer service representative or go to S&S Cycle Power Tune Exhaust www.sscycle.com/power-tune-exhaust. (Not legal for sale or use on CA or EPA pollution controlled motorcycles originally equipped with mufflers containing a catalyst)
Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2015
in Builders, Events and Legal.
The Erik Buell saga has a new episode. The sale of Erik Buell Racing Assets has been denied by a judge to the only bidder, liquidator Liquid Assets Partners who made a $1.6 million offer. In a surprise announcement in April 2015 Erik Buell Racing (EBR) informed its 130 employees that the company was stopping all its operations. During a Wisconsin court proceeding equivalent to a bankruptcy court in other US states, India company Hero Motocorp – owner of 43% of EBR’s shares, acquired EBR’s consulting business for $2.8 million. Then in August, an auction was organized to sell all EBR’s intangible and tangible assets (machinery, tooling motorcycles, and parts) and accounts receivable.
As I reported here on November 19th, Atlantic Metals Group, LLC from New Jersey led by Bruce Belfer acquired at auction for $2.5 million all Buell’s manufacturing assets and was required to close the deal before September 30. But Belfer failed to secure financing by the agreed deadline and consequently EBR assets were back for a second auction on December 10 with Belfer still stating that he was ready to bid again to acquire all Buell manufacturing assets. Continue reading ‘Judge Declines A New Offer To Buy Erik Buell Racing Manufacturing Assets’
Published by Cyril Huze December 15th, 2015
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last weekend at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City, Indian Motorcycle announced its continuing sponsorship of the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis for 2016 and is, in fact, expanding its level of sponsorship this year. A veteran from the inaugural event was surprised to receive the gift of a customized Indian Scout by the Veterans Charity Ride and Champion Sidecars & Trikes. Veteran Marine Sean Carroll, wounded in the first Iraq war, participated in the 2015 ride and was positively affected by the motorcycle therapy provided by the ride.
“While serving in Iraq in 2004, 21-year old Sean was gravely injured from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), resulting in the loss of his right leg and several fingers. Injuries such as this can take years to recover from. We wanted to do something special for Sean, giving him back a part of his life and his love of motorcycles,” says Dave Frey, founder of the Veterans Charity Ride and producer at Full Vision Productions. “Veterans Charity Ride and our supporters were so moved by his story, and seeing the results of the inaugural ride, we donated the money to purchase a new Indian Scout for Sean. We contacted Champion Sidecars & Trikes, who had donated the sidecars that Sean rode in, and they were immediately onboard with providing the first prototype trike kit for the new Indian Scout so that Sean could ride a motorcycle again.” Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle And Champion Trikes Donate Custom Indian Scout To Wounded Marine’
Published by Cyril Huze December 14th, 2015
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Daryl Villanueva, the Bandit Chief at Bandit 9, doesn’t believe in the traditional custom motorcycle shop model. Or at least considers that what he likes to create – an evolution of older models to the jet age future – put his work in a unique category that can’t be defined, except by himself… As he explained to me : “Automotive design isn’t what it used to be. What I see on the streets today is lifeless. If you look back 60 years ago, during the Jet Age, it was a time when cars, trains and planes symbolized progress. A time when designers and engineers took creative and mechanical risks. We went to the moon, we broke the sound barrier. We made history…”
The custom motorcycle featured here and named AVA is based on a Honda Supersport 125cc. It’s not what is important or remakable. The bike is a brand new work built to try to revive the spirit and momentum of the Jet Age. Don’t be mistaken, yes it can be ridden although Daryl is perfectly aware that most of his clients display his bikes in their living room, office, gallery, shop etc where they can be admired for their flawless design and superb craftsmanship. Only nine people will own this model available for a the price of $10,950, shipping included and delivered to your door wherever you live in the world!
Daryl thinks of the next design while working on the next 8 production units, growing his business while staying fully focused on creativity. He doesn’t believe in “one-off” motorcycles and will not even entertain any special request because the back and forth with a client is a distraction taking time away from focusing on design. For the same reason, he doesn’t intend to print and sell stickers or tee-shirts, He even turned down an offer for a Motorcycle Art Cafe. It doesn’t mean he is not looking for diversification, but it will centered on automotive design and for this purpose he is building a brand new large operation. But it’s still a secret he wants to keep…
AVA is a steel unibody form with no rupture of lines between gas tank, seat and rear cowl. An exercise in design and fabrication much more difficult to execute than one can think. No machine help to do this. Just time and pure talent. To be noticed, the very special “deer leg” shaped swingarm, apparently looking fragile, but as a matter of fact conceived thanks to it’s bend. Daryl created it pouring molten steel onto a sand cast mold. Continue reading ‘Jet Age Motorcycle Futurism By Bandit 9’
Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2015
in Accessories, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze December 13th, 2015
in Editorial.
That you have been there or not, you all know that the women of Saudi Arabia are not authorized to take the wheel. But in a new video game, they ride motorcycles as they race through destroyed and corrupted lands.
The smartphone game called “Saudi Girls Revolution” (SGR) was created by His Highness Prince Fahad Al-Saud, the grandson of the Saudi Arabia king’s brother. He’s got an occidental culture, studied at Stanford University, worked at Facebook on the launch of the Arabic version and has lived in Los Angeles and London and has founded several companies including NA3M Games, the company behind “Saudi Girls Revolution” Continue reading ‘A Saudi Prince Has Women Racing Motorcycles’
Published by Cyril Huze December 12th, 2015
in Builders, Customs and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze December 12th, 2015
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
The Metzeler calendar has always been a cult object for collectors. This year for the first time, the tire brand has decided to make it accessible to anyone.
The 23rd edition is titled “Take The Road” and is a tribute to the presence of motorcycling in the ‘flicks’.
According to tradition, it has two versions: The Classics in black & white with images of films that have shaped the history of cinema, and The Contemporary in color with photographs taken during the filming of movies that have participated in the three editions of the Motorcycle Film Festival.
Since the dawn of the movies, the motorcycle has played a prominent role in cinematic tales, bringing fun, freedom, thrills, adventure, rebellion, and style to the world from the silver screen. On one hand images of historical films, on the other modern films that come from the Motorcycle Film Festival. An innovative way to remind all the motorcyclists that any motorcycle trip can become a cinematic event.
Thanks to the exclusive partnership of Metzeler with Ace Cafe London the 2016 Metzeler calendar will be available to purchase, subject to the availability of one hundred copies. Go to Ace Cafe Products.
Published by Cyril Huze December 11th, 2015
in Builders and Customs.
You already know that Victory Motorcycles wants to position its brand as the “Modern American Muscle Brand”. For this objective, Victory already unveiled last month in Milan at the EICMA Show a concept bike called “Ignition” by Urs Erbacher of Switzerland propelled by a production-intent engine that will power a new model Victory Motorcycle to be revealed in 2016. The Engine is a 1200cc liquid cooled 60 degree V-Twin design with four valves per cylinder that will deliver the kind of engine performance enthusiast riders find exhilarating. The final installment of Victory’s 1200cc concept series was unveiled at the Unions Garage in Brooklyn, NY just prior to its public showing at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City. The new concept bike build by Zach Ness and called “Combustion” is powered by the production version of the engine.
“This new engine platform offers the most versatility in American Motorcycling.” says Motorcycle Product Director Gary Gray. “Both concepts, Ignition and Combustion, are intended to show what this motor is capable of in very distinct, visual forms. While the bikes are very different, the powertrain is capable of delivering the performance required of the look in both cases.” Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles Reveals “Combustion” By Zach Ness. A Concept Victory With Newest Production Engine.’
The MIC’s latest Motorcycle Owner Survey found that women account for 14 percent of all U.S. motorcycle and scooter owners, well up from the 8% reported in 1998. In fact, the number of female owners better than doubled from 2003 to 2014. And, among the more than 30 million Americans who swung a leg over a motorcycle and rode at least one time in 2014, 25% of these riders were women.” Proof that motorcycling is for anyone and that’s being recognized by younger generations and minorities.
Cruisers are the choice of 34 percent of female riders. Scooters rank a close second at 33 percent, followed by sport bikes at 10 percent. The study revealed that female riders are safety-conscious. While 60 percent of women took a motorcycle safety course, only 42 percent of men had any formal training. In some states motorcycle safety training programs, women make up 30 percent of the student population. 
