I’m still a Pencil and Paper designer but todays graphic Artists are pretty cool

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Steve Carpenter

12 Feb

I have always doodled since I was a youngster, I drew Motorcycles on anything to be honest, be it a Napkin on the table, the school folder or on an opened up chewing gum wrapper.

But todays graphic artists are on another planet, and Garinca Bali from Indonesia is no exception, I came across this Royal Enfield Custom he designed for a competition, and even though I have no idea how the heck that you do something like this, I admire the bloke, what a great skill.

Just thought that I would share today.

Always loved Solid Works etc but this is Art Station and boy you can do all sorts of creations with it.

Clever people that I have always admired, making visual and crisp creations from someone like me who give them a chewing gum wrapper sketch.

I think life would of been very different for me if we had this sort of software at school, but when i was at school all we had was a microfiche LOL!

So, if you are learning this Modern art of designing on a Computer, good on you, I love seeing stuff like this and hope someone can draw up a sketch of mine sometime so i can share it with others on the INTERWEB!

The things I enjoy doing in the garage.

Posted on September 17, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 Sep

Well here we are on a Monday, its hotter than a Jalapeno flavored ice-cream and I have been trying to catch up on a few things, so not a big time to do much on my Blog today., so forgive me for that.

But I love all things old and a while back I picked up a 1935 Refrigerator, got it running and thought, what the heck I shall paint it as the normal White is as appealing to me as swamp ass.

Below are a few pics I found and thought I would share, it shows how cool you can change the look of a drab looking article and give it just a little wow factor. This was about 2001 I think.

I am sure that you have a fridge in the Garage or shed that looks kinda plain right this minute? So this is what I did with this old Frigidaire from 1935 that was put out on the side of the road.

I took this all apart, the cord was broken and once I rewired, this puppy fired right up and got cold, remember not to lay these down and, if you do, stand them up and dont plug in for a couple of days as the Freon all moves and it wont cool again. Anyway I removed the door, and also sanded the body of the old fridge with 600 wet n dry sandpaper.

I laid the door down on a old step ladder and table, then cleaned it and wet and dried hand sanded until I got this smoother than a babys arse, I also taped up the handle and seal.

I know these are not big photos but these are as big as I can blow them up before they pixelate, but as you can see, I have now painted the body an off ivory, I just liked the color to be honest.

Next up I masked it off halfway and by the way, this is Rattle Can paint for machines, so no HVLP spray guns, just make sure you rattle for 2 minutes and give even coats and you will be surprised at the finish you can get.

As you can see, I have painted the Indian Motorcycle Chief on the top part of the fridge, I used good old One shot enamel with a small brush and was stoked how this came out, next up was the lower half and I thought that maybe some good old pin-striping would be just the ticket. So what I did was draw a line up the middle and then drew some pistons and some flowing lines that were almost identical on the other side. I used a china graph pencil or any water soluble pencil will suffice as you can easily rub out any wobbly lines until you have it how you want.

Now this time I used some One Shot White and that offset really does stand out, I also painted Indian in Blue below to break everything up, it came out pretty good and I enjoy doing this, its just fun and to see something bland change to something cool is very satisfying and maybe cost me $40 to do all up.

Sorry the pics are so bad but I did this in my garage about 2001, as you can see I made a light box sign behind and some other art I was having a go at, just wanted to share this as I do not JUST do motorcycle stuff, although thats a huge passion, but sometimes you need a break to re light your fuse and art for me is a way of doing that. This now resides in someone elkses garage and still works today and the paint still looks great.

Thanks for looking at my Blog today, have fun with your Motorcycle, Hot Rod or what ever and enjoy life as it sure blasts by.

Happy Thursday to you all.

Posted on June 30, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

30 Jun

Good to see Carpy and what better shop to see on 360? #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

Well Happy Thursday everyone, seems to come around way too fast, so this morning this will not be a huge Blog just as quick hello as people do follow what I do on the website.
Just amazing about technology and how far it has come, as the above is a few seconds that my buddy Zach Siglow recorded when he came to my shop to pick up his Motorcycle.
I am blown away with what technology can do to help in small businesses.

There are so many that can now render a bike on a computer to show a potential customer what their machine may look like, and they can see it right away, as before pen and paper and numerous phone calls and meets would take place.

If I had to design, say a Sportster for a client, with a few key strokes and the help of a 3D image piece of software, anything is possible.

Look how awesome this is for a Honda Twin Cafe Racer design for a customer, just insane eh?

Just check out the design of this Triumph Bonneville, I am so stunned by how cool this looks and am sure the Customer would be amazed too.

Just an infinite amount of ideas and prototypes you could do with out the days of sketching and trying parts to see if they can fit on the real bike.

Just wish I had the time right now to make something up and of course the software but- I think that is the way things are going and to be honest , I love it.

Look at how cool this rendering is of a CB750 in the style that I create.

Simply a joy to look at, so if you have the time, maybe have a go and let me know how you get on?

Its just your time and imagination you need and of course, a bucket load of Gold nuggets for the software. Ha Ha

Have a Great Thursday.

Cool Artwork by David Cran

Posted on May 2, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 May

Davis Cran is a great illustrator up there in maple Country, he is in Vancouver B.C. and I wanted to share this with you, I cant draw using a Computer, I have to d it by hand- but sure wish I could do Photoshop and illustrator, look at the great job that Dave has done on this CB350.

Top marks mate and keep it coming,.

Here is the website for any more info on him.

http://bit.ly/Vtpa8N

A cafe racer (/ˈkæff reɪsər/kaff racer) or (Ca-phay racer), is a term used for a type of motorcycle, as well as the motorcyclists who ride them. Both meanings have their roots in the 1960s British rocker or ton-up boy subculture, although the type of motorcycles were also common in Italy, France and other European countries. The term, which originally arose as an insult from motorcycle enthusiasts towards riders who they thought were playing at being a road racer but merely parked outside cafes, refers to a style of motorcycles that were and are used for fast rides from one transport cafe or coffee bar to another.

Just a neat look at a cool early Cb350 with Drum front brake .

Captures everything right.

Great detail he has shown on the Motor too.

I only wish I could do this on a computer or my Mac.

Brilliant job Dave I am well impressed with what you can do.

This is how he does it below.

See That Pile Of Old Junk? Well, What This Guy Turns It Into Blew Me Away… Seriously, WOW.

Posted on March 27, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 Mar

John Piccoli is a 70 year-old man. He is also restricted to a wheelchair because he had polio as a young boy. But those two facts aren’t the most important things about this man. John is an artist. Not only is he an artist, but a very unique one at that. The Australian man doesn’t use paints or clays to create his pieces. Instead, he uses a small crane and a pile of scrap metal.

You won’t believe the outcome.

This is what he starts with.

This is John Piccoli.

And THIS is what he makes.

It’s hard to believe something this beautiful was fashioned out of old wrenches.

Lots of them.

30 years ago, John started making small garden sculptures from the wrenches he collected.

He kept at it, honing his craft.

Years later, he is still making sculptures for gardens…

But now, they are large-scale pieces.

And the places accepting his works are museums and galleries.

The Leaping Fish

A Fisherman and Net

The Warrior

Horse and Cart

A close-up of the large cart.

Two Mustangs Battling

The Little Mermaid

A Family of Deer

The Love Seat.

John is able to work in three dimensions in his workshop with the help of a small crane. Being confined to a wheelchair hasn’t thrown a wrench into his visions as an artist.

John has talent and gumption that is rare to find. Not only that, but the medium he chooses to use is one of the most unique you’ll stumble across. Share his work with others.

I made the cover of Lightning Magazine in Japan!

Posted on March 7, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

07 Mar

Well, I am pleased to announce that I just made the Cover of Lightning Magazine, Japans leading Lifestyle and collectors edition.

To be able to make it into a Japanese magazine s something, I managed to get 10 pages in Lightning back in about 2006 and now, here I am on the Cover, I feel proud but very honored to be able to be the person they want on their cover.

The Editor was great fun and we had a good day when they came to visit me at my shop in Anaheim Californioa last week.

It was so cool to see my Alloy Cafe Racer featured on the cover, as well as it is sporting one of our newest exhausts systems on it, the good old Dunstall style 4 into 2, with megaphones.

I spent many hours trying to configure this machine, this has so much work you may never even notice, but I really like all the lines of my Alloy Tarmac eater.

The Velocity stacks are each made on a lathe, no mill, just a lathe and boy are they sick, and have stainless steel removable mesh filters too.

My Cafe has a very rare ARCES Italian front end that I took off a Formula race bike of the 1970s, and has a set of Marzocchi clip ons to match the era.

I have follwed this magazine for many years and am so suprised at how many collectable people there are in the land of the rising sun and they sure do enjoy what they have.

We spent a few hours conversing on what turns my dial and why I am into Motorcycles etc, I grew up owning and working on Japanese motorcycles and thats how I used the name “Rice Boiler ” On my latest machine thats just finished.

Motorcycles have alwasy been part of my life, I love many styles but am a wee bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the 70’s motorbikes that I grew up with.

I used all sorts of cool tricks on the Rice Boiler and one thing i wanted to be a forst to do, was to use CB750 Connecting Rods as Mirrors.

The same about the exhaust hanger, we made the exhaust out of Stainless steel and then used a big Block Ford Con Rod for the hanger.

As you can see, I even have a Z900 right now, as I shall be making exhausts for the Z900, the Z1000 and also I shall be making exhausts for the KZ series Kawasakis and also I have some to build for clients that have GS750E and Gs1000 Suzuki’s, so keep checking back on the website, as we shall also be making swing arms again and a few more cool parts.

The Alloy Machine gets a lot of attention and is a super machine, I will let it go but not for peanuts this time as this is a rather unique build with very rare race parts on it and one off items.

The 4 into 2 exhausts keep selling out and I am glad I created this style as it give the bikes some classic curves.

I also enjoy painting and designing Tee Shirts and a good release from a stressful day at the workshop.

Thats an Original RR250 flat top 2 stroke Harley and has Never ever been fired up, its a sweer ride but tiny in comparisson tothe 750 Honda.

The 4 into 1 system of ours is a great seller and we are making them for 350 and up now, with more style and more models coming out soon.

Thats Old Jack- My security gueard in all his Original Rocker Gear!

Our Mechanical Lamps are a hit, all hand made from recycled parts here at our shop, very cool gifts for people.

The Rice boiler- My latest ride.

I still cannot believe that I made this magazine- I am so stoked.

You can tell I was in a great mood that day.

So- thank you my friends across the water, I hope to be in your country next year and attend some of them shows.

Have fun with your machines.

This is a cool truck and trailer, be great for shows.

Posted on January 25, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

25 Jan

I Had No Idea The Inside Of A Truck Could Ever Look Like This.

The Fifth Picture Left Me Stunned.

Do you find yourself constantly on the road with a cool $3 million to spare? Well, Anderson Mobile Estates might have the solution for you. Welcome to Lifestyles of the Rich, Mobile and Famous. Using expanding walls and a retractable second floor, this design called The Heat transforms from a conventionally sized 53’ semi trailer into an expansive, two-story living space of 1,100 square feet. Check out the pictures

How Awesome does this look?

Anderson Mobile Estates

Wait until you see how it looks inside

Anderson Mobile Estates

This looks 10 times better than my apartment

Anderson Mobile Estates

I would love to hang out in here

Anderson Mobile Estates

So cool

Anderson Mobile Estates

I want one so bad

Anderson Mobile Estates

This is how it looks from the back

Anderson Mobile Estates

Ok can someone buy me one now?

Anderson Mobile Estates

I will trade my wife for this

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

Posted on March 18, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

18 Mar

OK-yesterday was draining my strength mentally over a stupid electrical system, so- with that i am going to blog about news of the day that I look at and thought I would share it with you, as my mind has not completly cleared from yesterdays wiring nightmare.

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)

Show: Hereija by No Stock Bikes Spain (photography copyright Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)

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’

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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’

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.’

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US iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store

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

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Postcards From Custom Bike Show Of Pecqencourt In France.

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

Epic Chopper By Darwin Motorcycles

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

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Norton Motorcycles Announced New World Headquarters

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

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The New Indian Thunder Stroke 111 Motor. The Video.

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

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Fast Motorcycle Industry News

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

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Extended Nacelle For Raked Harley Road King

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

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Trademarks Battle. Judge Says Jury Can Define Sturgis Trademarks.

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

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Oil Lines Upgrade For Your Early Harley-Davidson Models

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

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.

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Postcards From Custom Bike Show Of Pecqencourt In France.

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

Designer Pierre Terblanche Joins Confederate Motorcycles

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

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’

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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’

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Star Motorcycles Is Launching The Bolt And Bolt R-Specs. Old School Bobber-Inspired And Affordable.

Published by Cyril Huze March 13th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Last Saturday at noon in Daytona at its International Sppedway, Star Motorcycles unveiled the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec models, showing that parent company Yamaha understands that to grow their market share they must offer bikes with attitude that youngsters can afford. Star’s Product Manager Derek Brooks stated “We’ve seen the cruiser market transition through the chopper trend to back-to-basics bikes that prove less is more. The focus is now more on the motorcycle itself and less on chrome and flashy paint. This is a solid trend and I think that the Bolt is going to be very appealing to all types of riders.”

Yamaha keeps prices of the Bolt in check (MSRPs of $7990 for the standard Bolt and $8290 for the R-Spec) by utilizing the air-cooled, 942cc fuel-injected V-Twin already used in the V Star 950. The 60-degree engine mounts in an all-new, double-cradle steel frame with a short Wheelbase of only 61.8″ long, a low seat at at 27″ from ground. in a quite slim , uncluttered shape. Sspension is handled by a conventional 41mm fork with 4.7 inches of travel and pair of rear shocks that offer 2.8 inches of cushion. Twelve-spoke cast aluminum wheels are fitted with bias-ply tires in sizes 100/90-19 front and 150/80-16 rear. Continue reading ‘Star Motorcycles Is Launching The Bolt And Bolt R-Specs. Old School Bobber-Inspired And Affordable.’

ian Motorcycle Showcases New Thunder Stroke 111 Engine With Custom Built “Spirit Of Munro” Streamliner

Published by Cyril Huze March 12th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

On Saturday evening March 8 2013, immediately following the unveiling of the all-new 111-Cubic Inch V-Twin power plant that will equip the 2014 line up, Indian Motorcycle had a big surprise announcement for the crowd gathered at Dirty Harry’s on Daytona Main Street. A one-of-a-Kind vehicle powered by the new Thunder Stroke 111 Engine paying tribute to Burt Munro’s ‘Munro Special’ as portrayed in the ‘World’s Fastest Indian’ motion picture.
Fully custom-built, the Spirit of Munro is an all-metal tribute to the racers and mechanics throughout history who have collectively built the legacy of record-breaking racing performance and strength that is Indian Motorcycle. The streamliner was named in honor of Burt Munro’s, “Munro Special,” the historic 1920 Indian Scout that broke the under-1000cc land-speed record in 1967 at the Bonneville Salt Flats as famously portrayed in the motion picture “The World’s Fastest Indian.” “The Munro family is very happy to see such a wonderful tribute to our Father,” says Burt’s Son, John Munro. “We see how Dad’s passion inspires motorcycle riders to this day, as the Spirit of Munro will surely do for years to come.”

“We are a brand that will always strive to push the envelope in everything we do, so when the idea of building a streamliner to both showcase the new engine and pay homage to the racers, mechanics and engineers of the past landed on my desk, it was an easy decision,” says Vice President of Polaris Motorcycles, Steve Menneto. “We are proud to showcase America’s passion for Indian Motorcycle in such a unique and historic way.”

The streamliner was designed from the ground up to house the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine and showcases its awe-inspiring power and performance. The Spirit of Munro is not simply a display; it was built to run. A custom exhaust and intake system is mated with a chain drive conversion to allow for the tall gearing necessary for top speed runs. The all-aluminum bodywork was hand-formed using traditional tools and techniques. Wrapped around the modern Thunder Stroke 111 engine is a custom chassis capable of handling top speeds.

“Part of the process of building a new motorcycle is building many pre-production and production test engines,” said Gary Gray, Product Director for Indian Motorcycle. “The Indian Motorcycle engineering team is fully conscious that every day we are working with history and over the course of design and development many parts and complete engines are built, tested, disassembled and measured. We thought it a fitting tribute to place one of our pre-production engines in a one-of-a-kind vehicle to pay homage to the racers who have helped build the legend of the Indian Motorcycle brand over its 112-year history.” Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Showcases New Thunder Stroke 111 Engine With Custom Built “Spirit Of Munro” Streamliner’

Fred Kodlin Is Running Amok

Published by Cyril Huze March 11th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

In more than 20 years that I have known Fred Kodlin, I never saw him running amok, mad with uncontrollable rage. But living and working on 2 different continents I don’t see him every day. Will have to check on him again when I travel at the end of March to his native Germany to cover The Custom Chrome Europe Show… Seriously, Fred is running Amok, his new creation built in a style that is so much the Kodlin style, this time with an added racing touch.

First, don’t be confused. No, it’s not a Softail type frame. Look attentively and you will realize that although Amok is powered by a modern Harley-Davidson Twin Cam A engine (103″, 94 HP) what you could take for a swing arm is just a strong part belonging to the custom rigid frame. Ride is given some smoothness via an air shock under the solo seat. A chassis with an aggressive stance due to the backbone sharp drop from the rear of the gas tank to the fake swing arm and to the use of a pair of ultra minimalistic fenders whose purpose is of course only aesthetic.

Art, sketching and an easy way to learn?

Posted on March 15, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Mar

Well, there is a title that’s hard to explain in one sentence.

But I am going to try and add some stuff on here that I personally find really interesting and yes, I draw from time to time, mostly the low brow art, which has everything to do from Sailor Jerry style tattoo flash to cool Hot Rod style art.

First off, I am going to add some speeded up art that some amazing people have done and I am sure you are amazed at some of their styles, I am a pen to paper sort of guy and would have no clue how to generate this style of art but art is art and I love the outcome and it still is their own style.
So have a look and you decide.

A cool Hot Rod related speed sketch here for you to watch.

I love doing ‘Lowbrow ” art and thought that some of this may be of interest to you lot?

One of California’s coolest Low brow artist and avid Hot Rodder is Robert Williams.

Robt. Williams is one of the most popular artists in America today.
His dynamic work — which often includes women, cars, food, and 1950’s Americana –embodies the movement known as Kustom Kar Kulture.

Robt. masters the so-called “lowbrow” art-forms: rock album cover art, comic art, hot-rod art, etc.

*note: Robt. Williams created the cover art for Guns n’ Roses: Appetite for destruction in 1987.

In mid 1960s San Francisco, Robt. became art director for hot-rod hero Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. Robt. quickly became one of the most important West Coast underground artists – creating psychedelic posters and contributing to comics like Zap.

Robt. Williams is one of the most sought-after artists of the 90s and is considered the founding father of Cartoon Surrealism.

*note: Nicolas Cage, Leonardo diCaprio, Johnny Depp, Jesse James & many other celebrities have purchased Robt. Williams’ paintings.

A very cool buddy of mine is the Infamous Von Franco.

George Petty Pin Up Artist

Posted on March 13, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

13 Mar

George Petty

George Petty created ‘The Petty Girl’ – she was an American pinup icon who captured the nation’s heart for more than twenty years.

This guy is number 3 in my top Pin Up artists of the day, these were such an influence on me as a teenager back in the UK.

George Petty (1894 – 1975)

From 1933 to 1956, her likeness was seen on tens of millions of calendars, magazine centrefolds, advertisements, posters, and billboards as well as on all sorts of speciality products. In 1950, “The Petty Girl” even became a major motion picture.

As one critic so aptly put it : “When you touch the wrist of a Petty Girl, you almost expect to feel a pulse.”

Petty’s creation made her debut in the autumn of 1933, in a full-page cartoon accompanied by a snappy caption in Esquire magazine’s inaugural issue. For the rest of the decade, she was featured in such popular venues as monthly advertisements for Jantzen Knitting Mills and Old Gold cigarettes, a print, postcard, and full-page national advertisement for Trans World Airlines (1936), Esquire’s deluxe hardcover Petty Folio (1937), and Life magazine’s article, “Petty Girl … Is Feminine Ideal American Men” (June 26, 1939). By 1940, Petty had become a national celebrity. His relationship with Esquire had worn thin, however, and when they secured the services of Alberto Vargas a year later, he left the magazine – but not before he had contributed a rich legacy to the history of pinup and pinup art.

During the next ten years, the Petty Girl seemed to be everywhere. Along with the Varga Girl, she helped build morale during wartime. A 1940 advertisement for Jantzen, featuring a Petty Girl m swimsuit the artist had designed himself, ran for months in every major magazine. This image, Petty’s most popular to date, led to a great number of commissions for the artist, including pinup ads for Pepsi Cola and, on November 10, 1941, a Time magazine front cover of Rita Hayworth.

In 1945, Petty entered into a special relationship with Fawcett Publications’ True magazine, where the Petty Girl began appearing every month as either a centrefold or full-page illustration. The magazine published best-selling Petty Girl calendars in 1947 and 1948 that contained some of the artist’s finest work. Among his commissions for the entertainment industry were four promotional pinups for MGM’s musical Ziegfeld Follies (1946).

Petty returned to Esquire to create two calendars in 1955 and 1956, which garnered a whole new generation of admirers for him. His other important calendar client, besides Esquire and True, was the Ridgid Tool Company. His innovative works for that firm were devised in a highly original way. Petty first painted an image on illustration board, then cut it out and pasted it onto a photostat of a tool, and finally painted over the background image.

The creator of the fabulous Petty Girl was born in 1894 in Abbeville, Louisiana. After his family moved to Chicago, he worked in his father’s photography studio. Upon graduation from high school, he travelled to Paris to study at the Académie Julian under Jean-Paul Laurens. Back home, he worked for a printing company as a photo retoucher and became the head of the household upon his father’s death. Petty married married in 1918. His daughter, Marjorie, was born a year later, and his son, George, in 1922.

By the mid 1920s, Petty was working full-time as a freelance illustrator, providing pretty girl images to a calendar company. After he opened his first studio in Chicago in 1926, his burgeoning client list came to include such companies as Marshall Field’s (catalogue front covers) and Atlas Beer (billboards, newspaper ads, and window display art).

The first model for the Petty Girl was the artist’s wife, followed by his daughter when she became a teenager and even his son, who was enlisted to pose for the “Petty Man” in the Jantzen advertising campaign.

Petty was a large man, often compared to Ernest Hemingway because of his rugged appearance. Like the famous author, he enjoyed big game hunting and often went on safaris to Africa. For more than ten years, he was an appreciative judge at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. In 1973, for Esquire’s fortieth anniversary, Petty created a modem-day version of his pinup girl with grey hair and granny glasses. He died on July 21, 1975, in San Pedro, California.

The Petty Girl had a mischievous, engaging smile and a special twinkle in her eyes. Long-limbed and well endowed, she was a slick, supple, and alluring creature. Like many pinup artists, Petty created these ideal American girls by combining the best features of several models. He further improved on nature by making their heads smaller and their legs and torsos longer. Whatever his secret Petty certainly had the magic touch.

These art pieces are just something else and, how better to sell tools and industrial hardware, then grabbing the attention of the workers etc, with a pin up girl strewn across the particular part.

I Had No Idea The Inside Of A Truck Could Ever Look Like This.

The Fifth Picture Left Me Stunned.

George Petty

George Petty created ‘The Petty Girl’ – she was an American pinup icon who captured the nation’s heart for more than twenty years.

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