Today is Veterans Day and Indian Motorcycle takes this celebration to announce its sponsorship and support of the second annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. The event is focused on raising awareness and support for America’s severely wounded and injured veterans. The epic ride will depart Los Angeles on July 30, 2016 en route to Sturgis, SD and will culminate at the 76th annual Black Hills Rally.
Over the course of the ride, the 15 selected veterans will experience some of America’s most scenic and iconic landscapes from the seat of an Indian motorcycle as an important part of their personal healing process. Several of the Indian models will be customized with Champion sidecars to accommodate riders who are unable to operate a motorcycle themselves due to their injuries. Indian Motorcycle will once again team with Emmy award-winning director Robert Manciero and producer Dave Frey of Full Vision Productions to plan and chronicle the entire journey. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Announces 2nd Annual Veterans Charity Ride To Sturgis.’
With a strong Art Deco design inspiration drawn from the passenger trains of the 1930’s, these compact air cleaners will look good on any classic and vintage bikes. The cover is hand cast from 356-T6 aluminum right here in the USA. You can order the Streamliner air cleaner in raw cast, highly polished or black powder coated. Washable cotton gauze filter element provides high performance air flow to your V-Twin. Kit attaches easily using the American made, CNC machined, powder coated steel mounting bracket
They are available for all Harley Davidson® Big Twin and Sportster models using factory CV Carburetors, factory electronic fuel injection (EFI) units (will not fit 1995-2001 HD Big Twin models equipped with Magneti Marelli fuel injection units using dual bore throttle bodies) Model also available for S&S E & G carbs.
Support bracket is not required on EFI models. Note: EVO Big Twins and 1991-up Sportsters also require crankcase breathers. Starting at $99.95. TC Bros Streamliner Air Cleaners.
Harley-Davidson announced the extension of free Riding Academy motorcycle training to all current and former U.S. military. The program is now available to active-duty, retired, reservists and veterans starting Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2016. Tomorrow November 11, to continue its salute to the military, Harley-Davidson Managing Director and former U.S. Army Officer, Christian Walters, will escort fellow veterans, including Dorsey Fyffe, a former U.S. Air Force Flight Engineer and Wounded Warrior Project Peer Mentor, to America’s Parade in New York City aboard a Bell 407 U.S. Army helicopter. The original offer of free Harley-Davidson Riding Academy kicked-off prior to Armed Forces Day aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier in Charleston, S.C., making it only fitting to take to the air to announce the free training extension. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Extends Offer Of Free Riding Academy Training To All U.S. Military Starting Jan. 1, 2016’
Looking for a rugged style? Certain to gain character with each road trip, the new Black Distressed Leather Saddlebags (P/N 90201306, $659.95) from Harley-Davidson® are designed to add rugged style and luggage capacity to most 1994-later Sportster® models.
The combination of heavy die-cast buckles and rich black leather with a distressed finish give these bags a dose of attitude that will especially complement Dark Custom styling and customizing.
Quick-disconnect clips under the buckles permit easy access to bag contents. Combined capacity is 2,000 cubic inches. Installation may require the separate purchase of a model-specific turn signal relocation kit, and these bags may not be compatible with other accessories. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer or go to H-D.com for fitment details. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson Online Store.
Five Roland Sands Design (RSD) custom Indian Scout Hooligan bikes will compete in the race piloted by Roland Sands, Red Bull racer Aaron Colton and special guest riders. Hooligan racing is a throwback to post-war era where riders took virtually any available motorcycle to race in the spirit of seeking adrenaline and camaraderie. Indian Motorcycle has partnered with Roland Sands Design to create five Hooligan racing bikes based on the Indian Scout platform.
The Hooligan Scouts will race in the RSD Super Hooligan event in Las Vegas, with a world-class team of riders that includes Roland Sands himself, Red Bull/KTM stunt rider Aaron Colton, plus some surprise guest riders. These Hooligan bikes will be revealed to the media on Friday November 20 during the International Motorcycle Shows press event in Long Beach, CA.
The street-bike races will race indoors on a short track at the Las Vegas Orleans Hotel & Casino on the evening of Saturday November 21 and are presented in partnership with Roland Sands Design (RSD) and AMA Pro Flat Track in conjunction with the “Superprestigio of the Americas” race.
“The Scout is a great machine upon which to base a custom bike with modern rider friendly performance. The engine and chassis are rock solid and don’t need a lot of work, so DIY customizers can focus on the aesthetic modifications,” said Roland Sands. “It has been a blast designing and building these custom Indian Scout Hooligan bikes and after a quick test run at the local flat track I feel we have a competitive bike that will rip on the track.” Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Title Sponsor Of The RSD Indian Scout Super Hooligan Flat Track Races In Las Vegas’
You may have seen bigger that the Gunbus 410, but probably it was not a true running motorcycle, riding like a real life motorcycle…
It is manufactured by a company located in the south-west of Germany. Giant toy or not, all components are made using a mix of traditional craftsmanship and of high-precision manufacturing techniques.
Powertrain is a 2-cylinder 45° V-Twin (stroke of piston: 176 mm, boring diameter: 156 mm, compression ratio: 8,7:1. 3-gear sequential transmission with reverse gear.
It measures 11.6 feet long and is 4.9 feet high and rides on a massive 38-inch front and 42-inch rear wheel.
And of course you want to know the price. Only $350,000!
In their own way, some custom builders are philosophers. And their philosophy defines who they are, or who they want to be, or at least how they want to be perceived… Entering George Stinsman website the splash screen is not displaying the latest custom of Chaos Cycle but instead a bold red letters statement “Without order nothing can survive. Without chaos nothing can evolve” Ok, chaos is supposed to have preceded order and George warns you that his work is based on the creative power of building bikes with a disruptive attitude. In a few words, his mission is to challenge conventionalism and to explore the unfamiliar.
Philosophy aside, George Stinsman is emerging as one of the most hardcore builders of the east coast. The custom featured here is a great example of what he likes to produce. Disruptive custom bikes looking thrillingly dangerous in appearance but extremely pleasing and cool due to their visual intensity. His own perception of what a real custom bike should be.
It was the second custom ordered by owner Marco Leonetti. The first one was the kind of bike where you feel guilty if you don’t wash, polish and shine it each time you come back from a short spin… This time, he asked Stintsman and crew to build him a bike with deep soul and that you could clean off with a hose. More time for riding and no time spent brightening it… Continue reading ‘The “Hate Tank” By Chaos Cycle’
Add a touch of Dark Custom detail to your Harley with the new Edge Cut Dome Mirrors (P/N 56000090, $229.95) from Harley-Davidson. These compact billet mirrors feature glass-smooth domed shells and gloss-black surfaces. A precision machined edge exposes three bands of satin aluminum for a brilliant contrast. Sleek round stems position the mirrors close to the controls for a tight, tucked-in profile. For a complete Dark Custom look, these mirrors complement other components in the Edge Cut Collection, including grips, hand and foot controls and trim items. Edge Cut Dome Mirrors fit 1982-later Harley-Davidson models except the V-Rod Muscle® and Forty-Eight®. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson.
Beginning Tuesday, December 1 at 10/9c, 4 all-new episodes about the Sturgis Full Throttle Saloon will run on a new TV network I never heard about called Destination America. Destination America defines itself as an American digital cable and satellite television channel that is owned by Discovery Communications. The channel features lifestyle, historical and travel programming focusing on the culture of the United States with emphasis on paranormal entertainment… (To see The Video Teaser, Enter Password “fullthrottle”)
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) reported US retail motorcycle sales for the 3rd quarter 2015. Number of sold motorcycles include those reported by all MIC member manufacturers: BMW, Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, the Piaggio Group, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory,, and Yamaha. So, it includes On and Off-Highway motorcycles, Dual and Scooters. Total for year 2015 through September is 413,128 units, 18,488 more than were sold for same period 2014. Sales for last September were 6% higher than same month last year. All categories of motorcycles have higher sales except Scooters whose sales saw a decline for September and from January (see chart below)
A Russian woman married a Canadian gentleman and they lived happily ever after in Toronto . The poor lady was not very proficient in English, but did manage to communicate with her husband. The real problem arose whenever she had to shop for groceries.
One day, she went to the butcher and wanted to buy chicken legs. She didn’t know how to put forward her request, so in desperation, clucked like a chicken and lifted up her skirt to show her thighs. Her butcher got the message and gave her the chicken legs.
Next day she needed to get chicken breasts, again she didn’t know how to say it, so she clucked like a chicken and unbuttoned her blouse to show the butcher her breasts. The butcher understood again and gave her some chicken breasts.
On the 3rd day, the poor lady needed to buy sausages. Unable to find a way to communicate this, she brought her husband to the store… Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
You started giving your Twin cam engine a vintage vibe by switching the HD factory rocker covers for those offered by EMD. You can extend its retro look by installing this ribbed Cam Cover. It is manufactured in die cast aluminum with a CNC milled gasket surface. OEM mounting hardware reusable (order seal kit separately) Finish available in Raw Cast, Semi-polished, Black or Black Cut. For all Twin Cams 99-up. At EMD USA or call 818-268-3789
If it can secure assistance from Wisconsin State and from La Crosse County for a $8 million investment, S&S Cycle intends to create about 100 new jobs between its 2 locations in Viola and La Crosse. The Viola plant in Vernon County would get more than $5 million in upgrades, adding about 57 new jobs there. The La Crosse location would be equipped with new machinery to produce new product lines, resulting in about 40 new jobs. S&S Cycle is a 57-year o;d company showing again a tremendous expansion after a difficult time during the 2008 recession when the company had to lay-off 60 workers. S&S Cycle President is Paul Langley. The company was founded by George J Smith with son George B. Smith being Chairman Emeritus.
The 5th installment of Weirdo, Lowbrow Customs’ periodical that features new motorcycle parts and accessories from around the world in addition to customer bike photos, tech tips, and underground motorcycle event coverage, is now available.
With a publication schedule of one issue every 4 – 16 months, in the words of owner Tyler Malinky “fans wait with bated breath. However, every issue is 100% guaranteed to show up right on schedule 46% of the time. A familiar feeling to those readers who choose old motorcycles as their main mean of movement.” Get your copy for a mere $2.50, or better yet, get a copy free with any order over $100 . Visit Lowbrow Customs Weirdo Catalog or call toll-free 1-855-456-9276
The Triumph Bonneville is one of the most customized motorcycle model, especially in Europe. And the US will follow because Bonnies are fun and easy to modify.
This 2006 Bonneville is roaming the streets of Lisbon, Portugal re-dressed with a modern and elegant look without denying its classic roots.
It was built by a great shop called Maria Riding Company whose philosophy is “Crafted rides for unconventional people. Because you use to have fun. Remember?”
For those looking to give their bike a mean, aggressive and nasty look. This Arlen Ness by Magnaflow F-Bomb 2 into 1 exhaust system is engineered for performance with an an inverted end cap. It is described as producing a deep, powerful sound.
1 3/4” head pipes and 2 1/2” heat shields. 12mm and 18mm Oxygen sensor ports. Chrome or black. Fitments: 2004-2015 Sportster™ Models with Mid or Forward Controls. 2006 – 2015 Dyna Models with Mid or Forward Controls. 1996-2015 Softail™ Models , except FXCW / C , FXSB / SE. At Arlen Ness.
Sturgis And Black Hills Trademark Dispute Update.SMRI Awarded Total Of $912,000. Wal-Mart And Rushmore Photo & Gifts To Appeal. Publication of last Friday November 30th judgment reads as follow. “Wal-Mart, Rushmore Photo and Gifts and its officers, were found liable for infringement of SMRI’s trademarks Sturgis, Sturgis Bike Week, Sturgis Composite Design Mark, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, And Sturgis Rally And Races, dilution of SMRi’s STURGIS mark, violations of the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act on seven different internet domains, false advertising and unfair competition” The jury awarded SMRI $677,500 from Rushmore Photo & Gifts and $235,000 from Wal-Mart. SMRI had asked the jury to find the 2 companies liable together for a total of $7 million. Rushmore Photo & Gifts owner Paul Nieman intends to appeal the decision “because the jury had difficulties to understand the complexity of legal trademark issues”.
Harley-Davidson Top Marketing Executive Mark-Hans Richer Has Left The Company. It coincides with Harley stating on October 21 during a 3rd quarter results press conference that it plans to change its marketing and advertising approach, and increase the 2016 budget by 65%.. The company is facing tough competition from other foreign manufacturers and from Polaris Indian and Victory motorcycles. “”We expect a heightened competitive environment to continue for the foreseeable future, and now is the time for us to dial things up” said Harley President and CEO Matt Levatich. Regarding marketing Harley will have more direct interactions with its legacy clientele. Regarding advertising, expect the company to abandon definitively classic print media and to focus on digital motorcycle news channels. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Indian Saddlebag Lids are begging for some attention. Answering the call is Küryakyn’s all-new Saddlebag Top Trims for ’14-later Chieftain and Roadmaster models. Kuryakyn Saddlebag Top Trim accents pick up where the factory trim left off by creating a continuous strip of chrome that runs up and over the saddlebag and lid. The two-piece accent is styled to match stock trim on the saddlebags while also coordinating with the lines of the arrowhead-shaped latch and locking mechanism on the lids. The durable injection-molded ABS accents are available in a premium chrome finish, and installation takes minutes utilizing high-strength 3M® VHB™ adhesive. P/N 5670, MSRP: $79.99.
L.E.D. Curved License Plate Frame With Mount provides another major style improvement by replacing the stock black plastic mount on Chief, Chieftain, and Roadmaster models. The sturdy Küryakyn cast aluminum frame with steel mount is a direct replacement that neatly tucks beneath the taillight and turn signal housing, hugging the frame tightly for a clean custom appearance. Premium chrome plating complements the surrounding factory trim found on the saddlebags, taillight, and rear fender, while DOT-compliant white L.E.D.’s illuminate any standard 4” x 7” license plate. Installation is bolt-on with plug-and-play wiring for all ’14-later Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chief Dark Horse, Chieftain, and Roadmaster models. P/N 5699, MSRP: $119.99.
Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® accessories offer more than 25 different street-performance stage kits that can increase the power and performance of Harley-Davidson® Twin Cam and Evolution® engines. Designed with components engineered to work together as a system, these kits eliminate the trial-and-error testing often required when making engine modifications. A rider simply defines a performance goal and chooses the Screamin’ Eagle stage kit that delivers the desired performance.
All Screaming’ Eagle stage kits, from basic Stage I Air Cleaner Kits to comprehensive kits for Twin Cam 103™ engines like the all-new Screamin’ Eagle Bolt-On 110 Stage V Tire Shredder Kit are engineered to achieve two goals: – Increase the volume of air and fuel that flows through the engine. 2. Improve combustion efficiency to generate more power from the fuel delivered to the combustion chambers.
Stage Kit Design and Testing: All of the components in the engine or attached to it need to operate in harmony to produce optimal power. Screamin’ Eagle stage kits do just that because, prior to going into production, they go through an extraordinary amount of research, design, testing and development, including the following elements.
Simulated Engine Design: Using sophisticated engine development software, engines are run in a virtual world after all parameters are loaded into the program. Engineers input engine data such as cylinder bore, piston stroke, connecting rod length, compression ratio, intake and exhaust port flow, throttle body diameter and valve-train specifications, including valve size, valve lift and valve opening and closing times. Engineers usually run several different engine configuration simulations before achieving the performance objectives in the engine simulation program. Continue reading ‘Screaming’ Eagle Stage Kits For Harley-Davidson Engineered High Performance’
The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its 2014 United States Theft and Recovery report for 2014 and 2015 (through 6/30/2015) Nationally, the report is better than in 2013. There were 42,856 motorcycle thefts recorded in 2014 (17,757, or 41% of motorcycles were recovered) which is a 6% decrease from the year prior. Considering motorcycle sales have increased 4% from 2013 (465,783) to 2014 (483,526), this is good news. The number of thefts decreased is a sign of steady decrease in motorcycle thefts since 2011, with 8% fewer thefts in 2014 compared to three years prior. The top three states for motorcycle theft last year were California (6,355), Florida (3,981), and Texas (3,274). The state with the fewest thefts was Wyoming, with a total of 23 last year. There are 16 states that saw an increase in the number of motorcycle thefts in 2014 compared to 2013, with DC having the highest increase (54%). There are 35 states that saw a decrease in the number of motorcycle thefts in 2014 compared to 2013, with Wyoming having the highest decrease (-43%). Unsurprisingly, the summer months saw the highest number of thefts and the winter months the lowest. California was the state with the highest theft count (6,355), but the District of Columbia saw the highest percentage increase (54%) in thefts from 2013 to 2014. And despite California having the most thefts, the city with the highest theft rate was Las Vegas, Nevada (1,163), with 29% more stolen motorcycles compared to the year prior. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Theft And Recovery Report By National Insurance Crime Bureau’
Want to give your new Scout a more classic look? Replace the factory pair of 16” cast wheels with a laced steel set offered by Indian in chrome or black. These wheels install in place of your stock wheels and are of the same size: 16” x 3.5” front, 16” x 5” rear. So you can keep your tires: 130/90-16 front, 150/80-16 rear. Inner tube, valve stem & installation instructions are included with each wheel. Sold with a 3-year warranty. At Indian Motorcycle online or your Indian dealer.
World’s Largest Harley Dealership To Open In Scottsdale November 7, 2016. Well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons who owns Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale and also GO AZ Motorcycles and Spooky Fast Customs has announced the grand opening for Nov. 7, 2015. The event will coincide with the 4th Annual Bob’s Biker Blast. “This year, I can’t wait for everyone to see the world-class dealership we’ve built. It’s the world’s biggest and the best” said Parsons. Continue reading ‘World’s Largest Harley Dealership To Open In Scottsdale November 7, 2016.’
At the October AIMExpo, I met for the 1st time Tyler and Tim Cobb, the brothers at TC Bros who where displaying their latest custom parts. They got the good idea to shoot this short video to highlight some of the great new things happening at this show.
Not well known yet in the US, but with a great notoriety and excellent image in his native Australia, Matt Darwon is an architect by formation who found happiness in making things with his hands. He was close to become a carpenter but eventually chose to rebuild and customize old motorcycles from a shed lost in South Wales deep country.
He applies his skills almost exclusively to American and British bikes. And because custom Nortons are rare to be seen on the show tour, I picked this custom Norton Atlas, a 745 cc air cooled model produced between 1962 and 1968, mainly for exportation, later replaced by the famous Norton Commando. Continue reading ‘Custom Norton Atlas’
Are they inspired by the hand grenades used by the German army? These new three step mufflers with tapered CNC machined billet end caps from Vance & Hines will make your bike being noticed. For their aesthetics but also because of their strong deep tone.
Available in chrome or chrome with Black Tip, Black with Pearl Nickel Tip or all Black finish. Super Bung Technology, 12/18 mm O2 Sensors, head pipe heats hields in chrome or black. Optional Quiet Baffle and optional foot pegs relocation kit. Patent Pending. $749.95. At your Drag Specialties or Tucker Rocky dealer.
Today is Veterans Day and Indian Motorcycle takes this celebration to announce its sponsorship and support of the second annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. The event is focused on raising awareness and support for America’s severely wounded and injured veterans. The epic ride will depart Los Angeles on July 30, 2016 en route to Sturgis, SD and will culminate at the 76th annual Black Hills Rally.
Over the course of the ride, the 15 selected veterans will experience some of America’s most scenic and iconic landscapes from the seat of an Indian motorcycle as an important part of their personal healing process. Several of the Indian models will be customized with Champion sidecars to accommodate riders who are unable to operate a motorcycle themselves due to their injuries. Indian Motorcycle will once again team with Emmy award-winning director Robert Manciero and producer Dave Frey of Full Vision Productions to plan and chronicle the entire journey. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Announces 2nd Annual Veterans Charity Ride To Sturgis.’
