Symbol of rebellion, passion, heroism, and good ol’ American rock ‘n’ roll Hollywood loves to associate its heroes and heartthrobs with motorcycles. The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando, cemented the public’s fascination with the biker rebel image and put the motorcycle on the map when it came to Hollywood films. Beginning this friday February 12 until March 14 the Harley-Davidson Museum is rolling out the red carpet for some very special guest appearances as it showcases “Harleys & Hollywood,” an exclusive, limited-time exhibit. On stage, some of the famous Hollywood motorcycles that have defined pop culture over the years. Bikes on display include those seen in the films G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, and Wild Hogs, as well as some owned by stars Clark Gable, Steve McQueen, Ludacris, and Jesse James. More info at Harley-Davidson Museum.
Harleywood At The Harley-Davidson Museum
Published by February 9th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Renegade Wheels Launching Budget Priced R2 Series
Published by February 9th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Sign of the times, customization gets a little bit cheaper. Renegade Wheels offers a new line-up of motorcycle wheels starting at a very appealing price of $899.00. And as you can see by looking at the Racine model, affordable doesn’t mean looking cheap.
The Racine looks very good to me with its 9 fluted spokes, cross cut rim and mirror like chrome finish.The slender spoke pattern provides a significant weight reduction and less rotating mass. Rims are available in sizes for any taste and style including diameters 16” to 26” and widths from 2.15” up to a massive 14”. While the standard finish is chrome you can special order yours (more money, of course) in Ebony Chrome, Black Powder-Coat or Renegade’s New Phantom Cut and a wide variety of custom colors. Call 714-998-7241 or visit Renegade Wheels.
Easyriders 2010 V-Twin Awards
Published by February 9th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Each year during the V-Twin Expo, Easyriders Magazine announces its V-Twin Awards. Below the list of the 2010 winners.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bruce Rossmeyer. Industry Leader Of The Year: Holger Mohr, Custom Chrome Inc. Bike Of The Year: Victory Crossroads. Metric Bike Of The Year: Honda Fury. Cruiser Of The Year: Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide. Custom Bike Of The Year: Harley-Davidson Street Glide CVO. Performance Product Of The Year: Bassani 2 into 1 Exhaust. Teresi Award Of The Year: RC Components RCX-Haust. Motorcycle. Frame Of The Year: Rolling Thunder Frames. Motorcycle Design Of The Year: Lehman Trikes Victory Kingpin. Valve Product Of The Year: Vance & Hines VO2 Air Filter. Accessory Of The Year: Hog Tunes Tweeter Bar. New Product Of The Year. Baker Drivetrain 4-Speed Vintage Transmissions. Tech Product Of The Year: S&S Cycle Easy Start Cams.
American Chopper Reality TV Show. It’s Over On February 11th.
Published by February 8th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The “dysfunctional” Teutul family had a fabulous TV series run. And now it’s over. The Learning Channel just announced that it has canceled the show with the season finale started last Thursday and the last episode airing February 11 at 9pm (8pm central).
What appears to some as an abrupt decision was expected by many due to several factors. Continue reading ‘American Chopper Reality TV Show. It’s Over On February 11th.’
World’s Most Powerful Production Motorcycle
Published by February 8th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
You are looking at the latest very exclusive motorcycle released by small manufacturer Vyrus from Rimini, Italy. Named the 987 C3 4V this very light weight bike (only 339 pounds) is able to produce 211 hp from its Ducati-sourced 1198cc V-twin engine, boosted by the presence of a supercharger and proudly carries the title of the Most Powerful Production Motorcycle in the World. Continue reading ‘World’s Most Powerful Production Motorcycle’
Narrow 2″ Open Belt Drive For Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Models
Published by February 7th, 2010 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
Just released by Belt Drives LTD. this new black 2″ open belt drive kit is specifically designed for owners of 1970 to 1978 Shovelheads. It’s sold complete with a new guard, complete clutch assembly with a bearing lock-up pressure plate, proprietary Kevlar clutch, rear clutch cover and mini-starter housing, Suggested retail price for the complete kit runs around $1630.00. For additional information contact Belt Drives LTD at 714-685-3333 or visit Belt Drive Ltd.
New Rear Wheel Set Up For Your Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycle
Published by February 7th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
This is Glenndyne Design’s newest release featured at the V-Twin Expo this weekend (booth 2424). It’s called the “SET UP” and is a direct bolt-on rear wheel for Harley-Davidson touring models to match their line of internal brake front wheels. The company built a solid rear wheel, hub , pulley and rotor then drilled it for hardware so everything matches the front internal brake wheel. Pictured here with a tungsten silver ceramic lip and black faces. Any finish/color combo is available. Beautiful and exclusive, but only if money is no issue. A complete set 18″ rear and 21″ internal brake front wheel will set you back $5800.00. Glenndyne Design
Although snow and ice created difficulties for some Dealers to access Cincinnati, this 1st day of attendance at the V-Twin Expo was pretty good. I will report in the next days about what I have seen, and for now will just make the remark that I was surprised by the number of new wheels (designs & sizes) introduced this year. And of course, I met most of my professional friends of the industry. Below a few pictures about the V-Twin Expo atmosphere. From left to right, top to bottom. 1- Icy Cincinnati 2- Performance Machine Rig. 3- 10 am. Doors open. Let’s get busy 4- Arlen Ness 5- Ron Finch, Rogue. 6- Ness Tattoo Wheel 7- 30″ Bagger Front Wheell 8-Jil & John Parham (J&P Cycles), Kody Wisner 9- Mike Tomas & wife (Kiwi Indian) 10- Arnie (Tricky Air & Billet) with Sukoshi Fahey (Avon) 11-Internal Brake Wheel 12- Vee Rubber 30″ Prototype Tire 13- Cool Racing Rear Fender.
New Retro 30’s Kiwi Indian Custom Motorcycle
Published by February 6th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I always say that a client should select his Custom Builder like he would select any top expert, like deciding on a Surgeon. After thoroughly checking his references and spending a lot of time talking to him. After that, trust him at 100%. Let him do his work and never challenge him. He is the expert. Not you. It’s exactly what Daryl did when he selected Mike Tomas as his Custom Builder. After several years checking on many builders’ work, when he saw the custom Indian bike built by Mike for the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration, Daryl knew right away that “Kiwi Indian“ had to build his dream bike. Continue reading ‘New Retro 30’s Kiwi Indian Custom Motorcycle’
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28 independently owned Harley Dealers closed in 2009 with another 15 Dealers expected to close in the next three months of this year. Some dealers have opted to merge their operations with another dealer in the same county - Lynn Ashcroft, with Joe Miller, is the owner of Ashcroft Motorcycles in Salem, Oregon, but also a Circuit judge. Or was until yesterday when he resigned from the Marion County Bench following allegations of misconduct. Lynn Ashcroft was the subject of an investigation by the Department Of Justice regarding claims of official misconduct related to Ashcroft’s handling of a defendant case. This defendant would have been denied a court-appointed counsel. Ashcroft declined to discuss details of the case. Lynn Ashcroft will now work full time at his shop. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Ok, it’s not about women or motorcycles, but curves are curves, and curves are always sensuous. Got this book in my hands and I absolutely loved it. And these car designs – gas tanks, fenders and louvers – could be a great inspiration for your next bike project.
Photography is superb and writers for each featured classical car really know what they are talking about. Ranked as one the most beautiful books of automobile photography, I just hope that the author next book will be dedicated to our finest curvy sleds. Hardcover, 192 pages, 12.2 x 9.9 x 0.8″. Curves Of Steel.
Going to the 10th Anniversary Cincinnati V-Twin Expo
Published by February 5th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Still a place to see (the new custom parts) and be seen (all the Big Cats of the industry), the 10th V-Twin Expo will open its doors in Cincinnati from tomorrow February 6th until the 8th.
As usual I will be there to report on how our motorcycle industry is doing in this fast changing economy. Being more interested by quality than quantity, I will try to orient you on those who are present with true innovative products and solutions, and of course these companies will be the ones on which I will blog in priority. Continue reading ‘Going to the 10th Anniversary Cincinnati V-Twin Expo’
Watch a Walt Disney test footage of 3D visual effects for a sequel of the classic movie “ Tron”. Take a sneak peek at the “Light Cycles” sequence with a pair of bikes dueling, leaving those signature light trails in their wake. Tron 2 is heading to a theater near you.
Textron Financial Still Trying To Sell American IronHorse Motorcycles Intellectual Property
Published by February 4th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
As I announced on November 9, 2009, Streambank LLC, an intellectual property advisory firm, has been retained by Textron Financial Corporation to find a buyer for the intangible assets of American IronHorse. American IronHorse filed a petition for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on April 30, 2009. It had assets of $1 million and liabilities of $10 million.
Intangible assets include the following: The American IronHorse name, Trademarks, Patents and Certifications, Engineering documents, URL’s, Customer data, Motorcycle designs, Proprietary parts. A total Over 14,000 AIH motorcycles have been manufactured during the life of the company under different ownerships. Interested parties must contact Magaret Birlem at Streambank 207-669-2249 mbirlem@streanmankllc.com
1/8 Scale Harley Knucklehead Engine. Complete Running Model Coming soon…
Published by February 4th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
His name is Jerry Kieffer. He is not a professional machinist, but a retired field representative for a Wisconsin power company who turned his home shop into the finest and smallest examples of model engineering to be found anywhere in the world. He has been building a number of incredible projects, including two miniature Harley Davidson motorcycles, a 1/8 scale John Deere tractor, several other steam and gas engines, clocks, etc. He owns a 1947 Knucklehead Harley Davidson that he completely restored. So he measured each and every part of the his bike to make the scaled down parts for his model. Yes, the full motorcycle is in process with the motor running and all the systems working. Continue reading ‘1/8 Scale Harley Knucklehead Engine. Complete Running Model Coming soon…’
Of course you don’t need to ride a carbon fiber custom built motorcycle to wear one like that. The advantage? Made of super light-weight ABS construction with a durable, high gloss finish (UV protected) to show off your carbon fiber helmet. Other features: plush and absorbent interior liner, includes a removable visor (face-shield compatible), stainless steel dual D-rings, a DOT approved helmet sticker displayed on the back of the helmet under the clear coat so you should be protected from tickets (words of the manufacturer), and comes with a free helmet bag. For sale online at Moto Direct.
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A husband left this note on the fridge. “My Dear Wife. You will surely understand that I have certain needs that you, being 54 years old, can no longer satisfy. I am very happy with you and I value you as a good wife. Therefore, after reading this letter, I hope that you will not wrongly interpret the fact that I will be spending the evening with my 18 year old secretary at the Comfort Inn Hotel. Please don’t be upset—-I shall be home before midnight”.
When the man came home later that night, he found the following letter on the dining room table: Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Fat Katz Non Vented Pop Up Gas Cap
Published by February 4th, 2010 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
What is the remedy to some pop-up gas caps leaking gas by the vent? Simply, a non vented gas cap to use with a vented gas tank.
Fat Katz, a leader in custom gas tanks and fenders, like many builders and owners of their custom built bikes, decided that it was time to end the problem of fuel and fumes escaping through the gas cap vent and ruining many paint jobs. So, the safe approach would be to order you custom gas tank from Fat Katz as vented and to ask them to weld their own proprietary non-ventedpop-up gas cap. The cap top is stainless steel so it can be polished or painted. It is available with a steel or aluminum bung. Retail price is $200.00. Fat Katz. or call 877-432-8528
A very interesting article written by Carol J. Loomis, senior editor-at-large at Fortune Magazine and reproduced today via CNN Money. The author of this article is both a friend of Warren Buffett and a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder.
“Today is an anniversary for motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson that it would just as soon not remember. On February 3rd a year ago, with the stock market hurtling toward its March lows, Harley (HOG, Fortune 500) announced it had sold $600 million in five-year notes at a nosebleed interest rate of 15%. Yes, 15%, because the company needed the money to fund its finance company and had to pay what the market demanded. The market, in this case, included Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B) had been husbanding cash for years, and who was pleased to give $300 million of that money to Harley at 15%. The other $300 million was put up by Davis Advisors, a mutual fund company whose Chris Davis saw Harley notes as a fine investment for his funds (which, by the way, also own Harley stock). Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Amazing Downhill Ride’
Discreetly and in just a few years, Avon Grips succeeded to enter the V-Twin motorcycle industry with a line of premium Kraton rubber grips and pegs.
Avon launched these air cushioned anodized and chrome grips. “Air Ride for Your Hands” states the company. Continue reading ‘Avon Air Cushioned Grips’
The Limpnickie Garage At The V-Twin Expo
Published by February 3rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
I wrote many posts about the “Limpnickie Lot“, an informal group of young (and some a little bit older…) custom motorcycle builders and part vendors traveling together, enjoying to show their bikes and have fun together in a series of events all year long. Continue reading ‘The Limpnickie Garage At The V-Twin Expo’
A Market Report About The Chinese Motorcycle Industry
Published by February 3rd, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
Well, we all talk about China. But what do we know about their motorcycle industry? A Chinese Market Report was just released and you will, like me, learn a few interesting things. Below are some highlights (FYI, CNY or internationally RMB are the symbols for the Chinese Yuan also called Renminbi, literally the currency of the “People’s Republic Of China”). As of today, 1 US dollar = 6.8268 CNY.
Overall Chinese Motorcycle Industry: consists of the manufacturing of whole motorcycles, motorcycle parts and accessories. 1- From January to May, 2009, the sales revenue of Chinese motorcycle industry totaled RMB 78.785 billion, dropping by 1.01% YOY (year over year, same period) Continue reading ‘A Market Report About The Chinese Motorcycle Industry’
Daytona Bike Week Giveaway Motorcycle Built By Klock Werks
Published by February 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
During this coming Daytona Bike Week, the Daytona Beach Community Foundation will hold a drawing for a chance to win the official Daytona Bike Week motorcycle. This year, Klock Werks was in charge to build a custom bagger. The bike specs include a new 2009 Daytec Dagger bagger frame, a polished S&S 124-cubic inch engine, a polished Baker six-speed transmission, a Rivera Primo chain primary system and clutch, RC Components Czar Eclipse front and rear wheels, a Klock Werks Kaffeine fairing, an Arlen Ness Big Bags, HHI brake calipers, Avon Cobra front and rear tires, Jaybrake controls, etc. Klock Werks parts including Double Back Headers, Super Saver Mufflers, Benchmark Rear Fender, Spade Taillight, Illuminated License Plate Frame, Curvaceous Lids, Relief Saddlebag Latch Covers, and Flush Mount Axle. To enter the drawing there are 4500 tickets being sold for $50 each. The drawing will occur on March 6, 2010, no matter how many tickets are sold. The bike fabrication will be featured the February issue and on the cover in the March issue of American Iron Magazine. Daytona Chamber Of Commerce.
Harley-Davidson Donating Motorcycles For Haiti Relief Efforts
Published by February 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson announced that it will donate 28 new Buell and Harley-Davidson motorcycles to assist with earthquake disaster relief and stabilization efforts in Haiti. The motorcycles will remain in Haiti as a permanent donation to the government. The motorcycles are being shipped from the Motor Company facilities to the Dominican Republic, where Harley-Davidson dealership organization MagnaMotors will facilitate direct delivery to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. Harley-Davidson.
Beringer To Launch Brand New Line Of Brakes For Harley-Davidson And Buell Models
Published by February 1st, 2010 in Builders, Controls, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Beringer, since 1984 the French based company specialist of high performance and innovative braking systems (motorcycles, cars & aircrafts) has now a US distributor and will be present at the V-Twin Expo from February 6th to 8th (booth 2435) and at the Indianapolis Dealer Expo February 12th to 14th (booth 5229) to introduce its brand new line of brakes (2, 4 and 6-piston), radial master cylinders, floating discs, cable and hydraulic clutch for Harley-davidson & Buell models. Beringer is a multi-time Supermotard, AMA, Endurance World Champion. Expect to see a lot of red, gold and black anodizing to add a lot of style to your brakes. Beringer Brake Systems (website in French & English)
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Motorcycle Picture Of The Week. Stretched Vespa.
Published by February 1st, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Having experienced as a teenager how awkward it is to do fast turns with a Vespa (due to the engine position and weird center of gravity), it doesn’t make much sense to me to stretch a Vespa. Except if you maintain, transport and want to exhibit 3 of your girl friends who like each other. Or, like in this case you are a Vespa importer trying to get some attention and free publicity in your country and among my Blog readers. Vespa South Africa.
Custom Chrome Europe Introduces Euro 3 Compliant Sportster Exhaust System
Published by February 1st, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
All European builders and bikers know what Euro 3 means. For the others, especially for those US manufacturers who want to export their models, Euro 3 is a European Emission Standard progressively introduced since 2000 and defining the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives. To help its Dealers, Custom Chrome Europe offers in exclusivity the BSL Rainbow Hot Shot Pipes for Harley Sportsters 04 and up in 3 different finishes. They come with bung for the OEM O2-sensor. (Open loop systems should use part #685615 to close the 02 sensor bung). Made in Austria. Custom Chrome Europe.
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Limited Production Custom Triumph Scrambler
Published by February 1st, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If If you didn’t know yet, I love all old Triumphs of the 60’s and quite a few of their new models like the Scrambler inspired by the off-road sport motorcycles that were stripped down for racing. A perfect cute and fun light motorcycle for urban or countryside escapes. Like me, an Italian custom builder named Pietro Figini from a shop called TPR Italian Factory in Milan has fell in love with the new Triumph Scrambler and decided that he could give it more soul by exaggerating its retro look without touching the Triumph legendary air cooled 865 cc twin engine. You see the result here and I think it’s one of the best custom work done on this model. There are a bunch of very cool details, the most evident at first glance being the polished aluminum body, the dual exhaust, the drilled rotors and covers, the contrast seat piping, etc… Perfect to beat traffic on the very narrow streets of European big city streets or play the great escape like Steve McQueen. TPR Italian Factory.
Rivera Primo Open Belt Brute IV For Touring Motorcycles
Published by January 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
Rivera Primo Inc. will be at the Cincinnati V-twin Expo (Feb 6-8, booth 489) with this open belt system called Brute IV designed to hold big power on touring bikes. The special 8mm Kevlar corded belt included with this kit was specifically designed to hold in excess of 150 HP. At just 2″ wide, so with less weight to carry than with some larger kits, this system will not “un-balance” your ride. Continue reading ‘Rivera Primo Open Belt Brute IV For Touring Motorcycles’
To make me regret not traveling this year to the 16th edition of the Italian Padova Biker Expo, fellow publisher Moreno Persello from Bikers Life Magazine sent me these pictures of local pinup girls shot during his magazine organized Hot Rod Show. Sorry guys. It’s Italy. No blondes…
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