Custom motorcycle builders are here to stay. They are as much a part of the motorcycle industry as some of the largest motorcycle companies in the world. While their bikes do not have the global impact of companies like Harley Davidson and Kawasaki motorcycles, their bikes certainly make a large impact at motorcycle events, biker shows, competitions, and local bike nights.
In many cases, custom builders have become celebrities. Jesse James, The Teutel Family, the Detroit Brothers, Arlen Ness, and others have now become household names. Some custom builders gained fame and fortune through TV shows that moved them, their companies, and the entire custom motorcycle industry into the mainstream.
But the big question is, which builders are the best? That question is nearly impossible to answer since judging custom builders is largely subjective. However, here are some that are recognized as innovators and front runners in the industry.
- Redneck Engineering: Despite the name, the guys at Redneck have taken frame building and turned it into an art form. Their style is highly recognizable giving their brand a level of distinction and a leg up on the competition.
- Wicked Custom Cycles: Most custom cycles are made from American motorcycle components but these guys use the Yamaha V-Star 1100 as their base motorcycle model. Wicked Customs is doing some amazing things with metric cruisers.
- Detroit Bros.: The Detroit Bros are relative newcomers to the custom fabrication world but they have made such a big mark that they have a show called Motor City Motors on the Discovery Channel.
- Arlen Ness: He’s probably the most influential custom builder in the industry. His work is considered artistry and his brand is one of the most well known in the industry. From bikes to components, Arlen Ness is the man.
- Orange County Choppers (OCC): Unfortunately the show that made Orange County Choppers a global phenomenon, American Chopper, was cancelled from The Learning Channel and Paul Jr. left the show and company. Fortunately for bikers, OCCs bikes are better than ever.
Whoever said bikers are heartless tough guys was dead wrong.
In the wake of the Haitian earthquake disaster, the global community has come together to provide much needed support to the people of Haiti. This horrific disaster has shown that even in the worst of times, people across the world can connect and help their fellow man.
This holds true for the biker community too. Over the years, bikers have shown they can come together to help others in need. Usually, bikers come together to help mainly other bikers.
Over the past few months though, the motorcycle community has come together to do its part to help the Haitian relief effort. Individuals, motorcycle clubs, motorcycle accessory retailers, and large motorcycle manufacturers have all pitched in to help.
Harley Davidson donated 28 new Buell and Harley Davidson motorcycles to the government of Haiti to aid the relief effort. The motorcycles were delivered to their facility in the Dominican Republic and then delivered to the United Nations Stabilization Mission. Once the mission is complete, the motorcycles will be a permanent donation from the Motor Company to the government of Haiti.
Hot Leathers donated $1 from every online purchase from January 20th to February 14th to the Haitian relief effort through the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross used their donation to deploy personnel, provide supplies, and to contribute financial support to Haiti.
Spearheaded by Haitian born American actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ride 4 Haiti on February 27th benefited Hollywood Unites for Haiti. This biker event united individuals and companies in southern California to aid the relief effort. With thousands of bikers and hundreds of businesses and volunteers joining this ongoing biker effort, financial and resource donations have made a positive impact on the relief efforts.
It’s great to see the motorcycle community come together to make a positive contribution to the Haitian relief effort.
When I used to ride my Suzuki Marauder 1600 with my Harley buddies, I used to hold my own. My bike looked great, ran great, and got as much attention as anyone else’s bike in the pack.
My bike had lots of motorcycle upgrades including chrome accessories, lowered progressive suspension, fat handlebars, a chin fairing, and other items. My Suzuki was a great looking bobber.
The one thing that I did not upgrade was the exhaust. I contemplated doing it but decided against it because I felt my bike ran strong and sounded pretty good.
My Harley buddies disagreed and frequently teased me about how quiet my bike was. They were right. Compared to some of their Harleys, my bike sounded like a scooter.
I now have a 2007 Harley Street Glide and even the stock exhaust on this bike is relatively quiet. There has been much debate over whether loud pipes are a safety feature or a public nuisance. As aftermarket exhaust continued to get louder and motorcycle manufacturers like Harley Davidson received more public backlash, they decided to outfit their bikes with pipes that are quieter and socially acceptable.
Recently, I replaced my stock pipes with a set of Rinehart Slip-on Mufflers and all I can say is wow. Now, my bike sounds like a Harley should. It also feels that the bike has a bit more throttle response but that might be the placebo effect of the increased noise.
The best way I can explain the sound is to compare it to the sound of a fat guy snoring on a couch after eating a full rack of ribs and drinking a six pack of beer. This is not the best visual image but, the sound is accurate; low, deep, and nasty! The increased sound gives the bike the type of attitude that a Harley deserves. While the bike is much louder, it is not so loud that my bike is annoying to my neighbors. It’s perfect.
I should have gotten slip on exhaust with my Suzuki and now that I have them for my Harley, I strongly suggest this upgrade. The sound, style, and maybe even the performance are all worth the cost.
Many bikers may disagree but the most important thing about motorcycles is safety. If motorcycle rider safety is not the first thing on a biker’s mind when he twists the throttle, then that is a major problem. Bikers need to realize that the safer they ride, the better everyone will be.
Anything a biker can do to ride more safely is a positive thing. Wearing a DOT motorcycle helmet, adding lights to the bike, taking a motorcycle rider safety course, wearing reflective material, and avoiding riding while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are all great things.
But how far is too far?
As many motorcycles adopt more of a chopper style, turn signals have been getting smaller. Some bikers opt to remove their turn signal lights completely Traditionally, choppers do not have turn signal lights and bikers would use motorcycle hand signals to indicate to other motorists their intentions. This is fine in the day but what about at night?
There are components readily available to make an entirely new line of safety apparel that may or may not hit motorcycle stores in the near future: motorcycle jackets with integrated turn signals.
My first response was to laugh but there may be some merit to these items. While I don’t think I would ever buy one, this could be a product that finds a niche among certain motorcyclists.
The concept is very simple. By sewing in a few electronic items and LED lights, the turn signal jacket can be created within an existing motorcycle jacket or vest. Also, this item could be created as a vest to be worn over a motorcycle jacket. The signals operate with simple push button controls to turn the signals off and on.
Creating more visibility is a great thing for bikers so this concept has merit. However, I don’t like the fact that the jacket would create another set of controls the biker would have to monitor.
If integrated properly into a jacket, this actually could be a viable product. There are apparel items available with integrated LED lights so this concept is not without precedent. Only time will tell if this trend catches on.
I love motorcycles but I also love technology. Not only am I a sucker for all things motorcycle related, I am also a sucker for cool gadgets, games, and computers. I am both a biker and a computer geek.
I suspect I am not alone. Bikers are not just guys who hang out in garages smelling like oil and exhaust fumes. Those days are long gone. Even the most hardcore mechanics and fabricators rely on technology.
Motorcycle riders are a very diverse group as well. Many bikers are professionals who have busy lifestyles. Technology helps them stay in touch with business, family, and their love of motorcycles.
As a result of technology’s proliferation among bikers, BikeBandit.com has created an application that is a great asset to bikers of all types. Their application provides up to the minute inventory and pricing information on over 8 million motorcycle parts from original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Whether you are riding a Harley Davidson Fat Boy or an Aprilia RSV 1000, you’ll be able to find what you need.
This application is available for iPhone and iPod Touch and allows users to not only find OEM parts but also purchase them online. This is perfect if you are on a road trip, need parts for a motorcycle repair, and do not have a computer. It’s also a great thing if you are talking to another biker and get a suggestion for a part or motorcycle accessory.
With this kind of parts finding ability in the palm of your hand, you can’t go wrong with this app. And just like the BikeBandit website, you will still be able to get part diagrams on your iPhone or iPod Touch. BikeBandit was the first to have motorcycle parts diagrams on their website and they are the first to have them on a mobile app.
The Bikebandit app is free and available on the Apple App Store using the search term ‘motorcycle parts.’
There is no comparison between the quality of motorcycle manufacturing before 1970 and today. Even bikes made 20 years ago were not made to the manufacturing and engineering standards of today’s bikes. Major motorcycle manufacturers have stepped up their efforts to make more reliable motorcycles and have done a great job overall.
Regardless of the manufacturing quality, all motorcycles break down at some point.
Just like your car, motorcycles require regularly scheduled maintenance like oil and fluid changes. Also, motorcycles require major scheduled maintenance.
Sometimes, you’ll hop on your cruiser or sport bike and the thing just won’t start.
Now, here’s an important tip. In most cases, it’s perfectly OK to take your bike to your local motorcycle mechanic to get most minor repairs and some major repairs accomplished. In many cases, a local mechanic can do the same work faster and cheaper than a motorcycle dealer while achieving the same result.
Here’s the great thing that local mechanics can do that most dealers will not. Local mechanics often will let you hang out and watch them repair your bike. In many situations, they will explain to you exactly what they think the problem is, tell you what needs to happen to repair the mishap, and allow you to watch them work.
This is a huge benefit and an important part of riding motorcycles. Even if you have no intention of doing any motorcycle repairs yourself (like me) it’s important to understand the nuances of motorcycle repair. If you ever have to go to the dealer unexpectedly or utilize another mechanic in a pinch, you are not completely at the mercy of whatever they tell you.
However, your motorcycle dealer should definitely be part of your motorcycle repair team. Major repairs should be done by certified dealers who can also provide service guarantees. That way, your motorcycle investment is protected.
Remember, an informed biker is the best biker. Next time you go to see your mechanic for scheduled maintenance, take a few hours, hang out in the shop, and ask lots of questions. Knowledge is power.
I am a very careful biker. I do not ride with any fear but I respect the dangers of the road, my motorcycle, and other motorists. By focusing on motorcycle safety, I feel I put myself in the best position to avoid dangerous situations. There are no guarantees of safety when riding a motorcycle but having a “safety first’ attitude is a great place to start.
Before riding and while on the road, I also try to minimize distractions. I try to make sure I am in the right frame of mind for riding, I am not under the influence of alcohol or medication, and my mind is clear to concentrate.
Previously, I wrote about bikers listening to music through motorcycle audio systems or iPods and other portable music players. I also wrote about my dislike for mobile communication devices that allow bikers to make and receive phone calls or allow bikers to speak to each other while riding.
I’m not saying I was wrong but I am updating my opinion.
I still think music and communication devices can be a big distraction. Looking away from the road to adjust a motorcycle music player or communication device could cause a catastrophic accident. This happens to motorists all the time as they look down to change the radio, grab their cell phones, send a text message, or eat a sandwich.
Some music and communication devices can help bikers on road trips and can actually make the trip a bit safer.
Music and communication devices can help break up the monotony and boredom that sometimes occurs on long road trips. The constant sound of wind and of the bike can cause some bikers to lose focus. I have even heard of bikers falling asleep while riding.
Music and communication can add enough variety so that bikers stay stimulated and awake on the road. While these items can be dangerous in commuter traffic, they have great merit on the open highway.
Harley Davidson has been a pioneer in the motorcycle industry for a variety of reasons. For years, the Motor Company has been an innovator in motorcycle design and performance. Harley Davidson is one of the most well recognized and respected brands among motorcycle companies and other businesses.
Harley Davidson has also been an innovator in the area of diversity. The Motor Company has made it possible for many minorities and women to enjoy professional careers in the motorcycle industry.
In 1998, Katherine Johnson became the first African American female to own a Harley Davidson dealership.
Ms. Johnson, the owner of a small marketing and advertising firm in Milwaukee, WI, was at a point in her career in the late 1990s where she wanted to consider a career change. She discussed her desire to change careers with her friend who also was a recruiter for Harley Davidson. After a few conversations, Johnson decided to become a Harley Davidson dealer.
There was one problem. Johnson knew practically nothing about motorcycles. She also had to overcome her misconceptions about motorcycle riders. Her knowledge of motorcycles came from watching TV shows and movies like Easy Rider. She felt that motorcycle riders were largely criminals.
This lack of knowledge did not deter Johnson, at the time a 50-year-old mother of two. By utilizing her marketing and advertising knowledge and Harley training, she was able to successfully open her dealership in December 1998. Ultimately, she learned that Harley owners are among the most loyal customers in the world and her customer base would largely be professionals. Her grand opening was a success and on that day, she sold 18 motorcycles.
Harley Davidson was instrumental in helping Johnson develop a business and leave a legacy behind for her children and grandchildren. In the process, Johnson was able to make Harley history.
Personally, I have never been a big fan of trikes. I always thought of them as a motorcycle with training wheels. My whole thought was, why not ride in a car if you need more than two wheels?
My attitude toward trikes has significantly changed over the past year. Maybe it’s because I am older and my motorcycle taste has changed. I think my attitude changed because the trike itself has changed. For some reason, they look cool now.
Gone are the days when a trike was created in your local mechanic’s shop where he added the back end of a Volkswagen Bug to the front end of a chopper.
Once again, Harley Davidson has taken the lead in this style of motorcycle. In 2010, Harley is offering a Street Glide Trike that comes right off the production line like any of their other bikes. This will ensure that the Harley trike meets the same high level of engineering as the Motor Company’s other motorcycles.
Trike conversion kits can help create a trike in any style. From a trike chopper to trike touring, the style variety is as wide as any motorcycle. Today’s conversion kits match the high quality standards of all major motorcycle manufacturers.
Typically, trikes have 2 rear wheels and one in the front. Not anymore.
The Can-Am Spyder is a trike with 2 wheels in the front and its drive wheel in the rear. This combination creates greater stability in the front and better handling characteristics. This stylish addition to the trike world performs like a sport bike, offers passenger and touring capabilities, and can handle road conditions that motorcycles can’t.
While the Spyder is built for comfortable performance, the Campagna T-Rex is built for all out performance. This side by side 2-seater trike is low, mean, and fast. The T-Rex goes 0-60MPH in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of over 150 MPH. With a price tag of over $50,000, the T-Rex is not for everyone but it is awesome.
Trikes have come a long way and my opinion of them has changed drastically. Give them a second look and maybe your opinion will change too.
Dodge, a division of the Chrysler Corporation, was mainly known for producing fairly average cars for average Americans. Some of their vehicle lines performed well but none of their cars were particularly special.
This changed in 1992 with the launch of the Dodge Viper. This car was not meant for the daily commute to work or for taking the kids to soccer practice. This limited production vehicle was built for high performance. The cornerstone of the Viper is the V-10 engine, which produced over 400 horsepower back in 1992. Today, the Viper pumps out an amazing 560 horsepower. The Viper is a bad machine.
What would happen if all that raw power was harnessed on a motorcycle?
That question was answered when Dodge launched the motorcycle-like Tomahawk in 2003. The Tomahawk essentially was the Viper engine on a motorcycle: an insane concept but one that was thought of as design and engineering genius.
This vehicle produced over 500 horsepower and had an estimated top speed of over 350 MPH. By contracts today’s most powerful production motorcycle, the Suzuki Hayabusa, has a top speed of about 185 MPH and produces 197 horsepower.
More impressive than it’s raw power, the Tomahawk ushered into the motorcycle world an innovative design. The Tomahawk has 4 wheels but the vehicle was designed to handle like a motorcycle. This ‘quadricycle’ design was the innovation that many felt would be a mainstay with the motorcycle industry. This new platform was thought to be the catalyst for new design and performance standards.
So, what happened? The concept went nowhere.
At a cost of a cool $500,000, only about 9 of these vehicles were ever sold. As a result, very few people have seen a Tomahawk in person (myself included).
Personally, I think the Tomahawk has merit but only if the concept can be adapted for everyday motorcycle buyers. While the original Tomahawk was built for only the most elite of automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts, I think regular motorcycle buyers would consider this vehicle at a much lower price point.
Hopefully, a motorcycle company will be daring enough to pick up where Dodge left off.
