“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination”. Albert Einstein.
Archive Page 90
Harley-Davidson And The Dark Custom Movement. Iron 883, The Forty-Eight, The Street 750 And 500.
Published by August 28th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Stirring the rebel soul in all of us, especially the youngsters is a Harley philosophy. The Harley-Davidson Dark Custom movement strips a motorcycle to its mechanical essence and the motorcycling experience to its rebellious core – the quest for freedom and self-expression.
For 2016, Harley-Davidson asserts Dark Custom attitude with the new Iron 883™, Forty-Eight®, and Harley-Davidson Street™ motorcycles, hard-nosed machines that offer an affordable rebel experience to a new generation of riders. Objective? Being minimalist and dark with an urban gene. The nimble Street™ 500 and Street™ 750 models roll into a second season with customer-led updates, ready to roam the global cityscape.
“With Dark Custom, we embrace the beauty of the basic motorcycle structure,” said Harley-Davidson Styling Director Brad Richards. “It’s about the beauty of the nuts and bolts, the steel and rubber and the heart of the machine, which is a Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine. Dark Custom reaches back to our styling roots, but also invites the rider to move forward, to make the Dark Custom motorcycle his or her own with accessories, ingenuity or riding experiences.”
Iron 883
Drawing inspiration from garage-built bobbers past and present, the new Iron 883 model is chopped and drilled, intentionally a little raw and rough around the edges. Clipped fenders, blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, drag-style handlebars and a solo tuck-and-roll seat cover evoke bare-knuckle street performance. A ribbed air cleaner cover speaks to the stamped-from-steel authenticity of this motorcycle. Bullet-hole details on the belt guard, exhaust shields and front fender brace recall a racer’s effort to lighten the bike. Colors and finishes for the Iron 883 were selected to help hide the grit and grime of riding and living in the urban environment, for riders who don’t own – or care to own – a garden hose and a driveway.
The Iron 883 is powered by an 883cc Evolution® V-Twin engine tuned to power away from stop lights and deliver satisfying performance. A blacked-out floating front brake rotor complements nine-spoke cast aluminum wheels finished in black with machined highlights that reduce unsprung weight by a combined eight pounds to improve ride comfort and handling.
Ride and handling are further enhanced by new cartridge-style forks and new emulsion rear shock absorbers with progressive-rate springs and a threaded pre-load adjustment collar that makes it easy for the rider to dial in shock performance to match road conditions or passenger weight. A special shock adjustment spanner stows under the seat. A passenger pillion matching the tuck-and-roll seat upholstery will be offered through Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories. The 2016 Iron 883 is offered in four color options: Charcoal Satin, Black Denim, or Olive Gold with an eagle-and-shield tank logo, or Hard Candy Custom Gold Flake with a flame detail paired with black fenders.
Forty-Eight
The new Forty-Eight motorcycle feature a burly 130mm front tire is suspended by 49mm forks secured in massive forged aluminum triple clamps and an aluminum fork brace. The classic 2.1-gallon peanut fuel tank creates a narrow, athletic waist. Chopped fenders expose the tire rubber. “The low handlebar and forward foot controls put the Forty-Eight rider in an aggressive posture, so we picked up on that with the styling,” said Harley-Davidson Industrial Designer/Stylist Ben McGinley, the lead stylist on the project. “The big front wheel is like a steamroller coming down the street, and we went with the smaller round steel air cleaner and some chrome on the exhaust to draw your eyes to the engine, which looks larger under the peanut tank. I’d describe the theme of this bike as functional muscle.”
The fuel tank styling features horizontal stripes, a throw-back to 1970s style that’s reappearing today on custom bikes. Those lines are repeated throughout the motorcycle, including in the seat stitching, slotted exhaust shields, rear sprocket and belt guard. New lightweight cast-aluminum wheels feature nine split spokes and a solid black finish with machined highlights. A side-mount license plate and combination stop/tail/turn signals keep the rear fender uncluttered. The new 49mm forks feature a cartridge design tuned to complement new emulsion rear shock absorbers with progressive-rate springs and a threaded pre-load adjustment collar, a combination that delivers a premium, controlled ride over the roughest urban pavement. A shock adjustment spanner is stashed under the solo seat, which has been formed to support the rider with all-day comfort.
The 2016 Forty-Eight is offered in four solid colors: Vivid Black, Billet Silver, Velocity Red Sunglo and Olive Gold. Hard Candy Custom options include Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake and Hard Candy Gold Flake. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson And The Dark Custom Movement. Iron 883, The Forty-Eight, The Street 750 And 500.’
Cast Aluminum Is Back For Custom Motorcycle Parts
Published by August 28th, 2015 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Of course, not to the point to replace any time billet aluminum machining. But if you are into the retro look, the old methods of casting (die, permanent mold and sand casting) are appropriate to produce parts reminiscent of the old days of motorcycling. Cast aluminum has a timeless soulful look that is hard to argue with.
As example, this line of cast aluminum master cylinder covers for a wide array of Harley-Davidson models from 1982 to 2015, for both front and rear master cylinders.
Finned or Fish Scale pattern buffed to a lustrous shine or black electroplated. Your choice of style and finish for only $44.95. At Lowbro Customs or call toll-free 1-855-456-9276.
On their way to the church to get married, a young Catholic couple were involved in a fatal car accident. Being good Catholics the young couple find themselves sitting outside the Pearly Gates waiting for St. Peter to process them into Heaven. While waiting, they begin to wonder: could they possibly get married in Heaven? When St. Peter finally showed up, they asked him. St Peter said “I don’t know. This is the first time anyone has asked. Let me go find out” and he leaves them sitting at the Gate.
After three months, St Peter finally returns, looking somewhat bedraggled. “Yes” he informs the couple ” I can get you married in Heaven”. “Great!” said the couple “But we were just wondering, what if things don’t work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?”
“You must be bloody joking” says St. Peter, red-faced, with frustration, slamming his clipboard on the ground. What’s wrong?” asked the frightened couple”.“OH, COME ON!” St. Peter shouted “It took me three months to find a priest up here…..Do you have any idea how long it’ll take me to find a lawyer?”
This headline is builder and custom parts designer Ken Nagai’s motto. To crown your gas tank with style, these Neo-Fusion gas caps (a best seller) that you could only order from his shop in Japan, until he opened a second shop in California. They are now in stock at Ken’s Factory USA and can be ordered directly at the American Online Store. Designed for the choosiest custom builder who wants to achieve a world-class custom level of refinement, the Neo-Fusion gas cap are for custom applications (you need to weld-in a custom bung on your gas tank), are machined out of billet aluminum, are available in polish (SKU#: 12-100) or black contrasted machine cut (SKU#: 12-101), and sold with the weld-in bung included. Ken’s Factory USA.
15th Anniversary Las Vegas BikeFest. October 1-4, 2015
Published by August 27th, 2015 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
For its 15th edition, Las Vegas BikeFest has a new home in the heart of downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street East between 7th and 10th street. As usual, a ton of Activities, about hundred vendors, demo rides, several bike Shows, the Artistry in Iron competition, celebrity Appearances, a $10,000 poker run, lots of entertainment with miss Las Vegas election, live bands, etc.
One of the highlights, and of course my preferred event is “Artistry In Iron Master Builders Championship” where 20 of the current hottest builders show off their latest creations. During all the long, you will be able to chat with the builders and get autographs from your favorites. Rick Bray from RKB Kustom Speed in Hanford, CA was selected by his peers as the 2014 Artistry in Iron champion and will be back in 2015 to defend his title.
A check for $10,000 will be presented to the winning builder, as voted by his peers – the other participating builders. The winner will also receive a custom made winner’s bracelet designed and presented by Steve Soffa. In addition, a trophy will be presented to the People’s Choice Winner. Awards will take place on Saturday 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the South Lot Pavilion
On October 3rd, from 10:30am to 6:30pm, at the North Lot Activity Tent, you will be able to meet SOA stars “Chibs”, “Opie” and “Bobby from fictional motorcycle club TV series Sons Of Anarchy. Check the full list of events and entertainment by jumping HERE. Special 15th Anniversary Las Vegas Bikefest pre-registration packages by going HERE. Reserve great hotel rooms and great rates are waiting for you in Las Vegas by jumping HERE. Below, a 2014 video recap.
“War Horse” is the name of these new mufflers by Rush Racing Products. The company claims that they are high performance slip-on muffler designed to give your Indian Scout a nice deep rumble, more torque, and more horsepower than any other slip-on mufflers.
They feature show quality chrome or black finishes along with the ability to interchange the baffles so you get the sound and performance you are looking for. Rush Racing Products.
Most Motorcycles Driven Over The body While Laying On A Bed of Nails
Published by August 26th, 2015 in Editorial and Videos.For your entertainment. Unearthed from The Guinness World Records video library. With a time limit of 2 minutes, Australian Chayne Hultgren, aka The Space Cowboy, set a record for most motorcycles driven over his body while laying on a bed of nails, enduring the weight of 20 motorcycles for the TV broadcast.
Triumph Motorcycles America Unveils New Consumer Visa Platinum Credit Card
Published by August 26th, 2015 in Editorial and Merchandise.
The memory of 2008 is fading away. Affinity credit cards offering its members and supporters—those who have an “affinity” for a company or brand – a bonus for each new account generated, plus a percentage of every transaction charged to the card, are back with a revenge. Latest example is Triumph Motorcycles America introducing the Triumph Visa® Platinum credit card, a new affinity card that rewards motorcycle enthusiasts for their everyday purchases. The card offers reward points redeemable for merchandise, electronics, travel and $100 Triumph vouchers. The Triumph Visa Platinum is available in six distinctive Triumph liveries, each representing an integral part of the company’s brand image. In keeping with Triumph being the first in the motorcycle industry to have 24/7 Customer Support, the card also provides 24/7 personal customer service. Continue reading ‘Triumph Motorcycles America Unveils New Consumer Visa Platinum Credit Card’
Harley-Davidson Recalls 10,580 Street 500 and Street 750 Due To Faulty Fuel Pump
Published by August 25th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The affected Street motorcycles were manufactured between January 20, 2014 and June 24, 2015, (Street 500) between May 12, 2014 and June 24, 2015 Street 750) The fuel-pump issue is in regard of a a poor seal at the inlet that can cause an interruption of fuel supply. It it occurs, it creates an hesitation of the motorcycle, then an abrupt return to power with the possibility for the surprised rider to lose control and crash. Harley-Davidson will notify owners directly and dealers will install a new fuel pump free of charge. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-414-343-4056. or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Bonhams Auction Of 60 Incredible Motorcycles
Published by August 25th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
An incredible single-owner collection of 60 rare motorcycles will be offered at Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale, UK taking place October 17-18, 2015. The Lonati Collection consists of mostly American machines, including examples from motorcycle greats Harley-Davidson, Indian, Pierce and Excelsior. The collection is offered from the family of the late Tiberio Lonati, Italy based CEO of the Santoni Group. “This is an incredibly rare find; 60 fantastic collectors’ motorcycles, all carefully stored in the Brescia based private museum of entrepreneur and CEO of the Santoni Group, Tiberio Lonati,” said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles. Mr. Lonati loved what motorcycles represent, ‘complete freedom’, the open road, something highly synonymous with US motorcycle marque, Harley-Davidson – which is perhaps why he had so many.”
Stored in an astonishing private museum of motorcycles, the prized collection celebrates American marques from across pivotal points in motorcycle manufacture. Highlights include a 1910 Pierce 688cc Four, estimate £60,000-80,000, and a 1930 Indian 1,265cc Model 402 Four-cylinder Combination, estimate £40,000-50,000.
The Lonati Collection began with Tiberio’s son, Francesco, who has a great love for motorcycles. With his enthusiasm for the machines, coupled with knowledge of his father’s likes, Francesco Davidson WLA, now offered at estimate £14,000-18,000. This first motorcycle ignited a passion, and soon Mr. Lonati expanded to a vast 60 motorcycle collection, all housed in a private museum at the Santoni factory in Brescia, Italy. Continue reading ‘Bonhams Auction Of 60 Incredible Motorcycles’
Competition Style Headlight Mask For Harley Sportster
Published by August 25th, 2015 in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Even if you don’t race your Harley Sportster, you can give it the competition style with this headlight mask with solid supports, approved projector style lights and aluminum alloy ‘number plate’ board.
Quick and easy to mount, does not require any modification and consequently installation is reversible to stock configuration. Headlight wiring is ready to fit the original wiring loom.
Suitable for Harley Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and 1200 Custom 2011 up. 408,00 € (US $450.00) at Free Spirits Italy. At Free Spirits Italy.
Painted Warning Signs At The Scene Of Deadly Motorcycle Accidents
Published by August 25th, 2015 in Editorial and Events.
Coroners in six counties in North Carolina will soon use a stencil to spray paint on the road a cross and message that says, “Look Twice Save A Life” at the scene of all deadly motorcycle accidents. Anderson County Deputy Coroner Don McCown said he hopes this message will increase awareness and decrease the number of accidents involving motorcycles.
“I thought it was an excellent thing considering the number of motorcycle fatalities we have in this state,” said McCown. “We’re hoping it will remind the public that someone died at this location, and more than likely they died of distracted driving or someone not being aware of their surroundings.”
The number one reason given for most deadly motorcycle accidents is that the driver never saw the rider. “There are a lot of motorcycle riders out this time of year and we have to share the road,” said McCown.
2016 Harley-Davidson New S-Series. Softail Slim® S And Fat Boy® S Debut With Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 Engines.
Published by August 24th, 2015 in Builders and Editorial.
The rush of acceleration never seems to get old. That instant when the light turns green, the throttle snaps open, and torque slams the back tire is a moment most motorcyclists crave. In 2016 Harley-Davidson gives riders more of that feeling with the launch of its most powerful lineup of cruiser models ever, including the new S Series Fat Boy® S and Softail Slim® S models powered by the fierce Screamin’ Eagle® Twin Cam 110™engine. There’s also more power and new features across the entire Softail® and Dyna® model range in 2016.
“Our engineers will tell you one of the best predictors of motorcycle acceleration is the power-to-weight ratio,” said Paul James, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Planning. “It’s something you can’t see on a dyno sheet, but you will feel it when you twist the throttle. We’ve put more power in our Big Twin cruisers for 2016, without adding weight, in a keep-them-lean and make-them-mean approach to delivering the performance riders are asking for.”
2016 S Series
It’s the classic hot-rod move. Drop in a bigger motor. Make that the biggest motor. The Screamin’ Eagle® performance once reserved for Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO) models is now available in regular-production motorcycles for the first time ever. The limited-edition Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S models feature the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110, an engine tuned to make up to 109 lb.- ft. of torque. Rear tires will be begging for mercy. Both the Fat Boy S and the Softail Slim S feature Harley-Davidson® electronic cruise control, ABS, and H-D® Factory Security System as standard equipment.
Softail Slim S
Classic, lean bobber style, from the clipped rear fender to the Hollywood handlebar, is the calling card of the Softail Slim® model. Now the S Series version ups the performance ante with a gloss-black Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 powertrain featuring the Screamin’ Eagle® Stage 1 high-flow intake and optimized jet-black over/under dual shotgun mufflers. Every speck of chrome has been replaced with gloss black paint. The Softail Slim S is offered in Vivid Black bodywork or the new Olive Gold Denim color with military-inspired tank graphics.
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While the Olive Gold paint and star graphic are reminiscent of the WLA military models Harley-Davidson built during World War II, the Softail Slim S pays homage to the post-war chop-ups made from those bikes after the war,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Director of Styling. “Those garage customs started the bobber era that continues to inspire our styling team today.”
Combination stop/turn/tail lights and a side-mounted license plate keep the minimal rear fender clean. Period styling cues include a gloss black cat’s eye tank console with a retro speedometer face, half-moon rider footboards, a round air cleaner cover, and laced wheels with gloss black rims and hubs. The cover of the solo seat is stitched in a tuck-and-roll pattern.
Fat Boy S
Harley-Davidson stylists give the iconic Fat Boy® motorcycle a darker attitude in the S Series, designing a menacing look that matches the muscle of its Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine, trimmed out for this application with a Screamin’ Eagle® Ventilator intake and optimized jet-black over/under dual shotgun mufflers.
“We kept the highlights on the wheels and the tank badge, but this is still the darkest Fat Boy ever.” said Richards. The Fat Boy S rolls with fat-custom style, an attitude that starts with the bullet-hole aluminum disc wheels and is reinforced by the massive headlamp and nacelle, half-moon rider footboards and a classic five-gallon Fat Bob® fuel tank. Slammed suspension and a low-slung seat put the rider just 24.25 inches off the pavement. Color choices are Vivid Black and Denim Black.
High Output Twin Cam 103™ Power for Softail and Dyna
Harley-Davidson gives cruiser riders a dose of Project RUSHMORE performance by making the High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine standard in every 2016 Softail model (except the Softail Slim S and Fat Boy S). Tuned to deliver strong acceleration and passing power, the HO 103 engine is equipped with a high-flow airbox and camshaft that optimizes bottom-end torque. The result is an improvement in performance a rider will feel every day.
In 2016 the High Output Twin Cam 103 engine is also standard equipment in all Dyna model motorcycles except the Street Bob® model.
Softail Cruise Control
For the first time ever, the convenience of Harley-Davidson electronic cruise control is standard equipment for select 2016 Softail models and available as a dealer-installed accessory for all other 2016 Softail models. To accommodate the cruise control system, all Softail models are equipped with electronic throttle control. Cruise control will be factory-installed on the Heritage Softail® Classic, Softail® Deluxe, Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S models, and offered through Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories for the Breakout®, Fat Boy®, Fat Boy Lo®, and Softail Slim® models. Continue reading ‘2016 Harley-Davidson New S-Series. Softail Slim® S And Fat Boy® S Debut With Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 Engines.’
Breaking News. 2016 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Reveal. The Darkest And Most Powerful Cruiser Lineup In Harley’s History.
Published by August 23rd, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The U.S. reveal was in Portland, Oregon. The new Iron 883 and Forty-Eight Dark Customs follow the sub-brand’s retro aesthetic and add a new suspension package and mag wheels and better seating setup to get more “smooth” in the ride. Harley also revealed the Road Glide Ultra under its Project Rushmore banner.
Two new hard-hitting Dark Custom models, the most powerful cruiser lineup in company history, and a broad range of performance and styling enhancements throughout the range highlight Harley-Davidson’s powerful new model lineup for 2016.
The new Iron 883 and Forty-Eight Dark Customs follow the sub-brand’s retro aesthetic and add a new suspension package and mag wheels and better seating setup to get more “smooth” in the ride. Harley also revealed the Road Glide Ultra under its Project Rushmore banner.
2016 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Highlights:
• New Dark Iron 883™ and Dark Forty-Eight® models assert Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom leadership with motorcycles inspired by the rebellious spirit of the past updated with modern design and new suspensions that put a little extra smooth in the Harley-Davidson soul.
• The Fat Boy® S and Softail Slim® S. A new S series limited-edition cruisers featuring big power and cutting-edge style. Both models combine rich finishes with the impressive Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110” engine to deliver more performance.
• All Softail® and Dyna® models (except Street Bob) Get The High Output Twin Cam 103™ Previously only available in Harley-Davidson Touring bikes. Engine upgrade creates the most powerful cruiser lineup in Harley-Davidson history.
• Return of the Road Glide® Ultra Motorcycle, expanding Project RUSHMORE’s touring revolution.
“This is another historic year for Harley-Davidson,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re introducing the most powerful collection of cruisers in our history, including the brand-new S series. We’re raising the bar on Dark Custom motorcycles with the new Iron 883 and Forty-Eight models, the purest expression of the design movement we started in 2008. And we’re extending our lead in touring with the return of the Road Glide Ultra and redesign of the popular Heritage Softail Classic.”
Dark Custom Soul
The new Iron 883 is intentionally raw and rough around the edges,with a modern design inspired by garage-built bobbers past and present. All-new front and adjustable rear suspension, lighter-weight mag wheels and improved seating increase comfort and control to smooth the road ahead. The new Forty-Eight achieves its menacing stance with a burly front tire, new mag wheels and a massive front end with new 49mm forks, and also benefits from improved adjustable rear suspension and seating. Retro styling cues and a perfect ratio of black, color and chrome give this bike a bold visual presence. Riders navigating rough and tumble urban streets on the lean and nimble Harley-Davidson Street® 750 and 500 models will appreciate the improved confidence from new front and rear braking systems. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. 2016 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Reveal. The Darkest And Most Powerful Cruiser Lineup In Harley’s History.’
JIMS® Ultimate Clutch Adjusting Tool
Published by August 23rd, 2015 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Save time with JIMS® Ultimate Clutch Adjusting Tool. Imagine grabbing just one tool for a clutch adjustment, instead of 3 or 4 separate tools that don’t always work well. No more open end wrenches that don’t fit due to awkward angles, or multiple attempts to lock the jam nut and adjuster screw in the correct position. JIMS® new clutch tool allows the technician to quickly and accurately tighten the jam nut without changing the adjuster position.
The custom socket driver allows the hex key to work through the driver and the ergonomic handle stores the key when not in use. This JIMS® tool (part No. 5502) is for all Big Twins 1985 to present, including most aftermarket lock up and slipper clutches. Suggested retail is $65.50. Made in USA and guaranteed for life. At JIMS USA or for questions, sales@jimsusa.com, (805) 482-6913.
A sidecar isn’t like any other vehicle and Ural sidecars are not like any other sidecars. Watch these 2 tough Russians crossing a raging river. Then explain to me how these completely under water Ural sidecars can continue to run…I guess it’s one of the ways a brand becomes iconic!
75th Sturgis Rally. The South Dakota Department Of Transportation Published Traffic Counts.
Published by August 22nd, 2015 in Editorial and Events.
Warning. The numbers published by the South Dakota DOT are those of traffic entering the city of Sturgis and are not of those who have attended the 75th Rally. Numbers can be very different because many people don’t enter Sturgis…afraid of traffic, or because their centers of interest (riding, activities, visiting vendors) are outside the city limits of Sturgis, for example in Deadwood, Rapid City (with a very large concentration of vendors working at Black Hills Harley-Davidson), Spearfish, Keystone, etc… In addition, the South Dakota DOT does traffic counts only for the official dates of the rally, from Monday to Sunday. As a matter of facts, attendance begins a few days before and is continuing a few days after the official rally dates.
The methodology used to count traffic is based on portable road tube counters recording one vehicle for every 2 axles that hit the road tube. Counters and road tubes are check daily during the week to ensure everything is counting correctly. Data is collected every Monday and Thursday. Taking traffic counts began with the 50th Rally in 1990. Counters were set at 18 locations, 6 of those locations counting traffic entering Sturgis
Daily traffic entering Sturgis for the 2015 Rally.
Traffic for the 2015 Official Rally Dates was up 30.7% from 2014. 2014 Traffic entering Sturgis at the 8 locations was 390,693. Traffic entering for 2015 at the 8 locations was 510,749. Continue reading ’75th Sturgis Rally. The South Dakota Department Of Transportation Published Traffic Counts.’
Memories Of The 90’s On A 2015 Harley Softail
Published by August 22nd, 2015 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The objective of this feature is not to impress you with a custom “tour de force”. Instead, it is to demonstrate that in a short time, with very few custom parts, you can look custom while still preserving the pure Harley DNA … and your factory warranty. “Taildraggers” were quite popular in the 90’s, especially in South California where many riders of Mexican heritage had a special affinity for this style of bikes. Surprisingly, this project was a commission from a client of Rick’s Motorcycles, an official Harley-Davidson in Germany, a well known customizer and custom parts creator (through House Of Customs)
Delivered to the client during the recent Rick’s annual Open House and displayed during the one-day event, Rick himself was himself to receive several orders for the same type of bike. And since I observe in the US a regain of interest for the “Chicano” style, I really wonder if this style of bikes is not turning in a new custom trend. Continue reading ‘Memories Of The 90’s On A 2015 Harley Softail’
New 2016 Harley Models Unveiled This Weekend. Of course I am on it and you will get all the photos and info Sunday evening or very early Monday morning. Without waiting for the official factory announcement, we already know a couple of things, thanks to the documents that all manufacturers must file with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA, 2 new models, the Fat Boy S and the Softail S Slim should be released, both powered by the Twin Cam 1802 cc 110 cubic inch. The 2015 Fat Boy, Fat Boy Low and Softail Slim were equipped with the Twin Cam 1688 cc 103 cubic inch and should return with the same motor for the 2016 model year. To follow this weekend.
Canada Recalls Harley Street 500s, 750s For fuel Pump Defect. And In The US? Canada issued a recall for fuel pump defect on Harley-Davidson Street XG500 and XG 750 models. According to Transport Canada Recall No. 2015363, the fuel pump module may have a poor seal at the inlet on the 2015 model year. The condition could allow an interruption to the fuel supply when accelerating at low fuel levels, possibly before the low fuel indicator has illuminated. “If this condition remains undetected, under acceleration with the fuel level below 3 litres, it could result in the motorcycle briefly hesitating and then restoring power abruptly, which could lead to a loss of control” and increase the risk of a crash, Transport Canada stated. Canadian dealers will install a new fuel pump assembly. Owners of Street 500 & 700 in the USA are waiting to see if the NHTSA publishes the same recall announcement.
Indian Motorcycle Launching The Indian Motorcycle Riders Group (IMRG) In Europe At Faak See in Austria On September 12. Indian Motorcycle owners who sign up to the IMRG website www.imrgmember.com beforehand will receive an exclusive member welcome pack on arrival containing an IMRG collectable T-shirt, IMRG patch, helmet bag, temporary tattoo, lanyard and a VIP pass. The launch party will take place in Area1 next to Lake Faaker between 1pm and 3pm. Welcome drinks at the IMRG tent followed by a private Wall of Death show for IMRG members. At 9pm, lve music performance from Gil Edwards and The Knuckleheads then a lounge bar opens.
Confederate Motorcycles Unveils Limited–Production, Second-Generation P51 Combat Fighter
Published by August 21st, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Confederate Motorcycles has always had as its philosophy to cultivate today’s America’s rebel motorcycle culture. Yesterday, the company released its second generation P51 Combat Fighter, a model fusing primitivism, avant-gardism and minimalism into pure, uncompromised power. This new model rides on a brand new CX4 architecture, a lighter, tougher evolution of Confederate patented, drag racing derived powertrain and powertrain mounting system.
The P51 Combat Fighter is built entirely of 6061 aerospace billet aluminum, right down to the unitized engine block and heads. Overbuilt machined fuselage plates located by machined bulkheads form a brilliant proprietary monocoque that is stated by Confederate as the stiffest, most fatigue-resistant and lightest chassis capable of housing the greatest amount of torque as a percentage of weight ever achieved in all of motordom… Continue reading ‘Confederate Motorcycles Unveils Limited–Production, Second-Generation P51 Combat Fighter’
Did it happen to you? A car driver doing some manoeuvring close to your parked motorcycle and bumping it? The ”D Shield” is a plug’n’play motorcycle parking protection system that detect 360 degrees motion around your bike and sounds an alarm. No installation or wiring required. Just mount it on secure double side tape or magnets to your bike. Push a lock button on your remote control and its ready to go. A video demonstration of the “D Shield”
Navy pilot walks into a bar and takes a seat next to a very attractive woman. He gives her a quick glance then casually looks at his new Apple Watch for a moment. The woman notices this and asks, “Is your date running late?”
No,” he replies, “I just got this state-of-the-art Apple watch, and I was just testing it.” The intrigued woman says, “A state-of-the-art watch? What’s so special about it?” The pilot says, “It uses alpha waves to talk to me telepathically.” The lady says, “What’s it telling you now?” Well, it says you’re not wearing any panties.”
The woman giggles and replies, “Well it must be broken because I am wearing panties!” The pilot smirks, taps his watch and says, “Darn thing’s an hour fast.”
And that, my friends………is Confidence!
Best Of Show At The 2015 Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle & Music Show
Published by August 20th, 2015 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last July 25th during the one-day event in Calabasas, California Japanese custom bike builder Hiroyuki Hirata from B&B Custom Factory in Hiroshima, Japan was voted the Best Of Show winner with “Zero Fighter”. It is based on a 1990 Harley FLHTC fully modified to the theme of “Japanese Culture”. Hiroyuki Hirata is now a 2-time LA Calendar Best of Show winner (1st time in 2011) . With his custom bike he is photographed surrounded ny Fast Date Calendar Kittens Sara, Apple, Helena and Alena.
Ethanol 15. The American Motorcycle Association And The Renewable Fuels Association Accuse Each Other Of Misinformation.
Published by August 20th, 2015 in Editorial, Events and Legal.
E15 is shorthand for gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. E15 fuel has been certified for sale in the United States and is showing up at gas stations. The reason it’s a big deal is that ethanol is fairly corrosive to rubber and certain metals, so it can cause damage to vital components. Ethanol also attracts and bonds with water from the air, and that water can separate out inside the tank due to phase separation. If your vehicle sits for long periods between use, the moisture settles to the bottom of the tank and can potentially clog in-tank pumps and filters. Damage is also possible in fuel lines, injectors, seals, gaskets, and valve seats as well as carburetors on older engines. I publish below the point of view and arguments of both the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and of The Renewable Fuels Association (RFS) accusing each other of misinformation.
The Accusation From AMA
“Stop the decade of E15 misinformation. The first 10 years under the Renewable Fuel Standard, established in 2005, represent a decade of misinformation from the ethanol lobby concerning safe fuel for your motorcycle. To protect your access to safe fuel, urge your representative to cosponsor the RFS Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 704). The American Motorcyclist Association needs your help to pass this bill. You can send a prewritten email to your representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences.
In an effort to prohibit the spread of E15 fuel, which contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, the AMA supports H.R. 704, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.). The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It also would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from allowing any station to sell gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol by volume and require those already selling it to stop. In other words, the sale of E15 will not be permitted if this legislation becomes law.
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle fuel systems and engines from the inadvertent use of E15. Allowing the higher ethanol blends to become more readily available greatly increases the chance of misfueling. Continue reading ‘Ethanol 15. The American Motorcycle Association And The Renewable Fuels Association Accuse Each Other Of Misinformation.’
