On October 28 at 7 pm there will be an insightful panel discussion and participants will probably learn that the first motorcycle helmet was reported to have been invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885, and at this time not built with speed in mind.

But as people developed their need for speed, motorcycles were made to go faster. Between 1931 and 1953, the American race for the fastest motorcycle was run by two competitors – Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. As the speed of motorcycles increased, so did the number of accident fatalities. In 1953 Southern California (USC) Professor C.F. “Red” Lombard developed and applied for a patent for a motorcycle helmet designed to absorb the shock of an impact and spread out is energy. Mandatory motorcycle helmet laws or not, manufacturer’s followed Lombard’s lead to improve comfort and safety. At the Harley-Davidson Museum.

I should begin this post by the fine print: “Biltwell helmets are designed for display and novelty purposes only, and should never be worn to operate an actual motorcycle. Simply put, Biltwell helmets do not meet any DOT or other safety standards”. This being said, Biltwell continue to sell a lot of their open face helmets. Is it because they are lightweight and comfortable? Because people like the vintage style chrome strip around the opening? Because their helmets are “one size fits most” thanks to a foam padding inside both soft and compliant and a very flexible outer shell? Because NOS helmets are very expensive and rare? Because of the wide range of solid, metal and new mega flakes (choice of orange burst or root beer) colors? Because they complement perfectly the vintage feel of your bike? Because of the moderate price of $114? Because… Well, you decide. Biltwell Helmets.

For example these new Lower Leg and Axle covers.  They not only cover the axle, but also cover the lower portion of the leg to clean up and improve the look of your factory setup. They hide all exposed axle mounting hardware.  Ofered in Diamond or Smooth design. Made of cast aluminum then chromed. Applications are axle and lower portion of stock 2000 & up Harley-Davidson Softail and Touring models with ¾” or 1” axle.  May fit some earlier models (Does not fit Sportsters, V-Rods, Dynas or Deuces). Russ Wernimont Designs.

If you have a factory audio system installed on your bagger, you are missing something. Low bass. And if you don’t have low bass your are missing half of the music you are listening to. You need a good sub-woofer to handle the lower end of the audio spectrum. Hell’s Foundry just introduced an integrated drop-in subwoofer system designed to fit into H-D’s King and Ultra Tour Paks. This is not a generic bass tube, but a complete form fitted liner/enclosure packed with an 8” Polk Audio marine rated subwoofer, a 500 watt Sony Xplod® mono-block amplifier and simple “plug and play” wiring. It can easily be added to any system to add serious depth and punch. Hell’s Foundry offers complete audio upgrade solutions for your Bagger. Call Derik Jones on my behalf at 866.999.4355 or visit Hell’s Foundry.

Leather grained formed composite construction and zippers are weather resistant material to keep your things dry. Easy suction cup mounting to adhere to virtually any fendermaking the bag quickly removed in seconds without any damage to your paint job. Measures 11.5″ long, 6.5″ wide, 4″ high – expandable to 6″ high. MSRP $89.95. By Saddlemen at your nearby Drag Specialties (for Harley) retailers and Parts Unlimited (for metric)

The law say yes. But while riding I trust  better arm signals and being defensive by looking around you than stock horns. So, like most custom builders I have removed and thrown away more factory horns than I will ever install new aftermarket ones. But if you feel like you need one, at least choose one not destroying too much the look of your bike and louder than your stock one. FYI, a stock horn is pulsing an average of 85 dBs, quite not enough if you want to be heard. These new ones called Mini-Beasts blast 128 dBs to increase your (sense of) safety on the road. A complete line of designs and applications is available for American & Metric Bikes. Go to Tri-Tec/Sales Dimensions.

Aeromach, manufacturer of after-market tricky mirrors and other billet custom accessories for both American (since 1992) & Metric motorcycles since 1996), was acquired by Paul Aiken and relocated to North Carolina. Aeromach’s founder Richard Fouhy started manufacturing by making parts for M-1 tanks, helicopters and space shuttle components. When the aerospace industry started to slow down, he constructed parts for his own ride, a 1981 Shovelhead. Then the company expanded by branding first a line of custom mirrors. New owner Paul Aiken has a heavy professional background in commercial and residential real estate at Sperry Van Ness. Aiken states that “Aeromach enjoys great name recognition and a reputation for high quality American-made products, which I plan to continue.” Aeromach.

Since October 2008 vertical license plate were illegal in the State of Florida. The first fine to violate the law was a whopping $1000…

Abate of Florida reports that governor Charlie Crist signed an amended bill restoring the legality of the use of a vertical tag for motorcycles and scooters if it cannot be adjusted or flipped up to conceal the plate numbers. It seems that the new law already took effect on July 1st.

Installation is just a direct plug-in connection to your factory Throttle Position Sensor, Crank Position Sensor & O2 Sensors. The module is named “Self Learning” because it acts automatically to compensate for changing loads, weather conditions and altitude while you ride. You guessed it, no more need for costly dyno tuning sessions or downloading calibration files to a laptop. The Accel SLM Module will also help your engine run smoother, eliminating the “bang & pop” associated with mis-programmed ECU due to the intake and exhaust modifications you made in your garage or shop.  and no need to re-flash the factory ECU; simply plug it in and ride.

Available next week at J&P Cycles (retail clients), Drag Specialties, Motorcycle Storehouse, Zodiac in Europe (dealers). More distributors coming soon. Accel Motorcycle Products.

It includes 4 exterior zippered pockets. Top carry handle plus shoulder straps included for ease of carrying. Big, easy-open top for quick packing. Construction is of the type Fully Rigid keeping it look great even when empty. Constructed of UV, water and weather resistant 1200 denier “SaddleTuff™” and leather-like vinyl panels. A weatherproof rain cover is also included. Size is 3300 cubic inch, 24” W x 11.5” H x 12” D . MSRP $134.95. Available through your dealer for Harleys via Drag Specialities and Metrics via Parts Unlimited. Saddlemen.

Available only for floorboards, the spacers move them out approximately 1“and are a quick, hassle free bolt-on install. Depending on your bikes style you can order the spacers finished in show chrome or black powder coat. The complete kit goes for just $50.00 in black or chrome. For complete details call 714-680-0911 or  visit Softbrake.

Although I must have been “briefed” by about 2 dozens of manufacturers wanting me to endorse their products I am not an expert in bike wash and detailing. I just know 1- the meaning of clean when I see it. 2- that you are better off to do it yourself than to give your bike to the first  “Girls Bike Wash” you see when arriving in a rally…
This intro to let you know that “Wizards Bike Wash” is not only another product promising to let you foam away any grime, oil, brake dust, degrease engine/wheels without damaging your paint/chrome/plastics, but that by buying a 22 oz bottle you can help a charity called “Guide Dogs Of America”. This association is dedicated to its mission to provide guide dogs and instruction of their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada. Starting June 15th, Wizards will donate $1 to the Guide Dogs of America organization for every bottle of Wizards Bike Wash purchased. So, I just gave you at least one good reason to try this product.

J.D. Power & Associates, an independent research company, measured for the 11th consecutive year, the overall satisfaction of bikers with their helmets. Arai ranks highest, followed by Shoei and Icon. Harley-Davidson helmets rank very well for design/styling and windshield. Overall satisfaction with motorcycle helmets has increased to its highest point since the study’s inception in 1999.  All results by jumping (you may want to wear your helmet) HERE.

Rack stands or wall mounts they adapt to the size of your new accessories and will make your lady happy by giving her more room for her wardrobe in the master bedroom closet. They available in black or stainless steel with chrome accents. You need to order through your preferred dealer. Thunder Creek Customs.

Every builder/manufacturer is selling one. Finned, grooved, smooth, spiked, with a devil head, a Maltese cross, etc, and as many logos & names as the industry counts. The thought of bringing one more ignition cover doesn’t make any sense except that they have always been a top-selling item. So the boys at Biltwell decided to do one with a different twist: the stainless-steel plate on their new points cover is actually an ingenious bottle opener. The alloy backing plate can be mounted horizontally or vertically to fit any bolt location on H-D ignition cones, and the stainless-steel bottle opener can be repositioned accordingly. Available in two colors (black or silver anodizing), and both versions include a polished stainless-steel center plate and all necessary hardware. MSRP is $53. Biltwell Products.

This clock has been slowed down by 61,320 percent so each minute now represents approximately a year. The clock, of course, has been renumbered for the new setting. Via designboom.

Inspired by traditional gears, these well- crafted gear coasters will cost you less than a derby cover ($55 for the set of 4). Can also be used as trivets when serving hot dips while wayching a football game. And because they have felted bottom you don’t have to worry about scratching your tables. Delivered in a wood case. Urban Equipment.