Avon Venom-R tires were extremely popular. But the company wanted to improve maneuverability at both high and low speeds, dismissing the common belief that wide tires are unable to corner proficiently. With a rapidly evolving performance cruiser market, and heavier motorcycles, Avon looked for a new tire with handling, durability and aesthetics at the top [...]
More and more custom builders collaborate with parts manufacturers and vice versa. The result? Usually a very cool bike featuring top of the line new parts. As an example, Scott Webster of Leroy-Thompson Choppers and ProCharger collaborated on a brand new bike named "Trendkill" which was recently unveiled to a packed house at the V-Twin [...]
Chris Callen (he is generation X), publisher of Cycle Source Magazine proved me wrong. There is something to do specifically designed for Generation X and Y during Daytona Bike Week. Baby boomers like me (sometimes I feel like an X or even a Y) will also stop by and enjoy the event. Below is his [...]
Today, GMS lawyers sent me the Notice Of Auction And Sales Hearing in the US Bankruptcy Court For The district Of Delaware. On January 31st, 2008 Global Motorsport Group Inc. and Custom Chrome Europe Ltd (together the seller) filed with the bankruptcy court their motion for order approving asset purchase agreement and authorizing the sale [...]
It is conventional wisdom that the motorcycle industry is worried about the demographic shift of the oldest baby boomers (born in 1946) hitting the United States legal retirement age of 65. As boomers or boomies retire, their older children called Generation X (born 1965 to 1980) and younger ones called Generation Y (born 1980 to [...]
Two weeks ago I told you that S&S was about to release FHP components to complete new vinage engines. S&S knows that the demand for quality replacement parts for vintage restorations is at an all time high, reason why last year they bought Flathead Power. The list of new products from Flathead Power by S&S [...]
Here what I already know. This year, nine full days of racing are set for Feb. 29 to March 8 at the International Speedway. In Ormond Beach, benefiting from the attraction of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Harley (you can also say Destination Daytona),

new biker bars have opened, including a second location of Daytona Beach’s infamous Boot [...]
For a final touch on your primary covers the Canadian boys of Concept & Design Cycle created several sets of covers. Fancier than most of what is available from most after-market vendors, they have the merit to nicely complement the design of many designer billet wheels. And if it [...]
As promised, I feature the new version of Performance Machine Contour Belt Drive that I admired this weekend at the Indianapolis Dealers Expo . Many “one-off” Contrast Cut versions of the PM primary have been featured on PM custom bikes in the past couple years. So, by popular demand, PM has decided to offer a [...]
I admire people trying “crazy” new stuff, like fusing together the framework of a Harley-Davidson with the world-renowned styling of a Suzuki Hayabusa. The concept of this bike was to develop a motorcycle that was Harley Evo motor based but with the functionality and style of a Suzuki Hayabusa. Never thought about this one. And [...]
Can a highly artful motorcycle perform as well or even better than a factory motorcycle? My answer is yes. Can a limited edition custom motorcycle be as reliable and comfortable than the same factory motorcycle? Again, my answer is yes. It’s the challenge we face and must win when building custom machines. Resolving the apparent [...]
We are in a market downturn, and new custom shops are opened, new manufacturers create exciting parts, new production custom bikes are launched and new print and online magazines are created to report on our industry. And it’s great because I am pretty sure that the men behind these new [...]
Since I was close to Indianapolis, between 2 planes, I had to pay a very fast visit to the Dealers Expo, the ultimate extravaganza for the powersports industry. Thanks to Dennis Johnson from Dealers News I got a press pass in less time than it [...]
Today I am in Indianapolis, IN, and later this Saturday I will make an appearance at the Liberty ABATE of Illinois. I am a guest at their 21st anniversary party, and it’s a good pretext to tell you a little bit about this national coalition dedicated to preserving the rights of all motorcyclists and educating [...]
It’s Awards season. During the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati IronWorks Magazine proudly announced the winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards (made by Pat Patterson of Led Sled Customs in Dayton, OH). These Awards are given to companies who have created outstanding new products for motorcycles. The award recipients are selected by the editors of IronWorks [...]
Before the V-twin Expo, I told you that OCC would unveil during the show 2 new productions bikes. Here they are, the way I saw them in Cincinnati. A bagger called the OCC SR Cruiser and a Softail type bike named the OCC Sweet Amber. The OCC SR Cruiser [...]
Carl Speed Shop is a cool place to hang around during Daytona Bike Week (a lot of parking place and the opportunity to say hello to the Carl Morrow family, holder of not less than 166 national and world speed records). It will even be more exciting March 4th, from 12 to 4 PM when [...]
Each custom builder has his forte and his weaknesses. And me, I have no patience to do electrical work. And I know that many among you, pro or not, feel the same. Anything that can help save time and mistakes is welcome. Like this wiring harness conceived to satisfy all your needs even if you [...]
A new custom shop? Cool. By beginners? Not really. Love Hate Choppers (LHC) is the association of renowned tattoo artist Ami James (Miami Ink TV show) with master custom builder Marlowe B. They opened shop on Washington Avenue in South Beach Miami (of course), are wrenching their first bikes with hard core styling and finesse [...]
It’s getting more and more difficult to find a motorcycle wheel whose design cannot be confused with one of the multiple variations offered by a dozen manufacturers. This one has its own “personality”, reason why I like it. This one-piece “SMUGGLER” wheel is simple, different, and can be ordered in ten interchangeable billet spokes The [...]
Come within hugging distance of your significant other (I learned that it is supposed to be 6 ft or 2 meters for my European readers) and these pixilated hearts begin to flash. Proof that you are in love! During your normal activities only two and a half hearts will light up on your shirt. Get [...]
Can you believe that Daytona Bike Week is in 2 1/2 weeks? So, it’s time to mention the 2nd Annual Builders Breakfast to be held Tuesday, March 4th 2008 at Destination Daytona. Boggy Creek is named beneficiary of this charity event. Camp Boggy Creek is a year round camp for children ages 7-16 who have chronic or [...]
At the V-Twin Expo I also discovered this new product from Progressive Suspension. Yes, Shock Lights designed to bolt onto the PSI 812 and 412 Series shocks. If, like me, you are minimalist, it’s a pretty cool idea to resolve part of your rear lighting setup. These Shock Lights can be wired into brake or [...]
Is is sad news or not? Nearly half of British men surveyed would give up sex for six months in return for a 50-inch plasma TV, a survey found out. Electrical retailer Comet surveyed 2,000 Britons, asking them what they would give up for a large television, one of the latest consumer "must-haves." The firm [...]
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