Hot_Bike_2009-12_Vol_41

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dragspecialties.com • WILD 1 8.5” baby ape handlebars

• BASSANI Road Rage 2-1 exhaust

• SUMAX Standard saddlebags • METZELER ME880 front and rear tires

• JOKER MACHINE Brake and clutch handlebar controls • DRAG SPECIALTIES/TUFF CYCLE Frame side panels

• RC COMPONENTS Czar Eclipse rotors and wheels

• DRAG SPECIALTIES Lo-Pro stitched seat • RUSS WERNIMONT DESIGNS Gas tank 8.5” cruiser rear fender

• PRO-ONE Smooth lower fork legs

• BAKER DRIVETRAIN Polished 6-speed transmission • RUSS WERNIMONT DESIGNS 5.5” long flared front fender

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CONTENTS VOLUME 41, NUMBER 12

BIKES

52

28 ROCKER ON TOUR Brought to You by Performance Machine 46 STREET KAT SPECIAL Big Sleep’s Dream Harley 52 LEARN TO LOVE IT Exotic Choppers V-Rod 58 BLACK BAG O’ TRICKS

An Old New Springer

64 PICK OF THE PEN

Bobster 6 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON® ENTHUSIASTS’ MAGAZINE

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64

46

TECH

44 BRACE YOURSELF Roland Sands Design Tracker Fork Brace 50 OPEN SESAME Flash2Pass Technologies

44

56 POWER UP Wire-Plus Power Port 62 IN-YOUR-FACE INTAKE Wimmer Custom Cycle

68 STO PLATE/HOG TROUGH Hidden Kickstand Plate/Drink Caddy 74 STRETCH OUT Lindby Engine Guards 80 RUN IN THE SUN Nelson Rig Solar Bag 70 TWO OF A KIND A Jim Nasi Bagger

82 COVER IT WITH

76 PICK OF THE PEN Train Wreck to Show Bike

84 LOW COST DIY TECH Homemade Filler Panels

CHROME

10-Minute Upgrade With Drag Specialties

ROAD TEST

34 THE TOP OF THE LINE 2010 Harley-Davidson CVO Model Lineup EVENT

38 BIG IN TEXAS 2009 Republic of Texas Rally

DEPARTMENTS

10 From the Editor 14 Lane Splitter 15 My Two Cents 20 Inside the Industry 22 Speak Up

24

24 Product Pics 26 Who, What, Wear 86 Buyer’s Guide 104 Readers’ Showcase www.hotbikeweb.com HOT BIKE | 7

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THE WRATH Introducing the Contrast Cut™ Platinum Wrath from Performance Machine. Five classic spokes feature the stellar contrast of polished aluminum against black ano. But, looks aren’t everything. Each PM wheel is designed, tested and proven to handle the Wrath of everyday riding. Visit performancemachine.com to view the complete Wrath line or contact us at 800-479-4037 to order a catalog.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Reach for the Sky

S

o this past August during the 69th Annual Sturgis Rally, I became a statistic.

It wasn’t anything bad like a DUI or even worse, but I got hit for riding a bike with handlebars that were too tall—for my 5-feet-10-inch stature at least. My friend allowed me to ride his Softail, which had 16-inch Apes on it. We were heading up 14A to Deadwood and it was just the start of the rally so tons of people were riding up and down the hill. We started up an incline at a pretty good clip and when at the crest of the hill I spotted a Highway Patrol (HP) who had someone pulled

over in the opposite direction of traffic.

As I continued down the road, I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw a white spec bearing down on me and sure enough it was the HP who signaled for me to pull over.

I stopped the bike and was instructed by the driver HP to stay in the seat as the passenger HP approached my friend. After some quick explaining as to why I was riding my friend’s bike, the HP informed me he pulled me over because the bars were too tall. He then asked for my driver’s license and asked me to follow him back to his car and take a seat in the passenger side. Now I’m sure many of you reading this are probably thinking, “They have no right to make me sit in their car without charging me with anything. You should have told them no, you should have protested…etc.” With no warrants, illegal weapons, or substances on me, and not a lick of alcohol in my system, I had no problem abiding his request—I learned a long time ago, you can get farther with honey than vinegar.

Sitting in the car, the first thing I noticed was that it was extremely warm inside, the heater was on—I’ve heard it’s a little trick they use to help sniff out if you’ve been drinking. I’m not sure if it really works but I don’t intend to find out. Then I noticed that the cop asked me a lot of questions, a ploy to keep me talking so he could smell my breath, I assume. The HP was cool and respectful and I was polite and cordial with him. In fact he was very intrigued about my occupation as a motorcycle magazine editor.

After explaining that it was illegal to have handlebars above the shoulders he asked if the bars could be adjusted so they wouldn’t sit so high. I replied, “Yeah they can just be rocked back a bit.” He said he was only going to give me a warning and that once we got to our destination to pull the bars back so

they weren’t over the shoulder. I agreed, signed the warning and we were back on the road.

Once at the house my friend was bummed because he’s just a tad bit taller than me, and the bars came right at his shoulders. But not wanting to deal with getting pulled over again and getting a real ticket along with a fine, he pulled the bars down so there was no question they were below his shoulders—although the bars looked really lame at this angle, it was one less reason to get pulled over the rest of the week. While we were fixing the bars my friend informed me that while I was in the car the HP he was talking to had quite a different attitude and wasn’t as easy going. In fact, he said the HP kept referring to us as “You people. You people take over our town. You people spend money here, but many of the businesses are owned by you people who don’t live here and take the money out of the state.” Like I said, a different attitude, apparently it was the whole good cop, bad cop scenario in action.

I can only assume from the conversation my friend had with the HP he spoke to, had I been dealing with that same guy, no matter how respectful I was, he probably would have given me a citation and not just let me off with a warning.

But what I found interesting about the whole deal was that in a state where you can ride with no helmet, they are actually concerned if your handlebars are a fraction of an inch above your shoulders—kinda silly in my opinion. I mean I can understand if the bars are so high you look to be out of control when you ride, but if you appear to be in complete control of your bike then it shouldn’t be an issue. And in the words of our wonderful art director, Kat, “If you can’t have tall bars then you really aren’t ape hanging, right?”

Until next time,

Eric ERIC.ELLIS@SORC.COM

10 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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LANE SPLITTER

Bolt-Ons I (not the round silicone things) want to point out and ask that the words “bolt-on” be banned from all instruction manuals. After years of doing installs for this magazine I finally have to say stop with the words “bolt-on” parts. I just can’t take it anymore and last week was the last straw. We were given a tech story to do with some “bolt-on” parts, a frontend swap and rear brake setup. We went ahead and set up the install with a wellknown and qualified shop, found a bike (year and model) that fit the needs of the part, and we were ready to go, things seemed easy. We were told that it bolts right on, “this is easy, anyone can do this in their home garage,” it read, only to find out that as we were reading over the instructions, things weren’t that “simple.”

First of all when you read, “some machining is necessary for fitment,” the

words “bolt-on” should be removed. We were also led to believe that this was something that could be done in one day, not six days. What happened was, to get things to fit and work we needed to have spacers custom made and some parts needed to be machined down for clearance, then parts needed to get painted to match, and finally re-installed for the fourth time. I would like to tell you that each month in every issue there are issues, most are small and can be fixed. But, I just feel as a customer in this industry just like you the reader—thinking about that new shiny part for my bike and it says “bolt-on” part, then it should be just that. Maybe companies need to think about it more like this, if I can install the part with basic tools that I carry in my tool pouch on my bike, and then they could call it a “bolt on.” Not everyone

I ride with carries a grinder, hacksaw, spacers, a welder, a soldering gun, and a vise with them on their bikes, maybe some of the baggers can I haven’t seen it. So the next time you see the words “bolt-on” read through everything first to make sure you have everything needed for the install before you start, then if things don’t go as planned give the manufacturers a call and rip into them a bit, maybe they will start to really make the product truly “bolt-on.”

ERNIE.LOPEZ@SORC.COM

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MY TWO CENTS

Things to do in Denver…

I

just flew home from Denver and boy are my arms tired! No matter how many times I’ve used that stupid joke it still makes me laugh. Maybe I have a stupid sense of humor. Actually, I know for a fact that I have a stupid sense of humor because I still pee my pants when I watch the Naked Gun movies.

Okay, back to the reason I was writing this thing. I tend to go off on tangents so bare with me. I was in Denver for one specific purpose: Harley mania! The MoCo brass flew us (the motojournalists from around the globe) out to Denver to test ride the new 2010 models on the twisty Rocky Mountain roads. For being my first trip to Denver (actually stepping foot outside the Denver International Airport), I was blown away at how beautiful the city and its surrounding areas are, especially while touring its countryside aboard the brand

new Harley fleet. I had a chance to ride Lo though, so drop me a line when you get a chance and speak your mind. all the models. And they are bitchin’!

Do people still say that word? Not sure, Bye for now… don’t care; I do, however, care about Harley’s lineup for the coming year.

One of the brand new models is the Fat Boy Lo (FLSTFB), a rugged, lowered version of the popular Softail that’s been finished in Denim and Gloss black with Satin-chrome accents throughout to give the overall bike a nice contrast.

This was by far my favorite of the new motorcycles. But there were plenty of other goodies to tell you about, so you’ll have to stay tuned for the in-depth article of the entire 2010 lineup in an upcoming issue of HOT BIKE soon.

For now, Ernie’s CVO story will give you an idea of what is coming from H-D this year, and if the CVOs set the bar PHOTO: RILES AND NELSON high, we think you’ll love the full lineup. I would love to hear what you think of the JORDAN.MASTAGNI@SORC.COM

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Bike Courtesy of Harley Haven Inc.

Why RC? •Wheels in stock • 7 year chrome warranty • All manufacturing processes in-house • Independently tested for strength • 20 years of experience

www.rccomponents.com To locate a dealer near you, call us toll free

1-800-360-0915 Select RC products available through

Give us a call to order a 2009 RC Catalog

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EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

Editor-in-Chief

Eric Ellis

Managing Editor

Nick Schultz

Feature Editor

Ernie Lopez

Associate Editor

Associate Publisher David Roe Advertising Sales Executives Chris Long (714) 941-1425

Jordan Mastagni

Contributing Editors Mark Masker, Ronnie Powell, Taryn Funcheon, Daniel, Predoi

Scott Purdy (714) 941-1421 Performance Alley Advertising (661) 252-6129

Ad Operations Coordinator Irene Gonzalez (714) 939-3787

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN Art Director

Kathleen Conner

Advertising Sales Assistant Donna Provencher (714) 941-1412 National Sales Offices

THE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE GROUP ON THE WEB

New York Office (201) 712-9300

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Chicago Office (312) 396-0600

www.baggersmag.com SUBSCRIBER SERVICES E-mail hotbike@emailcustomerservice.com, call (800) 7595540 [or (386) 447-6385 International], or write to Hot Bike, Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. Please include name, address, and phone number on any inquiries.

Florida Office (813) 675-3500

MOTORCYCLE GROUP SVP/Group Publisher John Cobb III Group Publisher Sean Finley VP, Sales & Marketing Ira Gabriel

Occasionally, our subscriber list is made available to reputable firms offering goods and services we believe would be of interest to our readers. If you prefer to be excluded, please send your current address label and note requesting to be excluded from these promotions to Source Interlink Media, LLC, 261 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016, Attn: Privacy Coordinator

American Motorcycle Group Editorial Director Eric Ellis Group Art Director Joe McKimmy Group Operations Director Amy Diamond

Senior Operations Director Pauline Atwood ADVERTISING INFORMATION. Please call HOT BIKE Advertising Department, (714) 939-2400. Related publications: Classic Trucks, European Car, 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, High Performance Pontiac, GM High Tech Performance, Honda Tuning, Hot Bike, Import Tuner, Lowrider, Lowrider Arte, Mini Truckin’, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, Off-Road, Popular Hot Rodding, Street Chopper, Street Rodder, Super Chevy, Surfing, Truckin’, Vette, and other specialty magazines.

OFFICERS OF SOURCE INTERLINK COMPANIES, INC. Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Gregory Mays President & Chief Operating Officer James R. Gillis President, Source Interlink Distribution Alan Tuchman

REPRINTS. For inquiries of 100 or more, call Reprint Department at (281) 419-5725.

President, Source Interlink Media Steve Parr

BACK ISSUES are now available through backissues— primediabackissues.com or write us at: Hot Bike Back Issues, 2900 Amber Lane, Corona, CA 92882. Cost: $6 each plus $3 shipping and handling. Please specify what magazine and issue date. If this is not specified, your check/money order will be returned to you. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Chief Administrative Officer Douglas Bates

Chief Financial Officer Marc Fierman SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, LLC President Steve Parr

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS. Welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors query first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage and we assume no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. Manuscripts must be typewritten on white paper, and all photographs must be accompanied by captions. Photo model releases required on all persons in photos. HOT BIKE reserves the right to use material at its discretion, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our requirements. Upon publication, payment will be made at our current rate, and that said payment will cover author’s and contributor’s rights of the contribution. Contributor’s act of mailing contribution shall constitute an express warranty that the material is original and no infringement on the rights of others. Mail contributions to: HOT BIKE Magazine, 2570 E. Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806.

President Digital Media Greg Goff SVP, Chief Creative Officer Alan Alpanian SVP, Manufacturing & Production Kevin Mullan SVP, Integrated Marketing Brad Gerber VP, Finance Colleen Artell

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©2009 BGE 01-04091-001-BIRR

The edition is limited, and strong demand is anticipated. Orders will be limited to ONE ONLY, so act now to acquire “Spirit Rider” at the $59.95* issue price, payable in three monthly installments of $19.98 each. Your purchase is backed by a 365-day moneyback guarantee. Send no money now. Just return the Reservation Application today!

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INSIDE THE INDUSTRY

Girls do it, Too! Carlisle Bike Fest was home to the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker makeover sponsored by GEICO where the Girls got a chance to give back to a couple of “average Jills” on Saturday July 18.

The winners Kristen Buckley, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, and Victoria Kriner-Aversano, of Myerstown Pennsylvania, were chosen from four finalists. Both women received personal makeovers, head-totoe riding gear, and a host of other prizes. For the grand prize, Victoria’s bike got “hooked up” with a ton of parts such as a new seat, speakers, spoked wheels, and some pinstriping.

Seeing the finished product was an emotional experience for Victoria, who became slightly tearful as the bike was unveiled and called the prize a blessing. She said the seat and speakers will prove especially handy for playing patriotic music along the long rides she takes as a Patriot Guard Rider attending soldiers’ funerals, Victoria is a regional representative for America’s 9/11 Foundation and a volunteer with the non-profit Soldiers’ Angels. www.garage-girls.com, photo credit, Jill Hunt.

RIDE TO THE MOON

On Monday, June 29, 2009, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members around the world logged 4,373,937 miles during the club’s second annual Million Mile Monday riding marathon. “Our members set the bar pretty high after last year’s three million miles, and we are ecstatic to have exceeded that by more than 45 percent this year,” said Benny Suggs, general manager of the Harley Owners Group. To put the cumulative mileage in perspective, 4,373,937 miles is the equivalent of almost 77,000,000 American football fields (goal line to goal line). If you could ride from the earth to the moon, you’d have to make more than nine round trips to log 4,373,937 miles on your odometer. Riding 4,373,937 miles on an average motorcycle compared to driving a standard passenger car saves nearly 109,375 gallons of gas (or 5,609 barrels of crude oil); at $3 a gallon, that’s a $328,125 savings in fuel. Million Mile Monday is an annual event on the last Monday of June and is open to all H.O.G. members—riders or passengers. The feat was recorded by logging into the club’s exclusive members-only website where participants registered their miles ridden on that day. www.hog.com.

A Good Ride, A Good Cause Capitol Nashville Recording Artist Little Big Town hosted their third “Ride For A Cure” on Sunday, June 14, 2009 to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. This year’s event was a huge success and raised $52,000 for cancer research at the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The T.J. Martell Foundation supports leukemia, cancer, and AIDS research at six top hospitals in the United States. The Frances Williams Preston Laboratories were named after Frances Preston, past president and CEO of BMI and current president of the national T.J. Martell Foundation. www.tjmartellfoundation.org

20 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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That’s Jacked According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 60,000 motorcycles were stolen last year: that’s one bike stolen every 8.7 minutes. That’s the bad news. The good news is that now even more riders can save money and protect themselves from motorcycle theft by taking advantage of a program from LoJack Corporation and Progressive. Riders can get a $50 rebate from LoJack on the LoJack for Motorcycles Stolen Vehicle Recovery System by downloading the online rebate form on www.motorcycle.progressive. com. Progressive customers who have LoJack installed on their bikes can now also get a 20 percent discount on their Comprehensive coverage premium. Each LoJack system includes a small, silent radio transceiver hidden on the bike by a LoJack certified technician. Once a theft is reported to law enforcement, the LoJack transponder is activated. The system sends out a signal that police vehicles, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft, equipped with LoJack Police Tracking Computers, can follow to recover the stolen bike. In the last three years, the LoJack System has helped law enforcement recover more than 1,500 stolen bikes. The rebate and discount are available in select states. For motorcycle theft prevention tips; www.progressive. com/vehicle-resources/motorcycle-theft-prevention.aspx.

Trike Your Bike California Sidecar has announced the release of the new Volusia Trike Conversion kit for Harley-Davidson Softails. Inspired by Formula 1 racecar technology, the Volusia is California Sidecar’s sportiest and best handling trike to date. The Volusia was designed specifically for Softails. With its low center of gravity, stiff chassis, and proven CSC Independent Suspension, the Volusia offers a smooth ride coupled with a sleek look. Engineered to fit all 2000 through 2009 Softail models (except Springer models), the Volusia offers the quality craftsmanship and performance consumers have come to expect from California Sidecar. www.californiasidecar.com.

LETʼS RACE!

Buell Motorcycle Company today introduced the 1125RR, a race-use only motorcycle intended for competition in the AMA Pro Racing American Super bike class. “The 1125RR is designed to give privateer racers a turn-key machine to compete in the American Super Bike class in AMA Pro Racing. We want to build on our program that has proven so successful for privateers in the Daytona Sport bike class,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer, Buell Motorcycle Company. Buell will produce a limited number of 1125RR motorcycles for sale only to licensed professional road racers who will compete in the AMA Pro Racing American Super bike class. U.S. MSRP is $39,995. Orders must be placed through the Buell Race Department and delivered through an authorized Buell motorcycle dealer. www.buell.com.

www.hotbikeweb.com HOT BIKE | 21

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SPEAK UP

-–——–—–-—-—––-——–-–– Do you have a comment, question, complaint, or something you need to get off your chest? Then write us at: Speak Up, HOT BIKE, 2570 E. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806, or drop us a line at hot.bike@sorc.com.

HOT BIKE, I want to build a bobber and was looking at an article and need to know what kind of frame I could use to build a bobber on a budget.

Adam, via email

Adam, there’s quite a few ways you could go. First of all, our best suggestion for a budget bobber would be to use what you already have.

If you already own a bike just start stripping, hacking, and welding until you get the look you are after. But if you want to do a ground up build then we suggest checking out Paughco (www.paughco.com), Sucker Punch Sallys (www.suckerpunchsallys.com), Flyrite Choppers (www.flyritechoppers.com), Kraft Tech Inc (krafttechinc.com), and Mid USA (mid-usa.com), just to name a few. All those companies have everything you need, from frames to spoke wheels, to get you bobbin’ down the road. Here’s a tool kit from Cruz Tools to get you motivated for your build (www.cruztools.com).

Hi Eric, I enjoy your magazine immensely, and the Baggers mag as well. I was reading your tech column (Vol.41, No.9) on the Kuryakyn “Deluxe Bullet Turn Signal/License Plate holder” for Kings and Baggers. Great looking outfit; only when done the original equipment taillight/license Plate Light” is pointing straight up, and not lighting up the license plate (as required by law almost everywhere). It might make my wife’s butt look good, but probably won’t make the local constabulary happy!

I don’t believe that this light can be turned over to light up the license plate? I’m a rider not a fixer. The light just doesn’t appear to have the shape for it. Oh well; if this is the first goof up of your Tech Tips then you are doing good. I really enjoy this section of the magazine, and I look forward to getting my latest subscriptions of HOT BIKE and Baggers every month.

Keep up the good work, Bob Burdick, via email

Hey Eric, dig what you guys are doing over at HOT BIKE, including Street Chopper and Baggers magazines, quality products. Anyways, I read your editorial on the Shoe Tree, Vol. 41 No.9 and I know what you mean about smelling the roses.

It’s those kinds of quirks and oddities that make a road memorable. On a recent trip from Detroit to Chicago via US 12 (the former primary connector of the two cities, since relieved of its duties in the mid ’60s) I came across some real gems. The picture shown is of an old sign boasting about dishes it only wishes it still served? The business is long since gone. This is a consistent theme noticed while traveling along the “mother road of the Midwest,” US 12.

Take care, and I’ll see you down the road.

Jordan Zilches, via email Hey Jordan, if they’re that proud of serving it’s no wonder the restaurant is no longer in business. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig—it’s still a pig! But thanks for the email and letting us get a look at some of your favorite encounters, keep ‘em coming.

Dear HOT BIKE In one of your magazines from the past six to 12 months, you showed a new product for mounting a GPS unit on the gas cap of a Harley, I have gone back through all of my subscriptions but was unable to find it again, can you help me, I would like to purchase one.

Thanks Larry, via email Larry, We think what you are talking about is the Fuel Door GPS/Accessory Mount from Kuryakyn. Log onto www.kuryakyn.com, or contaact your local dealer.

22 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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IT’S TIME FOR A BLACK LEATHER COLLAR JOB Break Free.

Train to become a Harley-Davidson Technician at MMI. Get hands-on training and learn about everything from basic engine theory to Screamin’ EagleŽ performance. Surround yourself with people like you who know that it’s more than just a motorcycle. And do it all at the only technical school in the country that provides a 100% Harley-Davidson approved program and nationwide graduate placement.*

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For more information, call 800-314-9611 or visit MMITech.edu/Harley-Davidson MSC: 800/810

*Ă€ }Ă€> ĂƒĂŠĂ›>ÀÞÊLÞÊ V>ĂŒ °Ê > V > ĂŠ> `ĂŠ> `ĂŠ6 ĂŠLi iwĂŠĂŒĂƒĂŠ>Ă›> >L iĂŠĂŒ ĂŠĂŒ ĂƒiĂŠĂœ ÊΟÕ> vÞ°Ê6 ĂŠLi iwĂŠĂŒĂƒĂŠ ĂŒĂŠ>Ă›> >L iĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠ> ĂŠV> ÂŤĂ•ĂƒiĂƒÂ°ĂŠ I ĂŠV> ĂŒĂŠĂŠ}Ă•>Ă€> ĂŒiiĂŠi ÂŤ Ăž i ĂŒÂ°ĂŠ ĂŒ Ă€VĂžV iĂŠĂŠ iV > VĂƒĂŠ ĂƒĂŒ ĂŒĂ•ĂŒiĂŠ ĂƒĂŠ>ĂŠ` Ă› Ăƒ ĂŠ vĂŠ1 Ă›iĂ€Ăƒ> ĂŠ/iV V> ĂŠ ĂƒĂŒ ĂŒĂ•ĂŒi°Ê Â˝ĂƒĂŠ"Ă€ > ` ĂŠV> ÂŤĂ•ĂƒĂŠ ĂƒĂŠ>ĂŠLĂ€> V ĂŠ vĂŠ 1 Ă›iĂ€Ăƒ> ĂŠ/iV V> ĂŠ ĂƒĂŒ ĂŒĂ•ĂŒiĂŠ vĂŠ* i Ă?]ĂŠ V°ÊÊÊ^ÓäänĂŠ °Ê >Ă€ iĂž]ĂŠ ]ĂŠ >Ă€ iĂž >Ă› `Ăƒ ĂŠ> `ĂŠĂŒ iĂŠ >ÀÊEĂŠ- i `ĂŠ } ĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠ> }ĂŠĂŒ iĂŠĂŒĂ€>`i >Ă€ ĂƒĂŠ vĂŠ ĂŠ V }> ]ĂŠ V°Ê

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O PRODUCT PICS

NEW STUFF IN THE HOT BIKE OFFICE

-–——–—–-—-—––-——–-––

COVER UP Hey you Softail owners out there. The new handlaid fiberglass Softail tank shroud from Bad Dad was made to fit over your stock’86-99 model tank, as well as the one-piece five-gallon tanks on the ’00-later Softail models. Essentially you get that stretched tank look without the hassle of stretching your stock sheetmetal, then pressure testing it, and finally, sealing it.

Bad Dad’s done the work for you!

Bad Dad (260) 407-2000 www.baddad.com

QUICK AND EASY Made with Quickshot technology, the new Twinshot adjustable CV40 Fuel Control assembly from Boyesen claims to improve throttle response, eliminate bog and hesitation, and add performance to a stock CV40 carburetor. The Twinshot bolts onto a stock CV40 carb to make it respond as if it were fuel injected and also features on-the-fly adjustability.

Boyesen (610) 756-6818 www.boyesen.com

24 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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-–——–—–-—-—––-——–-––-–——–—–-—-—––-——–-––-–——–—–-—-—––-——–-––-–——

TWO AT A TIME This X2 dual-station 12-volt maintenance charger from Xtreme Charge has you covered when it comes to charging, maintaining and desulfating 12-volt lead-acid batteries, including standard flooded, AGM, Gel and maintenance-free (from less than 10ah to over 150 ah). The best part is that it can charge two batteries at once!

Xtreme Charge (800) 580-7554 www.xtremecharge.com

NOT N OT SO NEW KID ON THE BLOC BLOCK C

RC Components (800) 513-6838 www.rccomponents.com

RC Components, makers of custom billet motorcycle wheels recently introduced its aftermarket RCX-haust slipon mufflers for baggers. Made for ’95-09 Harley-Davidson FLT, FLHT, FLHX, FLTR, and FLHR models. The 3 1/2-inch mufflers come chrome plated and hardware is included to make installation a breeze, and RC is offering its new mufflers with any of the stylish muffler end caps shown here (available separately).

NICE LEGS If you’re looking to dress up the lower legs of your bike these new Diamond Lower Leg and Axle covers from Russ Wernimont Designs are a quick and easy way to add a little pizzazz to your frontend. The covers hide the exposed axle mounting hardware and are made from cast aluminum and then finished in chrome to fit stock Harley legs with a 3/4-inch to 1-inch axle.

Russ Wernimont Designs (951) 698-9495 www.russwernimont.com

www.hotbikeweb.com HOT BIKE | 25

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR

WORDS AND PHOTOS: JORDAN MASTAGNI

Made in the Shade WHO: DSO Eyewear WHAT: Cool Shades WEAR: Dangerous Sport Optics (DSO) Eyewear opened its doors in 1993 with an aggressively styled sunglass line targeted for the action sports community (i.e. skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, freestyle motocross).

It’s been DSO’s goal from the beginning to provide a quality product with unique styling, visual clarity, and unequaled durability. DSO has been a household name for the action sports world, but the company has also gained popularity within the motorcycle industry.

We ran into DSO crew at the 2009 Laughlin River Run and we were impressed with what the company had to offer. So were the rest of the rally’s attendees. We grabbed a few different styles that only scratch the lens surface of DSO’s entire lineup. Check them out and give us the scoop on what you think. hot.bike@sorc.com

Grill HP-EFI Series

$90-$138

The Grill was made with the motorcyclist in mind from a very durable TR-90 nylon material. And features shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with UVA/UVB protection.

The Grill’s EZ-Snap removable Element Foam Insert (EFI) features a vented closed cell foam gasket to reduce the impact of airborne irritants, protecting your eyeballs from the elements (dust or other airborne particles). The Grill is available in shiny black or matte black in clear or smoke polarized or polarized photochromatic lenses.

Rouge

$84-$110

The brand new Rogue is more of a midsize wrap frame that’s made from injection TR-90 Grilimid nylon that’s been fitted with polycarbonate 8-base lenses. Frames are available in shiny black, sanded matte black, and sanded matte black with gray pinstripe detailing (shown), with smoke and polarized smoke lenses.

Absolut

$96-$126

The Absolut is a handcrafted acetate frame with a square bold look that features 8-base CR39 lenses with 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.

The Absolut frame is available in tortoise shell with either an amber lens or polarized amber lens, or in shiny black, matte black, and shiny white with smoke lenses or polarized smoke lenses.

Deville

$84-$115

The Deville is a large and aggressive wraparound shade with an injection molded curved frame from TR-90 Grilimid nylon. The Deville has been fitted with large 8-base lenses allowing an unobstructed view matched with stainless optical hinges and a handset metal temple tip detail. The Deville is available in many different colors with many different lens styles to choose from.

Famous

$88-$126

The Famous features a large squared wrap style that’s custom-built from a high quality, lightweight propionate frame fitted with crystal clear polycarbonate 8-base lenses and stainless optical hinges and a hand set detailing. The Famous is available in matte black, shiny black, and shiny white, with smoke lenses or polarized smoke lenses, and also in tortoise shell in amber and polarized amber.

SOURCE: DSO Eyewear (949) 548-9379 | www.dsoeyewear.com 26 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No.11 2009

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Montage art revs up this hand-crafted biker-styled Cuckoo Clock • Features chrome-finish pendulum and chains with hanging “pipes”

Roaring down an open road on thundering steel, wind in your face, free as a powerful eagle in flight, time flies by for a biker, swept up in the pulse-pounding thrill of the ride.

Bold style revs up every hour of the day Celebrate the pursuit of freedom and the love of the open road with Time of Freedom, a market-first motorcycle-inspired cuckoo clock. The Dramatic black-hued wood case is customized with chromefinished accents, and topped with a sculpted artist’s resin eagle. Vivid montage art recalls a classic American chopper and symbols of freedom. A precise quartz movement powers the speedometerstyle clock face, while decorative hanging chains with “pipes” and a gleaming pendulum with the motto “Ride Hard, Live Free” add to the thrill. And, each hour, the door opens … as a sculptural motorcycle revs up to mark the time!

Strictly Limited… Order Now! Strong demand is expected and orders will be limited to ONE ONLY, so act now to acquire the Time of Freedom Cuckoo Clock at its $149.95* issue price, payable in five installments of $29.99 each, backed by our 365-day guarantee. Send no money now. Just mail the Reservation Application today!

Sculptural motorcycle announces each hour!

RESERVATION APPLICATION THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE _______________________________________ 9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

YES. Please reserve the Time of Freedom cuckoo

clock for me as described in this announcement.

Limit: one per order.

Please Respond Promptly

Exciting motorcycleinspired cuckoo clock will get any room’s decor up to speed.

©2008 BGE 01-04758-001-BINP

Signature____________________________________ Mr. Mrs. Ms. _________________________________ Clock case shown much smaller than actual size of appr.

14" tall x 3" deep; 28" tall with pendulum and “pipes.”.

Requires 2 “D” and one “AA” battery, not included.

Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address _____________________________________ City ________________________________________ State __________________ Zip __________________

01-04758-001-E32192

*Plus $15.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 crafting days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment.

Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

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Brought to You by Performance Machine WORDS: MARK MASKER PHOTOS: ERIC ELLIS

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ROCKER ON TOUR

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ROCKER ON TOUR

It’s true that the stock Rocker has an unusual rear but PM and Rocker did a great job cleaning up the booty.

E

very year Performance Machine (PM) chooses a Harley model for a makeover and then pimps it as a marketing tool, taking it to events all over the country. These bikes often provide the R&D department with feedback for future product offerings. This year’s lab rat was the Rocker, where PM and Roland Sands Design (RSD) turned the Softail into a born-again cruiser with parts from both company’s catalogs. According to Roland, “The Rocker is a great bike with some aesthetic difficulties. The seat and fender combo is a little too spacy for the design of the bike, but there is a great, well-balanced machine under that kooky

gas tank and rear seat section.” He was pretty enthusiastic about making it, too.

“I personally love the bike and if I had to build a 240 bike I would prefer to start with a Rocker rather than anything else. It has all the elements that make a modern-day Harley a great bike to own with the addition of the wide tire and raked out stance. It makes for an amazing chopper styled bike when you throw a little different style at it.”

Doing that was a combination of fabrication and straight-up bolt-on parts. Changes to the frame were non-existent; Harley set the tone for a badass customization with the Rocker chassis. However, ask riders out there for their opinions on what they think

about the Rocker. There’s a real good chance they mention the bodywork, especially the gas tank and rear fender section. Some people like a funky back end, some don’t. It’s true that the stock Rocker has an unusual rear but PM and RSD did a great job cleaning up the booty. Roland cited the rear fender and seat redesign as the hardest part of this build, and the challenge was getting the back section to look right, and to not have too big a gap back there for the stock fender. “A lot of people like to replace the entire rear fender, where I think it’s still a cool design if you get the seat pan right.” RSD also created a more chopper-esque tank for this Rocker; something more svelte

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and stretched, that sits low on the backbone. It’s a dramatic departure from the stock gas bag, giving the motorcycle a leaner, more unified look. Sands sanitized the front fender in the time-honored tradition used by many chopper makers: he got rid of it.

Breathing a new life into this project wasn’t all cutting and welding, though. We said earlier that PM makes these bad-boy bikes to show off its aftermarket product bling. That means wheels, brakes, rotors, pulleys, controls...in short, all the cool parts PM makes in-house each and every day. In this case, you’ll find wheels from its Riviera line, with matching pulley and rotors, naturally. Roland also added some of his own bolt-on parts in the form of Flat-out bars and risers, RSD taillight, motor covers, and a Vance and Hines/RSD 2-into-1 tracker exhaust.

Once all the bolting and welding was finished on this protocustom, it was time for some color. A call was put into to Chris Wood at Airtrix, who laid down a mix of black and gray to make

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SPECS

ROCKER ON TOUR

BIKE OWNER Performance Machine SHOP NAME PM SHOP PHONE (800) 479-4037 SHOP WEBSITE www.performancemachine.com YEAR/MAKE/MODEL ’08/Harley-Davidson/Rocker Custom FABRICATION PM/RSD ASSEMBLY PM/RSD BUILD TIME one month ENGINE YEAR/MANUFACTURER ’08/H-D TYPE/SIZE Twin Cam/96ci BUILDER H-D CASES H-D CYLINDERS H-D HEADS H-D ROCKER BOXES H-D EFI H-D AIR CLEANER RSD EXHAUST RSD 2-into-1 TRANSMISSION YEAR/MANUFACTURER/TYPE ’08/H-D/Six-Speed CASE H-D CLUTCH H-D PRIMARY DRIVE H-D FRAME YEAR/MANUFACTURER RAKE STRETCH

’08/H-D 36 Degrees Stock

SUSPENSION MANUFACTURER FRONT Progressive Suspension LENGTH Progressive 1-inch Drop-in kit TRIPLE-TREES Progressive Suspension MANUFACTURER REAR Progressive Suspension SWINGARM H-D

this Rocker a no-bull, badass custom.

PM was happy with the end result.

Although the Rocker was Harley’s first serious venture off the reservation and into chopper territory, we all know the Motor Company followed up with the Dyna Street Bob, and now the 883 Iron Sportster. Roland plans on doing

those bikes too, but they’d be 100 percent different from this one. “I tend to design around what’s currently there and let the bike take me for a ride and tell me what it wants,” he told us. “Every bike is different and has a unique personality under its existing skin and that always leads to a unique design.” HB

WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES MANUFACTURER FRONT/TYPE PM/Riviera SIZE-WIDTH/HEIGHT 23x3.5 TIRE/SIZE Avon/130 CALIPER PM ROTOR PM MANUFACTURER REAR/TYPE PM/Riviera SIZE-WIDTH/HEIGHT 18x8.5 TIRE/SIZE Avon/240 CALIPER PM ROTOR PM FINISH/PAINT COLOR PAINTER POWDERCOAT ACCESSORIES REAR FENDER GAS TANK & CAP OIL TANK HANDLEBARS RISERS HAND CONTROLS FOOT CONTROLS FOOTPEGS HEADLIGHT TAILLIGHT LICENSE MOUNT SEAT

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Black/Grey Chris Wood at Airtrix Olympic H-D RSD/PM H-D RSD RSD PM PM PM H-D/Kuryakyn RSD RSD RSD/PM

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FLHTCUSE CVO

The

FLHXSE CVO

TOP of the

W

hat is it about being the first one on the block to get the new toy, like the latest and greatest cell phone or iPod, the “new” whatever it is?

This is the excitement the staff at HOT BIKE feels when the new Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicles Operation (CVO) models are released and we get the first run at them. This year marks 11 years of CVO model releases, and Harley has unleashed four new better-than-ever CVO bikes for us to test ride and review.

If you are not familiar with CVO bikes and what makes them different over

standard OE Harleys, the differences are that H-D designs and builds limited production, factory-custom motorcycles for customers who appreciate brilliant chrome, exquisite paint, thundering power, and the exclusivity of owning and riding a special motorcycle. Each 2010 CVO model is powered by the fuel-injected Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110ci V-Twin, the largest-displacement engine produced by Harley-Davidson.

This engine is only available from the factory in CVO models. The CVO bikes are customized using existing, as well as all-new exclusive to CVO models components from the Harley-Davidson

Genuine parts catalog, and are often used to introduce new custom components and techniques before they are offered as individual accessories.

The bikes are backed by a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty This year we were flown out to Half Moon Bay, California, to the Ritz-Carlton where the comfort of the big fluffy bathrobes and the 10 oversized soft pillows per bed felt as good as the new seats on the CVOs. This was a great place to start our trip and we looked forward to the opportunity of riding along the central California coastline. The coolest part of the trip was riding the CVO models

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ROAD TEST

FXDFSE CVO

LINE for the first time. Since nobody has seen these bikes yet, gas stops usually took awhile as we explained to curious folk who we are, what biz we have on these bikes, and what kind of models we were riding. But it’s a small price to pay to be one of the lucky individuals to have such an opportunity.

FLHTCUSE CVO ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE MSRP $35,999 and limited to a production of 3,450 units. We started out on the oldest in the CVO lineup, the Ultra Classic Electra Glide. The Ultra is back for its fifth year and is built on

FLSTSE CVO

2010 Harley-Davidson CVO Model Lineup WORDS: ERNIE LOPEZ PHOTOS: RILES AND NELSON H-D, ERNIE LOPEZ

the same Touring chassis as introduced in 2009 on the OE Glide. The stiffened single-spar backbone frame and newly designed and color-matching frame and swingarm are a huge improvement.

In the handling department, the ride was nice and very smooth. As we were riding the twisty roads, the bike was easy to lean over at different speeds.

The Ultra has excellent stopping power, especially for a bigger bike.

New styling cues on the Ultra included Harley’s Roulette wheels, a 17x130 for the front and a 16x180 for the rear. The rear of the bike had some of the most noticeable changes

from previous CVO Ultra models. This one comes with a color-matched and LED-equipped Tour-Pak with integrated brake and taillights and a push-button LED on the underside of the pack for illuminating down into the saddlebags.

Switching from an incandescent bulb taillight to LED lighting not only offers brighter lights, but it also frees up storage capacity within the Tour-Pak. Another upgrade is the change from Powerlet-type 12-volt sockets to cigarette-lighter-style outlets. Fender filler strips and engine guard fairing lowers also match the paint scheme of the inner fairing assembly. The Ultra also features an 80-watt Harmon/ Kardon Advanced audio system with CB, intercom, and navigation systems.

For comfort and tour-ability, the Ultra

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ROAD TEST

THE TOP OF THE LINE

now has an adjustable rider backrest and a two-way adjustable (up/down, in/ out) lumbar support in the passenger backrest. The Ultra’s color schemes are Scarlet Red Pearl/Dark Slate with Flame graphic, Riptide Blue/Titanium Dust with Flame graphic, and Burnt Amber/Hot Citrus with Flame graphic.

FLHXSE CVO STREET GLIDE MSRP $30,999 and limited to a production of 3,500 units. Harley calls the CVO Street Glide “The ultimate hot rod bagger.” It features the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine, and the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission featureing a new helical-cut fifth gear. The Street Glide features new 18-inch front and rear Agitator contrast chrome wheels with matching floating rotors, hydraulic rear shocks with adjustable preload, a low-profile custom seat with matching passenger backrest, and a lowered-and-trimmed front fender.

The new extended saddlebags are a one-piece, injection-molded, full-depth design that offers increased capacity.

Color-matched rear fascia panel fills the space between each saddlebag and the rear fender, and it incorporates LED stop/tail/turn lights.

A new custom paint scheme is offered in three-color combinations, with color-matched front fairing skirt, upper

fork slider covers, and license plate light cover. The Glide’s paint schemes are Candy Concord with Pale Gold Leaf Graphics, Spiced Rum with Gold Leaf Graphics, and Tequila Sunrise with Pale Gold Leaf Graphics. The bike wouldn’t be complete without standard ABS and cruise control, security alarm, and a 40-watt Harmon/Kardon stereo system. Enhancing the Glide’s looks are the Rumble Collection grips, footboard inserts, passenger and shifter pegs, and brake pedal pad. This was a bike I enjoyed riding!

There is plenty of room for gear on the Glide without it being oversized, and the bike has lots of power and is comfortable. I would like to get my hands on this model for our next trip to Sturgis.

Breather high-flow intake scoop, a pair of the 16-inch powdercoated and chrome-plated CVO Fang wheels130 up front and 180 on the rear-and black solid rotors. New to this model is the Midnight Pearl plating process that is featured on the dual headlamp shell, Tri-Bar LED taillight cover, timer and derby covers, and horn cover and fender strut covers. The other highlights

FXDFSE CVO FAT BOB MSRP $25,299 and limited to a production of 1,300 units. Returning for its second year, the CVO Fat Bob is based on the Dyna platform. The bike comes with Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhaust pipes, a Screamin’ Eagle Heavy

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Without gear are the Diamond Black Collection footpegs, shifter peg, brake pedal pad, and grips. Also new this year is the Brown distressed-leather two-piece seat that is a convertible from rider/passenger to solo configuration.

The Fat Bob comes in three custom colors: Cryptic Black with Hellfire Flames, Opal Blue with Hellfire Flames, and the Pewter. Of all the bikes that we rode, I would say this model was my favorite. It was smooth-riding with very little vibrations at the bars and less in the seat. It took corners tight and switched back and forth through the turns like a sport bike and had the pull as you accelerated out of the turns. I hope we can get this model for a longterm test bike.

FLSTSE CVO SOFTAIL CONVERTIBLE MSRP $27,799 and limited to a production of 2,500 units. The biggest news of the trip was the Softail Convertible all new to this year’s CVO family. It replaced the CVO Softail Springer of 2009. With its compact fairing and smoked windshield, and leather-covered saddlebags to hold gear, the CVO Softail Convertible is a touring machine ready for a weekend get-away with a passenger comfortably supported by the wide pillion and padded backrest. Because each of these components can be quickly detached, the CVO Softail Convertible can be stripped down in just minutes.

Based on the Harley-Davidson Softail platform, the CVO Softail Convertible

With gear features a rear-suspension design to look like a vintage hardtail frame, but it offers the comfort of a modern suspension that is hidden under the chassis.

The power plant is a fuel-injected Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110B V-Twin counter-balanced and rigidmounted to the frame. The six-speed Cruise Drive transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear.

The bike features new 18-inch chrome aluminum Stinger wheels with a matching Stinger chrome sprocket and Stinger floating brake rotors, and for the rear tire, a 200/50R18 radial. The sheetmetal is a full-coverage wide rear fender and trimmed front fender, with two-piece chrome and color-matched

tank console. Also new is a rear light bar with integrated stop/tail/turn lighting.

To enhance the bike’s look, a high-flow Ventilator engine air intake with engineturned insert and rain sock as well as Rumble Collection grips, footboards, passenger and shifter pegs, brake pedal pad and mirrors were added.

The custom paint offered for the CVO comes in three color schemes, with colormatched frame, swingarm, frame inserts, oil tank, and saddlebag supports. And the colors are Inferno Orange with Vivid Black and Silver Braze Graphics, Abyss Blue with Sapphire and Silver Braze Graphics, and Crimson Red Sunglow with Autumn Haze and Black Candy Grind. This will get you noticed. HB

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G I B xas e T In

2009 Republic of Texas Rally

WORDS: ERIC ELLIS PHOTOS: ERIC ELLIS AND RICHARD ROESLER

I

n a time when some parts of the country are treating bikers like they carry the bubonic plague, it’s nice to roll into a city that opens its roads, restaurants, hotels, and all business in between to the twowheeled enthusiasts with open arms, a frosty beverage, and some good old western barbecue. Austin, Texas, is just that city and just as they say everything is bigger in Texas, well so is the hospitality. Where some city mayors are fighting tooth and nail to keep bikers out of their city, in a welcome letter for the various media attending the event, Texas Governor Rick Perry stated, “We

38 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No.12 2009

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IS OBSOLETE!

GEAR DRIVE

S&SÂŽ INGENUITY DOES IT AGAIN S&SÂŽ EASY START CAMS ARE BETTER THAN A BUNCH OF HUSKY FRIENDS

Start any engine regardless of displacement or compression ratio with a stock starter. The new Easy Start Cams from S&SÂŽ Cycle make hard starting obsolete for Harley-DavidsonÂŽ 1999-up big twins.

Don’t get caught “dead� without them!

CHAIN DRIVE The centrifugally retracted compression release lobe reduces compression until the engine starts.

8IFO UIF FOHJOF TUBSUT BOE SQN JODSFBTFT UIF compression release lobe is retracted, and the engine runs normally with full compression.

Patent Pending.

FEATURES: r 4UBSU BOZ FOHJOF XJUI B TUPDL TUBSUFS r 4BWF ZPVS TUBSUFS BOE CBUUFSZ r 3FMJBCMF – tested for 10,000 starts and didn’t even run the battery down! r %JíFSFOU $BN (SJOET – from stock to race, gain up to 20 more horsepower r "VUPNBUJD – no buttons to push r 4UBSUJOH BU $345 GPS $IBJO %SJWF Visit our website to find an S&S Dealer near you!

4 4ÂĽ $ZDMF *OD t 7JPMB 8* t XXX TTDZDMF DPN 7 5XJO )JHI 1FSGPSNBODF *OEVTUSZ -FBEFS 4JODF

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BIG IN TEXAS

welcome you to Austin. If this is your first time here, it won’t be your last. This town has great food, world famous music, and scenery just made for riding. So kick up your boots and enjoy a big slice of Texas hospitality.”

For the past 15 years the Republic of Texas Rally (ROT) owners and organizers Jerry and Colleen Bragg have poured their hearts into creating one of the biggest and best rallies in the Southwest. As the rally has continued to grow over the years with thousands and thousands of motorcyclists traveling to Central Texas for the biker extravaganza, the city of Austin has felt substantial economic impact. While attending this year’s rally this past June 11-14, I caught a quick story on Austin’s local news channel, News 8 Austin, in which the reporter stated that more than 50,000 people were to have come through for the rally with an economic boom of almost $40 million to the city of Austin. No wonder the cowboys and bikers were getting along so well.

With the central party location being the Travis County Expo Center, one would think that eventually you would run out of things to do at one location.

Well that would be true if the Expo Center was just an “average” expo center, but once again everything is bigger in Texas and this place has so much area and so many different things going on it’s hard to catch it all. Surrounded by

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21%

* ADD UP TO

MORE

HORSEPOWER TO

EO APPROVAL # D-639-1

YOUR BAGGER

U.S. PAT 6,374,815 B1

* By changing ONLY the air cleaner we experienced 76.71 peak horsepower on a stock 2009 FLHX. Base horsepower as advertised in the 2009 Screaming Eagle 速 Catalog (63hp@5500rpm)

STAGE I STAGE II

= 19% INCREASE = 21% INCREASE

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thousands of campers shacking up in everything from $20 tents to $200,000 land yachts, the grounds are a constant party, with roads meandering all through the property for bikers to cruise from party spot to party spot. Thursday was spent cruising the rally grounds checking out all the vendors like Freedom Performance, Klock Werks, and RC Components, having a few chuckles with Bag Lady Sue inside the Thunderdome, then perusing the Big Texas Chop Off bikes also inside the Thunderdome.

Friday we hit the grounds again chowin’ down on rally food and staying plenty hydrated to beat the Texas heat. Later that day was micro-wrestling with Meatball the 4x4x290 mini wrestler getting a $20 bill stapled to his face. Then the main event for the night was the annual biker parade from rally headquarters through the streets of Austin to downtown where stunt rider Robbie Knievel jumped two beer trucks in front

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42 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No.12 2009 INK

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of the state capitol. Being a motorcyclist himself, the governor was supposed to take his usual position at the lead of the parade procession but due to an injury he had to sit this one out.

Saturday, we cruised the compound and snapped photos and made new friends before taking a front row seat to watch the blood and teeth fly (two fighters lost their teeth) during the XFC mixed martial arts fights. Later, the Big Texas Chop Off awards were given out with Jaw Droppin’ Customs taking the grand prize and a check for 7Gs. Then it was time for the music headliner to take the stage Bocephus himself Mr. Hank Williams Jr. Sunday we were draggin’ ass pretty hard as every night was spent bar hopping from joint to joint down on 6th Street. There is about a threeblock stretch of 6th Street that was blocked off every night for motorcycles only. Known for its live music, nightclubs, and bars, 6th street is a biker’s dream, and we were in dreamland for three nights straight. HB

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: JORDAN MASTAGNI

1. We chose

Brace Yourself

the gloss black Tracker Fork Brace with the included chrome hardware.

Roland Sands Design Tracker Fork Brace

T

here are many uses for the front fender. When the road is wet, it keeps water from spitting on you, it guards your face from small rocks and debris being shot up at your noggin (if you’re not wearing a full face helmet, this could pose a serious threat), and it also supports the front forks. However, we like the look of a frontend sans the front fender. To us, it just looks a lot cleaner, but the front forks are more stable with something supporting them.

This is why the Tracker Front Fork Brace ($149.95) from

2. The stock front fender keeps the front forks supported, but we like the look of running no front fender; hence the fork brace, which provides support but more of a minimalist look. Less is more so to speak.

Roland Sands Design was invented. It replaces the front fender on narrow glide frontends on ’88-09 Sportsters and ’88-05 FXR/FXD models and acts as a stabilizer for your front forks.

It’s laser-cut from 3/16-inch 1018 steel and claims to eliminate front fork flex. The Fork Brace is available in chrome or in a gloss black finish and it’s been stamped with a brass RSD logo, and chrome hardware is included. Installation took roughly five minutes. All we used for the install was a 1/2-inch wrench and a 1/4-inch Allen key. HB

4. Then, the new Fork Brace was mounted with the provided chrome hardware. Lock nuts are provided but just to ensure the bolts stay in place, we used some blue threadlocking compound.

5. Here’s the finished look of the Fork Brace attached to the forks. It’s simple, clean, and best of all, does the trick in helping keep the front forks supported. Now it’s time to ride.

3. We simply unbolted the four bolts from the front fender mounts at the forks, and removed the fender.

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SOURCE: Roland Sands Design (877) 773-6648 www.rolandsands.com

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WORDS: TARYN FUNCHEON PHOTOS: ERNIE LOPEZ

B

ack in the ’70s in South Los Angeles, Big Sleep grew up wanting to be part of this elite crowd where the big boys played with the big toys. HarleyDavidsons were primo during the time and for most folk including Sleep, H-Ds were not affordable. For the few people that had a Harley, they

seemed to belong in a class all on their own.

It was easy for Sleep to catch the bike bug at a young age considering he grew up around uncles and neighbors who were part of motorcycle clubs and riding was a way of life for them.

Like most , Sleep started off on dirt bikes, and then transitioned onto crotch rockets, since Harleys were out of his

price range. In the mid ’80s, Sleep reconnected with an old friend and took his first ride on his buddy’s shiny, new H-D. “I was hooked,” Sleep said, “and I was determined to be a part of that cool crowd that had a Harley.”

It wasn’t until the ’90s when Sleep picked up a stock Softail, unfortunately he went down and was unable to fix all the damage. A few years later and

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lots of pennies earned, Sleep picked up one of the first rubber-mounted Road Kings and rode the hell out of it. “It was two wheels,” Sleep said, “but it rolled and felt like a Cadillac.”

About that time Sleep started noticing that not only were a lot of his brothers rolling on H-Ds in South Central, they were customizing the tar out of these bikes. Sleep wanted to join the band-

wagon, but his time was limited being a bodyguard and constantly being on the road with the band, Korn. “While I was away, the concept for this bike started manifesting in my head,” Sleep said. “Being a street cat, I wanted the bike’s design to be split, where it had street cred, yet the other half had a rockin’ metal theme that I’m used to being around.”

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STREET KAT SPECIAL

A-F Harley Service Manager, Colby, takes the bike for a test ride before delivering it to Sleep.

Since Sleep didn’t want a bike everybody was riding, he decided on a motorcycle comprised of three major H-D parts: a Road King frontend, a Softail frame, and some Screamin’ Eagle hard bags. Sleep’s friend and bike junkie, Cheese, recommended that Sleep take his pieces and parts and he’d donate some as well to Danny Martinez and Harley-Davidson of Anaheim-Fullerton to have the bike built. They got started with a Softail frame, keeping it stock, and then bolted on the RK frontend.

Both swingarm and forks carry a set of Wicked Image wheels wrapped in Metzeler tires, with a 120/70/21 tire for the 21-inch front wheel and a 140 tire for the 18x3.5-inch wheel at the rear. Matching Renegade rotors with Performance Machine calipers make for a brake system with sharp looks and excellent stopping power. Putting the heartbeat into the bike went to H-D of A-F where an 80-inch Evo motor was installed, which sends enough horses for Sleep to the Harley tranny.

A Pro-One air cleaner was ordered and combined with a Mikuni carb to keep the motor well fed of air and fuel.

Then to carry the spent gases away from the powerplant they fabricated and secured dual Thunder Header pipes, which Sleep didn’t see too often on a Softail.

After the sheetmetal and the tins were finished, everything was turned back over to Danny for a cool paintjob that would make this street cat purr. “I wanted Crip Blue,” Sleep said, “and I

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SPECS BIKE OWNER Big Sleep SHOP NAME Harley-Davidson of Anaheim-Fullerton SHOP PHONE (714) 871-6563 SHOP WEBSITE www.harleyfullerton.com YEAR/MAKE/MODEL ’96 H-D Custom FABRICATION Harley-Davidson of AnaheimFullerton /Danny Martinez/Clive Smith ASSEMBLY Harley-Davidson of Anaheim-Fullerton BUILD TIME Three months ENGINE YEAR/MANUFACTURER ’96/H-D TYPE/SIZE Evolution/80ci BUILDER H-D CASES H-D CYLINDERS H-D HEADS H-D ROCKER BOXES H-D CARBURETOR Mikuni AIR CLEANER Pro-One EXHAUST Custom Thunder Header

remember Danny responding, ’where is that on the color chart?’” After creating and applying a rich coating of the custom blue, Danny got started working on Sleep’s unique idea for graphics. “I didn’t want traditional flames or skulls just sitting on the paint doing nothing,” Sleep said. “Danny created the graphics so that the skulls’ heads transition into these tribal-like flames.” To complement the theme of the bike, additional skulls were placed on the rear fender and the saddlebags, and the skulls’ eyes and mouths light up when Sleep puts on the brakes.

The bike was almost ready for the show circuit, but it needed a cool ass pad and slick controls to match the paintwork comprising the sheetmetal. After an ostrich-covered seat from Bitchin Seat Co was made and installed, a set of custom meat hook handlebars were fabricated and secured atop the frontend. Then the bars were given H-D hand controls and the company’s mirrors. After bolting on Harley foot controls and Wicked Image pegs, the control package was complete.

After a year in the making between its concept and completion, Sleep finally picked up his dream Harley. “HarleyDavidson of Anaheim-Fullerton and Danny did a hell of a job,” Sleep said. “I even took the bike to my buddies, Big Punchy and Baby Slip, over at the Candy Shop, in Los Angeles.

TRANSMISSION YEAR/MANUFACTURER/TYPE ’96/H-D 5-speed CLUTCH H-D PRIMARY DRIVE H-D FRAME YEAR/MANUFACTURER RAKE STRETCH SUSPENSION MANUFACTURER FRONT TRIPLE TREES MANUFACTURER REAR SWINGARM

When my custom blew them away, that’s when I knew I had a bad-ass bike.

A special thanks to Colby at H-D of A-F, Danny, and Cheese for accomplishing everything I wanted.” HB

’96/H-D Stock Stock H-D Stock H-D H-D

WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES MANUFACTURER FRONT Renegade Wicked Image SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 21x3.25-inch TIRE/SIZE Metzeler/120/70/21 CALIPER Performance Machine ROTOR Renegade MANUFACTURER REAR Renegade Wicked Image SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 18x3.5-inch TIRE/SIZE Metzeler/18x140 CALIPER Performance Machine ROTOR Renegade FINISH/PAINT COLOR PAINTER GRAPHICS ACCESSORIES FRONT FENDER REAR FENDER FENDER STRUTS GAS TANK & CAP OIL TANK HANDLEBARS HAND CONTROLS FOOT CONTROLS FOOTPEGS HEADLIGHT TAILLIGHT LICENSE MOUNT SEAT

Crip Blue Danny Martinez Danny Martinez H-D H-D H-D H-D/Landmark H-D VCC Meat Hooks H-D H-D Image H-D Custom Custom Bitchin Seat Co

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: JORDAN MASTAGNI

Open Sesame Flash2Pass Technologies

1 The kit comes with a 1.

C

ommuting to and from work on a motorcycle is a great. It saves time and money, and it really does make the workday that much more enjoyable. One thing about coming home from the grind is the fact that if the bike is parked in the garage the rider has to usually dig through his/her backpack, saddlebag, or fairing nook/cranny, looking for the remote in order to open said garage whenever he/she gets home. It might not be that big of a nuisance but in the never-ending quest to save time, seconds are precious.

This is where Flash2Pass Technologies ($79.95) comes into play. This system works just like a garage door opening remote control, only its transmitter is tapped into the headlight wiring (varies depending on year/make/model), and its receiver either replaces the pre-existing wall-mounted receiver, or can be piggybacked to the garage door opening unit itself (on the ceiling). Once installed, with two flashes of the high beams…it’s open sesame. HB

radio transmitter (black box), a wall-mounted receiver that replaces you your pre-existing receiver (off(off-white box), or it can be piggybacked to the garage door opening unit itself, two Posi-Tap cconnectors (blue), and provided screws to mount the receiver to the garage walls and a zip-tie to mount the transmitter if necessary.

4. Once I had the headlamp out, I tapped the two headlamp wires to the new transmitter’s wires with the blue Posi-Tap connectors. Then I tucked the new transmitter behind the bulb and it fit right in place. If it doesn’t fit in your headlamp bucket, there are options to mount it elsewhere depending on your application. I then replaced the bulb back into the headlamp receptacle and tightened down the ring. Done!

2. First off, because I don’t have a wall-mounted unit in my garage thanks to the tightwads at my apartment community, I open my garage by way of wireless remote only. So I piggybacked the receiver to the garage-door unit itself. I made a trip to the local hardware store, bought some wire, and then mounted each wire to the back of the terminals on the Flash2Pass receiver (arrow).

5. Sure enough, with two flashes of the high beams, the system worked like a charm (I love that cliché). No more digging through the backpack or jacket pocket in order to park my bike. Life just got a whole lot simpler.

3. I unplugged the garage door opener. Then I slipped the backing plate of the new receiver in place and wired the unit to the terminals on the garage door opener. Finally, I secured the receiver to the garage door opener with double-sided tape.

SOURCE: Flash2Pass (866) 249-7427 www.f2ptechnologies.com

50 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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Learn to LOVE

Exotic Choppers V-Rod WORDS: HB STAFF AND PAUL KOKESH PHOTOS: ERNIE LOPEZ

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IT

With a company name like Exotic Choppers, you would think shop owner Paul Kokesh wouldn’t go anywhere near a V-Rod or anything that wasn’t a true traditional chopper for that matter. Actually, Paul kicks out more than just chopper builds from his Orlando, Florida, shop. In fact, his shop might be as well-known for it’ wild bolt-on and custom intake and exhaust systems as it is for bike builds.

However, knowing that in order to survive in the custom motorcycle industry you need to be diverse and stay on top of the trends via parts or bike builds, Paul saw more and more V-Rods on the road and decided it was time to tackle one of his least favorite bikes in the H-D lineup.

I

never thought the day would come when I would have said, ‘Now that’s a good looking V-Rod,’ much less own one. My new found admiration for V-Rods stems from one of our customers who wanted to trick his Rod by slamming it to the ground, adding a 240 kit, an Exotic Choppers exhaust system, as well as a few other little things. He said he wanted to completely do the bike over in a big way but still maintain a simple and clean theme. I thought it over for about a week and came up with basically what you see

here. I say, basically because this is not the customers Rod, it’s one of my shop bikes. Being unsure of my complete vision, the customer decided to hold off on a complete tear down and decided to remodel his Rod in stages. After test riding his newly slammed Rod, I was amazed how smooth the drivetrain was, not to mention the great handling and power. I was so psyched to do the complete project that I started looking for a used V-Rod. I found a decent, very low mileage 2005 VRSCB. The previous owner had all of the motor/ transmission

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LEARN TO LOVE IT

Paul fabricated the custom handlebars with internal wiring.

The exhaust is Exotic Choppers Locos with 2-inch baffles, slightly modified to clear the wide swingarm. These are the Locos Prowler Series with black pipes and chrome shields and tips.

covers swapped out for chrome ones rather than the usual polished ones for a B model. My thought was, perfect!

I wanted to stuff a 300 tire in the back so I widened the swingarm 3 inches, cut off the cast-in brake anchor and plated it in flat aluminum to run a drive side brake since there wasn’t a kit available for V-Rods. I tweaked an HHI brake setup and machined a custom brake anchor. I also machined a new axle with adjusters, pivot shaft and spacers. The shocks are custom made to my specs by Works Performance. They look and ride great. I still wanted to maintain the looks of a traditional V-Rod, as its purpose was to be a model for some of our new Exotic Choppers V-Rod

products. I ordered a 2008 Night Rod Special fender which, with some work, turned out to be a perfect fit for a 300.

It allowed for 3/16-inch to spare on either side. It took five minutes or so to body hammer the mounting area of the fender since the fender and mount area on the frame changed slightly in 2007. The passenger seat needed to be 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider.

The driver seat needed to be one inch wider towards the back. We sent the seat to Mark Thrasher who does all of our seats. The Cutting Edge Illusions air box cover (faux gas tank) was a perfect choice since it utilizes a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, which cleaned up the bars nicely. With V-Rods not having a traditional air cleaner, I

wanted to do a throwback look. I fabricated a base plate to the downdraft throttle bodies and twisted up some ram tubes offset to the right side of the bike, as tradition has it. I topped them off with two K&N cone filters with billet caps I spun up on the lathe. I popped two holes in the air box cover allowing them to peek through.

The frontend was lowered 2 inches and features chromed sliders, powdercoated slider seal covers and triple trees. I had never seen a 21-inch wheel on the front of a V-Rod so that became the obvious choice.

I used a wide 21-inch rim with hubs I machined to fit a V-Rod. I despise the factory front fender set up so I took a six inch wide, 21-inch universal

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SPECS

The headlamps are part of Exotics Choppers’ Dual Wave Headlight kit.

fender, dimpled in the area by the upper fork sliders and welded in stand off perches to get it mounted. I added a Harley-Davidson custom radiator cover, upper neck frame covers and about $500 worth of miscellaneous chrome covers from Harley.

The paint was done in house. I like the paint scheme to flow into a few parts aside from the usual gas tank (or air box in this case) and fenders.

I painted the handlebars, upper neck frame covers and all three radiator covers. In my opinion, it makes the paint blend and flow, adding movement even when the bike is sitting still.

The paint is a black base with candy blue true fire; nothing loud but just enough to make it mean.

The first time the bike was shown was at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk Bike Show. There wasn’t a V-Rod class, subsequently resulting in the only V-Rod there mixed among the other customs and Softails. The bike pulled a First place trophy in its class. The trophy really wasn’t what was important to us. The comments, reactions, and appreciation from the passing spectators are what really count. It’s a great feeling to hear, “I don’t even like V-Rods, but I love this one,” and “Now that’s what a V-Rod is supposed to look like!” It makes doing my job and these events just that much better. I really enjoyed working on something other than Softails, Sportys, pro-streets or choppers.

Most builders have a niche or style they follow. We just can’t do that here at Exotic Choppers. I like a challenge and change of pace. HB

BIKE OWNER Paul Kokesh SHOP NAME Exotic Choppers, Inc. SHOP PHONE (407) 253-1233 SHOP WEBSITE www.ExoticChoppers.com YEAR/MAKE/MODEL 2005/HD/V-ROD FABRICATION Exotic Choppers ASSEMBLY Exotic Choppers BUILD TIME 45 hours w/fabrication time/paint time ENGINE YEAR/MANUFACTURER 2005/H-D TYPE/SIZE 1130 cc BUILDER H-D CASES H-D CYLINDERS H-D HEADS H-D ROCKER BOXES H-D EFI H-D AIR CLEANER Exotic Choppers EXHAUST Exotic Choppers TRANSMISSION YEAR/MANUFACTURER/TYPE ’05/H-D/Five Speed CASE H-D CLUTCH H-D PRIMARY DRIVE H-D FRAME YEAR/MANUFACTURER RAKE STRETCH

’05/H-D Stock Stock

SUSPENSION MANUFACTURER FRONT H-D/Lowering Kit LENGTH -2 inches under TRIPLE TREES H-D MANUFACTURER REAR Works (custom made) SWINGARM H-D/Exotic Choppers WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES MANUFACTURER FRONT/TYPE Weld Racing/Recluse SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 21x3.5 TIRE/SIZE Avon 120/21 CALIPER H-D ROTOR Weld Racing/Recluse MANUFACTURER REAR/TYPE Weld Racing/Recluse SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 18x10.5 TIRE/SIZE Avon/300 CALIPER HHI/Exotic Choppers ROTOR Weld Racing/Recluse FINISH/PAINT COLOR Black Base w/Blue True Fire PAINTER Paul @ Exotic Choppers GRAPHICS Paul @ Exotic Choppers PLATING/POLISHING Meclec POWDERCOAT Exotic Choppers ACCESSORIES FRONT FENDER Exotic Choppers REAR FENDER H-D/Exotic Choppers GAS TANK & CAP Cutting Edge Illusions OIL TANK H-D GAUGES Dakota Digital HANDLEBARS Exotic Choppers MIRRORS Arlen Ness HAND CONTROLS H-D FOOT CONTROLS H-D FOOTPEGS V-Twin HEADLIGHT Exotic Choppers TAILLIGHT Smoked LED LICENSE MOUNT Exotic Choppers SEAT Mark Thrasher

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ERNIE LOPEZ

Power Up Wire-Plus Power Port

Y

ou never know when you’re going to be out on a trip longer than you planned. The first thing you may start to think about is the next gas stop. But charging your cell phone, GPS, or even an iPod, which is normally done at the hotel can get overlooked when you’re thinking about your trip plans. Now if you need to charge one of your devices as you are riding, you can do so with a Power Port from Wire-Plus. The company’s new line of Power Ports can be used to charge phones, GPS devices, laptops, portable music systems, or used to power cigarette lighters, heated gloves, and vests. Any device that connects to a 12V power supply through a standard cigarette lighter can be charged with one of these Power Ports. They are available in dual port for $95 or single port for $69, in chrome or black powdercoat. HB

1. Here is the single port in black powdercoat and chrome finishes.

6. Once the connections were tight we 4. Then we installed the power Port onto 2. The get started we removed the seat and disconnected the battery, then we removed the horn mounting bolt.

the horn-mounting stud using the supplied washer and nut.

reinstalled the seat and started charging.

The nice thing about the Power Port piece is that it’s almost unnoticed when not in use, but comes in handy on trips like when you’re camping with no outlet power.

7.

3. After removing the two bolts from the top of the Power Port we where able to get to the mounting hole (arrow).

5. Next, the wires were routed up under the tank and along the frame toward the battery away from the engine. We secured the wires with the supplied zip-ties, and then connected the two wires to the battery.

Black went to the negative post and the red with the fuse went to the positive post.

SOURCE: Wire plus (620)-221-2417 www.wire-plus.com

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Words: Eric Ellis and Mark Missildine Photos: Daniel Predoi

Black

Bag O’ Tricks An Old New Springer On more than one occasion we’ve heard the sob story of some poor guy who thought he had finally found true love, only to have it ripped from his heart after a messy divorce.

We all know a good bike is hard to find, and it always seems that after putting years of TLC into turning it into your dream ride, the ex always seems to end up with it. Mark Missildine’s story is a little different. Instead of losing his pride and joy in a knockdown drag-out divorce, basically Mark lost his ride the day he married his new bride.

W

ith a couple of Klock Werks bikes in the garage, I decided it was time to wrench my own. Since my new wife pretty much confiscated my retro ’59 Panhead styled Softail for her own personal enjoyment right after we got married, which brought up the perfect opportunity for me to get myself another bike to ride. This time I decided it to flash back a little further to the Knucklehead era.

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I live on the beach out in Georgia and as most Harley owners must know from trips to Daytona, the salt air is a bitch on chrome. So with this bike I wanted to go with minimum chrome, so I could hose it down, blow it off, wipe the shiny parts down and then crack a beer and sit back and watch as the wife spent hours polishing and detailing her bike. I wanted a mostly black bike with a little bit of chrome—

just like the knuckleheaded cat, Curtis (black with a little white), that I inherited with the marriage.

Budget is a huge constraint these days and since I wanted to spend most of my time riding and not diagnosing problems, I went with a newer Softail, which was a used ’08 Night Train. Since I’m not a full-time wrench, I enlisted the help of the resident wizard, Howard Henderson of Hendersons V-Twin in

Brunswick, Georgia, to help with the heavy lifting, grinding, cutting, etc.

Howard took me through Harley 101 a few years back, and he’s the only guy that touches my scoots if I can’t figure it out. I started pulling ideas that I’ve had or seen in the mags and blending them into my idea for the project.

With the current state of the economy, eBay had tons of retail parts at wholesale prices. I wanted to com-

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BLACK BAG O’ TRICKS

bine an old ’46 or ’48 look with some new school retro and RSD had just the look I wanted. The first to go was the stock exhaust and air cleaner which was replaced with an RSD Tracker exhaust and Venturi Air Cleaner. Then we added a Thundermax with Autotune system.

Next, we fit the RSD 200 rear fender then we installed the Xzotic Knucklehead rocker boxes. A donor ’95 Bad Boy Springer frontend saved countless bucks (thanks Greg!), but it did take

some doing to get the springer melded with the ’08 FXSTB. Lowering kits for both the front and rear suspensions gave the bike its stance. A 3 1/2 inch spoked front rim with an Avon tire filled in some of the space on either side of the forks. It sucks in the rain, with no fender, but what are ya gonna do?

Black Bike provided the right look for the front wheel, but once again, spokes at the beach can be a pain to clean, so I stayed with stock on the rear.

The brass dog bone risers really look good against the chrome handlebars.

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Hey Mark, the leather side bag would make a great place to take the pestering cat for a little joy ride.

Wink, wink.

SPECS BIKE OWNER Mark Missildine SHOP NAME Henderson’s V-Twin SHOP PHONE (912) 265-1711 YEAR/MAKE/MODEL ’08/H-D/FXSTB FABRICATION Howard Henderson ASSEMBLY Owner/Howard Henderson BUILD TIME Three Months ENGINE YEAR/MANUFACTURER ’08/H-D TYPE/SIZE TC/96ci BUILDER H-D CASES H-D CYLINDERS H-D HEADS H-D ROCKER BOXES Xzotic Knuckle EFI H-D/Zippers AIR CLEANER RSD EXHAUST Vance & Hines/RSD TRANSMISSION

The horn was relocated to between the downtubes and the coil was moved to hide behind the Trucker Girl cover.

A set of RSD handlebars and grips make for a comfortable riding position. Joker Machine toe and foot pegs (massaged into Harley levers) and a chain shift linkage from Detroit Bros rounds out the list of accessories. The taillight is from Young Choppers and is mounted on a one-off mount. The brake light is in series with some small LED’s on the seat mounts, so people will see red and hopefully stop before running up my butt!

There are lots of little details that we worked in, such as tucking the front and rear blinkers in tight to keep it uncluttered (but still legal). We moved the dash back a bit so the brass dog bone risers wouldn’t hit the top of the dash.

The LaRosa seat and Chopper Shox were another bargain from eBay. Howard also fabricated a lot of one-off parts like a coil cover, taillight tag mount, and a battery cover.

As the springer and various parts went to powdercoat, Tim of Ole School Classics put the paint and graphics on.

This includes the cartoon of the damn cat that has plagued me for five years.

Trying for a post-WWII era, bomber nose-art theme, Tim painted Felix the cat with a thumbs-up on one side and Felix with the hang loose “shaka, bra” sign on the other (since I’ve been surfing for 40 years).

I know it’s a pseudo Knuckle or even to the purists out there, a fake. But hey, I got a life. Riding is just part of it. I wanted to meld an old bike look with some more aggressive styling. I’m just excited that HOT BIKE liked my version of my bike, rather than a cool custom built for me by someone else. It certainly turns heads and generally draws a crowd.

And it’s a blast to ride! And that’s what it’s all about, right? HB

YEAR/MANUFACTURER/TYPE CASE CLUTCH PRIMARY DRIVE

H-D H-D H-D H-D

FRAME YEAR/MANUFACTURER RAKE STRETCH

’08/H-D Stock Stock

SUSPENSION MANUFACTURER FRONT H-D Springer LENGTHS Lowered 2 inches TRIPLE TREES H-D MANUFACTURER REAR H-D SWINGARM H-D WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES MANUFACTURER FRONT/TYPE Black Bike Spoke SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 21x3.5 TIRE/SIZE Avon/120/70/21 CALIPER PM ROTOR PM MANUFACTURER REAR/TYPE Stock SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 17x8.5 TIRE/SIZE 200mm CALIPER H-D ROTOR H-D FINISH/PAINT COLOR PAINTER GRAPHICS

Black/Silver Tim-Ole School Classics Tim-Ole School Classics

ACCESSORIES REAR FENDER FENDER STRUTS GAS TANK&CAP OIL TANK HANDLEBARS RISERS HAND CONTROLS FOOT CONTROLS FOOTPEGS HEADLIGHT TAILLIGHT LICENSE MOUNT SEAT

RSD RSD Stock Stock RSD Brass H-D/RSD H-D/Joker Machine Joker Machine H-D Young Choppers Henderson’s V-Twin La Rosa

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ERNIE LOPEZ

In-Your-Face

Intake

Wimmer Custom Cycle A

I

1. Here is the VSA system for the S&S

2. First we removed the stock filter assembly from the S&S carb on our Shovelhead motor.

7. Here is the Super Sucker Shorty stack.

n this dirty world in which we ride in, we need clean air to pass through the intake of our bikes to keep them running at their best.

There are a lot of air filters out there that work well but tend to lack in style. Wimmer Custom Cycle has the means to do both, good filtering of air while adding some cool style to your bike. With so many different styles and setups to choose from there is something for everyone’s bike. All of the Wimmer intake components are made from solid 6061 billet aluminum, and manufactured right here in the USA. The Wimmer System is based on its Velocity Stacks Assembly (VSA) for standard carburetor mounts like CV, S&S, Mikuni, and also for fuel-injected models as well. Once you have the right VSA for your model you can build an air intake to fit your bike and style. HB

carburetor with both setups for either the Super Squat air filter or the Super Sucker shorty with micro mesh screen filter along with the mounting bracket (ring) for either an Evo with breather bolts (A) or Shovelhead without breather mounts.

For this piece the flat mounting ring was used so that the stack can mount flush.

5. Next, we installed the slip ring for the Super Squat air filter.

3. All the hardware was treated to some threadlocker

8. The stack has a micro screen but 6. The rubber seal on the filter slips over the lip, then we tightened the seal down with the clamp.

4. For a good seal a new gasket was installed on the carb followed by the mounting ring.

comes with a rain sleeve for added protection against weather and debris. You can get this for the filters as well.

SOURCE: Wimmer Custom Cycle (843)-492-0412 | www.wimmermachine.com

62 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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Here at HOT BIKE, we get a lot of rides—Harleys, hogs, whatever you want to call them—submitted by our readers. Pick of the Pen is an opportunity to dedicate a few pages to our favorite readerssubmitted bike each month. This month’s pick of the pen comes to us from David Walden of West Virginia.

y father-in-law said to me, “go ahead take her for spin.” That’s how it all started for me with the Harley bug. I would go over every chance I had to “visit” with them and take his Sporty out for a quick jaunt. In the fall of 2003 I bought a brand new ’04 Sportster 1200 Custom in Vivid Black. I rode the bike stock for quite some time and logged several thousand miles before I decided it was time for change. Like a lot of others, I added some chrome doodads here and there and changed the pipes and seat.

Eventually I grew tired of its look, it was the same as any other Sportster on

the road. With the help of the Sportster community (xlforums.net) I was able to research a lot of ideas. First I sent the lower fork legs out to be powdercoated black and reinstalled them with a 1-inch lowering kit from Progressive and replaced the rear suspension with Progressive’s 11-inch black shocks. It was that little bit of black that really got me motivated to black out the entire bike and go for an old school bobber look. I picked up a powdercoat gun for cheap and decided to see how difficult it would be to powdercoat a few smaller pieces myself.

First I powderdcoated the stock headlight and used a cheap toaster

64 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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WORDS: DAVID WALDEN PHOTOS: LARRY DIAMOND

oven to cure it. It turned out so well that I picked up a used kitchen oven from a friend, plugged it into the garage and began powdercoating anything I could fit into the oven. I sold all of the chrome covers and purchased used stock aluminum ones from eBay to powdercoat. The engine covers were all coated with a fine black texture that matches close to what the factory uses. I even took the carburetor apart to powdercoat it along with the intake.

The stock 4.5-gallon tank was sold and I bought a 3.5-gallon tank that I painted with John Deere Blitz Black,—a lot of hot rodders use this for a cheap flat paint. I cut the rear fender and mounted a side

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SPECS

BOBSTER

Year/Model ’04/XL1200C Builder/Assembly David Walden Engine Size 1200cc Pipes H-D Screamin’ Eagle Gas Tank H-D Pin Striper Jack Hendricks Front Fender None Rear Fender H-D Chopped Front Suspension Progressive Suspension Rear Progressive Suspension Wheels H-D Tires Avon Venom Handle Bars H-D Seat West Eagle

Dave did a damn good job with the fine textured powdercoat on the carb. Check the old oven in the background.

Here’s how Dave’s Sporty looked before he bombed it out.

mount license ense and taillight which h I als also so powdercoated. I had a local guy hand d letter and pinstripe the tank along with th the rear fender. The pegs are a BMX X bicycle style setup that I think really looks trick. To clean the top area, I moved the speedo to the left side of the tank. I used scotch-brite to scuff the chrome Harley Screamin’ Eagle exhaust, and then painted with a high h temperature paint used on wood burning stoves which has held up remarkably well and is easy to repair if nicked. This was a budget build, nothing fancy, that overall I am very pleased with and gets plenty of quesstions and comments. HB 66 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ERNIE LOPEZ

1. The STO Plate

STO Plate System

System is 4x7 inches overall, and the kickstand plate is 4x5 inches and is made of 16-gauge stainless steel with polished edges.

Hidden Kickstand Plate

H

ave you ever rode your bike to a place only to find that the parking lot is sand, mud, grass, or anything soft enough that when you park your bike and drop the kickstand down you can see it start to sink into the ground? You start to look for anything to put under the kickstand like a soda can, piece of wood, a big rock, even your riding gloves to help keep the kickstand from sinking into the earth. There is a lot resting on the kickstand, the last thing you want to do is come out and see your bike on its side.

We came across the STO Plate System

by Tenasko ($39.95). It allows you to carry a kickstand pad with you on every trip. The STO System is wide and sturdy enough to support the weight of your bike but small enough to be hidden in between the license plate and the mounting bracket. Once you get to your destination there’s no need to dig through your saddlebag or back pocket; just pull out the pad from the plate mount and toss it under your kickstand. HB

2. The installation is quick and easy.

First we removed the bolts holding the license plate and frame to the mounting plate. Next, we aligned the STO Plate System with the bike’s mounting plate.

4. The STO Plate System can be rotated for top, bottom, or side mounted as long as there is at least 5 inches of clearance.

3. Then we placed the frame and license plate over the STO system and bolted them together. Then when you need it just pull-out the plate and place it where you plan to park your kickstand.

Take a Swig

1. The Hog Trough includes the cupholder with mounting backplate and hardware, an insulated 20ounce mug, and an insulated 1-liter bottle.

Hog Trough Drink Caddy WORDS: JORDAN MASTAGNI PHOTOS: HOT BIKE STAFF

H

ave you ever craved a cup of coffee while you were riding or wanted to quench your thirst with a swig off of a nice cold soda and didn’t want to wait until the next gas stop? The Hog Trough cupholder (contact for price) makes it possible to do both. Available for many Harley-Davidsons and custom applications, this cupholder mounts to 1 1/4-inch downtubes and spruces up touring comfort and attaches in a matter of seconds, just underneath the front left side of the gas tank. We installed the Hog Trough on a ’05 Road Glide in just a matter of seconds. Touring comfort just got more…comfortable! HB SOURCE: STO Plate System (304) 234-6715 www.sto-plate.com Hog Trough (913) 231-7477 www.hogtrough.com

3. To make sure the mug stayed in the cup2. We simply attached the cupholder to the left-side downtube of the Road Glide and then secured the backing plate of the cupholder with the provided hardware.

holder, Hog Trough designed the handles to act as a precaution from coming out of the holder.

When you’ve filled your mug or bottle with your favorite beverage, slip it in, turn it counterclockwise, and you’re ready to go!

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WORDS: SCOTT MARTIN PHOTOS: ERNIE LOPEZ

70 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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veryone h has heard the saying, “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus?” Despite the fact that it is pretty damned annoying, the saying is true. More often than not men and women don’t share the same interests. You want to sit in your recliner and watch TV, while she wants to go out dancing. But, once in a while, two people find that they share a love for the same thing. Vince and Cathy Torre are two of those lucky people that share a common passion; motorcycle riding. Thanks to their friends at Jim Nasi Customs (JNC), they ride in style, and Cathy no longer has to ride on the back of Vince’s cycle.

Vince has always enjoyed fast moving vehicles and the outdoors. He used to get his excitement by boating.

Eventually, Vince got bored with watersports and wanted to find something else to do on the weekends. Some friends of his recommended that he try riding a motorcycle. Vince quickly fell in love with riding and bought his first Softail in 1985 and he has been riding ever since.

It was 16 years later that Vince met the love of his life, Cathy. Cathy was happy to ride on the back of Vince’s bike. Together Vince and Cathy rode everywhere and they both loved it.

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TWO OF A KIND Even though Vince and Cathy stuck with the stock 16-inch wheels, the frontend was dressed up with a pair of Perse Performance lower legs and a Nasi front fender.

The combination of the stretched tank and low profile dash adds to the streamlined look of the rear section Jim designed.

To show off his Triple Shot exhaust, Jim designed his saddlebags with cut outs for the muffler tips.

One day, while riding through Brian Head, Utah, Cathy saw a few women riding Street Glides. She decided to go talk to them. She asked them how they liked riding on their own and how hard it was to handle a big bike.

They told her they loved it and that she should get the biggest bike possible.

It was at that point that Cathy decided she wanted her own bike, and being a good and smart husband Vince was more than happy to oblige. Cathy got her own ’06 Street Glide and then went to school to learn how to properly ride.

Once Cathy was confident on the bike, she and Vince quickly became weekend warriors, riding their motorcycles all over, side by side.

Eventually Vince and Cathy got to talking about making some upgrades to her Street Glide. A few years back, Vince had purchased an Afterlife bike from JNC and really appreciated Jim’s high quality craftsmanship. One day while attending the Laughlin River Run they ran into Jim, who was talking about a bagger kit he was working on. With a great appreciation for Jim’s style, they let Jim have his way with Cathy’s bike.

Jim had been working on a Bagger Series Kit for ’97-08 H-D baggers that didn’t require any modifications. As Jim states, “if you can change the oil in a car, you can do the kit.” The kit includes a steel stretched rear fender, stretched bags, radius

lids, new side covers, top rail covers, a slip-on “triple shot” exhaust system and a billet license plate mount with LED taillight and turn signals.

Jim did all of the conversion kit work to Cathy’s Street Glide, but still wasn’t finished. He stretched the gas tank and gave the bike a custom low-profile dash.

He also changed out the lower front

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SPECS BIKE OWNER Cathy Torre SHOP NAME Jim Nasi Customs (JNC) SHOP PHONE (800) 964-NASI SHOP WEBSITE www.jimnasicustoms.com YEAR/MAKE/MODEL ’06/H-D/Street Glide FABRICATION JNC ASSEMBLY JNC BUILD TIME Four Weeks ENGINE YEAR/MANUFACTURER ’06/H-D TYPE/SIZE TC/95 Inch BUILDER H-D CASES H-D CYLINDERS H-D HEADS H-D ROCKER BOXES H-D EFI H-D AIR CLEANER Ness EXHAUST Nasi Triple Shot TRANSMISSION YEAR/MANUFACTURER/TYPE ’06/H-D CASE H-D CLUTCH H-D PRIMARY DRIVE Belt FRAME H-D YEAR/MANUFACTURER ’06/H-D RAKE Stock STRETCH Stock

legs and installed a Legend Air Ride suspension system. This gave Cathy a smoother ride and made the bike sit up higher. When all was said and done, Vince and Cathy were very happy with the modifications.

With the success of his Afterlife motorcycle, the Fat Boy Conversion Kit, and the Bagger Conversion Kit,

Jim is working on some new products. In addition to an ’09 Bagger Conversion Kit he is working on a bolt-on fairing and a new custom bagger frame, which he plans on unveiling in the not too distant future.

Needless to say, you’re bound to see another Nasi custom bagger in the pages of HOT BIKE. HB

SUSPENSION MANUFACTURER FRONT Perse Performance LENGTH Stock TRIPLE TREES H-D MANUFACTURER REAR Legend Air Ride SWINGARM H-D WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES MANUFACTURER FRONT/TYPE H-D SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 16x3.5 TIRE/SIZE Metzeler 130/16 CALIPER H-D ROTOR H-D MANUFACTURER REAR/TYPE H-D SIZE-HEIGHT/WIDTH 16x3.5 TIRE/SIZE Metzeler 140/16 CALIPER H-D ROTOR H-D FINISH/PAINT COLOR H-D Black PAINTER AJ’s Custom Paint PLATING/POLISHING LA Specialties ACCESSORIES FRONT FENDER REAR FENDER GAS TANK&CAP OIL TANK DASH GAUGES HANDLEBARS MIRRORS HAND CONTROLS FOOT CONTROLS FOOTPEGS HEADLIGHT TAILLIGHT TURN SIGNALS LICENSE MOUNT SEAT SADDLEBAGS SADDLEBAG LATCHES BAG FILLERS FAIRING STEREO SPEAKERS

JNC 16 inch JNC JNC Stock JNC Low Pro Stock Stock Stock PM PM PM H-D JNC JNC JNC JNC JNC JNC JNC H-D H-D H-D

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ERIC ELLIS

Stretch Out

Lindby Engine Guards

B

aggers are known for their comfort, and the “engine guard” makes for a great place to stretch out your legs and rest your feet on those long mileage trips.

But thanks to companies like Lindby Custom Inc. Harley owners who have other models besides baggers can bolt products onto their bikes that will help them reap some of the same creature comforts baggers owners are afforded. For more than 15 years, Per Lindby and his wife Anne

1. Installing both sets of bars was really easy; it was just a matter of three bolts; one in the center and one at each bar end. Lindby provides all the necessary bolts and washers for the installation. To install the Lindbar on the Road King we first unbolted the three bolts holding the stock engine guard in place and then the used the supplied center bolt to loosely hang the center of the Linbar to cross member on the downtube.

2. Next, we used the supplied bolts and washers to secure the ends of the bar to the stock mounts down at the foot controls, and then tightened all the bolts down.

3. Once the Linbar was secure we then installed the foot pegs. The footpegs brackets were clamped around the bar and once they were in a comfortable position for the rider they were tightened down with an Allen head wrench.

On the left we have a Lindby Twin Bar for the Softail Deluxe ($449.95) and on the right we have a Lindby Linbar ($349.95) and a set of Clamp-on Foot Pegs ($189.95). The Linbar is what started it all for the company more than 15 years ago.

have been providing just about every Harley owner with the ability to stretch out on their bike and look good doing it with the company’s various engine guards.

Lindby Customs offers its engine guards for baggers, Softails, Dynas and Sportsters, in several different styles as well as various styles of bolt-on highway pegs. We had an ’06 Road King and a ’09 Softail that were in need of some upgrades in the looks and long haul comfort department and figured a couple of Lindby Bars were in order. HB

4. In just

6. Install-

a few minutes we had the stock bar off and the Linbar and pegs installed.

Here’s how the Linbar looks from the rear of the bike. As you can see the eight-O ring clamp-on pegs match the rubber rings on the bar perfectly.

ing the Twinbar on the Deluxe was the same procedure as on the Road King (minus the removal of a stock engine guard); three bolts and done. Instead of having bolt-on pegs, the Twinbar is a cleaner setup with integrated flip-out pegs cut out of the sides of the bar.

5. With the

7. A

folding footpegs, the rider has the ability to flip the footpeg down while riding giving him three various positions to place his feet.

simple nudge with the toe and the peg flips out providing an additional footrest.

8. And here’s how the two different bars look installed on the bikes.

The Road King owner was very pleased with the look of Linbar Bar compared to his stock engine guard, and stated he really liked the “cut” of the bar. The Deluxe owner liked the new look of his bar, but was more interested in the ability to stretch his legs on long rides.

SOURCE: Lindby Customs Inc. | www.lindbycustom.com

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PICK

PEN

Here at HOT BIKE, we get a lot of rides—Harleys, hogs whatever you want to call them—submitted by our readers. Pick of the Pen is an opportunity to dedicate a few pages to our favorite readers-submitted bike each month. This month’s pick of the pen comes to us from Sue Huebl out of Georgia.

W

hen I asked my husband, Dave, if I could trade in my Ducati Monster for a Harley-Davidson, I didn’t know my new motorcycle would be delivered to our home on the back of a tow truck. My “new bike” was a totaled 1994 FXDL, purchased as a parts only bike with no title. Overjoyed does not exactly describe my emotions that day. Knowing my husband has built

show-winning customs in the past, I put my trust in him.

The first step was to talk to the people at our local DMV and find out what we needed to do to acquire a registered title.

After jumping through several hoops a Minnesota title was finally in hand and we were ready to start the transformation from train wreck to show bike. We utilized years of old HOT BIKE issues and numerous web pages for unique ideas for the build. Dave wanted my bike

to be clean and simple with a low vintage racing look to it. After talking with Cole Foster at a bike show, we were inspired by his Frisco bobbers and wanted to incorporate some of his style into this project. Another challenge was to keep the cost (too many toys) to a minimum using as many used swap meet parts as possible. The bike was placed on our homemade lift in the garage and stripped down to bare bones.

The look of the bike had to start with

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Train Wreck To

Show Bike

WORDS: SUE HUEBL PHOTOS: DAVE HUEBL

just the right ride height and stance. We wanted it as low as possible, yet maintain somewhat of a cushioned ride. An Arlen Ness fork lowering kit was chosen to get the frontend down 2 1/2 inches. With that not giving us the low look we wanted, the fork tubes were re-positioned through the top triple clamp, dropping the front of the bike another 1 1/2 inches—giving it an awesome stance. The front fender mounts along with the caliper bracket were smoothed off the fork legs for a clean bobber look. A pair of Progressive 11-inch rear shocks completed the suspension package.

The next questions was what gas tank to use?

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TRAIN WRECK TO SHOW BIKE

SPECS Owner Sue Huebl Hometown Maplewood, Minnesota Year/Model ’94/Dyna Lowrider Builder/Assembly Dave Huebl Engine Size 1340cc Pipes Screamin’ Eagle Transmission H-D Gas Tank H-D Duece Rear Fender Modified H-D Front Suspension H-D/Arlen Ness Rear Suspension Progressive Suspension Wheels H-D/Chrome Pros Plating Tires Avon Handle Bars Custom/Dave Huebl Seat Custom/Dave Huebl

The 1-inch drag bars were made with a slight pull back and combined with angled 3 1/2-inch risers for a low profile riding stance.

Throughout the past several years Dave has accumulated numerous different tanks that are all hanging from the rafters in the garage waiting to be used or cut up into pieces. A 2002 H-D Duece tank ($40 at a swap meet) was chosen for its custom tear drop shape and sleek lines. To give it a more of a vintage look the fuel gauge hole was filled in and an ridge was welded down the center. The original mounting tabs were cut and re-welded to fit the original front mounting holes. With the Duece tank stretching much longer than the original, a new mounting tab was fabricated into the back of the tank and a mount was welded into the backbone to accommodate the extra length.

The back of the bike needed to really stand out. Eliminating the struts to allow for a bobbed fender and a solo seat posed quite a problem. How do we finish off the seat pan, support the fender, and make it all flow? After hours of cutting, molding, trimming the frame, and cutting the original rear fender the tail section took shape. It was com-

pleted by the original two-up seat being trimmed down with my electric knife that just weeks earlier was used on our Thanksgiving turkey. We had to add the cost of a new electric knife to the cost of the build. Mark Milbrandt incorporated a gel pack into the foam and put the final leather rap over the solo saddle.

PPG Vibrance Ruby slipper was chosen for the main color two toned with a pearl black racing stripe. To give the paint that old school racing look, Brian Truesdale of BT Design laid down the gold leaf followed up by numerous swipes of the sward. The rest of the bike was totally disassembled and repainted right down to brake calipers.

I couldn’t be happier with the low racing look and comfort of the ride. The big bonus is that we were able to finish the build for just under $6,000. It helps to have a husband in the auto body business for the last 30 years.

As for the story behind the “49”on the gas tank that everybody asks me about, only my hair dresser knows for sure. HB

The headlight hails from a vintage British bike with a poured glass lens mounted to the upper triple tree with custom fabricated brackets.

78 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ERIC ELLIS

Run in the Sun W Nelson Rigg Solar Bag

1. The Nelson Rigg CTB-950 SLR King Tourer ($299.95) comes with the main bag, solar panel (installed in the solar panel pouch in the back of the main bag), roll bag, main bag rain cover, roll bag rain cover, and an assortment of device connectors. The main bag measures 14 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 18 inches tall and with its expandable zippered section it can open up to 10 inches wide. The roll bag measures 13 inches long and 9 inches in diameter.

2. With Nelson Rigg’s Full Nelson mounting system, the bag can be mounted to a bike in numerous ways. We used our passenger backrest, and the bag was secured by tightening the three Velcro straps around the seat. There are also two straps with female buckle ends (not shown) that loop around the base of the backrest and hook into the male buckles on the bag to help secure it to the bike.

hy does it always seem like whenever you’re all loaded up and enjoying a long road trip your bike seems to break down in the middle of nowhere on some desolate road—probably because as motorcyclists we know the best rides and scenery can be found on the road(s) less traveled. And of course when our bikes do break down, it never seems to fail that one of two things occur, either we can’t get any cell phone service or we can get service but our phone has no juice left.

While we can’t do much to help with the no cell service situation, one of Nelson Rigg’s CTB-950 SLR Solar King Tourer bags is bound to ensure that you’ll be able to power up your cell phones no matter where you are once it’s been fully charged by either the sun or by outlet power at and possibly be the saving grace you need to help get you off the side of the road. While the CTB-950 SLR may look like a regular tour bag, it stands apart from the rest with its solar panel, rechargeable battery pack, and device connectors kit. The solar panel has a DC output voltage of 5.5V an output current of 700mA max, and has a cycle life of about 300 times. So while it isn’t powerful enough to recharge your laptop it can definitely handle your cell phone, PDA, and MP3 music devices. HB

5. The main storage compart-

3. The bag has a vanity cover that zips over the mounting system to hide the all the straps and keep your bike looking clean.

4. Here you can see the back of the bag with the roll bag installed.

The roll bag attaches to the main bag with a quick and easy buckle system (roll bag can be mounted separately as well). Here you can also see the solar panel in the back of the bag. The solar panel is removable if you should ever want to take it out. There are two pockets on each side of the bag, two of which are expandable to give you even more storage.

ment of the main bag has capacity of 33.04 liters or 41.30 liters when expanded, plenty of room to shove in several days’ worth of clothes. The bag also features a fully lined interior and a fold out rigid plate to keep the bag from sagging when it’s empty. When you get to you your destination, and you pull the bag off the bike, it has hidden straps so you can turn it into a backpack.

6. On the back of the bag is yet another zippered pouch that can work as a mini mobile office to hold a PDA, cell phones, writing utensils, envelopes and two pockets to hold the battery charger and whatever you are charging.

The backside of the solar panel has a cord that runs through and into the office compartment and plugs into the battery pack.

7. The device connectors kit includes a double-sided retractable cord system with one end that plugs into the battery pack and the other end plugging into your cell phone/PDA. Nelson Rigg includes an assortment of connectors to plug in to a wide variety of cell phones, iPods/ MP3 players, and PDAs. Currently the one thing the charging system won’t work with is the 3G iPhone. Nelson Rigg also offers a separate rapid charge AC adapter so you can plug into a wall and charge the battery. You can also plug the USB cord into your computer and charge the battery.

8. However you charge the battery (via the solar panel, 110 outlet, or computer) the blue lights will flash indicating that the battery is being trickle charged. When all five lights stay lit, the battery is fully charged. When using the solar panel in direct sunlight in good conditions it can take between five to six hours to fully charge the battery. Then the solar panel will help maintain the charge while on the road without overcharging the battery. To charge your device you simply plug it in, push the button on the battery and the light will come on and begin charging. The solar panel does not need to be connected to charge the device. It’s estimated that once fully charged the battery will charge a device up to three times. We were pretty impressed with the bag and solar kit, there’s plenty of storage and backup battery power in one easy-to-use setup.

SOURCE: Nelson Rigg (714) 850-1811 | www.nelsonrigg.com

80 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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INK

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ERIC ELLIS

Cover it With CHROME

10-Minute Upgrade With Drag Specialties

W

e like things that are quick, easy, and satisfying—like microwave popcorn and that peanut butter and jelly that comes in the same jar. Can you tell we haven’t had lunch yet? The other day while cleaning out our office we stumbled over the Drag Specialties catalog, have you seen that thing it’s massive. Anyway, we got to looking through the huge parts book and came across a couple simple, shinychrome items that could help dress up a bike in minutes. We headed over to our local shop, placed an order, and in a few day our parts were in. HB

1. Here’s what we ordered: Drag Specialties Don Hotop Designs O2 Sensor covers ($69.95), Drag Specialties Don Hotop Designs Neutral Switch Cover ($39.95), and a Drag Specialties Flush Mount Axle ($105.95), and Bullet Axle Caps ($117.95 a pair). If the name Don Hotop rings a bell, it’s because he’s been in the custom motorcycle game for 33 years. Don’s built some of the most amazing bikes in the industry, and is known for his clean, simple and functional parts such as these.

5. The Don Hotop O2 Sensor Covers will 2. While it may go unnoticed until you actually get down and wash your bike the stock look of the Neutral switch isn’t much to look at.

work on all OEM O2 sensors. The covers have a slit down the back side that allow you to slip the sensor wires through, then you simply slide the cover over the sensor and secure it to the sensor bolt with the two Allen head set screws.

8. To install the axle you use a flat jack to help support the front of the bike and take the load off the front wheel then you simply unbolt and remove the stock axle and slide the new axle in and tighten the axle bolt and install the right side flush cap and tighten the pinch bolts. You could just leave the bike like this, and it still looks cleaner than the stock setup. Or…

6. Here’s a look at the stock axle on a ’09

3. The Don Hotop Neutral Switch Cover will work with ’06 and later OEM Big Twin sixspeed transmissions. The cover simply slips over the two rubber boots and the bolt and then is secured to the bolt via a small Allen head set screw.

Street Glide. It serves its purpose; however, it’s kind of clunky looking with the ends of the axle sticking out on either side of the fork legs. Plus the stock lower pinch bolts setup on the right side won’t help you win any awards at the local bike night.

9. …you could add the Bullet Axle Caps. Just

7. The Drag Specialties Flush Mount Axle

4. If you own a newer bike and have changed out your pipes, you’ve probably noticed that those O2 sensors are pretty ugly.

fits ’08 and later FLH and FLT models. The left side of the axle is threaded and has a threaded cap, while the right side has a hex head bolt end to tighten down the axle and a cap that slips over it. The axle and Bullet Caps are sold separately, so if you wanted to save some money you could just run the flush axle and it’ll still look better than stock.

like the O2 and Neutral Switch Cover, the axle covers slide over the axles and bolt onto the fork legs with Allen head set screws. We like the Bullet Covers because they hide the pinch bolts on the right side and really give the lower legs a much more finished look. They would look especially well against a set of chrome legs. In less than 10 minutes and for less than $350 we added a little bit of shine to our bike and made a couple of ugly parts a little easier on the eyes.

SOURCE: Drag Specialties Contact Your Local Dealer www.dragspecialties.com

82 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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TECH

WORDS AND PHOTOS: RONNIE W. POWELL

Low Cost DIY Tech Homemade Filler Panels

O

1. Here’s that ugly gap between the fender and saddlebag.

ccasionally we like to tinker in our shop to create low cost do-ityourself parts. Sometimes these work well enough and look good enough to pass onto our readers. We decided to cover those ugly voids on either side of your rear fender between the saddlebags.

A number of vendors offer high quality filler panels to close those gaps. They will look almost seamless so you can’t go wrong with one of those kits.

However, we thought we’d see what we could do with a couple of $1.50 aluminum sheets from Sears Hardware, some simple shop tools, some leftover parts, and an hour of time.

Whether you’re appalled, disgusted, amused, or inspired by our antics, we present this little item for your consideration.

Certainly our highly skilled fabricator friends will be aghast at our amateurish work. But really, isn’t this project in the same spirit as any custom part? HB

5. We reinstalled the left saddlebag to check for clearance. And to get a preview of the final plate.

2. These soft 6x18 inch aluminum sheets are available at many hardware and home improvement stores. Ours cost $1.50 at Sears.

9. With the notches cut and bolt holes drilled, we installed the sheet to check fitment.

6. We transferred the dimensions from

3. To begin, we removed the left saddlebags and cut a small cardboard template to determine the bends we would need for the final plate.

the cardboard to one of the aluminum sheets and sandwiched the sheet between two scraps of plywood. While the aluminum bends easily, we used a plastic hammer to carefully tap along the bend lines and shape each corner.

7. Here’s how our sheet looked after making three bends.

4. Next, we transferred the dimensions from our template to a piece of 6x18-inch piece of cardboard, made the bends to go around the fender strut, cut notches so the template would fit, and taped it in place.

8. Next we transferred the notch locations to our sheet and used tin snips to cut them out. Be sure to keep the leftover pieces of the aluminum sheet–they make great shim stock.

10. We again installed the saddlebag to check for binding. We had to trim out a bit more for the saddlebag hinge. Next we cleaned the sheet with degreaser, lightly sanded the outside, painted it black, and then installed it. We selected black because that’s the only spay can that worked from our box of half used paint cans. To finish, we made the right side plate using the same dimensions as the left.

Remember the right is a mirror image of the left. Here’s a hint, reverse the bends on the cardboard template as a guide for the right side. Not bad for an hour of work and simple hand tools. Certainly cleaned up our rearend.

84 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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BUYER’S GUIDE

UNDER $250

COMPILED BY: JORDAN MASTAGNI

Comfort Max Gel Pads $69.95-$129.95 These sheepskin seat pads are sure to cushion your bum, and the sheepskin’s breathable fibers claim to absorb up to 30 percent of their own weight in moisture, which keeps your bum dry. Also, the gel pad underneath the skin is made of advanced Viscoelastic molded gel that is used in medical and sports applications. If doctors use it, it must be good! Choose traditional black, silver/grey, or golden tan.

American Motorcycle Specialties (800) 719-7237 | www.amspecialties.com m

Bike Brite Motorcycle Spray Wash $9.99 This 32-ounce bottle of cleaning/degreasing wonderment was made to handle the dirtiest of road grime and grease. The Bike Brite formula contains corrosion inhibitors and brighteners that take out the elbow grease in doing away with other types of grease. Spray it on, hose it off, and you’re done!

Bike Brite | www.bikebrite.com

Floorboard Puck $9.95 Parking your bike on a soft surface can pose a problem. When you put yourr kickstand down, you run the risk of it sinking into the earth, dropping your bike on its side. The Floorboard Puck kickstand pad was made to alleviate situations like these and fits easily into your stock Harley floorboard for easy access. It’s made from durable injection-molded nylon so that you can rest assured that your bike remains upright when you park it in the dirt, grass, sand, etc.

Floorboard Puck | www.floorboardpuck.com

Chesapeake Performance Slayer Levers STARTING AT $226 These cutting-edge levers, literally, will give your handlebar setup a distinct look. They’re cut from billet aluminum and finished in chrome to fit ’82-later Harley-Davidson models, as well as many Performance Machine, Joker, American Ironhorse, Victory, and Arlen Ness controls.

Chesapeake Performance (410) 758-2575 www.cpimetals.com

Custom Cycle Engineering Fork Trusses $220 The 49mm Fork Truss was made to improve frontend handling due to its compound arc that sweeps upward and rearward, which imparts greater resistance to deflection,, twisting,, and bending of the fork. Also, with the addition of the large diameter holes that have been spaced out to a maximum strength calculation, this helps minimize unsprung weight.

Custom Cycle Engineering (800) 472-9253 www.customcycleengineering.com

86 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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Drag Specialties Three-Band Grips $99.95 Constructed from billet aluminum with three soft rubber inserts, these new grips from Drag Specialties measure approximately 1 3/4 inches in diameter.

Made for ’82-09 Harley-Davidson models with dual throttle cables.

Drag Specialties | www.dragspecialties.com

Eagle One Easi-Dri Wash $5.99 Do you like the actual process of washing your bike or car but hate having to dry it afterward? The Eagle One Easi Dri Wash takes the last step out of the equation. It’s been developed with new sheeting action technology and a proprietary polymer that sheets the water off the outer surfaces as well as those hard to reach spots.

Eagle One (800) 432-4531 | www.eagleone.com

Flyrite Choppers Pahhead Valve Covers CONTACT FOR PRICE There’s something about the look of a Panhead’s classic style that keeps riders coming back for more. These new Panhead covers from Flyrite offer both classic style and a modern, industrial-looking twist and the cast aluminum finned Panhead covers are available in a raw or polished finish.

Flyrite Choppers (512) 918-2467 | www.flyritechoppers.com

George’s Garage Crankcase Bearing Remover/Installer $139.50 If you’re a serious engine builder then this tool is for you. It was specifically designed to remove and install right side crankcase bearings on ’99-later Twin Cam engines. The removal block is machined from solid steel and finished in black oxide, while the install tube is manufactured from Delrin.

George’s Garage (909) 843-7043 | www.georges-garage.com

H Harley-Davidson l D id M Multi-fi lti fi fitt T Touring i Luggage $229.95 This two-bag system will get you from point A to point B comfortably. The bags are made from water-resistant materials with foam backing to retain the shape. The combo features four outer side pockets, one large front zippered pocket with removable tool roll, two inside pockets, and an interior key hook.

Harley-Davidson (800) 443-2153 | www.harley-davidson.com

www.hotbikeweb.com HOT BIKE | 87

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BUYER’S GUIDE

UNDER $250

DiChrome Shifter Knob CONTACT FOR PRICE These glass shifter knobs contain multiple micro-layers of metal oxides that produce an optical quality that will give your custom bike’s jockey shifter a distinct look. DiChrome offers a production line of knobs, a custom line, and a made-to-order (HOT BIKE logo shown here) feature so that you can order whatever your brain can think up.

DiChrome (877) 937-4420 | www.dichrome.com

Heel Guard rd $69.95 Has your passenger’s boot suffered the burns from your motorcycle’s exhaust pipe? The Heel Guard protects your passenger’s boot, while also protecting the side cover’s paint from getting scratched on your dresser or Road King Harley-Davidson. Made from steel then chrome plated, the Heel Guard bolts on to your factory passenger floorboards in no time at all.

Heel Guard (406) 689-3102 | www.heelguard.com

Hot Toppers Rocker Box Bolt Covers CONTACT FOR PRICE Hot Toppers simply mount over your stock bolts. They are finished in chrome or black and add a nice look to your engine’s rocker covers, and if you lose any of them, or the chrome becomes blistered, peels, or discolors, Hot Toppers will replace them for free.

Hot Toppers (414) 282-5858 | www.hottoppers.com

Ironbraid Levers vers $24.95-$119.95 These hand braided lever covers are braided tight to prevent slipping and twisting and are available in 19 different colors with a choice of one or two braid colors with a third color at the tie off. They are available with fringe up to 16 inches or with no fringe at all. You can simply ship your levers to Ironbraid and the company will cover them, or you can order a whole new set of levers already braided.

Ironbraid (518) 674-0100 | www.ironbraid.com

Ironspirit Backrest Plates $69.95 If replacing your stock backrest plate has crossed your mind then you’ve come to the right place. Ironspirit now has five new designs that it has added to the lineup and this Dice design is one of them. The chrome plated backrest plate bolts right on to Road Kings, Street Glides, Road Glides, and Electra Glides fitted with detachable backrests.

Ironspirit (805) 433-5033 | www.ironspirit.com 88 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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James Gaskets Primary Kit $44.74 This is the total primary package for ’05-06 Touring models and features everything you need to R&R your inner and outer primary cases. Each kit includes gaskets with James’ raised elastomeric sealing beads, seals, and heavy duty retaining rings. A similar package is also offered for ’07-09 Touring models.

James Gaskets (775) 246-2220 | www.jamesgaskets.com

JIMS Billet Front Head Motor Mount CONTACT FOR PRICE This billet front head motor mount claims to be stronger than the OE mount on 96ci Twin Cam models, and JIMS 120ci and 131ci race engines. The kit comes with two tapered Allen head stainless polished screws for mounting to the head.

JIMS (805) 482-6913 | www.jimsusa.com

Austin Steiner Horn Covers $119.95 These custom horn covers are made to fit ’93-present Harley-Davidson motorcycles (except V-Rod) and are made of steel then chrome plated. There are many different emblems available from Austin Steiner or you could have one custom made. This Horn Cover features the Eagle with Star design.

Austin Steiner (702) 277-6723 | www.austinsteiner.com

Klock Werks Flare Windshield $169.95 This batwing fairing mounted windshield from Brian Klock and company is now available for ’96-09 FLHT, FLHTC, and FLHX models.

Choose a 3 1/2-inch or 6 1/2-inch, tall shield in clear, tint, dark smoke, or a 10 1/2-inch shield in clear and tint.

Klock Werks (605) 996-6000 | www.kustombaggers.com

Küryakyn Lighted Lower Saddlebag Accents $199.99 $ Light up the night’s sky, and also your saddlebags, with these Lower Saddlebag inserts from Küryakyn. If you own a ’93-08 Touring model with hard bags and you’re looking for even more illumination, then these accents are for you. The small rear-facing red lights operate as auxiliary run and brake lights.

Küryakyn (866) 277-9598 | www.kuryakyn.com

www.hotbikeweb.com HOT BIKE | 89

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BUYER’S GUIDE E

UNDER $250

LAT Synthetic V-twin Oil CONTACT FOR PRICE This synthetic engine oil has been specially formulated for your V-twin motorcycle and it’s blended specifically to withstand thermal breakdown. It also claims to protect against high temperature oxidation and wear. This 20W-50 quart also features the company’s Liquid Friction Reducer (LFR) oil additive.

LAT Oils (888) LAT-OILS

Saddlemen Roller Sissy Bar Bag $165.95 The Roller Sissy Bar Bag measures 18 inches wide by 21 inches high and 11 1/2 inches deep. The bag features a top pocket office organizer and lockable zipper pulls, and it’s been fitted with wheels so you can easily roll it to the front door of your hotel when you arrive.

Saddlemen (800) 397-7709 www.saddlemen.com

Nash N h Bag B $219 Need a bag to carry your jacket and some tools? The Nashty Ol’ Bag is made of leather and features brass buckles to give it an old-school look. They measure 14 inches high by 10 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches deep. You can get one or two as they’re available for both left and right side.

Nash Motorcycle Company (360) 693-4225 | www.nashmotorcycle.com

Cruz Tools Road Tech Tear Drop $99.95 This tool kit fits right into teardrop toolboxes. The Teardrop includes everything found in the company’s H3 kit: PowerDrive combination wrenches, an adjustable wrench, locking pliers, LED flashlight, tire gauge, hex and Torx keys, and screwdriver, but it also includes the miniratchet and socket set.

Cruz Tools (209) 536-0491 www.cruztools.com

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Performance Machine Contour Bag Latches $149.95 If you’re bored with your saddlebag latches, then upgrade to these new Contour Touring Edition Bag Latches form Performance Machine. They are made of billet aluminum and available in smooth or fluted styles that utilize the stock latch hardware for an easy installation.

Performance Machine (714) 523-3000 www.performancemachine.com

Pro Pad Mini Beast Air Horns $189.95 You can never be too careful on the road of crazy drivers and that’s why the Mini Beast from Pro Pad was designed. It is a true air horn that blasts128dB out of twin trumpets and was made to complement the stock air cleaner cover on many different Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Pro Pad (800) 403-2714 | www.propadinc.com

Saddlebag Armor $20 $200 00 These hardened chrome saddlebag accents provide protection to your bag lids but also allow you to tie down sleeping bags or other miscellaneous items for the long haul. The Armor is available for all Harley models with hard bags and measure 6 inches wide by 19 inches long and only sits 1/2-inch above your saddlebags. There are also many different styles to choose from besides the Maltese Cross design shown here.

Saddlebag Armor (503) 369-4515 www.saddlebagarmor.com

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BUYER’S GUIDE E

UNDER $250

Lowbrow Customs Cloth Plug Wires $25 Get that vintage look with these cloth spark plug wire sets.

They’re cotton braided and lacquered but feature a modern stranded copper conductor with PVC insulation for top performance. Kits include 48 inches of 7mm plug wire with rajah clips to install your spark plugs, a pair of rubber boots, and a pair of high-tension terminals for the ends of the wire.

Lowbrow Customs (440) 479-8129 www.lowbrowcustoms.com

Sumax Pushrod Covers $197 These polished aluminum billet pushrod covers from Sumax come standard on Patrick Racing engines but will work with Twin Cam, Evolution, and Shovelhead engines too. Each piece is CNC machined and feature a telescoping design to make pushrod adjustments easy.

Sumax (800) 654-5546 www.sumax.com

Motorcyclist Eyeglass Holder $49.99 This nifty eyeglass holder simply attaches to your belt and folds over at the top to keep your glasses secure. It’s made from cowhide and built to withstand the elements and it’s lined with pigskin to provide a non-abrasive liner for your lenses.

Motorcyclist’s Eyeglass (800) 400-3191 hillcountrydepot@yahoo.com

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Tempest Cycles Razorback Handgrips $199.99 These new Razorback grips can be used on bikes using a single or dual cable throttle system and will fit 1-inch handlebars. They’re CNC machined from billet aluminum and come in a chrome finish.

Tempest Cycles (321) 724-0601 www.tempestcycles.com

The Gordon Lockdown Custom Seat Lock $12 $120 20 Custom Seats are a great upgrade for your bike; however, they’re not very useful to you if they get ripped off. Keep them secure with these Custom Seat Locks from The Gordon Lockdown.. Made from billet aluminum, which is durable and lightweight, these seat locks mount over the screw that holds the seat down.

The Gordon Lockdown (510) 333-5630 www.thegordonlockdown.com

Avon Grips $59.99 These black on black grips from Avon will easily assist you in achieving that “blacked out” look. They’re made of billet aluminum, with rubber grip inserts. They’re sold in pairs and are available for 1-inch handlebars.

Avon Grips (800) 334-7477 www.avongrips.com

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BUYER’S GUIDE

UNDER $250 T-Bags Bagger Windshield Bag $68.95 This windshield bag from T-Bags carries your constantly-needto-get-to items. With three good-sized pockets the total storage capacity is 117ci and the bag fits FLHX, FLHT, FLHTC, and FLHTCU with 4-inch and 6-inch tall smoke or opaque windshields.

T-Bags (800) 957-6288 | www.tbags.com

Weslin Industries Pushrod Wraps STARTING AT $13.99/PAIR Give you stock pushrod tubes a custom flair with these pushrod wraps from Weslin Industries. The wraps are available in a gold anodized finish or custom powdercoated to match your bike. There are many different patterns available and the wraps have been gasoline and heat tested and will fit all ’85-08 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Weslin Industries (770) 985-6135 www.weslinindustries.com

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READERS’ SHOWCASE

WORDS: ERNIE LOPEZ

ATTENTION HOT BIKE READERS! We would like to start by asking you, the reader, to help us with your ride submissions. There is no shortage of Readers’ Rides coming across the editor’s desks; however, only about 1/4 of them can be used. The reason: bad photos, little or no info about the bike, and even worse, no contact info to get better photos or the needed bike specs. So before you put a stamp on that envelope or send out that e-mail, make sure that you have filled out the basics: Your name, phone number and/or e-mail, where you’re from. Then fill out a spec sheet—all you need to do is copy the info from the magazine: Motor, tran, frame, wheels, and so on. Last, a brief history about you and your bike. Now that you know exactly what we’re looking for, we can’t wait to see what you’re going to send in. Thanks!

Long Winter Being from Quebec, Canada, Robert Proulx has a pretty short riding season, so as soon as he can get his ’06 Dyna Street Bob out of the garage past the piles of snow his ride can start. The Canadian winter being so long, Robert spends a lot of time (between hockey games) working on his Street Bob. He outfitted the bike with a few custom parts like a Vance & Hines Big Radius exhaust, K&N Force Winder air filter, and had the seat redone with gel padding.

The only thing is it is solo, and Roberts’s girlfriend likes the bike so much that now she wants one for herself.

The Money Pit James Stewart is from Salisbury, New York, and his passion is his ‘93 Dyna or what he likes to call the “money pit.” He wanted a bike that he could ride all day and every day without having to put a lot of money into it, so James found a used Dyna for a good low price. James started putting money into the bike as soon as he got it home starting with a motor hop-up. Next he added pipes, a seat, a Pro One frontend, followed by all new sheetmetal and paint. Then one day James was out riding and started to think that a lowered hardtail would be cool, but instead of swapping out the frame he just pulled the shocks off and made a set of struts. Now it is a lowered Dyna hardtail, something you don’t see everyday.

The Money Pit James Stewart is from Salisbury, New York, and his passion is his ‘93 Dyna or what he likes to call the “money pit.” He wanted a bike that he could ride all day and every day without having to put a lot of money into it, so James found a used Dyna for a good low price. James started putting money into the bike as soon as he got it home starting with a motor hop-up. Next he added pipes, a seat, a Pro One frontend, followed by all new sheetmetal and paint. Then one day James was out riding and started to think that a lowered hardtail would be cool, but instead of swapping out the frame he just pulled the shocks off and made a set of struts. Now it is a lowered Dyna hardtail, something you don’t see everyday.

104 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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The Black Beast Josh Killion is from Pendleton, Indiana, and has worked for Harley shops for years and has always had a bike, but when the market went soft so did the work. Josh had to sell his bike after one of the shops closed. Two years later a friend of his purchased a new Ultra Classic and parked his ‘92 Fatboy in the garage. Josh wanted to get back on a bike so when he saw the bike just sitting there he cut a deal and had a bike once more. The only thing was it was a chrome showcase and that would not do. So Josh stripped the bike down and blacked out 85 percent of the bike and is still going. Then he added a set of Coastal Moto wheels with matching rotors and pulley. Josh is glad to be riding once more and after his friend saw how well the bike turned out he wanted to buy it back, but Josh told him too bad.

I’m No Painter After totaling his last bike, Michael Covert was looking for a bike to replace his ’03 Softail when he came across this ‘02 FXD for sale. It was in a garage covered with a sheet and had a dead battery with just under 2,500 miles on it. This time Michael wanted to get to know his bike better so to do this he wanted to do all the custom work himself, like adding pipes, air cleaner, seat, and paint. When it came to the paint he built a small paint booth in his garage pulled all the sheetmetal, and sprayed it himself. Not bad for a first timer.

Deuce Of A Different Color After reading HOT BIKE for years and seeing so many Deuce’s, James Pici wanted to get one. The only thing was he didn’t want it to look like all the rest, just a bunch of chrome doo-dads. So James Bought this ’01 Deuce added custom set of sheetmetal and a custom paint job with a one-off color of candy apple mixed with a brandywine over silver.

James wanted more power so a 95ci hop-up kit from Harley was installed. Now James wants to get more ride time and he tells us it is hard when you live in Williamsville, New York due to the winter weather.

www.hotbikeweb.com HOT BIKE | 105

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READERS’ SHOWCASE Enjoy The Ride Joe Carvalho is from Massachusetts, and was shopping for a bike when he found this ‘99 Softail on eBay. After three days of bidding on the bike he won the war and was the new owner. What you see is what you get, Joe has done nothing to the bike but enjoy the ride, it was just what he wanted. Even the paint was what he was looking for. Some of the other things Joe liked was the BDL belt drive, internal throttle, 80-spoke wheels, Joker Machine controls, and Danny Gray seat. The bike is everything Joe was after so with no down time all he gets to do is ride.

A True Fan After having been a subscriber to HOT BIKE magazine for over a year, and seeing all the cool bike features Michael Peel, from the United Kingdom wanted to show his love for his home team, the Sunderland AFC football club. To Michael there was no better way then to trick out his ‘96 FLHTC that he rides to all (soccer) games. He wanted the bike to look like he was riding through the team’s flag, and he managed to find a local guy Michael Austin who did all the artwork. Since the completion of the bike Michael has had great response from both Sunderland fans and bikers alike. And when one of the teammates seen the bike he was given front row parking as well.

The Basket Case Dennis Plank is form Humboldt, Tennessee, and has been riding motorcycles for over 40 years with most of that time spent on Softails. Dennis always wanted an old Ironhead. So when he heard about a ‘72 XLCH basket case for sale he jumped at it. After a year of blood, sweat and tears, this is the final product. Everything in the engine is new except the cases from the S&S stroker crank, pistons, rods, Andrews cams, double-plugged heads with compression releases, and a Dyna 2000i electronic ignition. Dennis said, “The hardtail ride is good, and the bike is strong and loud, just what I was looking for!”

HOT BIKE (ISSN 8750-3212) Volume 41, No. 12 is published monthly plus an extra issue in June by Source Interlink Media, LLC., 261 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Copyright © 2009 by Source Interlink Magazines, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608. Canada returns to be sent to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 Canada. Single copy price is $4.99.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S. AND U.S. possessions $25.95 for 13 issues. Canadian orders add $13.00 per year (postage includes GST) and international orders add $26.00 per year (for surface mail postage). Payment in advance, U.S. funds only.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: HOT BIKE, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.

106 | HOT BIKE Volume 41, No. 12 2009

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