Two-Wheeled passion seminar successfully reignites enthusiasm for V-Twin Industry
Despite having to make their annual voyage through wintery conditions that nearly shut down the entire East coast, a barrage of V-Twin dealers and exhibitors trekked their way to the 10th Annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati the weekend of February 6-8. The industry’s premier trade show, the V-Twin Expo is an opportunity for dealers and manufacturers to strike a deal and ascertain the overall state of the industry from veterans and colleagues. In addition to browsing an impressive array of V-Twin parts and accessories, this year’s expo also featured the “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar.
Sponsored by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and Hot Leathers, this round table gave audience members the chance to converse, listen and learn from an impressive selection of successful and established bike builders and discuss the current climate of the V-Twin industry.
Turn out for the seminar was remarkable as an impressive assortment of industry giants discussed how they have managed to capitalize on their passion within the current climate and how they have successfully turned difficulty into opportunity. The seminar was moderated by celebrated motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter and the panel consisted of industry notables Kevin Baas, Bryan Fuller, Brian Klock, Gary Mauer, Dave Perewitz, Matt Olsen, Kirk Taylor and Paul Yaffe. An overwhelming sense of passion for the industry permeated the room while journalists, industry insiders, dealers, manufacturers and builders discussed the industry; how it has changed since starting out, how to adapt to these changes and refocus business as well as how to pass this passion down to the next generation of bike builders.
At the conclusion of the seminar celebrity moderator, Michael Lichter also revealed the theme, participants and the logo, designed by Hot Leathers, for the 10th annual Motorcycle as Art exhibit to be displayed at the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. Titled “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind” this year’s exhibit will focus on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. The display will include 30 custom motorcycles from 15 pairs of custom builders and will feature the photography and limited edition prints of the renowned photographer. This internationally renowned and highly anticipated yearly exhibit will be on display at the Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. An opportunity to peruse, mingle, discuss and learn this year’s V-Twin Expo and highly anticipated “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar was the perfect opportunity for those involved in the V-Twin industry to rekindle their passion for the business and introduce this years Motorcycles as Art exhibition.
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind
More information on the free Motorcycles as Art 2010 Exhibition, “Eternal Combustion-30 in the Wind” is available at motorcyclesasart.com and buffalochip.com.
Well, news and details about season 3 of SOA still remain slim, but there are a few tidbits floating around out there. Last week Kurt updated his blog (in his jammies and slippers, no less) that he’s finally finding his groove getting back into the writing process:
“I’ve been back with the writers for a month now, and today was the first day I felt like I actually plugged back into the show. I finished a first draft of episode 301 this week, but it wasn’t until I mulled, sorted and boarded 302 that I felt reconnected to the process of running a show.”
Of course he didn’t leak any details about story lines, but he did end his post by saying:
“Season three of Sons of Anarchy will take us to some new and very different places — both narratively and emotionally. We will reveal some dark Teller family secrets and create a few more in the process. It was John the Apostle who said “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Clearly he never spent a weekend with Gemma Teller.”
Casting news
Taryn Manning, who played Cherry in Season 1, has been cast in the reboot of classic cop show Hawaii Five-O, which also stars Daniel Dae Kim (LOST) and Alex O’Loughlin. Kurt Sutter tweeted: “happy for taryn manning getting 5-0 gig. hopefully 3 will be the charm for les’ boy o’loughlin. bummed for soa, had an arc for cherry in S3.”
Sons of Anarchy merchandise
If you’re chomping at the bit for some SOA stuff to buy, have no fear. Kurt says “talked to the network yesterday. they r going to have LOTS MORE SOA MERCHANDISE for sale. on the website and IN STORES. i’ll keep you posted.” SA-WEET. Now be patient and stop buying those knock off t-shirts…
SOA knockoff t-shirt: if you're buying this crap...stop it. Stop it right now.
Extracurricular activities
Anybody catch Katey Sagal reprise her role as Helen on Lost? She and Terry O’quinn are two of the best actors on TV right now…
Katey Sagal on LOST (screencap from lost-media.com)
And lastly, we all know that Charlie Hunnam wrote a script for a movie based on Vlad the Impaler, which traces Dracula’s days back to when he was a wee impaler…
Vlad the Impaler
The script was picked up by Summit Entertainment, who we can thank for bringing us the Twilight franchise (take that with as much or as little sarcasm as you like) and now writer Scott Kosar (The Machinist and soon to be released The Crazies) has been asked to take a stab at it. The film is being produced by Mr. I-own-fifty-bazillion-expensive-motorcycles Brad Pitt.
If you got the scoop on some info, spoilers or news about Season 3 of Sons of Anarchy, feel free to leave a comment!
Suckerpunch Sally Rally & Music Festival is being held at the Louisiana State Fair Grounds in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 20, 2010. The event is a benefit for the Hilman House, which is dedicated to aiding the needs associated with Cystic Fibrosis.
Suckerpunch Sally Rally & Music Festival March 20th, Shreveport, Louisiana
Admission is $20, which gives you access to live music, great vendors, tattoo artists, food, custom motorcycles, hot rods, rat rods, custom motorcycle raffle and even some activities for the kiddos. Some of the entertainment will be provided by:
The Nomads
Gray Schuler Band
Built for Speed
Dragstrip Phantoms
Michael Dearmond
Cody Cooke
and many more…
Suckerpunch Sally's old school choppers
You can purchase raffle tickets for $20 to win a custom Sucker Punch Sally’s Chopper, which will be awarded the day of the event. The adult portion of the evening will bring the after hours party, complete with bikini contest. Sounds like a kick-ass party!
Gates open at 10am. Learn more about SPS and their custom choppers & stripped-down bobbers at suckerpunchsallys.com.
Riders Discount, an online retailer of quality motorcycle gear, is getting ready to celebrate their impending 10,000th Facebook fan. To say thank you to their fan base, they’ve decided to run a sweepstakes offering their customers a chance to win a free $500 helmet.
Help Riders Discount get their 10,000th fan! You can become a fan on Facebook and help them reach their goal. And while you're there enter to win a $500 helmet!
The winner may choose any helmet from their inventory up to $500 in value, no strings attached! The giveaway includes motocross, cruiser and sport bike helmets from top of the line brands like Shoei, HJC and Arai.
So what do you have to do to enter?
Simply go here and fill out this form. That’s it! The winner will be announced on March 1st!
*Please note: Rippin-Kitten.com is in no way affiliated with this giveaway. We’re just passing along the message. If you have any questions, please visit the Riders Discount Sweepstakes page.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents Michael Lichter’s Tenth Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind
Michael Lichter’s internationally renowned and highly anticipated 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art exhibition is sure to be a significant highlight during Sturgis Rally Week 2010. The exhibit is scheduled for August 7-13 and will focus on the explosion of interest and the passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. Entitled, “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind”, this year’s display poses the question, “How is this passion passed on through time?”
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind
Thirty custom motorcycles recently built by 15 pairs of builders tied together by family, respect, friendship or apprenticeship will be on display at the impressive Lichter Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Builder teams highlighted within the show include: Athena Ransom and Laura Klock, Arlen Ness & Paul Yaffe, Carl & Matt Olsen, Dave & Jody Perewitz, Donnie Smith & Brian Klock, Eddie Trotta & Todd Silicato, Kevin Baas & his Kennedy High School Chopper Class, Gard Hollinger & Satya Kraus, James & Dave Kaye, Jerry & David Covington, Kirk Taylor & Brian Schimke, Roland Sands & Drake McGillroy, Ron Finch & Gary Maurer, Ron & Hunter Simms,
Sugarbear & Counts Customs.
In addition, the 6,500 square foot venue constructed primarily to house the notable exhibitions Lichter has curated, will for the first time, be adorned with Michael’s photography. Celebrating his 30th bike week in Sturgis, he will be displaying the best from his archive of limited edition prints, including many images being
premiered for the first time.
“This exhibit has been a total labor of love for me as it has been for 9-years, explains Lichter.
Rebel Rousers exhibit from 2009
Working with these builders to pair them up, occasionally into a seemingly unlikely pairing at their own request, has been great. It will be great to watch their progress in the coming months. I love this work and I love this industry. Everyone who comes out to see this exhibit will be able to sense the passion felt by all those involved.”
Lichter has been a staple in the motorcycle community for over thirty years, with his name ingrained in the minds and collections of enthusiasts around the world. This is Lichter’s tenth year as curator for the premier Sturgis exhibition. The exhibit started back in 2001 with a display entitled ‘The Biker Generation’. Since
that time he has touched on a variety of appealing themes during the yearly exhibit including titles such as “One World Choppers”, “Speed Demons” “Schools Out – Old School, New Skool” Last year’s exhibit, “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” focused on the history of iconic motorcycle imagery that inspired many of us to ride. Through a poignant review of renowned motorcycles, art and movie memorabilia, fans were reminded of what originally fueled their passion for riding.
“Last year’s exhibit was phenomenal, thousands of guests came to experience the display,” states Sturgis Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff. “We’re so enthusiastic for this year’s show. Michael Lichter is truly a gifted artist and photographer and we’re delighted to have his yearly exhibit at the Lichter Exhibition Hall here at
the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.”
The most eagerly anticipated exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with an unforgettable experience. Visit motorcyclesasart.com for more information. Sponsors for this year’s exhibit include Hot Leathers, Interstate Batteries, Progressive Insurance and Spectro Oil.
I’m not a huge Cypress Hill fan. Nor am I a stoner. But the biker-style video for “It Ain’t Nothin’” off of Cypress Hill’s upcoming album Rise Up (to be released April 6th) looks awfully familiar! I think someone’s been watching a lotta Sons of Anarchy…
After six years of bickering, American Chopper is finally going off the air
Back in 2003 was the television hey-day for motorcycle fans. Discovery Channel was the place for gearheads to get their fix with shows like Monster Garage, Biker Build-Off and American Chopper. As we all know American Chopper was a reality show chronicling the life of the Teutuls and Orange County Choppers. In the beginning the novelty of the show was how crazy it was to see Paul Sr. & Jr.’s on air bickering, while Mikey offered up the crazy comic relief. Oh yeah, and there were some of the visionary custom bikes dreamed up by Paul Jr.
Paul Teutul Sr. of OCC
The arguments between Senior and Junior were funny and fodder for watercooler discussions. The bikes were interesting and watching the process of building those bikes intriguing. And there was Vinnie, Paulie’s right hand man who was often caught in the middle of the fights when all he wanted to do was build bikes. And Cody, who was taken under the OCC wing until he and Vinnie jumped ship to form V-Force Customs.
Speaking for myself, I probably watched the first two seasons until the show began to get formulaic. There was more focus on the crazy rantings between Paul and Paulie and less on the bikes, which then only became theme bikes for various corporations. Oh and the occasional yuk yuk’s from Mikey, who couldn’t build bikes and couldn’t ride them for a while either. As their bank accounts grew fat so did the ego’s. That’s when I jumped ship. And it seemed that I wasn’t the only one. The backlash began as the arguments became boring, the show switched channels, Paul Jr. left the company and Mikey ended up in rehab. And now Paul Sr. is suing Junior for control over the OCC empire. Yikes.
But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Even if it’s about 3 years too late. The series finale will air on TLC Thursday, February 11th at 9 PM. Somehow I don’t predict a happy ending. What do you think?
Female Riders Band Together to Raise Money for MDA
During this year’s 69th Annual Daytona Bike Week, hundreds of female motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson Motor Company are banding together to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and their efforts to find a cure for neuromuscular disease. On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, the MDA and the Motor Company will host the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride.
MDA and the Motor Company will host the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women's Ride
The Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride will feature hundreds of female motorcyclists who’ll ride through the streets of Daytona celebrating their freedom and passion for the sport, as well as supporting the important work of the MDA. All of the ride participants will be encouraged to secure pledges and donations from their friends and families to support MDA Summer Camp programs across the country. The first 500 eligible riders will receive a 2010 MDA pin, Women’s Ride flag and riders who raise $600 will receive a one-of-a kind charm. Also, the top three fundraisers will receive a Harley-Davidson jacket. Last year’s ride raised more than $65,000 for MDA Summer Camps.
Ride staging will take place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. near Gate 70 of the Daytona International Speedway. The ride will depart at 10 a.m. and continue to Riverfront Park on Beach Street. Female riders of any brand of motorcycle interested in participating in the ride, or those interested in pledging support for the riders can go to www.mdarides.org.
In addition to the Women’s Ride, the Motor Company is also hosting a women’s area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street throughout Bike Week. Experienced women riders or those just looking for information on how to get started can learn more about the sport by participating in bike lift seminars and getting information about learning to ride. They’ll also be able to enter a raffle to win a new Pink Label Collection item from Harley-Davidson MotorClothes®.
HD's Women's Pink Label Layering Tank
For more information and to register for the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride, visit mdarides.org. To learn more about Harley-Davidson and women riders, visit harley-davidson.com/womenriders.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.
In December 2007 I wrote about steampunk motorcycles. It was a wildly popular post and, to this day, is my most-viewed post ever. Back then steampunk wasn’t necessarily a new concept, but was quickly gaining speed in becoming a massively popular trend.
Since then, the steampunk movement has become it’s own subculture, popular among goths, punks, cybergoths, rivetheads, gamers, and geeks. It has influenced fashion, art, books and movies and there was even a steampunk cruise on Sydney Harbor for those who dress up wearing cool goggles and their neo-Victorian best.
a fine example of steampunk fashion (from the LiveJournal Steampunk community)
So, what is steampunk?
The literal definition of steampunk is: a genre of science fiction set in Victorian times when steam was the main source of machine power. But the original idea of steampunk came from scientific, fantasy novels written by H.G Wells and Jules Vern. A facet of steampunk culture is comprised of modifying a modern object (computers, ipods, guitars & amps, etc.) using materials like old cogs & gears, rivets, polished brass, iron, and wood.
Some of the motorcycles highlighted here may not necessarily been created with steampunk specifically in mind, but the end result of the design can easily fall into the category.
The Whirlygig Emoto is a steam-electric hybrid motorcycle that actually doesn’t “go” using steam, it’s propelled by propane and batteries. You can read my original post about it and even watch video of it in action!
Whirlygig Emoto
Dave Geertsen’s metal sculpture on wheels. There are more photos of his creation at bentwheel.com.
Dave Geertsen's steampunk creation
Choi Minsoo’s steampunk motorcycle is a hybrid motorcycle powered by gasoline and electricity, and the big box on the bike probably holds the batteries.
Bike builder Chicara Nagata hand-crafts every element on these bikes that he can, except for the antique drivetrains he uses. There are almost 500 parts on each bike and fabricating each part and assembling it can take Nagata up to 7,500 hours per bike, which cost a cool million each.
Chicara Art Classic 1
Chicara Art Classic 2
Chicara Art Classic 3
Chicara Art Classic 4
Are you drooling yet? I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a spare million for one of Chicara’s bikes (although I wish I did!).
More, more, more Steampunk
So do you think Steampunk is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen, or you just don’t get it and you want to learn more? Here are some great sites to peruse and discover more:
While the current hockey season may not be the Bruins best, the Boston Bruins Foundation, in collaboration with Dirico Motorcycles (formerly Red Wing Motorcycles), presents a truly one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle.
one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle
Dirico Motorcycles is the merged talents of music innovator Steven Tyler and master inventor Mark Dirico. They have joined creative forces to build this custom Dirico motorcycle which embodies the celebrated history of the Boston Bruins. The motorcycle will feature custom Bruins themed paintwork, authentic signatures from Steven Tyler, and the signatures of the following sixteen prominent current and former Bruins players:
Zdeno Chara
Cam Neely
Johnny Bucyk
Ray Bourque
Milt Schmidt
Terry O’Reilly
Gerry Cheevers
Phil Esposito
Rick Middleton
Brad Park
Tim Thomas
Patrice Bergeron
Marc Savard
Milan Lucic
Derek Sanderson
Ken Hodge
signatures of prominent current & former Bruins players
These attributes make this bike a priceless collectible (estimated value of this prize is $33,000.00) which any lucky participating Bruins fan has the opportunity to win and call their own.
The motorcycle will be raffled of during the course of the season, beginning on January 2, 2010 and ending on April 11, 2010 at midnight. Proceeds generated by the raffle will support the Boston Bruins Foundation, where you can purchase raffle tickets.
