The competition is called “Project Scout. Build A Legend” The program gives select dealers a high-profile forum to showcase their passion for Indian Motorcycle and their team’s talent by building a custom Indian® Scout®. There are no rules or restrictions on bike theme, cost or build style, although entrants must utilize a 2016 Indian Scout model and a minimum of three genuine Indian Scout accessories from the current catalog of more than 200 items. The Indian Scout custom build program was open to Indian Motorcycle dealers from around the world on a first-come, first-served basis. The forty dealers in competition will have 90 days to complete their Scout project. The winner will be voted by fans on social media and will be revealed during a Daytona Bike Week party.
“The Indian Scout has long been a favorite platform for custom builders, and the 2016 Scout continues that heritage with class-leading power and handling upon which customizers can build their ultimate vision,” said Indian Motorcycle Marketing Director Scott Meek. “Through this program we are giving our dealers around the world a global stage from which to demonstrate their creativity, and ultimately to write a new chapter in the legendary history of the Indian Scout.”
From now through January 15, 2016 each participating dealer will submit monthly photos reflecting their progress toward completion, which Indian Motorcycle will regularly highlight on its social media channels. Beginning on January 18, final custom build photos will begin being published and shared on the Indian Motorcycle website and social media channels and Indian Motorcycle fans will be allowed to vote for their favorites. This fan voting will continue through February 19, and on February 20 the top three finalists will be announced. Continue reading ’40 Indian Motorcycle Dealers To Compete To Build The Best Custom Scout’
You can take your Sportster’s clutch to a new level with the installation of Belt Drives Ltd’s new CC-140-BB Competitor Clutch conversion.
The 140 series was developed exclusively for stock 1991 and later Sportster clutch baskets. BDL’s patented Ball Bearing Lockup Clutch will significantly lighten pull at the lever while providing smooth, slip free lock up. Each unit incorporates a designated number of steel ball bearings set in a model specific diaphragm assembly. Conversion is a straightforward install, replacing the factory pressure plate, springs and hub.
The kit as pictured retails for just $444.00. Belt Drives LTD performance upgrades and components make living with stock and high horsepower, big torque engines easier and more reliable. For complete details visit your local BDL dealer or visit Belt Drives Ltd.
America’s Queen of Speed Valerie Thompson is combining forces with Star Racing and Chris Rivas for 2016 NHRA season. A Seven-time land speed record holder, she plans to compete for a full season of NHRA drag racing next year with a Star Racing built Pro Stock Motorcycle as an independent team owner and driver. Thompson will also continue seeking new land speed racing records with her team’s BMW S 1000 RR at select events in 2016.
“Chris Rivas has been successful in drag racing while setting new land speed records. As a crew chief, he will be one of my biggest assets. He understands the difference between quarter-mile and land speed racing, so he can help our team with everything from bike set-up to my riding technique as I transition back to drag racing,” said Thompson.
Thompson formed her own land speed racing team in 2012 and recorded a personal best top speed of 217 mph at the 2014 Texas Mile. This year, Thompson became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK BMW Motorrad and is now a member of six-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, including the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club.
The 2016 NHRA schedule includes 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events with the first scheduled for March 17 – 20 at the Gator Nationals in Gainesville Florida.
Twenty five years ago, who could have imagined that the Japanese way of customizing v-twin motorcycles would strongly influence the worldwide custom motorcycle scene? Zero engineering, established in 1992 in Okazaki, Japan can be credited for exporting throughout the world their uncompromising style, beauty and details. A vintage style with minimum parts, little or no chrome, on bikes set up low to the ground, most of the time built on a rigid gooseneck frame with a Springer front end, usually featuring a small gas tank, and a pair of fat tires (4.50 to 5” wide) on wheels rarely exceeding 18” in the front and 16” in the rear.
The “Zero Samurai” style has been nicely re-interpreted by some custom builders, but has never been successfully duplicated as a production bike. The reason is manufacturing cost. Zero Engineering is backed by owner PLOT, one of the largest names in the motorcycle industry in Japan, who has invested 2 years of research and development to create the models 5, 6 and 9, this one featuring a very unique and reliable patented 4-link rear suspension system. Continue reading ‘Samurai Style Harleys Made In Switzerland By Bächli Harley-Heaven’
The RCX Hellbenders are the newest system added to the RCX Exhaust product line. This 2-into2 header system features interesting engineering and design. Unlike anything you’ve seen on the market today it offers smooth radius bends that are surrounded by 2.5″ heat shields that flow into two 3.0” mufflers,
The RCX Hellbenders are available with your choice of multiple tip designs and each header system is available in a chrome or ceramic black finish. All necessary hardware is included for an easy installation and is equipped to accept both wide and narrow band oxygen sensors for 2009-2016 HD Touring models (except HD Trike models). Proudly made in the USA. Competitive MSRP: $1195.00. Hear them in the video below.
Every Davida helmet, whether its a Jet, Ninety 2, Speedster or Classic, in every one of the 100 different Davida Colors, can now be fitted with our new beautifully rich Nut Brown leather lining. Davidas luxurious fully leather lined helmets use only the best aniline through dyed leather hides. Using aniline through dyed leather means the dye color is carried completely through all layers of the hide and not just on the surface. The leather will never fade, never lose its color and being a natural product will only improve with age. Davida New Rich Nut Brown Leather Helmet Interiors
In 2008, entrepreneur Start Garner bought legendary British motorcycle manufacturer Norton. Buying norton took only 4 days from decision to deal completion. Garner got all the bike parts, 4 prototype bikes and all intellectual property rights. Reportly for a price in the single millions from a group of Americans (Norton had 3 different owners between 2002 and 2006.) Using past plans, Head of Design and Executive Director Simon Skinner designed a prototype which went on sale to great acclaim in 2009. But there was not enough money to go into manufacturing until 2011 when Santander Bank eventually lent Norton £650,000 under the “Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee” program. Norton was able to build a workforce of about 60 and states that in the next 12 months it will manufacture close to 1,000 bikes at a retail price of £10,000 to £15,000. Last July UK Chancellor George Osborne announced a £4 million of government funding to support 600 new jobs for Norton. Thanks to a product placement a Norton Dominator SS can be seen in the just released new James Bond movie, Spectre. So, is the rebirth of iconic Norton on solid ground? Below a short video for those who don’t know well the history of this iconic British motorcycle brand.
METZELER confirms its heritage by adding vintage and classic tires along with the new SPORTEC™ Klassik to its North American product range, blending a timeless look and modern performance. METZELER, on the road since 1892, re-introduces key tire lines for owners of classic and vintage motorcycles in North America. New this year, the SPORTEC™ Klassik tire gives motorcyclists the vintage look they want, with modern performance thanks to METZELER’s advanced tire technology. The product line includes:
THE SPORTEC™ Klassik. If you’re looking for a ‘new’ great handling and performing tire for your 80s restoration project look right here. Newly launched in 2015, the SPORTEC™ Klassik tire introduces fantastic cornering with great line stability and feedback for the riders. Available only in metric sizes, the tire features a tread pattern loosely based on the ME22, now with modern compounds and materials.
THE LASERTEC™. It has a classic look plus proven technology, with excellent handling, improved feel, effective water evacuation and balanced riding behavior thanks to METZELER’s “Multiple Radius Contour Design” of the carcass and tread pattern. The high silica content provides excellent adhesion and braking stability. The LASERTEC™ size range offers riders of bikes with bias ply tires from the 70s even to the 90s the perfect blend of performance and mileage.
The Perfect ME 11 Front is a great METZELER tire option for restoration projects. It features a classic rib front tread pattern that was the norm in the 60s and 70s and is popular again. This tire offers reliable cornering with great straight line stability and easy handling. Available in a tubeless design and can be used with a METZELER tube on a tube type rim. This Perfect ME 11 can be matched up with either a Perfect ME 77 or Block C rear tire. Continue reading ‘The METZELER Heritage Range’
It’s no secret that the salt levels at Bonneville are being rapidly depleted through mineral mining in the area. Brian Darwas wanted to show the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into not only building a car for Speedwell, but the lengths the drivers go to to get their cars out to the salt flats each year. Maybe if more people could get a peek inside this world and see what it means to all those involved, more people would be inclined do what they can to help solve this natural wonder called the Bonneville Salts. Below thetTrailer to the film THREE MILE featuring Ken Schmidt and Keith Cornell of The Rolling Bones. You can buy the full DVD (Christmas gift anyone?) approx. 60 mins. with over 30 mins. of Special Features $25.00 by going to Atomic Hot Rods.
Rebuilt by Tony Prust, owner of Analog Motorcycles, this Harley Street 750 looks to me like the type of rugged scrambler that a hipster would love to ride in the city during the week and on country roads during the weekend. The tech sheet below and labor time will probably put the affordable H-D 750 starter model in the cost category of a top Sportster. Looks great, but it may be expensive to look so authentic for the difficult journey to the office or to the country house.
Victory® baggers sport long gas tanks with smooth-flowing body lines, and the all-new Tank Speed Lines from Küryakyn® flaunt the curves to perfection. These distinct accents bring dimensional depth to the tank’s concave sides, enhancing the streamlined profile for a sleek “speed line” effect. Designed to coordinate with the factory chrome trim and the entire line of Küryakyn accents for Victory, this four-piece kit includes separate upper and lower accents (two per side) that easily apply with high-strength 3M® VHB™ adhesive. Continue reading ‘Tank Speed Lines For Victory Baggers’
The entire lineup of existing Indian® Scout® Accessories can be used on the Scout® Sixty along with new model-designed accessories that match the blacked-out frame, further complementing the riding experience. Each accessory produced is only sold after rigorous development and testing equivalent to that done on the production motorcycles. They come with a warranty when installed by a certified Indian Motorcycle® dealer. A few of them.
Machined Front Wheel. $299.99 US-$389.99 CAN. It features a stylish design, dynamic contrast between the machined and black powder coated surfaces, and outstanding performance. Pair it with the Machined Rear Wheel sold separately). Black Cast Aluminum with machined highlights. Dimensions: 16” x 3.5” wheel. Fitment: MY15-16 Indian® Scout®. Kit Includes: Wheel, inner tube, valve stem & installation instructions. Installation: Installs in place of stock front wheel. Warranty: Standard 2 years. Machined Rear Wheel (Not Shown) Dimensions: 16” x 5” wheel. Kit Includes: Wheel, inner tube, valve stem & installation instructions. Installation: Installs in place of stock rear wheel. Warranty: Standard 2 years
Performance Shocks By FOX®. These Indian® Scout® Street Performance Shocks are tuned specifically for the Scout® to optimize the bike’s high-performance ride and handling. They have a gas-charged mono-tube with internal floating piston (IFP). They provide a rider wide-range rebound adjustability and the coil spring offers preload adjustability. They have advanced high-flow, deflective disk, velocity sensitive damping, and are fully rebuildable and revalveable. Fitment: MY 2015-2016 Indian Scout. Kit Includes: Two Street Performance Shocks, Spanner Wrench & Instructions. Installation: Shocks install in place of stock shocks using stock fasteners.
1920 Solo Saddle Seat. $369.99 US-$494.99 CAN. This 1920 Solo Saddle is a modern version of the classic original Scout seats of yesteryear. It is mounted on a strong forged aluminum base that provides the rider with a firm, stable, and comfortable perch. It is topped with comfortable foam and covered by Genuine Black Leather. Black. Kit Includes: Seat and mounting hardware. Installation: Easy bolt on base that secures the Solo seat. Battery fender cover. Hardware and instructions included. Warranty: Standard 2 Years.
Bronze Style. You can enhance the bronze custom treatment of an Indian® Scout® with matching bronze accessories. The powder coated bronze finish will give your bike subtle yet stylish accents. You can buy the full Bronze kit $424.99 $579.99 (save 15% US / 13% CAN) or individually. 2881328-156 Head Light Bucket $89.99 $119.99. 2880910-156 Clutch & Brake Levers $149.99 $194.99. 2881186-156 Rear Fender Washers $39.99 $55.99. 2881185-156 Primary Engine Badge $69.99 $94.99 2881184-156 Exhaust End Caps $99.99 $129.99. 2881188-156 Clutch Arm Cover $69.99 $94.99 2881187 Rear Seat Fender Bolt Chrome Style Kit. Chrome accessories. Chrome Style Kit $499.99 $672.99 CAN. Purchase as a kit & save 11% US / 10% CAN. Continue reading ‘Indian Scout® Sixty Accessories’
Precision Billet rolls out a new line of custom grips. They leave room for customization by allowing the customer to choose the end cap inlay. The initial launch includes the Darkside, Bad Axe and Exotic with 48 more edition to follow in late Spring. Each of the bagger grips will be wrapped in a top-quality black leather and offset white stitching or stepped up to the super stealthy Knurled ring and carbon finish. The Knurled ring and carbon option wraps are made up of 21 individual pieces per set and were designed for Paul Tracy’s award winning bike. Continue reading ‘New Grips Collection By Precision Billet’
Black Hills area high school students are invited to apply for a position in the prestigious Buffalo Chip Challenge 2016 custom motorcycle build program with a chance at $8,500 in scholarships. Students accepted will learn valuable mechanical skills and customization techniques through hands-on instruction from industry professionals at Dakota V-Twin and Baggster, both in Spearfish.
The class will meet two to three days per week December through April during after-school hours and on weekends. A variety of criteria including level of participation, interest and improved abilities over the course of the program will determine the three scholarships to be awarded in May by Buffalo Chip President Rod Woodruff.
No week passing by without getting some strange, weird or xxxx emails. Below an example.
Cyril
“ Hi I am David originally from Seattle, retired and living in my wife’s home town, Chiang Mai, Thailand. I need some expertise in how to do something for my Motorcycle.
First let me explain Harley’s or anything of the same size and stature are very hard to get here or Import, as there is an Import tax of 300% plus Excise taxes etc. that blow the price of owning a new bike here clear out of perspective.
So most of us here chose to build or modify what we already own. In my case it wore down to a 1996 Suzuki Crystal. The frame was damaged (beyond any repair) but the Engine was in super shape, less than 15,000 KM. But it was electric start! And I could have the oportunity to get some rare parts from Suzuki Thailand and Japan.
Originally the bike was 110cc (RC110E) This is a 2 cycle engine. Suzuki was very much interested in what I was doing and located packed away in their R&D storage a Cylinder, Piston/rings and High Compression head, this included HD Head bolts and studs, new jets to feed correct fuel/air mix. Engine is now 138cc! Or what they say 140cc. It needs 95-100+ Octane to run cool. In Thailand to register we have what is called a Green Book, this book is a log of Owner info, Motorcycle info which includes Frame serial number and Engine serial number and yearly tax paid and license fee.
Since the original frame was beyond any successful and safe rebuild it was de-marked and cut up for scrap. The new frame was stamped with correct serial number and engine was installed in it. Wheelbase is now 67 inches and seat height is 25 inches. I replaced front and rear drum brakes with disc. Originally I had built it as a hardtail… Continue reading ‘In My Mailbox’
Bleeding the brakes from air. Easy or a pain… JIMS® Master Cylinder Bleeding Solution is designed to allow the technician to draw a vacuum on the hydraulic system.
This is accomplished by using specially designed lids with an air fitting which, when connected to a vacuum bleeder, pulls air out of the hydraulic system.
The lids are intentionally made clear to enable the technician to see bubbles bleeding from the brake fluid. When the bubbles cease, the hydraulic system is bled.
JIMS® offers 5 different lids that fit many Harley-Davidson models. No. 5503 is the master kit which contains all 5 bleeder lids in a storage case. It has a MSRP of $235.00. Individual kits are available for those who want a specific bleeder lid. Individual kits have a MSRP of $49.00. JIMS® brake bleeding lids are designed to be used with an air powered vacuum bleeder (sold separately). For more info, contact sales@jimsusa.com or visit Jims USA or call (805) 482-6913.
Because most of you has shown interest in these Super Hooligans Flat Track Race last Saturday November 21 in Las Vegas in which for the 1st time 5 slightly modified Indian Scouts were on the starting line, below are the results.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) presented Polaris Chairman and CEO Scott Wine, a U.S. Navy veteran, with the 2015 IAVA Civilian Leadership Award in recognition of Victory Motorcycles’ contributions as a strategic partner to IAVA. Wine, a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, received the award at the ninth annual IAVA Heroes Gala held Nov. 12 in New York City.
Victory Motorcycles, a division of Polaris, is in its second year as a strategic partner to IAVA, and has provided financial contributions and helped raise awareness for IAVA by providing the organization with exhibit space at major motorcycle events such as Daytona Bike Week, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and motorcycle shows from coast to coast. IAVA honored Wine for Victory’s significant support, and for his role in the expansion of Polaris Defense, a division that provides products including deployable advanced ground off-road vehicles used worldwide by U.S. military personnel. IAVA also honored U.S. Army veteran Daniel Rodriquez at the Heroes Gala, presenting him with the 2015 IAVA Veteran Leadership Award. Stephen Colbert, host of “The Late Show” and a past recipient of the IAVA Civilian Leadership Award, attended and spoke at the 2015 gala. Continue reading ‘Polaris Chairman & CEO Scott Wine Receives IAVA Award For Ongoing Support Of Newest Generation Of Military Veterans’
Yesterday, Circuit Judge Jerome Eckrich denied an application for a Writ of Mandamus filed by a group opposing completion of Fort Meade Way. The Meade County road project offers an alternative route between I-90 Exit 37 and Highways 34 and 79, connecting Fort Meade Veterans Hospital, Bear Butte, and the rally campgrounds and concert venues east of Sturgis to I-90. The judge’s ruling kills the Meade County Taxpayers for Responsible Government’s efforts to force the County Commission to pass an ordinance outlawing the project, and it allows the Commission to award a construction bid.
Judge Eckrich explained the denial stating the proposed ordinance would have allowed “the use of a person’s property to be held hostage by the will and whims of neighboring landowners without adherence or application of any standards or guidelines (and) is repugnant to the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.” Continue reading ‘Sturgis. Judge’s Ruling Clears The Road for Fort Meade Way Construction’
Vic Jefford and wife Lin are well known throughout the European custom building world. After 15 years of wrenching one-off bikes, of crisscrossing the old continent to show them and collecting shelves of gold trophies, their most recent creation featured here may be the one giving their UK Destiny Cycles shop an international notoriety. Most professional custom builders get started in the business with very little money. Often getting started with just the budget to buy an old neglected bike or an engine basket case and maybe a few donated parts and it may be better this way to test your love for motorcycles, your artistic and mechanical skills and of course your will to make a living from them whatever the financial difficulties.
Back in 2000, the Jefford’s went in business with not much more than an old Triumph that they stripped down, modified, re-assembled and to which they fitted cheap wheels. They went to their first bike show and to their surprise got back home with a trophy. And it happened again and again in all bike shows they attended during one year. A bike pedigree that made it an easy sell to finance their next project. Continue reading ‘Old Speedway Racer Inspired Triumph’
As a prototype, this setup was adorning Ken Nagai’s most recent winning custom bikes. And now the Neo-Fusion style One-Piece Riser Clamp and Billet Dog Bone Risers s available for purchase. Old, tried and true meets new and improved.
The Neo-Fusion One-Piece Riser Clamp for stock H-D ‘Glide model applications with 1” bars. Featuring • Hinged, 1-piece billet aluminum design. • Inspired by Hydroglide styling with a modern approach to style and strength • Embellished with brass Ken’s Factory emblem • Polished aluminum or black.
The matching Billet Dog Bone Risers are available separately or bundled with the clamps. Features include • 5” height • In polished aluminum por black
These products are in stock and can be ordered online at at Ken’s Factory USA
1971. The first year of the Harley FX Series. FX meant. “Factory Experimental” Harley-Davidson styling director Willie G. Davidson designed it as the first factory custom motorcycle..” Because of the weird Bobtail section ) borrowed from the Sportster , the experimentation got a cold reception from the press and from Harley fans. This model was a mix of XLH Sportster (telescopic forks, Bobtail fender) and of FLH electra Glide components. (frame, rear suspension, drivetrain, engine accessories) Many buyers were removing the rear section and Harley sales improved when it did the same. (photo @ Doug Mitchel)
To complete the look of your Bagger or FLH Harley-Davidson model 94-to present, Covingtons Customs manufactures a Front Frame Filler Grill and Firewall Plates to fill the the unsightly gap under the seat. The front grill is sold in chrome. The plates are sold in several design: finned, diamond or dimpled designs, in chrome or black finish. Made out of aluminum in the USA. At Covingtons Customs 580-256-2939
The competition is called “Project Scout. Build A Legend” The program gives select dealers a high-profile forum to showcase their passion for Indian Motorcycle and their team’s talent by building a custom Indian® Scout®. There are no rules or restrictions on bike theme, cost or build style, although entrants must utilize a 2016 Indian Scout model and a minimum of three genuine Indian Scout accessories from the current catalog of more than 200 items. The Indian Scout custom build program was open to Indian Motorcycle dealers from around the world on a first-come, first-served basis. The forty dealers in competition will have 90 days to complete their Scout project. The winner will be voted by fans on social media and will be revealed during a Daytona Bike Week party.
“The Indian Scout has long been a favorite platform for custom builders, and the 2016 Scout continues that heritage with class-leading power and handling upon which customizers can build their ultimate vision,” said Indian Motorcycle Marketing Director Scott Meek. “Through this program we are giving our dealers around the world a global stage from which to demonstrate their creativity, and ultimately to write a new chapter in the legendary history of the Indian Scout.”
