Archive Page 20

A Custom Built Softail In Switzerland Called HD Exile!

50 years in business as a V-Twin motorcycle shop (including 40 as an authorized Harley dealer and 20 years in the same location as a bike customizer under the name of “Harley Heaven” is a considerable amount of time selling and tinkering with bikes. Swiss American motorcycle enthusiast Felix Bächli founded his shop in 1967, then 20 years ago was joined by his son Rainer who just spent several years in California in the best HD shops where he witnessed the US customizing boom and where he got himself the customizing bug…

Located near Zurich, Harley Heaven, the custom department of Bächli Harley-Davidson, has for vocation to build Harleys with a pedigree, able to compete with the best creations of independent builders. But of course preserving the Milwaukee title and warranty to be legally ridden on all Swiss and European roads. and never compromising the factory bike handling and performance. While working in California, Rainer understood the importance of a fully equipped machine and sheet metal workshop. So his Swiss shop is now equipped to be able to face almost any fabrication challenge. In California he also developed a great respect and admiration for the work of Russell Mitchell at Exile Cycles, either his Scratch-Built Specials or Harley “make-overs” (also called the X-Harleys…)

To celebrate Bächli 50th Anniversary it was decided to build 7 customs, each themed differently and based on a different Harley model. This one, number 2 of the series, is a 2016 Breakout featuring a very simple design , but still very eye catching thanks to the choice of retro accessories and of an unusual 70’s paint job.

Show floor displayed with a 180 mm tire, this Breakout received a fatter 230 mm rubber, something now very rarely seen on new bikes, but at the same time something very representative of the American excess of the period end of the 90’s, beginning of the 00’s. (I have to mention that it’s relative easy to go from 180 mm to 230 keeping the Breakout swingarm. Continue reading ‘A Custom Built Softail In Switzerland Called HD Exile!’

10th Annual Cafe Racer Magazine Reader’s Ride In Bike Show.

Best In Show is this 1992 Honda Nighthawk built by Sean Skinner of Virginia. It has a Kawasaki ZX10R rear swingarm and suspension, GSX-R 1000 forks and Yamaha XS500 gas tank and another turned into the matching seat pan. A short video for those in a Cafe Racer mood…

Indian Motorcycle Introduces A New Experience Centre At Its Spirit Lake Manufacturing Factory

Indian Motorcycle just opened an Experience Center at its Spirit Lake manufacturing facility. Based in America’s heartland, the Spirit Lake Experience Center is a free offering for motorcyclists looking to connect with the iconic American motorcycle brand.

The Indian Motorcycle Spirit Lake Experience Center will showcase current and historic Indian motorcycles and offer complementary behind-the-scenes tours of its world-class production facility. Visitors will observe the assembly process that’s conducted from start-to-finish with robotic machinery and witness new Indian motorcycles come right off the line. The Spirit Lake Experience Center will also serve as a venue for private events.

“As America’s first motorcycle company, we have a rich history and a loyal following of motorcyclists,” said Steve Menneto, President – Indian Motorcycle. “Right in America’s heartland, the Experience Center not only serves as a unique destination for motorcyclists to engage with the brand, but also showcases our outstanding people who build premium motorcycles.”

Menneto welcomed the new Experience Center with Spirit Lake employees, friends and family members during an honorary ribbon-cutting ceremony. Motorcyclists attending the Boji Bike Rally will have the opportunity to visit the Spirit Lake Experience Center on Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19, from 9am-2pm.

The Experience Center will be open for complementary tours on Mondays and Fridays from August 21 through November 3, 2017. Tours will reopen in 2018. Tours will be conducted through appointments only, which can be made by calling Indian Motorcycle Spirit Lake at 712-336-6955.

Did You Notice? Harley-Davidson Killed The V-Rod…

Because of the focus on the disparition of all Dyna models. most of you didn’t notice that the V-Rod, the very unique muscle bike co-developed with Porsche, 2001 has also disappeared from the 2018 Harley-Davidson lineup. So, the 2017 V-Rod Muscle and Night Rod Special are the last VRSC.
retro

As a reminder the V-Rod was introduced in model year 2001. On it, everything was non-traditional retro Harley and instead focused in trying to attract those interested in low-end torque and massive horsepower. A kind of Harley for the non-Harley rider.

A strong liquid cooled V-Twin engine developed by Porsche but with a new Revolution design and cylinders placed at a 60-degree angle instead of the classic 45-degree. This engine passed the famous Dusseldorf Endurance Test (500 hours non-stop with no failure) to prove its reliability. On the road all skeptics got convinced by the Porsche/Harley effort..

But the bike didn’t look at all like a Harley with its hydro formed tubular frame, muscle car stance, gas tank under the seat and air box cover designed to look like the gas tank. The drag style performance and sleek style didn’t convince enough Harley and non-Harley riders. So, Harley killed the VSCR. But as the saying goes, “the V-Rod is still the only model a non-Harley rider would ride if he was obliged to ride a Harley…” Many, many will miss it.

 

New. Spade Emblem Zippo

Long time I didn’t check out the full line-up of the world famous Zippo windproof lighters. I am impressed by the quality of the offered engraved designs as this new Spade Emblem in matte finish, and also by what they can do for you if you need a special edition for your business. By the way, do you know that since the 1950’s the bottom of every Zippo lighter is encoded with a series of markings providing a way to accurately date most lighters. Zippo will do the job for you. And of course, the lifetime guarantee that “It works or we fix it free for you™”

Harley-Davidson. Celebrating 115th Anniversary

You know the story. In 1903, four young men in Milwaukee put a motor in a bicycle frame, and riders from all walks of life have been coming back to cut loose ever since. One hundred and fifteen years later, it’s time to celebrate and Harley-Davidson is building Anniversary metal.

Two Limited Edition 115th Anniversary paint schemes will be available on select 2018 models. The divergent styles will appeal to a broader audience of customers and, to add exclusivity to each model, all paint sets will be serialized.

115TH Anniversary Two Tone

Available only on Tri-Glide®, Ultra Limited, Street Glide®, Fat Boy® 114, and Heritage Classic 114 models.

• Exclusive Legend Blue/Vivid Black two-tone paint scheme
• Triple pinstripe
• 115th Anniversary multi-metal tank cloisonné
◦ Eagle holding the Bar and Shield in its talons
• Perforated seat with blue stitching and embossed “HDMC”
• 115th Anniversary script on console, timer cover and air cleaner
• Serialization on trim

115TH Anniversary Denim

Available only on Street Glide® Special, Fat Boy®114, Breakout® 114, and Forty-Eight® models.
• Exclusive Legend Blue Denim paint
• 115th Anniversary tattoo-inspired graphic
◦ Eagle holding the Bar and Shield in its talons
◦ Harley-Davidson script varies by model
• Perforated seat with blue stitching and embossed “HDMC”
• Serialization hand-applied at the factory

Motorcycle Parts Website

Thought Of The Day

 

 

 

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus”

Mark Twain

2018 Harley-Davidson Models. Death Of The Dyna Line-Up Merged Into 8 All-New Softail Models

To celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary year, the Motor Company is launching  a custom revolution: Eight all-new Softail® models that merge the hard-riding performance of the Dyna® line with the unparalleled custom look of the Softail line. It is Harley’s largest-ever product development in company history. The new bikes compared to prior year models feature a stiffer and significantly lighter frame built to harness the pulse-quickening torque of the new dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines. With high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear mono-shock, the aggressively styled 2018 Softail models are faster, lighter and better handling than any of their Big Twin cruiser predecessors.

“The new Softail models are the result of the most extensive research and development program in the company’s history,” said Paul James, manager of product portfolio, Harley-Davidson. “Thousands of hours of research and testing were put into the complete ground-up design of these new cruisers. We focused on taking the total rider experience to a higher level, where authenticity, heritage and soul meet the modern edge of technology for a ride that must be felt to believe.”

New Chassis. The handling of a Softail motorcycle enters a new era with a lighter, more rigid frame that elevates form and function to a higher plane, while maintaining the classic look of a hard tail and delivers a thoroughly modern ride. Benefits of the new chassis include increased lean angles, sharper turn-in response, quicker acceleration, nimble flick-ability, lighter weight, and easier side-stand liftoff than predecessor Softail and Dyna models. The steel foundation of the next generation of custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles has been forged.

Frame/Swingarm. A new high stiffness carbon steel tubular frame forms the core of the 2018 Softail chassis. The completely redesigned frame and swingarm significantly increase the rigidity of the new chassis.  The frame itself is 65 percent stiffer than the 2017 Softail frame, which leads to a 34 percent increase in overall chassis stiffness. The frame design achieves reduced complexity with a 50 percent reduction in component parts and a 22 percent reduction in welds. There are two unique swingarms, one for narrow and one for wide rear tires. The wide chassis is 15 percent lighter (13 pounds) and the narrow chassis is 20 percent (18 pounds) lighter than the 2017 Softail frame. The swingarm transfers rear wheel movement to the under-seat mono-shock while maintaining the pure, classic lines of a hard tail frame.

High Performance Suspension. All-new front and rear suspension components are calibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tires to enhance the comfort, control and performance of the 2018 Softail® motorcycles. The new high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension, which was first introduced on 2017 Touring models, delivers damping performance that is similar to a cartridge fork but with improved, more responsive damping characteristics. The suspension is optimized for both comfortable cruising and spirited riding with 130 mm of bump-devouring travel. Retuned and optimized rake and trail also enhance the motorcycles’ handling performance.

The new mono-shock rear suspension preserves the classic hard tail look while revamped geometry improves ride quality, traction and control. The new easily adjustable mono-shock enables a 240 pound range of payload capacity for increased passenger comfort and enhanced dynamic handling compared to 2017 Softail models.

The all-new Softail models are up to 35 pounds* lighter than 2017 models, delivering an improved power-to-weight ratio that provides quicker acceleration, better braking and enhanced dynamic cornering capability combined with increased lean angles. Some models feature new tires specifically designed to work with the new Softail chassis and feature optimized constructions and improved compounds for a confident, long-wearing ride in all riding conditions. New seat designs and materials provide an improved fit for a wider range of riders and greater comfort for cruising. Bar none, the 2018 Softail models are the best handling cruisers Harley-Davidson has ever produced.

New Powertrain. All 2018 Softail models get a new heartbeat from the most powerful engines ever offered in Harley-Davidson® Big Twin cruisers, the new Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 V-Twins.

Look. Milwaukee-Eight engines retain the iconic 45-degree V-Twin cylinder angle with a broad-shouldered top end accentuated by a single camshaft design that tapers to a slim bottom end for a muscular contour. The new Softail frame’s rigid engine mounting is engineered to tightly package the engine and reinforce the chassis stiffness.

Smoother Running & Purer Sound. Milwaukee-Eight engines for Softail models feature a refined dual internally counter-balanced system that reduces engine vibration while maintaining the familiar Harley-Davidson feel.       Harley-Davidson’s trademark “potato-potato-potato” sound comes through strong with less intake and mechanical noise.

Two Engine Displacement Options.

Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine
(107 CID; 1746cc) Standard on all models
•  100 mm bore and 4.375 inch stroke with 10.0:1 compression ratio
•  0-60 mph – 10 percent quicker acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103
•  60-80 mph/5th gear – 16 percent faster acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103

Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
(114 CID; 1868cc) Optional
•  Available on four models: Fat Bob® 114, Fat Boy® 114, Breakout® 114, Heritage Classic 114
•  102 mm bore and 4.5 inch stroke with 10.5:1 compression ratio
•  Ventilator Intake with 114 graphics and badging
•  Standard ABS
•  0-60 mph – Nine percent faster acceleration than the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
•  60-80 mph/5th gear -13 percent faster acceleration than the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine

Modern Styling & Design. Interpreting Harley-Davidson’s history, authenticity and styling DNA through a modern lens, the eight new Softail models feature all-new designs that strongly differentiate them from their predecessors and each other.

Eight New Softail Model Key Features.

FAT BOY. The legendary Fat Boy motorcycle that defined contemporary custom style for decades has outdone itself. Ripped and refined satin-chrome finishes deliver a bold, muscular styling statement showing off its powerful engine and new and improved ride and handling.
• Aggressive, steamroller stance and front end design
– Modern-day interpretation of the classic headlight nacelle
– 160 mm front tire, the widest-ever on a Harley-Davidson production model, wraps the solid Lakester front wheel
• 31-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Standard ABS
• 240 mm rear tire with solid Lakester rear wheel
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

HERITAGE CLASSIC. Design cues evoke the blacked-out styling of vintage ‘50s Harley-Davidson models updated with a modern edge.
• New detachable windscreen
• New rigid, lockable, sealed, water-resistant saddlebags
• Taller suspension with increased passenger and cargo payload capacity
• 32-pound weight reduction to previous model
• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine
• Standard cruise control and ABS Continue reading ‘2018 Harley-Davidson Models. Death Of The Dyna Line-Up Merged Into 8 All-New Softail Models’

Harley-Davidson Introduces 5 New Touring Bikes With More Power, Comfort And Handling And 3 CVO Models With Largest-Ever Stock Displacement

The 2018 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle lineup introduces the most robust array of custom Touring bikes the company has ever produced, boasting show-stopping style and plush comfort ready to attack rough city streets or winding country roads. Three new completely restyled Touring models enter the limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operations™ family with the largest-ever stock engine from Harley-Davidson, while new Street Glide® Special and Road Glide® Special models get sinister, blacked-out styling.

“Our new Touring motorcycles will be some of our most sought-after bikes in 2018,” said Harley-Davidson Vice President of Product Planning and Portfolio Management, Dave Foley. “For CVO, we’ve rebooted the styling tone of the overall lineup and added some exclusive performance enhancements. And our two new custom baggers are the most aggressive, on-trend Touring bikes in the market. I can’t wait for riders to throw a leg over and experience the new rides for themselves.”

2018 Custom Vehicle Operations Motorcycles

The CVO tradition of giving customers the ultimate in Harley-Davidson styling, innovation and performance continues in 2018 with the CVO Limited, the CVO Street Glide and the CVO Road Glide models. Each model offers its owners a fully customized, limited-edition motorcycle straight from the factory with a two-year unlimited warranty.

Starting with the largest stock engine displacement ever offered by the Motor Company, and available only in CVO models, all three bikes have upgraded Screamin’ Eagle® power and exclusive bragging rights with the Milwaukee-Eight® engine in a new 117-cubic-inch displacement, rated at up to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.

CVO models are limited in number and this year’s models feature some of the most distinctively crafted paint offerings the company has ever designed and produced. Also new for all three CVO models is an advanced integrated communication technology that features a wireless headset interface module. Customers can use the included Bluetooth® headset to communicate with the motorcycle Infotainment system, their passenger and other riders.
“The new direction our Styling department took with the design formula on the bikes is truly seismic,” added Harley-Davidson Vice President of Styling and Design, Brad Richards. “Take a look at the level of finish on any of the nine CVO paint sets, but especially the Fade on the CVO Limited, the depth of the paint layers and how it glows in the sunlight is just stunning.”

2018 CVO Street Glide®. Custom touring loaded up with Harley-Davidson’s most powerful engine and sound system ever offered straight from the factory.
• Powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight® 117 (1923cc) engine and given the full-on custom treatment fender to fender with three new premium paint schemes and matching Talon wheels and rotors.
•  Top-of-the-line 6.5 BOOM!™ Box Infotainment System with Stage II speakers provides superior audio performance. To achieve the rich 900 watts of Boom!™Audio sound there are three 4-channel amplifiers powering six bi-amped speakers in the fairing, fairing lower and saddlebag lids.

2018 CVO Road Glide®. Sinister bagger with swagger that epitomizes CVO’s new look and performance.
• Powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight® 117 (1923cc) engine, with aggressive shark-nose fairing, three premium paint options, custom wheels and a new sleek front fender.
• Features the first factory-installed new 21-inch Knockout™ front wheel for Touring models from Harley-Davidson. Engineered to deliver optimal performance, handling, and ride quality without compromising fitment of accessories.
• High output audio from the BOOM!™ Box 6.5GT Infotainment System features Stage II speakers in saddlebag lids and fairing for 600 watts of pure audio bliss. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Introduces 5 New Touring Bikes With More Power, Comfort And Handling And 3 CVO Models With Largest-Ever Stock Displacement’

Custom Heel Shift Lever For Indian Big Twins. Effortlessly Upshift.

The new Kuryakyn Heel Shift Lever for Indian® Motorcycle big twins adds the convenience of an additional shift option without diminishing foot room for the rider. Unlike other aftermarket heel shift levers for Indians, the ergonomic design extends past the rear of the floorboard rather than resting over it. The further back and slightly lower positioning results in a more natural movement for the rider to effortlessly upshift.

The Heel Shift Lever accepts all Kuryakyn Spear, Kinetic™ and ISO® style shift pegs, as well as any Indian OEM shift peg (sold separately). Construction is from durable A380 aluminum available in chrome or gloss black finishes, with included hardware and spacers for easy bolt-on installation to the factory toe-shift location.

Fits: All ’14-’18 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster & Springfield models P/N 5648 – Gloss Black, P/N 5649 – Chrome MSRP: $69.99. Heel Shift Lever For Indian Big Twins.

World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer To Attempt Third World Speed Record For Denis Manning Led Team “7” Racing

Valerie Thompson and American Motorcycle Association Hall Of Fame member Denis Manning return to the world’s fastest race course for the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials at the Salt Flats, August 26-31, on a mission to rewrite motorsports history by breaking the land speed record of 376.36 mph (605.69 km/h) with the famed Team “7” Streamliner (aka BUB 7).

Thompson stunned the racing world at last year’s trials with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.663 km/h) piloting the Manning designed “7” Streamliner on only her fifth run, becoming the first female rider over 300 mph and earning the Fastest Time of the Meet award.

The current record, set in 2010 by the Top 1 Ack Attack team, was formerly held twice by the Manning designed and built “BUB 7” Streamliner, setting the stage for an all out battle for the “world’s fastest motorcycle” title.

The quest for the title is being captured on film by P-51 Pictures and Executive Producer Dana Brown, creators of “Dust to Glory,” “On Any Sunday” and the award-winning “Out of Nothing” motorcycle racing documentary. P-51 crews have followed the teams for more than 12 months filming the land speed-racing documentary, “Rockets & Titans,” scheduled for worldwide theater distribution in 2018. Continue reading ‘World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer To Attempt Third World Speed Record For Denis Manning Led Team “7” Racing’

Rebel On The Highway. A movie By, For, And About Bikers

On September 16, 2017 in the motorcycling mecca of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, biker deities and devotees from across the nation will converge in a sold-out theater to celebrate the cinematic efforts of musician Charlie Brechtel as his more than 2-year project is brought to the silver screen. Working with executive producer Dennis Sanfilippo, the premiere of Rebel on the Highway will take place just outside Milwaukee.

Brechtel, known as Goodtime Charlie, and his wife Sabrina wrote a lighthearted screenplay that melds voodoo, imagination, music and a touch of mayhem into an entertaining flick that is sure to appeal to all.

Most poignant is the lack of star power in Rebel on the Highway since there is only one professional actor in the entire film. Biker, actor, musician and Brechtel friend Mickey Jones plays the lead character’s uncle. Lead character Brechtel plays himself, as do most of the other performers. Continue reading ‘Rebel On The Highway. A movie By, For, And About Bikers’

Twin Power Introduces New Rear Chain Conversion Kits

Following the success of the Cush Drive Chain Conversion Kits introduced earlier this year, Twin Power is proud to introduce a new line of chain conversion kits for 1986 – 2000 FXR, 1986-2006 FLH, 1991 – 2005 Dyna, 1991 – 2005 Sportster, 2006 – 2017 Dyna, and 2007 – 2017 Softail models.

“Changing from belt to chain drive is a must for high load, high horsepower and racing applications. Anyone who’s ever been stranded due to a broken belt knows this,” says James Simonelli, Twin Power Brand Manager. “These kits take the guesswork out of converting your bike from belt to chain drive and are designed for stock chassis and wheel applications. Kits duplicate the factory belt drive ratio, but additional sprockets are available to adjust for specific conditions.”

Kits include a 4140-heat-treated steel transmission sprocket, transmission sprocket spacer, fully machined (not stamped) heat-treated steel rear sprocket with a textured black powder-coated finish, dual bolt pattern sprocket spacer (where applicable), and grade 9 hardware (where applicable). Just add your favorite 530 x 120 link rear chain and cut to size.

All components are proudly Made in the USA. The Twin Power Rear Chain Conversion Kits (P/Ns 217452 through 217454) retail starting at $219.00. The kit can be ordered through your local Tucker Rocky | Biker’s Choice dealer.

Lonnie James Isam, Jr. Left Us

The world of antique motorcycling mourns the loss of one of their most beloved and respected personalities. With his parents by his side, Lonnie Isam, Jr. quietly lost his long and hard-fought battle with cancer on August 20, 2017 at his home in Sturgis, South Dakota. Born May 7, 1969 in Edmonds, Washington and raised as the only child of Lonnie Sr. and Marianne Isam, Lonnie grew up surrounded by antique machinery and was well versed in all things motorcycle at an early age. As a teenager he spent weekends scouring garage sales and swap meets with his best friend, then reselling their treasures to make spending money well before eBay, American Pickers or What’s in the Barn was ever thought of.

As a young man he traveled to Europe, worked with his father as a motorcycle wrangler on the movie set of Oliver Stone’s conspiracy film, JFK, and immersed himself in learning all he could about motorcycling’s past. Respected as a leading authority on motorcycle history and restoration, Lonnie eventually opened his own motorcycle shop called Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, but it is the Motorcycle Cannonball Run that he will always be remembered for.

Known around the globe as the founder of the most difficult antique motorcycle endurance ride in the world, Lonnie started the famous Cannonball Run back in 2010, forever changing the landscape of antique motorcycling by encouraging owners to make their ancient machines roadworthy and hit the blacktop with fellow enthusiasts. His original quest to just share a ride along America’s back roads with friends catapulted the wrenching visionary into the public eye as he managed to lead a different international group of adventurous riders in an epic excursion across the country three more times after the inaugural run.

Participants have declared the runs as “life changing.” And while Lonnie Jr. was always happiest when sharing a lane with his friends, his role of promoter launched the quiet gear head into a spotlight he was ill prepared for. He eschewed the limelight and shunned publicity. As far as he was concerned, the old bikes deserved to live out their lives as they were intended, being ridden, and that was all that was important. Lonnie Isam Jr. will forever be a part of motorcycling’s glorious history.

His birth mother, Joanne Marie Isam, preceded Lonnie Jr. in death. As per his request, there will be no services. Instead, it is suggested you take a ride through the country and recall a man who lived his life for his many friends and the sincere love of antique motorcycles.

Flash News From 2017 Bonneville Speed Week

In Bonneville, Jay Allen from Jay Allen Racing performed the fastest pass in the class APS-PBG 2000 with a speed of 212.533 mmh.

Next is Bonneville Speed Trials…

In his efforts Jay Allen was supported by Chris Rivas V-Twin,nS&S Cycle, High Performance Lubricants, Pingel, Legend Suspension and World Wide Bearings.

The Black Falcon. Engineering Reinvented. Beauty Perfected.

In 2007, with the Bullet, Ian Barry imposed himself on the custom motorcycle scene in a category of work that one can tentatively describe but can’t really define in a couple of words. Quite a few custom builders can recondition old engines, re-machine and refit old parts to make them reliable again. But what makes Ian’s work quite different is the originality of his refreshed engineering and his exceptional visual acuity to imagine the most beautiful mechanical details.

The Black Falcon has a dual personality, street and race. I’s based on a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow engine already heavily modified for dry lake racing at El Mirage. After a full redo it is now cradled in a chassis imagined by Falcon Motorcycles founder Ian Barry. Common theme all over the bike is adjustability without any tools of the major components: of the 2 dual purpose one-off gas tanks, of the cosmetically improved Vincent Girdaulic forks, of the 3-position seat, of the 6-position handlebars, of the hand levers and foot controls, of the tensionner and mudguards.

Everywhere you look at it, you are amazed at the level of new or improved engineering and at all the functional intricacies featured on this Black Falcon. Unfortunately, images published here are far from enough to explain all the fine points of this built. But thanks to the video below, you can understand or at least guess how Ian modifies his machine without effort…and without any tool… Falcon Motorcycles.

Panhead Style Rocker Box Covers For Harley Evos And Sportsters

The Panhead Rocker Box Cover aesthetics are extremely appealing to generations of bikers riding Harley Evos or Sportster bikes.

These Panhead style covers can be installed with no fabrication required on all Big Twin Evos uo to 1999 and Sportsters from 1986 to 2016.

Sold with the required gaskets and hardware. Base price of $675.00 is in raw finish. Chrome and black powdercoat (gloss or flat) are also available on request. Led Sled Customs.

Thought Of The Day

 

 

 

“In God we trust. All others must bring data.”

W. Edwards Deming, Statistician, Professor and Author.

The Indian Wrecking Crew & Scout FTR750 Obtain the 2017 AFT Manufacturer’s Championship. 11 Victories & 30 Total Podiums Through 14 Races.

After more than 60 years away from professional flat track racing, Indian Motorcycle has won the 2017 American Flat Track Manufacturer’s Championship after a second-place finish at the Peoria TT.

Indian Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees locked in the title for Indian Motorcycle with a strong second-place finish. Teammates Bryan Smith and Brad Baker finished strong in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

“Securing the Manufacturer’s Championship through 14 races is an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Product for Indian Motorcycle. “To return to professional flat track racing after more than 60 years away from the sport and win the championship on a brand-new Scout FTR750 race bike is a testament to all the hard work from the entire Indian Motorcycle Racing team.” Continue reading ‘The Indian Wrecking Crew & Scout FTR750 Obtain the 2017 AFT Manufacturer’s Championship. 11 Victories & 30 Total Podiums Through 14 Races.’

C-Thru Short Boards

They are a bolt-on application re-using your stock hardware and requiring absolutely no modification while providing a true custom look. Machined from 6061-T6 US grade aluminum material for light weight and high strength. For safety they feature a large enough non-slip rubber surface. Offered in chrome or black anodizing with a 12-month “No Quibble” warranty on chrome and black finishes. Dimensions are 12”Long x 5”Wide. Fits all Harley-Davidson FLT/FLHT/FLHR/FLTR/H-D FL Trike 1987-2017 models and FLST 1986-2017 models. $549.95. Made in the USA. At Battistinis Custom Cycles.

AIMExpo. CEO’s of Harley-Davidson and Polaris To Offer Keynote Addresses

The future of the powersports industry lies with new riders, and how to develop these new riders is a tough yet intriguing challenge the industry must face together. To help address that challenge, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide invites dealers, media and all industry attendees to the show’s opening program, where leaders of iconic American manufacturers Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Polaris Industries will share their ideas. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) also will reveal a key initiative toward this goal. Continue reading ‘AIMExpo. CEO’s of Harley-Davidson and Polaris To Offer Keynote Addresses’

After hitting 191 mph in Bonneville On “Sprit Of Munro” Scout, Lee Munro Revs Up For 200 mph

50 years ago, in August 1967 New Zealander Burt Munro set a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats on a 1920 Indian Scout he modified himself and worked on for years. Munro’s 1967 record is unbeaten for the 1000cc motorcycle class at 184.087 mph (two-way average speed ) Great-grand-nephew Lee Munro is in Bonneville commemorating this record, piloting “The Spirit Of Munro”, a specially built Indian Scout running in the 1350cc class, and with no intention to attempt to beat his ancestor’s record which was anyway in the 1000 cc class.

Last week at Speed Week, on the salts of Bonneville, Lee Munro made several runs on the 2017 Scout. On his first run Saturday, August 12, Munro’s official top speed on the Short Course was 191.286 mph. On Munro’s second run in the middle of the day Saturday his official speed was 182.439 mph. When he got back to the pit he told his crew the salt in the middle of the course was soft and slushy. Munro also made one run on the Long Course on Monday, with a top speed of 180.428 mph. Speed Week continues through August 18. Depending on conditions

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Swiss Luxury Watchmaker Baume & Mercier And Indian Motorcycle Signed Agreement That Will Lead To Limited Edition Watches. The first limited edition watches emerging from the partnership will be revealed later this year. The companies are promising watches enriched with exceptional details that will please watch enthusiasts and Indian fans seeking uniqueness. The partnership was unveiled at the historic Bonneville Salt Flats where Burt Munro set a new land speed record riding an Indian Scout Streamliner 50 years ago.

Guns N’ Roses, Harley-Davidson Release Co-Branded Tees. With prices beginning around $30, the tees come in a variety of styles and colors. The shirts are available exclusively at Harley-Davidson dealerships. (Maybe it will help with foot traffic) The Guns N’ Roses “Not In This Lifetime Tour” includes reunited “classic” members, Slash on guitar, Duff McKagan on bass and Axl Rose on vocals. Guns N’ Roses will be playing dates through at least November.

Triumph Teams Up with Bajaj For A Line Of Entry-Level Motorcycles. The non-equity partnership was discussed during last 9 months with for objective to grow the Triumph brand internatiobally and the Bajaj one in India, Ravikumar, President of Business Development at Bajaj, said “As the joint products get launched, Bajaj will create a network commensurate with the volumes planned. Triumph India will continue to report to Triumph UK for the foreseeable future; nearer the launch of the new motorcycles, Bajaj will assume leadership for the Indian market.” Triumph confirmed they plan to sell the new bikes all over the world, including the UK. The first new model is expected to be a water-cooled parallel twin that would compete with the Harley-Davidson Street 750, which is also built in India.

Pirelli Partners With Indian Motorcycle On 2018 Indian® Scout® Motorcycle. The “Night Dragon™ front and rear tires to come as original equipment. The “Night Dragon” front tire will be used in 130/90B16 M/C TL67H sizing, while a Night Dragon GT can be found on the rear in 150/80B16 M/C REINF TL 77 sizing that is more than capable of putting the 100-horsepower V-Twin power of the Scout to the ground. Pirelli engineers developed the “Night Dragon” to take performance to the next level with excellent grip, high fuel mileage and a good balance between reliability and performance.

All For Freedom. Freedom For All.

Harley-Davidson issues global call to embrace the freedom of the open road. With a focus on the universal pursuit of independence, authenticity and the feeling of the open road, this call is an open invitation to riders and non-riders across the globe to embrace their individuality.

The new Harley platform comes to life via 30- and 90-second videos containing user-generated and filmed content. In the creative, Harley-Davidson shares moments captured on the open road by riders past and present from all walks of life. As an example, check the view below.

“‘All For Freedom. Freedom For All’” is part of our 10-year global strategy to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders,” said Sean Cummings, Harley-Davidson senior vice president of global demand. “As the leader in our industry, we are on a mission to grow the sport of motorcycling globally. To reach that ambitious goal, we need to increase our brand’s relevance and inspire new riders to experience the same freedom that all H-D riders feel in the saddle. This new work does that by celebrating the passion, freedom and emotional pull of the open road.”

To ignite a conversation about the thrill of riding, Harley-Davidson is enlisting its network of riders, influencers, dealers and employees on social media to post images and stories of why they chose to accept the invitation of the open road using #FindYourFreedom. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson www.h-d.com

Putting Back The Rumble In Your Harley Ride. Harley-Davidson Long Block Program.

When the miles start to add upand unlike an engine rebuild from a repair shop, a LongBlock installed by your Harley dealer can be your most affordable solution. The Harley-Davidson LongBlock is manufactured from 100% new Original Equipment components, and is built to the latest factory specifications.

Engine includes upgraded Screamin’ Eagle® lefty crankcase bearing, Screamin’ Eagle cam bearings and Screamin’ Eagle performance tappets to handle higher stress loads and performance upgrades. In addition, ’99-’06 LongBlocks are upgraded with late-model hydraulic cam tensioners, high-volume oil pump and billet cam plate. ’07-’13 103CI and 110CI engines feature factory-installed Automatic Compression Releases.

The crankcase is pre-assembled with flywheels, connecting rods, bearings, seals, cylinders, pistons, rings, heads, valves, valve springs, tappets and pushrod covers. Also included and ready for Dealer installation are top end rocker arm supports, rocker arms and shafts, pushrods, and breathers. The LongBlock also includes cam support plate, cam plate bearings, cam and timing chain drive, hydraulic tensioners and all required gaskets and new hardware. Continue reading ‘Putting Back The Rumble In Your Harley Ride. Harley-Davidson Long Block Program.’

Joke Of The Week

If you’ve ever owned your own business, been an entrepreneur or wondered what it’s like doing so, this is as close to reality as it gets.

A Wage Audit…

The IRS suspected a fishing boat owner wasn’t paying proper wages to his Deckhand and sent an agent to investigate him.

IRS  Auditor: “I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them”.

Boat  Owner: “Well, there’s Clarence, my deckhand, he’s been with me for 3 years. I pay him $1,000 a week plus free room and board.  Then there’s the mentally challenged guy. He works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of Bacardi rum and a dozen Budweisers every Saturday night so he can cope with life. He also gets to sleep with my wife occasionally”.

IRS  Auditor: “That’s the guy I want to talk to, the mentally challenged” one”.

Boat  Owner: “That would be me. What would you like to know?”



Cyril Huze