The Victory Motorcycles Project 156 suffered a setback on Saturday June 13th in a practice accident on the Pikes Peak race course. Cycle World Editor and Project 156 rider Don Canet did not suffer any serious injuries, and was immediately up from the crash. However the motorcycle was damaged enough to require a complete strip-down and frame straightening.
“We have been making significant progress on the engine tune of the motorcycle each time it went out, and were able to start focusing on the handling aspects of the bike,” said Canet. “As I was going up the mountain I lost the front end under braking. Asphalt temperature was extremely low and, counterintuitively, I think the tire was getting colder as the run went on.” Canet took third position in his rookie season in his debut at the “Race to the Clouds” last year. Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycle 156 Practice Crash At Pike’s Peak. But On Starting Line On June 28th.’
Get the rear view high and wide with the new Windshield Trim Mirror Mounting Kit (P/N 57400254, $149.95) and Tapered Mirror Kit (P/N 5600009, $149.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories. The brilliant chrome Windshield Trim Kit fits at the base of the windshield. Its sweeping arms position the rear view mirrors (sold separately) at the fairing’s upper edge and permit adjustability.
The handlebar or inner fairing are uncluttered, and the rider gets a great rear view past the shoulders. It includes a three-piece trim kit and all required mounting hardware and fits 2014-later Street Glide®, Electra Glide®, Ultra Limited and Tri-Glide® models.
The Tapered Mirrors provide a large reflective face and have a sculpted teardrop-shaped shell styled to minimize the visual profile. Designed for easy installation, this kit includes left- and right-hand mirrors. For more information, visit the Harley-Davidson Store.
His real name is Urs Pedraita. But to the motorcycle distance riding community, the Swiss motorcycle fanatic is “Grisu Grizzly.” is preparing to ride a Victory Cross Country motorcycle around the world in the fastest time possible. The current record for riding in all continents (not just through two antipodal points) stands at 120 days and two hours. But Urs, wants to ride the 100,000 km in under 100 days, which will mean he’ll break the existing record by 20 days. He will set off on the attempt in February 2016, starting and ending in Zurich, by riding an almost standard Victory Cross Country. Additional items added to the bike include a larger 33-litre fuel tank, a customised seat with a back support and two LED lights for better visibility during night rides. More details will be released over the coming months about his ‘all continents’ attempt.
Eddie wanted desperately to have sex with this really cute, really hot girl in his office…. but she was dating someone else. One day Eddie got so frustrated that he went to her and said, ‘I’ll give you $100 if you let me have sex with you.’ The girl looked at him and then said, ‘NO.’ Eddie said, ‘I’ll be real fast. I’ll throw the money on the floor, you bend down, and I’ll finish by the time you’ve picked it up.’
She thought for a moment and said that she would consult with her boyfriend. She called him and explained the situation. Her boyfriend says, ‘Ask him for $200, and pick up the money really fast. He won’t even be able to get his pants down.’ She agreed and accepts the proposal.
Over half an hour goes by and the boyfriend is waiting for his girlfriend’s call. Finally, after 45 minutes the boyfriend calls and asks,’What happened?’ Still breathing hard, she managed to reply, ‘The bastard had all quarters!’
Management lesson: Always consider a business proposition in its entirety before agreeing to it and getting screwed.
The McLennan County District Attorney’s Office has filed civil motions naming 25 individuals arrested in the May 17 Twin Peaks motorcycle gang shootings seeking forfeiture of hundred of thousands of dollars’ worth of motorcycles and vehicles impounded after the shootout that left nine bikers dead and 18 others injured. Texas state law requires that forfeiture motions be filed within 30 days of an arrest and yesterday Wednesday June 17 marked the 30th day since the shootings that claimed nine lives and left 18 injured. The actual process of forfeiture can only take place after a person is convicted of the crime alleged in the forfeiture. Forfeiture, however, is a civil process and not part of a criminal action. Continue reading ‘Waco Shootings. Forfeiture Motions Filed For Motorcycles And Vehicles Belonging To 25 Individuals.’
The BFBK- 18″, 6 piston Direct Bolt on Brake Caliper & True Floating Rotor Kit by Hawg Halters Inc. (HHI) is now available in matching Dual Right & Left calipers and rotors for the ultimate in braking power.
This custom kit features a new 6 piston differential bore caliper for 18 inch brake rotors that is the first direct bolt on, purpose built caliper for the Big Wheel Bagger market.
The BFC-18 caliper now available in Left or Right models, features a completely redesigned and upgraded 6 piston configuration with bigger bores and larger brake pads which deliver increased overall braking performance. The BFC-18 caliper is available in, Polished, Chrome, and Black Anodized finishes. Other finishes available. Continue reading ‘Big Wheel Braking With A 6-Piston Brake Caliper And 18” True Floating Rotor Kit’
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Opens New “My First Ride” Exhibit. The exhibit features motorcycles many riders will recognize as that first motorcycle they ever rode. In addition, the exhibit features stories by people from all over the country detailing the first time they climbed on a motorcycle. So often, we hear visitors comment that we have their first motorcycle displayed in the museum. Those visitors tell us regularly how special it is to see that motorcycle and remember their first time on a bike.” said Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. When viewing the exhibit, patrons will see QR codes that can be scanned with a smart phone that access additional content on the web. The museum also hopes the exhibit will grow as people visit it. Anyone interested in sharing their story and photos can email them to info@sturgismuseum.com using the subject line “My First Ride.”
Zero Electric Motorcycles Now Used By 50 Police Departments. “This is a milestone for us, as more agencies embrace the benefits of Zero Motorcycles,” said Kevin Hartman, North American fleet sales director for Zero. “When compared to traditional police motorcycles, our patrol bikes have a lower total cost of ownership, are easier to maintain and – with minimal noise and no exhaust – are a vehicle for good community relations.” They also make it easier to nab the bad guys in the act. “This motorcycle is so quiet that we continuously sneak up on…..suspects while out on patrol,” says Officer Steve Carbajal of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Off-Road Unit.
Harley-Davidson Approves 15 Million Stock Buyback. Company Given BBB Credit Rating. The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional 15.0 million shares of its common stock. The 2015 Repurchase Authorization is in addition to the share repurchases that the Board authorized in February 2014, pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 20.0 million shares of its common stock. The number of shares repurchased, if any, and the timing of repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including share price, trading volume and general market conditions, as well as on working capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors. The Company expects the share repurchases to be accretive to earnings per share in 2015. Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) has earned a “BBB” credit rating from analysts at Morningstar. The firm’s “BBB” rating suggests that the company is a moderate default risk. They also gave their stock a four star rating. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
The downside to making changes in gearing or wheel sizes is that it throws off the speedometer reading. If you’ve got a pre–’96 Harley, or custom bike using a mechanical speedometer, you have to change either transmission speedometer drive gear, or front speedometer drive unit, or sometimes even have to change out the speedometer to a different ratio to correct the speedometer reading. Even then, readings may still be only within a couple of mph of being accurate.
That’s where bikes equipped with electronic speedometers are really cool. Either stock or custom bikes can be set up with a ’96 and up style electronic speedometer, and in a way that allows changing the speedometer reading without the trouble of swapping out parts to get a correct reading. The 1996–up OEM electronic speedometer itself isn’t adjustable.
To realize the full potential of the electronic speedometer, S&S designed a nifty little Electronic Speedo Calibrator Unit that plugs directly into the existing wiring and requires no tools or test equipment to use. It is makes accurately calibrating 1996–up OEM electronic speedometers a snap! It fits all Big Twin and Sportster® models originally equipped with electronic speedometers. It’s also great for custom builders using a ’96 and up OEM style speedometer and transmission. Continue reading ‘Wheel Size And Drivetrain Changes. How To Correct Harley-Davidson Speedometer Reading.’
Blending information with entertainment, this film takes a look at 8 incredible inventions to move your body. They have been abandoned but some may come back…
The “Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis” is a ride and campaign to raise awareness and support for wounded and severely injured veterans across the nation.In addition to their recent partnership with the USO and to honor veterans for their courageous service, Indian Motorcycle is stepping up their commitment to Veterans and Active Service members by providing wounded veterans with Indian motorcycles to ride cross-country to the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota. Several of the Indian Chief models have been outfitted with sidecars specially built and provided by Champion Sidecars to accommodate severely injured veterans.
“We are proud and honored to be part of The Next Great Tradition: Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis this year” said Robert Pandya, External Relations Manager for Indian Motorcycle. More than a dozen veterans, on Indian Motorcycles, will start their week long journey to Sturgis SD from Los Angeles with a surprise celebrity guest on July 27th. Their first stop is Las Vegas, NV. While in Las Vegas the veterans will be special guests at the unveiling of Indian Motorcycle and Polaris’ new 2016 model year rollout and Dealer convention. Leaving Las Vegas the veterans spend the next six days riding spectacular scenic backroads and exploring Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capital Reef National Park, The Arches and Moab Utah. From Utah they continue their quest through the Colorado National Monument, Hahn’s Peak Colorado, and Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming, arriving in Sturgis Sunday August 2nd. Continue reading ‘Veterans To Ride For Charity From Los Angeles To Sturgis On Indian Motorcycles’
Inspired by Harley-Davidson® motorcycles of the 1940s, the new Vintage White Hand Grips(P/N 56100104, $69.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories will complement classic styling or can also lend a traditional touch to a bobber-style custom effort. These grips feature a comfortable, nostalgic hourglass shape with a chrome accent ring and a molded-in “Harley-Davidson” logo. They fit 2008-later Touring, Trike, CVO™ Softail® Deluxe and CVO Breakout® and 2011-12 CVO Softail Convertible models.
Race fans will want to prepare for an action-packed week of powerful motor battles at the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex the first week in August. From 4x4s and jet-powered tractors to flying trucks and one-wheeled drag races, spectator excitement will be running high all week.
The AMA Extreme Dirt Track National ATV Championship Series starts the week with some insanely fun 4×4 racing action on Fri., July 31 and Sat. Aug. 1. These ATV powerhouse machines and their professional drivers shred the track as they battle for points in the series. Last year racers participating in the series, along with EDT officials, chose the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex as their hands-down favorite after being asked to vote for the best overall track and facility.
The Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association cranks up the action on Sun., Aug 2 and Mon., Aug 3 with “Thunder at the Chip.” These monumental machines, some with jet-powered engines, get up to 7,000 horsepower as they tear up the track in a race to drag the most weight.
TORC: The Off-Road Championship Series brings a new level of excitement to the track with 900-horsepower, off-road trucks that hit speeds in excess of 100 mph and soar 200 feet in the air as they clear the well-placed moguls. TORC races will take place Tuesday, Aug. 4 and Wednesday, Aug. 5. The hillside location of the TORC-built track gives spectators a unique view of the full track and land rush start, so audiences won’t miss any of the action. TORC’s professional four and two-wheel drive Trophy Trucks, as well as its Pro Light Class, will each be taking their turn through the difficult course, offering multiple opportunities to take in the high-energy excitement of some of off-road racing’s finest and most fearless drivers. Continue reading ‘At The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® PowerSports Complex in 2015’
We all need and carry keys. And from time to time we all need a knife. For convenience, why not carry all of them together for daily use. The Mini Q Key Organizer offers a practicle solution. Machined from aluminum, brass or titanium, Just attach the keys you already use then adds a 2.35-inch, 420HC stainless steel blade to the mix. Like the body, you’ll have your choice of a drop point, bottle-opener, or utility blade, and it’s available with a satin, brushed, or bead blasted finish. A Father’s Day gift? At Mini Key Organizer Kickstarter Campaign.
Today, there are 2 schools of thoughts regarding custom building Harley vintage or classic looking motorcycles. Using a third-party engine manufacturer of Pan, Knucklehead or Shovelhead style engines, or using the original Harley powerplants. Builder Freddie Arnold from Hickory Flat Hot Rods only builds pre-85 customs using OEM engines and frames, although always at least mildly to radically modified. Advantage is of course for the owner the very precious VIN numbers and Harley titles preserved on this type of new old-school machines.
Among pre-Evo H-D motors, Freddie Arnold has a weakness for the Shovelhead. On this project he used a first-year of production 1966 Shovel with an engine displacement of 1,208 cc or 74 cubic inch whose design produced 10% more horsepower than the Panhead engine that it replaced. An early style of Shovelhead with the generator bottoms often referred to as “slabside” Shovel. Continue reading ‘Hickory Flat Awesome Blue Custom Harley Shovelhead’
During these last years, Yamaha has pioneered the sport/heritage motorcycle segment and encourages bikers and pro builders to customize their factory motorcycles with a retro flair. In this 1st of a series short film featuring Shinya Kimura rebuilding an MT-07, the manufacturer pays a tribute to all “Faster Sons”.
Almost one month after the biker shootout in Waco, Texas the Waco Chief Police Brent Stroman made a more in-depth public information about the May 17 incident that left nine dead, 18 wounded and 177 jailed on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity. Below are his statements.
– Three officers opened fire during the biker melee, firing a total of 12 shots. The police department, however, still has not said who fired the deadly shots. “We did not fire indiscriminately into the crowd. Our officers were restrained” he said.
-Waco police had 16 uniformed officers at the scene, which included supervisors and Special Weapons and Tactics team members. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety were also there.
– Stroman said the officers fired only after being shot at during the melee. “No shots were fired by DPS officers,” said Tom Vinger, a spokesman for the agency.
– So far, 44 shell casings have been found at the scene, according to police, and 32 of those recovered casings came from weapons from the suspects. The casings don’t include those from suspects’ revolvers, from which casings must be manually ejected.
– Police have said they knew in advance of a gathering of motorcycle gangs, and possible trouble between two gangs — the Bandidos Motorcycle Club and the Cossacks Motorcycle Club — as well as smaller groups of riders who support those clubs. Continue reading ‘Waco Bikers Shootout. New Official Police Statement.’
Yesterday Saturday June 13 at 7 p.m., a strong storm – possibly a tornado – went through the city of Hawk Point, MO (it’s 65 miles north west of St Louis) where the custom shop Bare Knuckle Choppers is located.
About 50 homes were damaged, with the custom shop being completely destroyed. It is still unclear if a tornado touched down.
If you are very lucky, you can find an original Bates light in a swap meet. Probably in very bad shape and at a quite high price. Or you can buy this Bates style taillight featuring either a chrome or black housing and the modern LED lights inside for increased visibility. These LED’s are dual intensity, so can be used for both running a brake lights. Nothing cleaner to mount on a rear fender or on the left side of your sled. Aggressively priced at only $39.95. At Lowbro Customs. 1-855-456-9276.
Laconia Motorcycle Week® starts the real riding season in New England. Riders are ready to roll into Laconia for another year of the country’s most scenic and diverse riding. From the White Mountains to the Lakes Region and from rolling, rural farms to the quaint, historic towns
The Laconia Rally kicks off with the 9th annual Peter Makris Memorial Run today Saturday morning, June 13 with kickstands up at 11 AM for a State Police escorted, ‘feet-up’ ride around Lake Winnipesaukee, followed by an all-day party at the NASWA Resort.
Chrome Hill opens at parking lot across from the NASWA Resort. Chrome Hill is an upscale, highly visual and experiential customer venue concept that evolved from the exhibit of G. Smith Motorsports expansive collection of exotic choppers and bikes that occupied the NASWA parking lot last year during Motorcycle Week. This year, on the return of New Orleans-based motorsports company, which now includes Indian and Victory motorcycles in its repertoire—as well as a 2015 Lamborghini and Ferrari–the concept was expanded to include other like-minded exhibitors and vendors who appeal to a biker with expanded tastes for fine goods and gleaming metal. Joining G. Smith Motorsports at Chrome Hill are: Steve Soffa Jewelry & Timepieces, Inferno Eyewear USA, Total Flame Cigars. Continue reading ‘Laconia Motorcycle Week. June 13-21. Big Opening Of Chrome Hill.’
RC Components has just released the new RCX Exhaust 4.5” Slip-on Mufflers. These new mufflers are truly unique in design while offering an incredibly deep and smooth exhaust tone. Each muffler features a full length 4.5″ diameter muffler body with a precision tuned 3 inch stepped core baffle. This unique baffle design transitions from a 2.5 inch louvered core into a ceramic wrapped 3 inch perforated baffle, which works to produce a deep smooth rumble while providing you with increased horsepower and torque. Customize the look of these new mufflers with your choice of 10 unique RCX Exhaust tips. Each muffler is available in chrome or a rich ceramic black finish. Made in the U.S.A. For more information, go to RCX Exhaust 4.5” Slip-on Mufflers.
Magic Bike Ruedesheim is both a touring and custom motorcycles event with a bike show competition in a city directly on the Rhine River where the eldest remember that it’s here that in 1958 Elvis Presley spent his time when he was drafted into military service serving in the the US 3rd Armored Division. His movie “GI Blues” features some landscape scenes shot around the city.
Ruedesheim is located on one of the main freight lines of Europe with trains rolling through the city day and night (only 20 minutes of silence per day!) So, I am told that the rumble of v-twins during the 4-day event sounds quite melodious to the locals… Visitors come from Switzerland, France, Belgium , Netherlands and other neighboring countries for a long weekend of riding and partying in this German wine country.
A few shots of some show competitors and winners (not all). Photography @ Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze.
From Bare Knuckle Choppers a retro velocity stack to work with the very popular S&S E/G and Linkert carburators.
Designed and cast here in the USA, and machined at Bare Knuckle. Comes with the clever cover plate, that doubles as the screen retainer. All necessary hardware is included.
Choose from polished or raw, as well as brass or stainless steel screen, and short or tall. 100% Made in USA. From $250 to $300. Bare Knuckle Choppers or 1-888-240-NUKL.
Yesterday, New York State Governor Cuomo unveiled the newest license plates in the I LOVE NY Adventure Custom Plates series, which will make available for motorcycles nine designs that include hunting, fishing, and parks insignia. Like the original passenger and commercial class plates released last year, the motorcycle class plates are available to anyone holding a valid Department of Environmental Conservation sporting license or Parks Empire Passport.
The custom motorcycle plate fee varies depending on whether the Department of Motor Vehicles assigns the plate number or if a customer personalizes the plate. If the number is assigned, the plate fee is $31.25 plus an annual renewal fee of $15. If a customer personalizes the plate, the fee is $53.75 plus an annual renewal of $33.75. Continue reading ‘New York State Unveiled New I LOVE NY Custom Plates Designed For Motorcycles’
The merger between Harley-Davidson and AMF (American Machine and Foundry Company) – a producer of leisure products – was effective in 1969. It took 11 years for Harley-Davidson to become independent again.
On February 26, 1980 thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives signed a letter of intent to purchase Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF. By mid-June, the buyback was official, and the phrase “The Eagle Soars Alone” became a rallying cry. In 1981 Harley started to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and quality with the FXR/FXRS Super Glide® II with its rubber-isolated, five-speed powertrain and the welded and stamped frame for the new Sportster® models. Continue reading ‘Did You Know? Harley-Davidson And AMF.’
Today Wednesday June 10, 2015, Victory Racing is celebrating its first ever TT podium after Lee Johnston rode a 111.620mph lap in the SES TT Zero race to take third place. First place was John McGuinness, 2nd place teammate Bruce Ansley and 4th place for the other Victory rider Guy Martin on a 109.717mph lap, just shy of the 110mph mark. Lee said in the winner’s enclosure: “Yeah, awesome to be back on the podium again. Every time we go out, we’re getting faster. Think we had a little bit of battery left, so maybe could have went a bit quicker. Fair play to the Mugen boys, but at the end of the day they have been coming here for three years and in their first year they did nowhere near 110mph, so credit to the whole Victory team, it’s an absolutely awesome job. The bike’s so fun to ride because it’s so small, I really like riding it.”
Guy Martin, who stepped in to ride the bike on behalf of the injured William Dunlop, placed fourth, an equally sweet victory in some ways, as he had only ridden two practice laps on William’s No.6 machine ahead of the race. He also posted his fastest lap of the week in the race – a 109.717mph, just shy of the 110mph mark. “It’s a proper fast bike,” he said. “The Victory boys judged it just right to use up all of the battery power as I came over the finish line. I’d need more time to properly get my head around it but I’m happy to have had the opportunity to ride it.” Continue reading ‘Third And Fourth Place For Victory Racing In Its First Ever Isle Of Man TT Zero Race. Update 3.’
The Victory Motorcycles Project 156 suffered a setback on Saturday June 13th in a practice accident on the Pikes Peak race course. Cycle World Editor and Project 156 rider Don Canet did not suffer any serious injuries, and was immediately up from the crash. However the motorcycle was damaged enough to require a complete strip-down and frame straightening.
