Just some news from the net to share with you today.

Epic Chopper By Darwin Motorcycles

Published by Cyril Huze March 18th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

This chopper by Darwin Motorcycles was built as a new model to complete the shop offerings. Conceived as a riding bike with enough custom features to please the individualist who want to ride in style, Epic is a narrative of the custom after-market parts that Daw Holdsworth prefers to use in most of his built. Continue reading ‘Epic Chopper By Darwin Motorcycles’

Norton Motorcycles Announced New World Headquarters

Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Norton Ltd. purchased the historic Donington Hall, which will serve as its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities. Situated on 26 acres of classic English countryside and located within the Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit race complex, the new head office and production facilities are situated less than a mile from Norton’s current manufacturing plant. The company will first transition its corporate and engineering staff to the new location, and then subsequently prepare for transfer of its manufacturing to the site.

As Norton readies itself to increase production and enter new markets worldwide, staying true to its mainstay of quality without compromise and ‘Built in Britain by British hands’ remains a top priority. As such, the company has been bringing more and more manufacturing in-house, and the new location now permits the company to continue to mature and grow within its existing locale. Continue reading ‘Norton Motorcycles Announced New World Headquarters’

The New Indian Thunder Stroke 111 Motor. The Video.

Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial, Engines and Events.

Introduced March 9th in Daytona Beach, the new Indian Thunder Stroke 111™ motor is using Indian Motorcycle past achievements as inspiration. Company’s objective? A lofty goal: to build the best power plant on the road today. The Thunder Stroke 111™ is true to its heritage and looks, as well as power. Producing over 115 foot pounds of torque, it delivers smooth, reliable and abundant power.

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2013 in Builders and Events.

Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson Consolidating Its Operations In And Around Daytona. After closing and selling the store in Boca Raton, (2009) dealership in Pompano Beach (2010), then selling the dealership in Fort Lauderdale (December 2012), then regrouping its operations in Sunrise, Rossmeyer’s sold the Sunrise dealership at 201 International Parkway on March 8, 2013 to the Chester Group. Roosmeyer’s has no more dealerships in South Florida and is consolidation in and around Daytona. The Chester Group already has Harley dealerships in five cities: Mesa, Arizona; Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Pocatello in Idaho; and Reno, Nevada. It also has stores that sell Harley clothes and merchandise in Reno and Jackson, Wyoming. The new Harley-Davidson dealership in Sunrise is now called Chester’s Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson

Ducati Motorcycle Dealers To Get Access To Audi financing. Less than 1 year after the Audi Group purchased Ducati,dUS Ducati Dealers will have access to Audi Financing. The announcement was ade by Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio, Del Torchio said. “And I think this will be a tremendous improvement of our ability to further our presence in the North American market. For the time being, we’ve already established relations here in Europe. The program is going very well in Italy, and quite soon we will add France and Germany. But in America I think we will be ready for next year.” In 2012, Ducati delivered 44,102 motorcycles, breaking records in terms of deliveries, production and profits.

Extended Nacelle For Raked Harley Road King

Published by Cyril Huze March 16th, 2013 in Chassis, Editorial and Electrical.

More you rake your bike and more your headlight will light up the sky, which is of course not its purpose…With a traditional headlight , it’s an easy fix. With a Nacelle, the only way to fix this issue is to use an extended Nacelle. Especially if you go for the setup 40-degree Rake/Big Wheel that some are adopting on their Road King. This one is stretched a total of 3″ and is a direct bolt-on. Sold in primer, ready for paint preparation. Sold at Kewl Metal Store.

Trademarks Battle. Judge Says Jury Can Define Sturgis Trademarks.

Published by Cyril Huze March 16th, 2013 in Editorial, Events and Legal.

Reacting to the feature I wrote on March 8th under the headline “Is Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc About To Lose All Its Sturgis Trademarks In 30 Days?” SMRI sent me a press release that I didn’t intend to run because empty of substance regarding what is the current recommendation of a Judge regarding the validity of the Sturgis trademarks. Instead, I reproduce below an excellent analysis of this trademarks battle written by Andrea Cook from the Milwaukee Journal.

“The Sturgis trademark case is a step closer to resolution after a federal judge recommended rejecting motions for dismissal and defined what he sees as the essential issue in the dispute. After six months of study, United States District Magistrate Judge John Simko of Sioux Falls filed his report and recommendation last week in the dispute between Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Incorporated, or SMRi, and Rushmore Photo & Gifts, a Rapid City wholesaler.

U.S. Chief District Judge Jeffrey Viken referred the case to him after both parties filed motions for a summary judgment that could have led to a dismissal of the case. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has joined Rushmore Photo & Gifts in challenging the validity of the Sturgis trademark after it was named as a defendant by SMRi.

Simko recommended that Viken deny all of SMRi’s motions for summary judgment to block the defendants’ challenge and a request for a delay in the case. Viken should also deny Rushmore Photo & Gifts’ request for a finding in its favor and that a jury needs to decide the case, Simko wrote. The Sioux Falls judge also stated his position on how to determine if the trademark can be legally enforced. ”If Sturgis means the source of products, then Sturgis is registrable because it identifies the source of products. If Sturgis means the event itself, then, Sturgis is not registrable because it does not identify the source of a product,” Simko said in the document filed March 6 in U.S. District Court.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc., initiated the federal lawsuit in 2011 after it was allowed to register Sturgis, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis Rally & Races, Take the Ride to Sturgis and Sturgis Bike Week as patented trademarks. The organization claims that Rushmore Photo & Gifts and Wal-Mart have infringed on its trademarks by selling items that say “Sturgis” without getting the permission of SMRi. Both sides in the case said the judge’s recommendations were positive. Continue reading ‘Trademarks Battle. Judge Says Jury Can Define Sturgis Trademarks.’

Oil Lines Upgrade For Your Early Harley-Davidson Models

Published by Cyril Huze March 15th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

Early OEM external oil lines are easily and quickly upgraded with these OLD-STF brass and stainless replacements from Paughco. (P/N STFB66.) Custom shaped from solid brass tubing to replace lines on 1966-1984 Shovelheads and retailin for $65.95. The same line application in Stainless Steel (P/N STFS66) retails for $99.95.

Ironhead Sportsters from 1957-1985 are covered with their own unique replacement Brass lines (P/N STFB57) retailing for $49.95. Brass and stainless OLD STF line kits included sealing tape.

Paughco also offers Steel Braided outside engine oil lines for the Knucklehead hard line and Shovelhead top oiler, oils both heads from the center P/N 743C.) Both of the braided lines run $62.95. Order direct by calling 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco

Epic Chopper By Darwin Motorcycles

Published by Cyril Huze March 18th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

This chopper by Darwin Motorcycles was built as a new model to complete the shop offerings. Conceived as a riding bike with enough custom features to please the individualist who want to ride in style, Epic is a narrative of the custom after-market parts that Daw Holdsworth prefers to use in most of his built. Continue reading ‘Epic Chopper By Darwin Motorcycles’

Norton Motorcycles Announced New World Headquarters

Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Norton Ltd. purchased the historic Donington Hall, which will serve as its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities. Situated on 26 acres of classic English countryside and located within the Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit race complex, the new head office and production facilities are situated less than a mile from Norton’s current manufacturing plant. The company will first transition its corporate and engineering staff to the new location, and then subsequently prepare for transfer of its manufacturing to the site.

As Norton readies itself to increase production and enter new markets worldwide, staying true to its mainstay of quality without compromise and ‘Built in Britain by British hands’ remains a top priority. As such, the company has been bringing more and more manufacturing in-house, and the new location now permits the company to continue to mature and grow within its existing locale. Continue reading ‘Norton Motorcycles Announced New World Headquarters’

The New Indian Thunder Stroke 111 Motor. The Video.

Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial, Engines and Events.

Introduced March 9th in Daytona Beach, the new Indian Thunder Stroke 111™ motor is using Indian Motorcycle past achievements as inspiration. Company’s objective? A lofty goal: to build the best power plant on the road today. The Thunder Stroke 111™ is true to its heritage and looks, as well as power. Producing over 115 foot pounds of torque, it delivers smooth, reliable and abundant power.

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2013 in Builders and Events.

Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson Consolidating Its Operations In And Around Daytona. After closing and selling the store in Boca Raton, (2009) dealership in Pompano Beach (2010), then selling the dealership in Fort Lauderdale (December 2012), then regrouping its operations in Sunrise, Rossmeyer’s sold the Sunrise dealership at 201 International Parkway on March 8, 2013 to the Chester Group. Roosmeyer’s has no more dealerships in South Florida and is consolidation in and around Daytona. The Chester Group already has Harley dealerships in five cities: Mesa, Arizona; Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Pocatello in Idaho; and Reno, Nevada. It also has stores that sell Harley clothes and merchandise in Reno and Jackson, Wyoming. The new Harley-Davidson dealership in Sunrise is now called Chester’s Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson

Ducati Motorcycle Dealers To Get Access To Audi financing. Less than 1 year after the Audi Group purchased Ducati,dUS Ducati Dealers will have access to Audi Financing. The announcement was ade by Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio, Del Torchio said. “And I think this will be a tremendous improvement of our ability to further our presence in the North American market. For the time being, we’ve already established relations here in Europe. The program is going very well in Italy, and quite soon we will add France and Germany. But in America I think we will be ready for next year.” In 2012, Ducati delivered 44,102 motorcycles, breaking records in terms of deliveries, production and profits.

Extended Nacelle For Raked Harley Road King

Published by Cyril Huze March 16th, 2013 in Chassis, Editorial and Electrical.

More you rake your bike and more your headlight will light up the sky, which is of course not its purpose…With a traditional headlight , it’s an easy fix. With a Nacelle, the only way to fix this issue is to use an extended Nacelle. Especially if you go for the setup 40-degree Rake/Big Wheel that some are adopting on their Road King. This one is stretched a total of 3″ and is a direct bolt-on. Sold in primer, ready for paint preparation. Sold at Kewl Metal Store.

Trademarks Battle. Judge Says Jury Can Define Sturgis Trademarks.

Published by Cyril Huze March 16th, 2013 in Editorial, Events and Legal.

Reacting to the feature I wrote on March 8th under the headline “Is Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc About To Lose All Its Sturgis Trademarks In 30 Days?” SMRI sent me a press release that I didn’t intend to run because empty of substance regarding what is the current recommendation of a Judge regarding the validity of the Sturgis trademarks. Instead, I reproduce below an excellent analysis of this trademarks battle written by Andrea Cook from the Milwaukee Journal.

“The Sturgis trademark case is a step closer to resolution after a federal judge recommended rejecting motions for dismissal and defined what he sees as the essential issue in the dispute. After six months of study, United States District Magistrate Judge John Simko of Sioux Falls filed his report and recommendation last week in the dispute between Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Incorporated, or SMRi, and Rushmore Photo & Gifts, a Rapid City wholesaler.

U.S. Chief District Judge Jeffrey Viken referred the case to him after both parties filed motions for a summary judgment that could have led to a dismissal of the case. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has joined Rushmore Photo & Gifts in challenging the validity of the Sturgis trademark after it was named as a defendant by SMRi.

Simko recommended that Viken deny all of SMRi’s motions for summary judgment to block the defendants’ challenge and a request for a delay in the case. Viken should also deny Rushmore Photo & Gifts’ request for a finding in its favor and that a jury needs to decide the case, Simko wrote. The Sioux Falls judge also stated his position on how to determine if the trademark can be legally enforced. ”If Sturgis means the source of products, then Sturgis is registrable because it identifies the source of products. If Sturgis means the event itself, then, Sturgis is not registrable because it does not identify the source of a product,” Simko said in the document filed March 6 in U.S. District Court.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc., initiated the federal lawsuit in 2011 after it was allowed to register Sturgis, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis Rally & Races, Take the Ride to Sturgis and Sturgis Bike Week as patented trademarks. The organization claims that Rushmore Photo & Gifts and Wal-Mart have infringed on its trademarks by selling items that say “Sturgis” without getting the permission of SMRi. Both sides in the case said the judge’s recommendations were positive. Continue reading ‘Trademarks Battle. Judge Says Jury Can Define Sturgis Trademarks.’

Oil Lines Upgrade For Your Early Harley-Davidson Models

Published by Cyril Huze March 15th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

Early OEM external oil lines are easily and quickly upgraded with these OLD-STF brass and stainless replacements from Paughco. (P/N STFB66.) Custom shaped from solid brass tubing to replace lines on 1966-1984 Shovelheads and retailin for $65.95. The same line application in Stainless Steel (P/N STFS66) retails for $99.95.

Ironhead Sportsters from 1957-1985 are covered with their own unique replacement Brass lines (P/N STFB57) retailing for $49.95. Brass and stainless OLD STF line kits included sealing tape.

Paughco also offers Steel Braided outside engine oil lines for the Knucklehead hard line and Shovelhead top oiler, oils both heads from the center P/N 743C.) Both of the braided lines run $62.95. Order direct by calling 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco

Postcards From Custom Bike Show Of Pecqencourt In France.

Published by Cyril Huze March 15th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

While many of you from all over the world enjoy Daytona Bike Week and the sunny (but this year quite chilly) weather of Florida , 10′s of thousand of European bikers just met in the small village of Pecquencourt (only 6500 permanent residents), north of France, freezing their ass but having as always a very good time for the 34th edition of the weekend rally. Below, a few postcards of the custom bikes competing in the bike show hosted by custom builder Nicolas Chauvin, There were 57 bikes registered in the bike show: 5 British, 4 Spanish, 7 Portuguese (1), the rest from France & Belgium

The big winners were: Best Paint: Caroussel by Destiny Cycles UK. Best of Show: Caroussel by Destiny Cycles 2nd Best of Show: Sportster 883 by Caverinha Design Caverinha.net 3rd Best of Show: Hereija by No Stock Bikes Spain  (photography copyright Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)

From its headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama Confederate Motors, Inc. (OTCBB:CFED) announced that celebrated Italian-based motorcycle designer Pierre Terblanche has joined the company to lead its product development division. The company’s founder and CEO, H. Matthew Chambers, described the former Ducati design chief saying, “Terblanche is a rebel who by nature is dissatisfied with the status quo, and this is imperative in advancing Confederate’s iconoclastic design precepts. He’s also intimidatingly intelligent, fiercely courageous, and outspoken to a fault, so as far as Confederate is concerned, what’s not to like?”

Now regarded as one of the world’s top motorcycle designers, Pierre Terblanche – born in South Africa – graduated with a Masters in Transport Design from the prestigious Royal College of Art in London. Upon graduation, he took a position in Volkswagen’s advanced design studio – Design Dusseldorf – where he worked on interiors for the Golf and Polo projects. Terblanche is now best known for creating Ducati’s iconic Desmo V-twin models, including the Multistrada, Hypermotard, Supermono, MH900e, the acclaimed trio of Sport Classics, as well as the revolutionary 999 Superbike, which has since become a prized icon of motorcycle design. Continue reading ‘Acclaimed Designer Pierre Terblanche Joins Confederate Motorcycles’

Defending National Champions Harley Screamin’ Eagle Drag Team Gear Up For Gainesville

Published by Cyril Huze March 14th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

The defending national champion Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing team will open a season celebrating the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary at the 44th annual Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Fla., March 14-17. The event is the first for Pro Stock Motorcycles on the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Both of the team’s Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® motorcycles will wear special livery inspired by the Limited Edition 110th Anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycles through the end of the anniversary in September. The #1 V-Rod of defending Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Ed Krawiec will have the Vintage Bronze and Vintage Black anniversary paint scheme and medallions available on many standard production Harley-Davidson models. Andrew Hines will race the #2 V-Rod in the Diamond Dust and Obsidian anniversary colors offered on 2013 Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations models.

“Racing has always been part of the Harley-Davidson DNA,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Kris Schoonover. “The Harley-Davidson racing department was established in 1914, and the company founders were engaged in competition even earlier than that. We’re still racing hard, and this year to celebrate the 110th milestone the Screamin’ Eagle drag bikes will be wearing the same anniversary paint as our production motorcycles.” Continue reading ‘Defending National Champions Harley Screamin’ Eagle Drag Team Gear Up For Gainesville’