Autumn in NYC and BBQ (the 3 boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens) is the perfect time of the year for an outdoor Custom Motorcycle Motorcycle Show. Successfully launched last year the “Brooklyn Invitational” features custom builders of the Greater Tri-State Area (and a couple from California) invited to show their custom motorcycles specifically built for this event, a curated selection of the best work being done in the motorcycle world. Continue reading ‘Second Annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show’
Second Annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show
Published by September 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Electric Racing Concept Motorcycle. Gorgeous.
Published by September 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
German born Andre Frederico has an interesting profile and philosophy. With a Diploma Degree at the Academy of Art & Industrial Design and a Degree in Industrial Design (from materials science to deformation technology to shape cutting and machining), he is convinced that the cost of racing can be significantly reduced and that a motorcycle is “the perfect medium in communicating new technologies.” Continue reading ‘Electric Racing Concept Motorcycle. Gorgeous.’
Cycle News Magazine closed its doors yesterday Tuesday evening after a run of almost 50 years. The weekly magazine specialized in information related to motorcycle championships, industry and riders. The news was confirmed by employees already looking for a new job.
The end of the printed magazines (like the death of the printed book) has been prophesied for many years. Whatever you may think, it’s merely an ongoing process and what is in the air is the timing. Written language doesn’t disappear, it’s just the way of displaying it.
The medium to deliver information has changed because digital is cheaper (not free), faster and because of possible interaction with the readers. The digital platform fits very well in the realm of freedom of information and expression. Dead-tree publishers can’t deny that they can’t compete in terms of economy with the web world. Add to this portability of the information and the fact that not only generations are raised on computers, tablets and smart phones, but also that older people have mastered the art of surfing the web, e-reading and smart phoning. Continue reading ‘Cycle News Magazine Ceased Publication.’
After half a day lost on the schedule because of poor Salts condition (showers), yesterday was high pace rotation on the different tracks to let racers effectuate an outstanding 300 total runs in the 3 main classes “AMA”, “FIM” and “Run What You Brung.” Variety is such that it is extremely difficult to to identify at 1st glance which bike belongs to which class! For its first run, Max Lambsky and his red “Double Vincent Engine” Streamliner did his first had no difficulty going over 200 mph. Roger Goldammer, the 3-time AMD World Champion Of Custom Bike Building has completely skipped the show tour during more than 1 year to prepare his machine. He is on the Salts still doing some engine work. Let’s see… Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 4.’
Cannonball Endurance Run Trophy by Jeff Decker
Published by September 1st, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Events.
Most of you already know Jeffrey Decker as a master of the “lost wax/bronze” art. So, no surprise that more than one year ago he was contacted by Lonnie from the Cannonball Challenge to create a bronze trophy as unique as is this event.Jeff told me that he wanted to represent the 1st generation of motorcycling, hence a light weight motorcycle without transmission. Fascinated by the Harley-Davidson Strap Tank it’s this type that he decided to equip the motorcycle with. Continue reading ‘Cannonball Endurance Run Trophy by Jeff Decker’
Advertising Agency Of 31 years Dumps Harley-Davidson
Published by September 1st, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
For having worked with international advertising agencies (and mine) for blue chip compaies during more than25 years, I can tell you that it is extremely rare that an agency fires one of its most prestigious clients. Since yesterday the ad world is buzzing with the decision of Carmichael Lynch (an Interpublic Group agency) to dump Harley-Davidson after 31 years of collaboration. Carmichael Lynch president, Doug Spong, had this to say: “You can’t be in a relationship for 31 years and not have some differences. We’re very grateful for such a long and glorious time together, but we just feel like we’ve taken that brand as far as we can go.” Continue reading ‘Advertising Agency Of 31 years Dumps Harley-Davidson’
Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 3.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Rarely seen in Bonneville during the Speed Trials, yesterday Monday afternoon rain has delayed again many participants’ runs. The BUB team of volunteers did an unbelievable job at fixing and drying some wet spots on the different tracks. And as soon as the sun went back, participants took their turns on the starting line at a frantic pace never seen before. Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 3.’
Motorcycle Exhaust Noise Alert
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Blll SB435 has been before the California legislature for some time and various motorcycle groups have been involved in its discussion, most opposed. The California State Senate yesterday voted 21-16 to pass SB435. The bill makes it a crime to operate a motorcycle manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013, that fails to meet federal noise-emission control standards. Motorcyclists whose vehicles lack the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency label would be subject to a fine. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Exhaust Noise Alert’
Fly Girl. A Pure Scandinavian Chopper.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Minna Heikkinen is from Finland, Gordon Rooth is from Sweden and they state that this bike that they built together is a mix of Finnish and Swedish Chopper style. I am not sure of the difference but I recognize a Scandinavian built chopper as soon as I see one. Continue reading ‘Fly Girl. A Pure Scandinavian Chopper.’
Motorcycle BUB Trials. A Custom Show Bike And Its Rider Tasting The Salts For The First Time. Part 2.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
When I feature a show custom motorcycle that you like and end my post mentioning that the bike and its builder’s next trip will be to Bonneville to race it, some of you express some doubts. One week ago on August 24th, I featured “Flyer“, the winner of the “Production Manufacturer” class of the AMD World Championship Of Custom Building, telling you that its Spanish Builder – Sergio Bayarri – was on its way to the Salts of Utah to test his motorcycle against the clock, and prove to the world that his custom bikes are made to be ridden very fast. Something that all small manufacturers should do to convince buyers to buy their products, even if it’s only a series of 50 units, like in the case of SBay Motors Co. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle BUB Trials. A Custom Show Bike And Its Rider Tasting The Salts For The First Time. Part 2.’
Harley-Davidson Logo. Bar And Shield Forever.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
No, 1901 is not the year the first Harley-Davidson logo was created. It’s in 1904 that Arthur Davidson’s Aunt Jane Davidson painted “Harley Davidson Motor Company” with a red stripe on the door of the shed where he worked with William S. Harley, but it’s only in 1910 that the famous Bar and shield logo in orange and black was registered with the patent office. It seems that nobody knows who designed it, why a bar & shield, and what was the inspiration for the choice of colors. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Logo. Bar And Shield Forever.’
Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 1.
Published by August 30th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
They all arrived from the 4 corners of the world and from almost all US States. On Saturday August 28th they were on the Salts of Bonneville, Utah to install their race setup, to register and have their bikes inspected to participate to the 7th annual BUB Speed Trials dedicated to motorcycles looking to beat land speed records. Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 1.’
Black On Black Custom Harley Sportster XLH
Published by August 30th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
You don’t hear much about Denmark custom builders. At least you should know about Wrenchmonkees and of their passion for the 70’s motorcycles. They buy them very cheap and reinterpret them with a clear Cafe Racers and Japanese builders style influence. Their customization preferred platforms are preferably Hondas 750 and Yamahas RD, but they also like to put their touch of black on Sporsters XLH like on this 1967 model. Beautifully black. and darker than the new Dark Series of Harley-Davidson and surprisingly not costing much more. Wrenchmonkees.
Video Tribute To Falcon Motorcycles
Published by August 30th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.A professional video shot by Travis Shinn showing Ian Barry riding his latest Kestrel Falcon Motorcycle creation through the LA river in downtown Los Angeles (brought to you by OTMFC and Noah Goldsmith’s Safe Camp, originally brought to you by NOWNESS. Music by Naam)
It’s now 1 year that Harley-Davidson is selling 12 of its motorcycle models in India and in September will have a total of 5 dealerships in this country. Harley is evaluating how each model performs, will decide soon which ones should be sold in 2011 and at the same time is evaluating if it is worth assembling in India instead of facing high import duty fees. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson India Update’
Cris Sommers Simmons. The Only American Woman Ready To Endure The Cannonball Challenge.
Published by August 29th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.After 9 months of hard work with the help of ace Antique Motorcycle Restorer Steve Huntzinger (just won a bunch of awards at the Pebble Beach Concours) and after some intense physical training to endure the 3325 miles of the Challenge between US east and west coast, Cris Sommers-Simmons and her 1915 Harley-Davidson 11J Twin 3 speed will be on September 10th on the starting line of the Cannonbal Edurance Run.
Front of her husband Pat, see her kicking her bike named “Effie” for the 1st time before going to practice her foot clutch/hand shifting. (For good luck she will have a Gumby figurine on the bike, like on all her motorcycles for the past 25 years.)
Hawg Halters Sprocket Brake System. Improved.
Published by August 28th, 2010 in Brakes, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Born in Sweden decades ago, many times copied, then adapted and improved the Sprocket Brake System for chain drive is everywhere on new built custom motorcycles. Especially the ones looking for a retro look. What about the fact that a chain is more forgiving than a belt when you have, over time, a very slight problem of drive alignment, than you can customize your final drive with a chain in a dozen of different colors? Continue reading ‘Hawg Halters Sprocket Brake System. Improved.’
Three blondes were all applying for the last available position on the Texas Highway Patrol. The detective conducting the interview looked at the three of them and said, “So y’all want to be cops, huh?” The blondes all nodded. The detective got up, opened a file drawer, and pulled out a folder. Sitting back down, he opened it, pulled out a picture, and said, “To be a detective, you have to be able to detect. You must be able to notice things such as distinguishing features and oddities like scars and so forth.”
So saying, he stuck the photo in the face of the first blonde and withdrew it after about two seconds. “Now,” he said, “did you notice any distinguishing features about this man?” The blonde immediately said, “Yes, I did. He has only one eye!” The detective shook his head and said, “Of course he has only one eye in this picture! It’s a profile of his face! You’re dismissed!” The first blonde hung her head and walked out of the office. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Harley-Davidson Milwaukee Rally Is Set For September 2-5, 2010
Published by August 28th, 2010 in Editorial and Events.
It is supposed to be the largest Bike Rally in the Midwest. It is organized by the four metro Milwaukee Harley-Davidson dealers.
So, if you are in the area, it may be your last opportunity to ride under still warm temperatures and enjoy at the same time the classic bike fest entertainment, music, vendors, poker run, photo opportunities, rides, parts on sale before the winter season and much more!
All venues and schedule at Milwaukee Rally.
Building A Captain America Reproduction
Published by August 27th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In 1969 in the movie Easy Rider, the two freewheeling hippies – Wyatt, nicknamed “Captain America” (Peter Fonda), and Billy (Dennis Hopper) – told the world about their quest with the aim of achieving freedom.
Wyatt rides a chopper with an American flag painted gas tank and dresses in flag-adorned leather. The bike became a legend and probably is still today the most recognized motorcycle in the world. Continue reading ‘Building A Captain America Reproduction’
Harley-Davidson 2011 Motorcycles Inventories Too Low.
Published by August 27th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Consequence of cutting back its production to meet a lower consumer demand caused by the recession, some Harley dealers begin to complain that they don’t have enough 2011 models on the show floor.
The results of a study conducted by the firm of Robert W. Baird and Company with 64 Harley dealerships show that 2/3 of them think that their inventories are too low and that it hurts sales. The positive side of the story is that prices of the new motorcycles are firming, protecting Harley brand value, helping the dealer and the finance division make more profit.
Surprisingly, 42% of the dealers surveyed stated that they were selling bikes at or above the suggested retail price. On the other end of the spectrum, some dealers still have a lot of 2010 models on the show floor. In this actual uncertain economic context, Harley-Davidson will probably continue to prefer tight production over the risk of over-production. Harley dealers are learning how to trade inventory with each other, a daily practice in the car industry. (picture courtesy HD Orlando)
Getting Ready For The Cannonball Challenge. Shinya Kimura.
Published by August 27th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.On September 10, 2010 the green flag will be waved to pre-1916 motorcycles like Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson’s Silent Grey Fellows, and riders will be thumping their way from the US east coast to the west for the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run. I have quite a few friends participating to this 2-week event, and this video shows you one of them, Japanese born and US based Shinya Kimura, preparing the 1915 Indian twin he will ride.
PhatBack Kit For Your Harley-Davidson Touring Model
Published by August 27th, 2010 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Not really my style but I understand that some of you can like it. From a young company I just discovered – they incorporated in 2008 – the PhatBack RT (RT for rumble trunk) is conceived to extend the cruising aspect of your bagger with a concealed storage compartment that opens like a rumble seat.
It’s a kit weighting 34 pounds, measuring 76″L x 22″W x 22″H, with a 1.0 cu ft of storage (17″H x 7″D x 11″W) that you can install in two hours and remove in two minutes with no frame modification.
It’s made of hand-laid fiberglass with reinforcement at mounting points for full frame support. It includes solo seat pan (King/Queen optional) and the kit is delivered primed and ready-to-paint. MSRP is $2,799, lights and trunk hardware are not included. Old Skool Cycle Werks.
A Custom As Hot And Elegant As A Consuela
Published by August 26th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Don’t look for your Urban Dictionary. A Consuela refers to “a fine sexy lady, hot like fire, that has a vivacious/ravishing personality, being a perfect 10 out of 10. usually of Spanish decent, but not always.” I find this new petite and light build (about 300 pounds) by TPJ Customs extremely attractive…just like a Consuela. This custom looks deceptively very simple to build, but as a matter of fact it includes many very nice shop fabricated one-off parts. Continue reading ‘A Custom As Hot And Elegant As A Consuela’
You Have Only One Chance To Keep Your Harley-Davidson Job In Wisconsin…
Published by August 26th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
On Monday 1880 Harley Wisconsin manufacturing workers received a letter from their Union President. In it, he explains that they have want to keep their jobs, they have only one chance: to vote on September 13th, 2010 to approve the new Harley-Davidson contract.
He warns that if not “Harley-Davidson Board of Directors can vote themselves on whether to allocate monies to Wisconsin Operations or to another state.” Union negotiations are still open and ongoing but Harley-Davidson confirms they want to keep mid-September as the deadline to decide the future location of actual Wisconsin manufacturing operations. It is rumored that Kansas City or York, PA where Harley-Davidson has plants could be the new location if Wisconsin workers fail to approve the new contract. In any case, corporate headquarters, product development center, and museum will remain in Milwaukee
Oil is to engines and transmissions what blood is to humans. Hmmm. Kind of… Oil serves many purposes like lubrication, cooling, efficiency, anti-rust agent, protection etc. These are the 3 most common questions about motorcycle oil. Spectro Performance Oils explain:
1- Question: Can I mix viscosity grades? Answer: Yes, you can and no harm will be done. Topping up with 10w40, if its all you have available, will not injure the 20w50 in your crankcase. It will, however, lower the overall viscosity of your crankcase oil to a certain extent. This will cause no harm to your motorcycle. Likewise, adding a 20w50 product to 10w40 will slightly increase the overall viscosity in your crankcase. Again, no harm will occur. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Oil Questions. Spectro Answers.’
Mad Jap Kustoms. Respect The Kulture!
Published by August 25th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Let’s give a push to a small team of builders from beautiful Calgary, Canada that I met in Sturgis, struggling their way up for acknowledgement from their older brothers. Setup at the Broken Spoke County Line among other “next generation of custom builders” shops, they learned the hard way that exhibiting in Sturgis costs a lot of money if you can’t sell bikes or even tee-shirts because you forgot to request a vendor permit! Continue reading ‘Mad Jap Kustoms. Respect The Kulture!’
Orange County Choppers Launch The OCC Foundation, Inc.
Published by August 25th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I have big attitude, but what you may not know is that we, at OCC, have an even bigger heart” says Paul Teutul Senior. With these words Orange County Choppers, the custom motorcycle shop featured on the popular TLC television show American Chopper yesterday announced the launch of a new non-profit organization called The OCC Foundation, Inc. Continue reading ‘Orange County Choppers Launch The OCC Foundation, Inc.’
Improved Riser Mount Kit For Easy Internal Wiring
Published by August 25th, 2010 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
For those who want to run their handlebar cables & electricity internally, here a superb idea that has been improved. A custom handlebar mounting kit to run all your lines (wires, cables & hoses) through the bolts and exit them under the top of any triple tree top plate.
It includes bolts with 5/8″ holes for concealing wires and cables, dampening HD standard bushings, chrome washers, chrome nuts & threaded inserts. You must use 1 1/4″ bars with .095 wall thickness. MSRP: $180.00. At Custom Cycle Control Systems.
Reality Check. Paul Teutul Junior Weds.
Published by August 24th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
American Chopping Wedding.Last weekend Paul Teutul, Junior and Rachael married at Bonnet Island Estate in Bonnet Island, NJ. front of 135 people.
Daddy was invited but was a no show. Now, you know for sure that the feud and the ongoing legal battle between father and son is for real.
There was a post-ceremony with butterflies release under an arched trellis garden while the strings played “Born To Be Wild“. No, “Here Comes Senior“. No, “Here Comes the Sun.”
Congrats Junior (nice haircut) and Rachael. Picture courtesy Paul Jr. Fans Club.
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