A very sad, but incredible story. Read all about it by clicking the Daily Mail UK link here.

Check out Shinya Kimura‘s video on YouTube.

Shinya Kimura’s Japanese chopper fabrication company Zero Engineering, was responsible for unique, raw interpretations of a custom Harley-Davidson. Since then, Kimura moved to the USA and set up Chabott Engineering in Azusa, California. Check out his blog here.

Harley-Davidson announced that it is selling their MV Agusta brand to Claudio Castiglioni‘s wholly owned holding company, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l.

Castiglioni, who kick started Cagiva and then bought over MV Agusta, Ducati and other brands, sold a controlling stake in MV Agusta to Proton, the Malaysian carmaker in 2004 for 70 million Euros. Proton Holdings then sold it’s 57.57 percent stake in MV Agusta Spa to an Italian company Gevi Spa in 2005 for only 1 Euro. Gevi Spa assumed MV Agusta’s debts and working capital requirements totalling 139.44 million euros. The move was announced by Proton Holdings as part of it’s non-core asset divesting exercise.

Harley-Davidson has not announced any financial data but according to Autoblog, despite spending about US$109 million for MV Agusta and spending money to revamp the product lineup. There has been information published saying that Castiglioni probably isn’t going to be paying more than 1 Euro for it!

Harley-Davidson President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell commented, “Our decision to divest MV Agusta reflects our strategy to focus our efforts and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to long-term growth.”

REFERENCE: Proton Berhad – Disposal of interest in MV Agusta SpA

Harley-Davidson has just announced their 3rd Quarter Results, and the bad news is, Buell is being axed. Erik Buell has been producing unconventional Harley-Davidson powered sportbikes for about 20 years. H-D will continue to honour warranties, but nearly 180 jobs will be lost.

An emotional Erik Buell relates the news in the following YouTube video.

バイカーブードゥー

For the first time in their long histories, Michelin and Harley-Davidson have joined forces to develop the all-new MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” tyre, which carries both companies’ trademarks on its sidewalls and the signature Harley-Davidson logo moulded into the shoulder. Available exclusively as original equipment on four 2010 Harley-Davidson® Dyna® models, the all-new tyre was unveiled on July 25th at the Harley-Davidson summer dealer meeting in Denver, Colorado.

“Michelin has specifically engineered this innovative and durable tyre to meet the high expectations of Harley-Davidson owners,” said Gary Midkiff, Vice President of Michelin North America’s Two-Wheel Division.

The MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” delivers superior performance in three key areas, providing sensational grip, impressive durability and excellent handling.

The exclusive deep-cut tread design improves grip and water evacuation capability. Grip performance, particularly on wet roads, is also enhanced by the tyre’s rubber compounds, which use the latest generation of MICHELIN® synthetic polymers.

The new tyre’s particularly high mileage potential is a result of the premium-quality components used in its rubber compounds and Michelin’s exclusive manufacturing process, which creates a blend whose unrivalled homogeneity enables the new MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” to deliver truly outstanding durability.

Michelin also wanted to ensure that the tyre would provide confidence-inspiring handling, so its R & D teams used aramid belts under the rear tread to stabilise the contact patch. In addition, the carcass plies are made from polyester to provide exceptional ride comfort.

As well as being offered as original equipment on 2010 Harley-Davidson® Dyna® Super Glide®, Super Glide® Custom, Street Bob® and Low Rider® models, the MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” tire can also be fitted on a variety of 2006-2009 Dyna® models.

Michelin began offering replacement tires for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in 2007, when certain sizes of the MICHELIN® Commander® and Macadam® 50 tyres were first tested and validated by Harley-Davidson for a wide range of Sportster®, Dyna®, Softail® and Touring® motorcycles. The introduction of the MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” marks the first exclusive MICHELIN® original equipment fitment on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

バイカーブードゥー

Hell Ride, a movie by Quentin Tarantino has the usual trademark sex, drugs, rock & roll and bikes. It’s about bad guys vs. even badder guys! One of the characters, Machete, (who happens to be one of the ‘even badder’ baddies) played by Francesco Quinn, son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn rides his own motorcycle, customised of course, in the movie. The producers took his 2006 Honda VTX1300 to Honda VP Ray Blank for a movie makeover. They painted the bike flat black and spilled gasoline over the paintjob, rubbing it in with a rag to give it a used and abused look. Also added were a Cobra exhaust, unique triple-beam headlights, Kellerman BL 1000 bar-end signals, K&N filter and jet kit. As you read this, the bike would have probably been signed by Francesco and auctioned off for charity. How’s this for a movie chopper? A Honda? Looks like the producers wanted something just a bit different from the usual Harleys and Indians normally used in this genre. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of those too.

バイカーブードゥー

I was watching OCC (Orange County Choppers) build a Brough Superior-inspired bike for Jay Leno but it didn’t quite appeal to me, being a chopper and all that so I started searching online and found this, the Banquer Superior.

The Banquer Superior is an all-new motorcycle with all the style and looks of a Brough Superior, but with a modern Harley-Davidson engine, brakes and electronics. Florida based Gwen Banquer, a motorcycle fan built this bike for himself and has since built another. Check out this site for more details. Gwen’s bike appeals to me but I’d like a smaller headlight and one of those new Knucklehead motors from RevTech.

Gwen can build you one for about US$36,000 depending on what you want. This is a handbuilt work of art so don’t let the price tag put you off.

Gwen Banquer
2431 Se Morningside Blvd
Port St Lucie, Fl 34952
(772)335-1917

Cyclegod999@aol.com

By the way here’s the Jay Leno OCC Brough-inspired bike for comparison.

SOURCE

バイカーブードゥー

Presented by Quentin Tarantino, written and directed by Larry Bishop, Hell Ride is a raucous throwback to the days of the Sergio Leone spaghetti western, with a heaping helping of testosterone-fueled chopper action thrown into the mix, writer/director Larry Bishop takes on a third role as Pistolero, head honcho of the Victors, a group of badass bikers who are out to avenge the murder of one of their members at the hands of the 666ers, a rival gang whose actions live up to their hellish moniker.

Along with his cohorts, the Gent (deviously portrayed by Michael Madsen) and the mysterious Comanche (Eric Balfour), Pistolero aims to take down the Deuce and Billy Wings, menacing leaders of the 666ers, but a mutiny looms on the horizon when his commitment to profit is questioned by a few of his fellow Victors. An even larger story unravels when previously unknown information about Comanche resurrects ghosts from Pistolero’s past.

Hell Ride also stars Michael Beach, Vinnie Jones, Dennis Hopper, David Carradine and Natasha Yi.

SOURCE

バイカーブードゥー

Europe is becoming increasingly important for Harley-Davidson. The XR1200 seen being assembled above made its debut in Europe.

MV Agusta, a motorcycle group comprised of MV Agusta and Cagiva brands (Husqvarna, formerly part of the group, was sold to BMW in 2007), has been sold to Harley-Davidson for 70 million Euros. MV Agusta’s Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni and Chief Designer Massimo Tamburini will continue in their respective roles, working together with a new leadership team appointed by Harley-Davidson.

Malaysian carmaker Proton once held 57.75% equity in MV Agusta Motors SpA, purchase for, ironically 70 million Euros in December 2004. This equity was then sold in March 2006 to GEVI SpA for 1 Euro. This greatly annoyed former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahatir Mohamed.

Harley-Davidson currently owns a sporting arm – Buell.

Here’s the official Harley-Davidson Press Release:

Milwaukee, Wis. (July 11, 2008) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.

In addition, Harley-Davidson intends to finance a portion of the consideration by borrowing funds and its level of indebtedness may increase as a result, which may cause Harley-Davidson to incur additional interest expense and limit Harley-Davidson’s ability to obtain additional financing. It could also increase Harley-Davidson’s exposure to general adverse economic and industry conditions and adversely impact Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s earnings per share. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson may have challenges successfully integrating or profitably operating the business of MV Agusta Group.

SOURCE, SOURCE, SOURCE

This funny little mini-chopper was built by (I believe) TH Bikers of Kampung Baru, Malaysia. It’s based on a Modenas Kriss 110 (licence-built Kawasaki moped). No prizes for guessing which Harley-Davidson inspired it. The V-Rod of course.

An interesting concept, it combines the modern chopper-style look of the V-Rod with the frugal 110cc powertrain of a Kriss 110. IMHO if you take off the tacky looking stickers I think it would look much nicer. Since it’s so small, let’s call it the “Hardly-Davidson”!

バイカーブードゥー

A very sad, but incredible story. Read all about it by clicking the Daily Mail UK link here.

Check out Shinya Kimura‘s video on YouTube.

Shinya Kimura’s Japanese chopper fabrication company Zero Engineering, was responsible for unique, raw interpretations of a custom Harley-Davidson. Since then, Kimura moved to the USA and set up Chabott Engineering in Azusa, California. Check out his blog here.

Harley-Davidson announced that it is selling their MV Agusta brand to Claudio Castiglioni‘s wholly owned holding company, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l.

Castiglioni, who kick started Cagiva and then bought over MV Agusta, Ducati and other brands, sold a controlling stake in MV Agusta to Proton, the Malaysian carmaker in 2004 for 70 million Euros. Proton Holdings then sold it’s 57.57 percent stake in MV Agusta Spa to an Italian company Gevi Spa in 2005 for only 1 Euro. Gevi Spa assumed MV Agusta’s debts and working capital requirements totalling 139.44 million euros. The move was announced by Proton Holdings as part of it’s non-core asset divesting exercise.

Harley-Davidson has not announced any financial data but according to Autoblog, despite spending about US$109 million for MV Agusta and spending money to revamp the product lineup. There has been information published saying that Castiglioni probably isn’t going to be paying more than 1 Euro for it!

Harley-Davidson President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell commented, “Our decision to divest MV Agusta reflects our strategy to focus our efforts and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to long-term growth.”

REFERENCE: Proton Berhad – Disposal of interest in MV Agusta SpA

Harley-Davidson has just announced their 3rd Quarter Results, and the bad news is, Buell is being axed. Erik Buell has been producing unconventional Harley-Davidson powered sportbikes for about 20 years. H-D will continue to honour warranties, but nearly 180 jobs will be lost.

An emotional Erik Buell relates the news in the following YouTube video.

バイカーブードゥー

For the first time in their long histories, Michelin and Harley-Davidson have joined forces to develop the all-new MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” tyre, which carries both companies’ trademarks on its sidewalls and the signature Harley-Davidson logo moulded into the shoulder. Available exclusively as original equipment on four 2010 Harley-Davidson® Dyna® models, the all-new tyre was unveiled on July 25th at the Harley-Davidson summer dealer meeting in Denver, Colorado.

“Michelin has specifically engineered this innovative and durable tyre to meet the high expectations of Harley-Davidson owners,” said Gary Midkiff, Vice President of Michelin North America’s Two-Wheel Division.

The MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” delivers superior performance in three key areas, providing sensational grip, impressive durability and excellent handling.

The exclusive deep-cut tread design improves grip and water evacuation capability. Grip performance, particularly on wet roads, is also enhanced by the tyre’s rubber compounds, which use the latest generation of MICHELIN® synthetic polymers.

The new tyre’s particularly high mileage potential is a result of the premium-quality components used in its rubber compounds and Michelin’s exclusive manufacturing process, which creates a blend whose unrivalled homogeneity enables the new MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” to deliver truly outstanding durability.

Michelin also wanted to ensure that the tyre would provide confidence-inspiring handling, so its R & D teams used aramid belts under the rear tread to stabilise the contact patch. In addition, the carcass plies are made from polyester to provide exceptional ride comfort.

As well as being offered as original equipment on 2010 Harley-Davidson® Dyna® Super Glide®, Super Glide® Custom, Street Bob® and Low Rider® models, the MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” tire can also be fitted on a variety of 2006-2009 Dyna® models.

Michelin began offering replacement tires for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in 2007, when certain sizes of the MICHELIN® Commander® and Macadam® 50 tyres were first tested and validated by Harley-Davidson for a wide range of Sportster®, Dyna®, Softail® and Touring® motorcycles. The introduction of the MICHELIN® Scorcher™ “31” marks the first exclusive MICHELIN® original equipment fitment on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

バイカーブードゥー

Hell Ride, a movie by Quentin Tarantino has the usual trademark sex, drugs, rock & roll and bikes. It’s about bad guys vs. even badder guys! One of the characters, Machete, (who happens to be one of the ‘even badder’ baddies) played by Francesco Quinn, son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn rides his own motorcycle, customised of course, in the movie. The producers took his 2006 Honda VTX1300 to Honda VP Ray Blank for a movie makeover. They painted the bike flat black and spilled gasoline over the paintjob, rubbing it in with a rag to give it a used and abused look. Also added were a Cobra exhaust, unique triple-beam headlights, Kellerman BL 1000 bar-end signals, K&N filter and jet kit. As you read this, the bike would have probably been signed by Francesco and auctioned off for charity. How’s this for a movie chopper? A Honda? Looks like the producers wanted something just a bit different from the usual Harleys and Indians normally used in this genre. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of those too.

バイカーブードゥー

I was watching OCC (Orange County Choppers) build a Brough Superior-inspired bike for Jay Leno but it didn’t quite appeal to me, being a chopper and all that so I started searching online and found this, the Banquer Superior.

The Banquer Superior is an all-new motorcycle with all the style and looks of a Brough Superior, but with a modern Harley-Davidson engine, brakes and electronics. Florida based Gwen Banquer, a motorcycle fan built this bike for himself and has since built another. Check out this site for more details. Gwen’s bike appeals to me but I’d like a smaller headlight and one of those new Knucklehead motors from RevTech.

Gwen can build you one for about US$36,000 depending on what you want. This is a handbuilt work of art so don’t let the price tag put you off.

Gwen Banquer
2431 Se Morningside Blvd
Port St Lucie, Fl 34952
(772)335-1917

Cyclegod999@aol.com

By the way here’s the Jay Leno OCC Brough-inspired bike for comparison.

SOURCE

バイカーブードゥー

Presented by Quentin Tarantino, written and directed by Larry Bishop, Hell Ride is a raucous throwback to the days of the Sergio Leone spaghetti western, with a heaping helping of testosterone-fueled chopper action thrown into the mix, writer/director Larry Bishop takes on a third role as Pistolero, head honcho of the Victors, a group of badass bikers who are out to avenge the murder of one of their members at the hands of the 666ers, a rival gang whose actions live up to their hellish moniker.

Along with his cohorts, the Gent (deviously portrayed by Michael Madsen) and the mysterious Comanche (Eric Balfour), Pistolero aims to take down the Deuce and Billy Wings, menacing leaders of the 666ers, but a mutiny looms on the horizon when his commitment to profit is questioned by a few of his fellow Victors. An even larger story unravels when previously unknown information about Comanche resurrects ghosts from Pistolero’s past.

Hell Ride also stars Michael Beach, Vinnie Jones, Dennis Hopper, David Carradine and Natasha Yi.

SOURCE

バイカーブードゥー

Europe is becoming increasingly important for Harley-Davidson. The XR1200 seen being assembled above made its debut in Europe.

MV Agusta, a motorcycle group comprised of MV Agusta and Cagiva brands (Husqvarna, formerly part of the group, was sold to BMW in 2007), has been sold to Harley-Davidson for 70 million Euros. MV Agusta’s Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni and Chief Designer Massimo Tamburini will continue in their respective roles, working together with a new leadership team appointed by Harley-Davidson.

Malaysian carmaker Proton once held 57.75% equity in MV Agusta Motors SpA, purchase for, ironically 70 million Euros in December 2004. This equity was then sold in March 2006 to GEVI SpA for 1 Euro. This greatly annoyed former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahatir Mohamed.

Harley-Davidson currently owns a sporting arm – Buell.

Here’s the official Harley-Davidson Press Release:

Milwaukee, Wis. (July 11, 2008) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.

In addition, Harley-Davidson intends to finance a portion of the consideration by borrowing funds and its level of indebtedness may increase as a result, which may cause Harley-Davidson to incur additional interest expense and limit Harley-Davidson’s ability to obtain additional financing. It could also increase Harley-Davidson’s exposure to general adverse economic and industry conditions and adversely impact Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s earnings per share. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson may have challenges successfully integrating or profitably operating the business of MV Agusta Group.

SOURCE, SOURCE, SOURCE

This funny little mini-chopper was built by (I believe) TH Bikers of Kampung Baru, Malaysia. It’s based on a Modenas Kriss 110 (licence-built Kawasaki moped). No prizes for guessing which Harley-Davidson inspired it. The V-Rod of course.

An interesting concept, it combines the modern chopper-style look of the V-Rod with the frugal 110cc powertrain of a Kriss 110. IMHO if you take off the tacky looking stickers I think it would look much nicer. Since it’s so small, let’s call it the “Hardly-Davidson”!

バイカーブードゥー