by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com If we were to choose between a custom made motorcycle (that means built from the ground up, with different parts made to fit together in previously untried ways) and an extreme conversion of an existing series production model, we’d certainly go full custom. Perhaps that’s owed to the countless hours spent in front of a TV screen in our childhood, seeing the likes of the Teutuls working their magic on metal while fighting each other like they were enemies. Thanks to them and others that go back decades, custom motorcycles are still very hot in America today. Not the same can be said about Europe. There are far fewer shops there, and most of them are involved in bringing back to life old, locally-made models the likes of 1970s-1980s BMWs. Sure, there are shops specializing in reimagining Harleys, as we’ve seen in the recently concluded King of Kings competition, but almost none of them is in the business of mating Harley engines to custom frames, for instance. We said almost because in Germany there’s a very active shop that goes by the name Thunderbike. The group has in its portfolio literally hundreds of Harley builds, most of them based on existing models, but also around 15 frames they have been playing around with for the past 25 years. One of those frames is called Dragster R-Odynamic, and is used to underpin the bike in the gallery above. Specifically designed to work with 21-inch rear tires, it only includes the single-side swingarm, meaning everything else has to be carefully fitted to work with it. First, the engine. The shop went in this case with a Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle 110. Tied to a Harley-Davidson 6-speed transmission and ignition, it breathes through a Vance & Hines exhaust system. A combination of Harley and custom Thunderbike parts was used to put the whole thing together. Aside from the engine and transmission, Milwaukee also made the headlamp, electric system, and the primary, while the Germans are responsible for the suspension, grips and handlebar, rims (23-inch front and 21-inch rear), brakes, and pretty much everything else. The bike was completed back in 2011, and was put through its paces down Germany’s roads, as you can see in the video attached below. We are not being told how much the entire assembly cost, but you should know the frame alone is worth over 12,000 euros (roughly $14,000).  

by Ciara Linnane from https://www.marketwatch.com

Harley-Davidson Inc. shares HOG, -0.75% slid 2.9% premarket Tuesday, after the iconic motorcycle company swung to a loss in the second quarter and unveiled an overhaul of its business that will see it exit certain markets and streamline its product line. Milwaukee-based Harley swung to a loss of $92 million, or 60 cents a share, in the quarter, after a profit of $196 million, or $1.23 a share, in the year-earlier period. Its adjusted loss per share came to 35 cents, short of the FactSet consensus for earnings of 11 cents a share. Revenue fell 47% to $865 million from $1.633 billion, ahead of the $761 million FactSet consensus. U.S. motorcycle sales fell 27% to $31.3 million, EMEA sales fell 30% to $11 million and Asia Pacific sales were down 10% to $6.9 million.

The company is not offering guidance, given the uncertainty created by the pandemic. Harley is planning a ‘Rewire’ restructuring of its global operating model, that will impact all areas of the business from commercial operations to center-led support functions. That process will build to a new five-year plan, to be called ‘Hardwire.’ “Building on our strong brand legacy, we are reinvigorating our core profit driving business — powered by our strongest dealers, most exciting products and careful inventory management, while focusing on the most important opportunities for future expansion,” Chief Executive Jochen Zeitz said in a statement.

The plan includes 700 job cuts that were previously announced and a streamlining of motorbike models by about 30%. The company will focus on about 50 markets in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific that currently account for most of its volume and growth potential. The company is planning a marketing campaign featuring “Aquaman” actor Jason Momoa. The company expects too save $250 million in cash in 2020 and to book a $42 million restructuring charge. Shares have fallen 21% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 SPX, -0.64% has gained 0.3%.

 

Stay Charged and Ready for the Road

I recently installed a Lithium Batter in my 2009 FLHTC, so I purchased a new battery charger Part Number 66000181 that would charge it. It will also charge the regular lead acid type battery that comes from the factory.

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I installed LITHIUM Batteries in a lot of motorcycles for other guys, and everyone has had good things to say about them, so now it’s my turn.

Like everyone else I am looking for long life and powerful cranking amps.

The Harley Davidson LITHIUM Battery promises that. They offer 2-times longer battery life and more cranking amps than standard AGM batteries.

They weigh much less, have quality machined brass terminals and a built- in tester so you can tell how much charge is in it.

There is a lot of technical stuff about these type batteries, and if you really want to know about the background information it’s readily available.

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Jillian Deschenes, Lana MacNaughton and Melissa Paris complete first training session

After a long hiatus, the female participants of Royal Enfield’s BUILD TRAIN RACE (BTR) program spent two days working closely with American Flat Track racer Johnny Lewis in Viola, WI earlier this month. Three out of the four builders/riders attended the training session to prepare for their American Flat Track debut in October. During this session each rider received one-on-one coaching from Lewis spinning laps on the FT411 training motorcycles based on the Royal Enfield Himalayan and their custom-built INT 650 flat trackers.

Jillian Deschenes, Lana MacNaughton and Melissa Paris were in attendance during the training session, which took place at S&S Cycle’s Speed Ranch track. The Speed Ranch is groomed and maintained oval dirt track which S&S Cycle uses for training, special events and product development purposes. Due to current travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, the fourth participant, Andrea Lothrop was unable to attend. However, Andrea will be performing a virtual training session with Lewis in the coming weeks.

“It was great to finally meet the ladies of the BUILD TRAIN RACE program and we had an awesome time in Viola,” said Lewis. “Seeing the dedication and attention to detail that they put into their INT 650 builds was impressive. What was more impressive was their willingness to learn and eagerness to go fast right from the get go. By the end of day two each rider was using the techniques we discussed and pushing themselves faster and faster, which is ultimately my goal as a teacher.”

Lewis provided both on-track and off-track instruction to the ladies, using many principles and concepts taught in the Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy program. Lewis focused on body position, riding mechanics and vision with ladies for two days. With the FT411 motorcycles, the women were able to familiarize themselves with the track conditions and received vital feedback from Lewis on their riding technique. Eventually, they transitioned to the larger and more powerful INT 650 builds on day two. Lewis was also able to shakedown each individual’s motorcycle and provided input regarding setup adjustments to improve ride-ability and performance.

“It was great to spend time with the BTR ladies at the track and see their progression,” said Breeann Poland, marketing lead of the Americas. “Having a partner like Johnny to provide coaching and insight has been a great addition to the program. Seeing him work with each rider and develop their confidence and skills over the two day session is exciting. I’m looking forward to the next time we’re all on track together again.”

Using SENA communication devices on day two, also a component of Royal Enfield’s Slide School program, Lewis provided coaching to the riders while at speed, giving precise direction on braking, cornering and more as they completed laps. After the conclusion of the two day training, all three ladies were comfortable riding aggressively at speed on their INT 650s, setting the stage for close racing when they line up for the first time in October.

The first exhibition for the BUILD TRAIN RACE ladies will be on track is on October 2-3 at Dixie Speedway as part of the American Flat Track program. Following that event, they will then race at Daytona Beach Flat Track on October 15-16.

To learn more about the riders and the BTR program, visit https://www.royalenfieldna.com/build-train-race/.

The Original Flare Windshield

I have 2019 Street Glide Special, I love the look of stock OEM short windshield but it was not functional for my ride height. I did a test with a 7-inch Wave windshield, and it still was not doing the trick. It was time to quit screwing around and go the source of the original flare windshield.

Klock Werks has an innovative patented design. It features “hips” at the outer edge of the shield that re-route the air to add downforce to the front of the bike which improves stability versus a stock wind shield.

The “flip” at the top of the Flare™ is designed to kick the air up and back clean, less turbulent air for the rider and passenger. The windshield is made from hard-coated polycarbonate material for added durability. I’m also hoping to get a little more sound clarity from my Boom GTS system riding highway speeds.

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by Barry Amundson from https://www.duluthnewstribune.com

STURGIS, S.D. — Kristen Kleven, of Wahpeton, N.D., won’t be a no-show at this year’s 80th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Although officials fear the rally could only attract from 200,000 to 225,000 motorcycle enthusiasts this year because of coronavirus concerns, Kleven said she and five of her girlfriends will be hopping on two-wheelers and heading to South Dakota’s Black Hills next week.

The usual turnout is 450,000 people, and this year’s crowd estimate is well below the most recent anniversary event five years ago for the 75th when a near all-time record of about 850,000 people showed up.

Kleven, who works at the Harley-Davidson of Fargo dealership outfitting riders with appropriate clothing and gear, said she thinks there will be a good turnout despite the fears.

“I think the bikers still are going to want to come,” she said about the rally that starts Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 16.

She has been going for about 10 years on her Harley and will be bartending at the Iron Horse Saloon, which is still planning a full slate of nightly concerts. Six bands so far have canceled their appearances at the saloon’s huge outdoor events center.

“We don’t get a lot of sleep,” Kleven said, “but we have a kind of a family there that gets together every year.”

Christina Steele, the public information officer for the city of Sturgis, said, “It’ll be an interesting year. It’ll be remembered as the COVID year.”

Because of the virus, she said, they are lowering the estimates for the crowd, although she said it’s hard to know exactly what will occur. While many of the camping spots with hookups are filled, she said she has heard of many cancellations in other hotels and facilities.

With the virus rampaging in some states, cancellations are still coming in.

“It’s kind of been a roller coaster,” she said. Some facilities were booked full before a slew of cancellations in April and May, then they were re-booked and again started tapering off in the past few days with the spike in coronavirus cases.

Some visitors who usually make it aren’t coming because of concerns about having to quarantine when they return to their home states, she said.

Kleven said her friends from South Africa who usually make the journey can’t come this year because of travel restrictions. Steele noted that the rally usually attracts a lot of Canadians, but with the border remaining closed they also won’t be there.

“It’s going to be very different this year, but we feel we are making reasonable precautions for those who come,” Steele said.

Among steps being taken are canceling events that usually draw huge crowds, such as the opening ceremonies, parades, contests and live music at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point Plaza.

Steele said other precautions include having hand sanitation stations on each corner downtown, face mask recommendations, requests to vendors to sanitize their stands frequently, the closing of photo towers on Main Street and encouraging reduced occupancy in bars and restaurants.

Despite band cancellations, outdoor concerts are still planned with performances scheduled this year by Colt Ford, Night Ranger, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Buckcherry, 38 Special, Quiet Riot and Jackyl.

There will also be drag races, a charity poker tournament and the Mayor’s Charity Ride.

Steele said the hills are exceptionally green this year from abundant rainfall for those wanting to enjoy rides through the Black Hills.

“It’s just gorgeous this year,” she said.

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

A custom, German-made frame, a proven, Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle 110ci engine sitting inside, and a paint job to die for – these are the three elements of the custom motorcycle known as El Fuego.

Shown in all its glory in the gallery above, the El Fuego is one of the hottest builds coming our way from Germany-based custom garage Thunderbike. Responsible for literally hundreds of custom motorcycles, all based or inspired by the Milwaukee-made two-wheelers, the crew behind this machine surely outdone themselves with this one.

First, the frame. Thunderbike has around 15 in its portfolio, meaning it could design bikes to suit all tastes. The one used here is called Dragster RS, and is more of a kit: it includes the frame itself, the fuel and oil tanks, CNC-milled aluminum swingarm with battery holder, rear section, rear wheel axle, motor bracket, and seat plate.

Ready for the road, it only needed an engine and some wheels to get it moving. In the case of the former, the shop went for the Screamin’ Eagle 110ci, adn tied it to a Thunderbike exhaust. For the latter, the elements of choice were monoblock wheels, milled from solid aluminum blocks and wrapped in Metzeler tires.

The flowing lines and curves of the build would have been nothing without a proper paint job. As usual, Thunderbike turned to Kruse Design for the visual tweaking, which in this case translated into a hot combination between the black on pretty much all parts of the motorcycle and the metallic orange on the tanks, fenders, and wheels.

Thunderbike does not say how much El Fuego cost to make, but you should know the Dragster RS frame kit alone is worth close to 12,000 euros. That’s about $14,000 at today’s exchange rates.

—

  I installed LITHIUM Batteries in a lot of motorcycles for other guys, and everyone has had good things to say about them, so now it’s my turn.

 Like everyone else I am looking for long life and powerful cranking amps.

 The Harley Davidson LITHIUM Battery promises that. They offer 2-times longer battery life and more cranking amps than standard AGM batteries.

They weigh much less, have quality machined brass terminals and a built- in tester so you can tell how much charge is in it.

There is a lot of technical stuff about these type batteries, and if you really want to know about the background information it’s readily available. We watched the lithium battery technology start, stumble, and dial in the product line. You know it’s cool, when the factory embraces it.

The battery comes with a complete set of instruction, and I recommend you read them before installing the battery, or just ride your bike to the dealership and have them do it.

Installation will vary slightly depending what motorcycle the battery is being installed. In this case it is a 2009 FLHTC. The current battery is 3 years old, and I just felt more comfortable replacing it before my ride to Sturgis this year.

The battery comes charged, but I started off by checking its voltage with a volt meter. It should be 13.4 Volts, my meter showed 13.14, not much difference but still not full charge and I had time to boost it as I worked on other things.

I hooked up the Selectable 800 MA Dual Mode Battery Tender to make sure that it was fully charged before putting in the motorcycle.

While the battery was being topped off, I removing the seat and side panel, I like removing the main fuse when working on the battery, it also gives me the opportunity to clean the fuses while the cover is off.

I released the engine control module and using a Number 40 Torex I removed the battery hold down.

 I do have a couple of 10mm battery tools. I insulated one with some heat shrink should I accidently hit metal while loosening or tightening the cables.

Always Remove The Ground (-) Cable First and Install Last

The new battery comes in a caddy that fits into the place where the older heavier battery was.

When it was in place, I lightly added dielectric grease to the cables. I inserted the bolt and torqued to 50-60 inch pounds.

It started what seemed quicker than usual and charging was in specifications.

 I am liking this new battery and I suspect that to continue.

So, when you get ready for your new battery consider upgrading to a LITHIUM.