The Harley-Davidson Museum’s summer exhibit honors the life, career and legacy of motorcycle icon Willie G. Davidson. Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend, celebrates the artistry, influence and impact of a man whose designs have defined American motorcycles for generations. The exhibit opens June 13 and runs through Sept. 7, 2015.
Willie pursued his love of art and design from an early age and proved himself as a professional designer before becoming the first design director of Harley-Davidson in 1963. Over the course of the next five decades, he created a string of iconic designs that defined Harley-Davidson “factory custom” motorcycles. Throughout his life he has embodied a close-to-the-customer relationship, by attending motorcycle rallies, rides and races, that helped play a significant role in building the company into a global phenomenon. “I wanted to combine my interest in art and design with my love for vehicles,” said Willie. “I was born with gasoline in my veins and crayons in my hands.” Continue reading ‘H-D Museum Summer Exhibit Celebrates Motorcycle Legend Willie G. Davidson’
The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced today the addition of motorcycle industry veteran Kevin Nixon to the growing AIMExpo team. Nixon will serve as the Marketing Manager for the powersports market’s largest show, which was recently named one of the fastest-growing trade shows in North America. He will be based out of the Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group’s Irvine headquarters. An avid motorcyclist and vintage-racing enthusiast, Nixon joins the team after spending the last five years with Twisted Throttle, a leading motorcycle accessory distributor, manufacturer, and AIMExpo exhibitor since the show’s inception in 2013.13. Continue reading ‘AIMExpo Appoints Kevin Nixon As New Marketing Manager’
A plethora of handlebars are available for your sled. More choices from Throttle Addiction with these 2 new sets, the Rabbit and the Tee, both crafted from seamless 4130 Chromoly tubing and 100% TIG Welded. The precision machined bungs are tapped to accept ½” X 13 TPI bolts. Both feature 3.5” spacing designed to bolt directly on Harley Davidson Glide forks.
The Rabbit bars look great on longer choppers for a 70’s vibe. They are are 22” wide, 10” rise , 11” Pull back. Available in black powder coat or chrome plated. Retail $99.99. The Tee bars are great for Harley Sportsters, Dynas or stock rake choppers. Available in black powder coat or chrome plated. Retail $99.99. They are 30” wide, 7” rise, 2” pull back. For those looking to keep it skinny, a hacksaw can quickly narrow these as much as 10 inches and still keep enough room for grips and minimal controls.
Carr, Riggs & Ingram “CRI” Transaction Advisors has been engaged to seek an acquirer for Boss Hoss Cycles, Inc. a motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1990. The company creates in a 22,000 square feet facility in Dyersburg, TN one-of-a-kind high performance motorcycles and trikes uniquely equipped with V8 engines. In 2014 Boss Hoss Cycles revenue was just above $3 million. Owner wishes to sell a majority interest and/or assets in preparation for retirement.
The foundation of every Boss Hoss is the 1.5 inch, 0.95 wall, 4130 chrome-molly tubing and investment cast heat-treated 4130 alloy neck (yoke) that make up the frame. Each motorcycle use a new General Motors engine and a custom built proprietary 2-speed semi-automatic transmission with reverse, or in the case of the trikes a modified and remanufactured 350 Turbo Hydromantic 3-speed automatic transmission with reverse.
Young German builder Florian Engel went beyond crazy (it’s a compliment) while building this machine during the 2015 Middle East Build-Off. With little money, a lot of help from sponsors, a lot of courage and the ability to work 18 hours a day because anyway sleeping is lost time (remember it was a BBO), he was able to produce this massive amount of metal work and to add to it crazy electronics that work! (for ex. bike starts while touching a dash screen) Think what you want of this HD Twin Cam B contraption, 30“ front 20” rear wheeler, but I can tell you that when you are so young and passionate you end up as being able to make a living as a professional Custom Builder. Watch this guy in the coming years. Photography @ Frank Sander for Cyril Huze.
California Close To Make Legal Motorcycle Lane-Splitting. Motorcycle lane-splitting — the rush-hour time saver for bikers that enrages many drivers is close to be formally legalized. Assembly Bill 51 has been passed and would authorize a motorcycle to be driven between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane if the motorcycle is not driven at a speed of more than 50 miles per hour and is driven no more than 15 miles per hour faster than the speed of traffic. The bill, still to be approved and signed by the California Senate and Governor would provide that these provisions do not authorize a motorcycle to be driven in contravention of other laws relating to the safe operation of a vehicle. California would be the first state to sanction the traffic-evading tactic, already widespread on traffic-choked freeways of Los Angeles. If definitively approved, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), hopes that the new California law will inspire legislators in other states. Lane-splitting is a common practice in European nations
New law Legalizes Three-Wheel Polaris Slingshot In Texas. Polaris Slingshot ended up in legal limbo last year after it was determined that it didn’t fit the letter of any of Texas motor vehicle laws. It didn’t have the safety equipment required to define it as a car, but since it had seats, and not a saddle, it couldn’t be considered a motorcycle, either. That changed last week when Governor Greg Abbot signed an amendment to the law that essentially removed the saddle requirement, allowing three-wheel “autocycles” to be registered as motorcycles, as they are in many states. A motorcycle license is still required to drive one, but you can take the test in a three-wheeler if you only plan to drive that type of vehicle. The $19,999 two-seater is powered by a front-mounted four-cylinder car engine that drives the single rear wheel through a five-speed, belt-drive transmission. It has three-point seat belts, roll hoops, power steering and stability control, but no airbags or windshield wipers. The laws that govern vehicles like the Slingshot vary from state to state, and it’s still not street legal in a few. That includes Connecticut, Hawaii and Maryland, while Indiana recently passed its own “autocycle” law authorizing its use. In most states it follows the same helmet rules as a motorcycle, but in California can be driven without one and only requires an automobile license to operate.
Polaris To Adopt India Parts Localisation To Compete With Harley And Triumph. Motorcycle brands in India such as Harley and Triumph have already adopted the localisation and CKD routes, thus reducing the price of motorcycles. “We hope to start CKD and local assembly in the next three-to five years. If things move in the right direction, then we may advance our plans. We are currently studying the market and our competition,” said Pankaj Dubey, managing director Polaris India. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Küryakyn Holdings, LLC™, a leading manufacturer of aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories, has formally announced the addition of industry veteran Steve Veltri as Vice President Brand Management. In this new role, Veltri will be responsible for leading brand strategy development and execution for Küryakyn, its Performance Division, Crusher™, and Bahn™, the new brand of precision-machined, forged aluminum accessories. Veltri’s addition bolsters the daily implementation and long-term strategic planning of brand-specific Product Development, Marketing, Sales and Events initiatives, both foreign and domestic, while ensuring consistent messaging through all channels.
“We’re very excited and fortunate to have Steve join the Küryakyn Team,” said company President Holger Mohr. “We’ve been putting more horsepower behind three established brands that continue to evolve. Steve’s enthusiastic personality, involvement developing multiple consumer brand strategies and educating dealer and distributor networks will ensure we deliver the right message to the right audience for not only Küryakyn, but also for Crusher and Bahn.” Continue reading ‘Küryakyn Names Steve Veltri As Vice President Brand Management’
Riding into History™ (RIH) is a world class Vintage Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance held at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida. Held last weekend May 22-23, the 2015 Concours D’Elegance attracted about 350 antique and vintage motorcycles. Collectors from all over America bring their motorcycles to the show, and they are displayed around the lake which forms the centerpiece of the World Golf Village. There are numerous exhibitors at the Concours, as well as representatives from several motorcycle clubs. RIH is a 501(c)3 organization that has contributed over $350,000 to charities. There is no paid staff, and all duties are performed by volunteers. You can buy online high quality bike prints from this event by photographer John Adams in several sizes and finish (Lustre, Glossy, Metallic) at Adams Views Imaging.
Being BMX racers and fans remember the Kimtab. Originally sold by Roland Sands dad in the 80’s – Perry Sand, founder of Performance Machine – it was fitting to bring the Kimtab to the future and make it out of high quality forged billet aluminum with some signature RSD detailing. The Hutch relives those glory days without the need to do swap meet searches and the questionable safety of vintage cast wheels. Designed with weight savings in mind for a light, reliable and high quality wheel with enough funk to turn out any race chopper.
Hutch Wheels • Fully sealed, maintenance free – deep groove wheel bearings • Design matched discs, pulley and air cleaner • Rim lip detail • Available in Contrast Cut, Machine Ops and Chrome Continue reading ‘Roland Sands Hutch Line Up’
U.S. safety regulators have closed an investigation of fires in Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycles after the manufacturer agreed to a recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
Bombardier Recreational Products agreed to recall nearly 5,200 Spyder RT motorcycles from the 2013 model year. It also agreed to re-notify owners of motorcycles from 2008 through 2012 that were recalled in 2012 for problems that could cause fires.
Investigators found 103 complaints and two fires during the investigation of more than 52,000 motorcycles. The agency says Bombardier agreed to address rider burns, fuel boiling due to inadequate heat management and excessive fuel vapor emissions.
Last Friday, Triumph unveiled an in-house created custom Bonneville to support the launch of a new adventure video game named “Metal Gear Solid: Phamtom Pain” And of course, it is inspired by the video main character, “The Snake”.
The motorcycle will debut at the MCM London Comic Con, May 22- 24, 2015 and then will tour a number of events throughout the year. The Venom is stripped to the bare essentials (no mirrors, no speedo, no tacho, mudguard, etc), features heavy duty fork spring, slash cut pipes, off-road pegs, sport levers, a yellowed-out JVB Rumbler headlight, a custom seat in neoprene and carbon kevlar inspired by the video The Snake’s iconic combat wear, etc.
The Harley Davidson dealer in Ahmedabad has delivered six customized Street 750 to the Gujarat, India Police Department. This is the first time that a police department in India use a Harley Street model. The motorcycles will be used primarily for quick response actions by the police department, including the escort of senior ministers and visiting dignitaries and emergency response as part of a natural disaster response team, among others.
An old retired sailor puts on his old uniform and heads for the docks once more, for old times sake. He engages a prostitute and takes her up to a room. He’s soon going at it as well as he can for a guy his age, but needing some reassurance, he asks, ‘How am I doing ?’
The prostitute replies, “Well, old sailor, you’re doing about three knots.” “Three knots?” he asks. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She says, “You’re knot hard, you’re knot in, and you’re knot getting your money back.”
Ride Wright Twista (shown), Diamond and Jewel spoke wheels are now available for the Indian Chief models -Classic, Vintage, Chieftain® and Dark Horse –
The wheels offered by Ride Wright Wheels use a 3-piece Modular Billet Hub system letting the company adapt its models to several motorcycle brand platforms. For example, by stocking these hubs, a dealer can add an Indian option overnight. Of course, the billet hub system also allows the consumer to move the wheels from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model…
All wheel models can be chromed or powder coated. All wheels are sold in traditional steel spoke, high-tech aluminum spoke, billet or forged wheel. “We are the leader in motorcycle wheels for the Indian Chief models and provide more options and styles than Indian Motorcycle,” said Sam Wakim, President and founder of Ride Wright Wheels.
Among many other activities during the Hollister Rally, “The Birthplace Of The American Biker”, a Ride-In-Bike Showily be dedicated to recently departed friend, radio personality Biker Bob Warford.
“Bob started this bike show for us years ago and has been running it ever since. His dedication and time generously given to Corbin and the bike show participants out of his own enthusiasm for all things will be sincerely missed. Words cannot express our gratitude for the years we worked together, nor our sadness at his passing”, stated Mike Corbin, the “Idea Guy” at Corbin.
The show is on Saturday, July 4th and open to all motorcycles and builders and is absolutely free to enter. For 2015 Corbin has added cash prizes to go along with the traditional “Johnny” award. See below for the full list of categories, special awards and prize values. Corbin’s Open House is all weekend July 3-5.
One custom bike that I forgot in my files, but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter when it was completed if it’s a good project. East of France, somewhere in a small village lost in the Vosges mountain range, each night and weekend of the first 7 months of the year, 5 good friends meet at night to work on an old Shovelhead that they intend to show in Sturgis. All those involved dream of this first trip to the US, just to get the feel of Sturgis, to mingle with the custom builders they heard about, to admire their machines, to ride the Black Hills, watch the wild scene on Main and Lazelle streets, just to say I went there… Continue reading ‘Twisted Shovelhead’
How to properly mount your Sportster gas tank Frisco style without metal fabrication involved and no cost involved for a new paint job? Simply with a low cost bolt-on gas tank lift. Well engineered, it only requires that you remove your tank from the factory hardware, slide the Frisco bracket in place, then re-bolt your tank using the original hardware and the additional one provided. Continue reading ‘Going Frisco Style With Your Sportster’
Texas House Passes Biker Safety Bill Days After Shooting. Texas lawmakers approved motorcycle safety legislation on Friday that supporters say was going to be discussed at the biker’s meeting in Waco where a deadly shootout erupted last weekend. The bill, which now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott, would funnel some of the state’s motorcycle-related fees to state Department of Transportation campaigns that remind motorists to share the road and look twice for motorcycles. Some fees already help boost the Texas Department of Public Safety’s motorcycle education efforts. Three bikers who helped write the legislation are among about 170 people jailed following Sunday’s melee in Waco that killed nine people.
Harley-Davidson Inc to Issue Quarterly Dividend of $0.31 on June 12th. Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) stockholders of record on Thursday, May 28th will be given a dividend of 0.31 per share on Friday, June 12th. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.19%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 26th.
Alabama. Motorcycle License Bill Passes Legislature. Alabamians will need to have a motorcycle classification on their license, and take a written exam or safety course, under a bill that has passed the state Legislature. Currently, only motorcyclists age 14 and 15 have to take a written test and get the M classification. Those older than that may get the classification, but don’t have to. Motorcyclists who already have the M classification will be grandfathered in. The law will become effective Jan. 1, 2016. Law enforcement will then be able to issue tickets to motorcyclists who don’t have the M classification. The bill also allows drivers to complete a safety course instead of the written test. There’s a $5 fee for the written test.
A serrated foot surface gives you a good bite onto the bottom of your shoes. Because they are CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, they are light-weight but still super strong. They feature a pitch adjustment that enables you to change the foot position. They mount using the Harley stock mounting hardware. Dimensions: 4.75″ wide x 13.5″ long x .75″ thick. Available in hard black or raw aluminum finish. $429.95. Matching serrated brake pedals with dimensions 4.5″ wide x 2.75″ long x .75″ thick. Also available in hard black or raw aluminum finish. $64.95. At Joker Machine.
A married couple in their early 60s are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant. Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table. She said, “For being such an exemplary married couple and for being loving to each other for all this time, I will grant you each a wish.”
The wife answered, “Oh, I want to travel around the world With my darling husband.” The fairy waved her magic wand and – poof! – two tickets for the Queen Mary II appeared in her hands.
The husband thought for a moment. “Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again. I’m sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me.” The wife and the fairy were deeply disappointed. But a wish is a wish.
So the fairy waved her magic wand and Poof!…the husband became 92 years old.
The moral of this story: men who are ungrateful bastards should remember that fairies are female …..
These spinning wheels by a company called My Movement should not be called Spinners. They feature a patented technique called E.C.R.T. for ” Encapsulated Center Technology. Basically, the wheel is build with a structure allowing the center component to spin freely. The six separate components can be custom finished with painting, anodizing, plating or powder coating. The patented 3D Design Locking System allows the end user the option of locking the center component in 20 different positions to compliment the outer design to suit his mood anytime he wants. The manufacturer holds 3 utility and design patents on each of their every multi-piece wheel. Choose your own design and it will be produced in sizes from 16″ to 32″. It’s at 180-degree from my personal taste, but some will be interested…A demo video. At My Movement.
Polaris Industries Inc. is headquartered just outside of Minneapolis in Medina, Minnesota. Polaris engineering, US manufacturing and distribution facilities are located in Roseau, Minnesota; Osceola, Wisconsin; Spirit Lake, Iowa; Vermillion South Dakota.
1- Polaris was founded in Roseau, Minn., in 1954 as a snowmobile manufacturer.
2- Polaris expanded to a line of watercrafts discontinued about 10 years ago.
3- The current Iowa Spirit Lake plant was created in 1994 from an abandoned ice machine factory. After last year’s expansion and a 7.7 million investment, it is now a 400,000 sq. ft facility housing 3 brand production lines: Victory motorcycles, Indian and Slingshot. Continue reading ‘Polaris Industries. Did You Know?’
The Harley-Davidson Museum’s summer exhibit honors the life, career and legacy of motorcycle icon Willie G. Davidson. Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend, celebrates the artistry, influence and impact of a man whose designs have defined American motorcycles for generations. The exhibit opens June 13 and runs through Sept. 7, 2015.
Willie pursued his love of art and design from an early age and proved himself as a professional designer before becoming the first design director of Harley-Davidson in 1963. Over the course of the next five decades, he created a string of iconic designs that defined Harley-Davidson “factory custom” motorcycles. Throughout his life he has embodied a close-to-the-customer relationship, by attending motorcycle rallies, rides and races, that helped play a significant role in building the company into a global phenomenon. “I wanted to combine my interest in art and design with my love for vehicles,” said Willie. “I was born with gasoline in my veins and crayons in my hands.” Continue reading ‘H-D Museum Summer Exhibit Celebrates Motorcycle Legend Willie G. Davidson’
One custom bike that I forgot in my files, but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter when it was completed if it’s a good project. East of France, somewhere in a small village lost in the Vosges mountain range, each night and weekend of the first 7 months of the year, 5 good friends meet at night to work on an old Shovelhead that they intend to show in Sturgis. All those involved dream of this first trip to the US, just to get the feel of Sturgis, to mingle with the custom builders they heard about, to admire their machines, to ride the Black Hills, watch the wild scene on Main and Lazelle streets, just to say I went there… 
