Certain things in life are just plain difficult.  Things like divorce, back pain, dentist visits, resolving childhood trauma’s, and working with a child on a bike build!  Actually that probably goes to the top of the list of “difficulties”. Honest! If you saw our first posting here on PushnPavement a few weeks ago, (and a recent post from, Motorcycle USA see here), you know we had this idea to start a build for one of our daughters Lindsay. Well, as all good acts will not go unpunished, here is case in point. LOL.

As you can see from the pic, the bike is in roller form at the shop in Orlando and has a very distinctive profile. With a bigger rear wheel than the front (going for that old hot-rod setup) and using a Buell engine and narrow front end, this bike does have the “bones“, much like the initial “1/2 Pint“.  However that is where the similarities end. Mainly because this one is having influences from our daughter Lindsay (ok, demands), so we’ve got some changes going on here, that were not initially planned. Our next objective is to come up with an agreeable tank to use, fender and seat setup, and hand controls and then, oh my, paint!  Yikes!  In our next update, we’ll be giving you our daughters viewpoint (in her words) and unedited. So, stay tuned.

Hey, thanks for coming back! Great to see there are a few of you out there that have taste and style! Seriously, thanks for visiting. If you know of stories you think people would be interested in, shoot us a line C'ya!

Yep, we’re doing it again this year!  The gang is taking on the Easyriders V-Twin Expo shows and making every effort to turn it on it’s ear. With the return of the Limpnickie Lot for the 2nd year in a row to the Cincinnati show, you can expect not only the unusual, crazy, trend setting but also a bit of the wild from the gang. (Like you’ve come to expect anything less!) So if your looking to see what’s really going on in the custom motorcycle industry, stop by and talk with the guys at the Limpnickie Lot.  Cause we’re the ones leading the charge! C’ya!

No GRITS does not mean “Girls Raised In The South” in this instance.  But rather some efforts brought forth by Taber and the guys at Nash Motorcycles (NMC).  Apparently there has been some “breedin” (aside from their newest addition Rocco Taber Nash) going on in the Nash handlebar lab. These grits go off the same shape and feel you get with the traditional grit hangers but they have rounded corners like an original ape hanger. They come in sizes 10-20 inches with 33” grip to grip, 5” pullback, and an 11” base. Not bad guys! Starting price: $157.00/ea.

Oh yeah, we love these beauties!  Simple, clean and very functional. And well priced at $120.00. You can find them at the Benchmark site HERE

Anytime a fellow motorcycle rider is hit and/or killed by a motorist we as an industry are put on “notice” as to the frailty of life, (and the stupidity of some people). Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke was hospitalized after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident shortly after attending the Easyriders show this past weekend in Pomona, CA. Gilby was struck by a motorist making a left hand turn in front of him in Los Angeles. The driver of the truck then left the scene. (Hope they find the slug!)

Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin in Guns N’ Roses in November 1991, and remained with the band for the next three years. In addition to releasing several solos albums, he’s played with Heart, Nancy Sinatra, and the reformed MC5 on the group’s 2005 European tour, as well as other artists. He’s also produced such bands as L.A. Guns, Ladyjack, and Bullets and Octane, among others. Traci Guns, guitarist for L.A. Guns and a friend of Clarke’s,  in a Facebook posting said, “Gilby got nailed on his motorcycle last night (Jan. 10). His leg is broken in three places. I’m gonna try to go see him tonight – he will be ok.”

Yep it was about time we heard from those Van Skyndel brothers (Arie and Mark) as we were getting a bit bored with the existing video’s out in the market (ok there are very few quality videos out to be honest), so we were stoked to see what Mark and Arie were coming out with.  And in this case we’re not disappointed with their latest effort appropriately called  ”Two Wheel Terrors Vol. #2“.

Incorporating quality video production, editing, cinematography and kicking bikes (you’ll see plenty of pans, open primaries, hand shifters, springers and rigids), the brothers hold true to their vision of providing an insiders view of the custom motorcycle scene, with pounding in-your-face music and honest raw video of riders enjoying themselves.

While a lot of people may not understand the passion people have for their bikes and the freedom it represents, those that do, will quickly grasp the content and intent of the Van Skyndel’s efforts in this video. So, what are you waiting for!!! click HERE to view the teaser.  You won’t be dissappointed. This video features Foundry Moto, Jason Pullen, Slims Fabrication with riding scenes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Arizona, and San Diego. Video sales for $24.95 at Choppertown.

So, want to be part of a historic effort that will very likely impact our industry? Well here is the opportunity to do just that. We heard that Charlie Brechtel and Bikers Inner Circle have teamed up to push forward the production of a film on the life of Dave Mann. If your not familiar with Dave’s work, well, you’ve probably been living under a rock or just don’t recognize his name; but you’ve surely seen his work!  So, here is their initial “B” role content.  If interested contact Dave or the BikersInnerCircle directly. Enjoy

One of the regular blogs we visit is our friend Genevieve Schmitt’s place called “Women Riders Now“, as we try to keep our hand on the pulse of the women motorcycle industry.  Recently she featured this news update on my favorite personal trainer, (ok, i have to admit she’s as hot as my wife!) Jillian Michaels from the “Biggest Loser” show. Seems Jillian has teamed up with H-D and National Garage Party Month to promote women ridership.  Here is the full release.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with TV’s The Biggest Loser host Jillian Michaels to encourage women to gear up and get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycle. Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.

“Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women,” said Michaels who’s been empowering people through her wellness books and DVDs for years. “That’s what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I’m excited to be a part of this effort.”

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.

During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life. To find a Garage Party near you, visit Harley-Davidson.com/womenriders.

We found this over at our friends site Knucklebuster and wanted to share as a friend of ours is featured. This is Volume 2 of GodSpeed, which is a quarterly collection of photographs documenting bike builders, their work and their workspace. This latest issue features Kutty Noteboom, Rick Fodrey, John Copeland, Jeffrey Schad, Duane Ballard, Nelson Kanno, Josh Mills, Lock Baker and Yoshi Kosaka.

Independently photographed, designed, and published,  this volume is a 8×10 hard bound book with 160 Pages. While a little pricey ($75) and with photographs that leave something to be desired regarding quality, (but that may be contributed to copy quality to website too, as we’ve not seen the actual book) the composition and content is right-on which means you’ll have a kickin’ piece of art in your collection.

This recent issue of GODSPEED 45/06 features our friend Duane Ballard of DB Custom Leathers and his hot Honda Chopper that features a Freddy Hernandez frame wrapped around one of Duanes slick Honda 750 power plants.  Don’t think you can go wrong with this book and we’re ordering it when we get off this blog.

Over the years in this business of building bikes, we as business owners are inevitably drawn into the void of the “routine”.  The routine of designing and building bikes and/or parts, tracking down overdue bills, paying over due bills, determining or orderings parts for builds, dealing with painters, magazines, shippers, etc, etc.

One thing that never loses its “magic” however, is seeing a build go from concept to life.  And when a customer starts up their bike and rides off for the first time, there is no better or more fulfilling sense of pride and satisfaction than that….and very few people can/have experienced it.

That sense of pride takes on a whole new level of meaning when we are able to build a bike for someone we love.  Which is the case with this father who will start a build for his daughter, Lindsay in the next few weeks. What’s exciting too is that this build will be documented here on this site and will also be a multi-part series in a well known motorcycle magazine (thanks IronWorks).

Of course as you can imagine with any child, there is always the possibility of “enthusiastic” (aka heated) creative discussions and disagreements;  however one thing we both agree on….it will be cool riding together as dad and daughter on our bikes around town.  My daughter, Lindsay, has even agreed to attending various events/shows with Guilty over the next year so people can meet her and see her new ride. We’re equally excited that the magazine (IronWorks) has agreed to do a story on this build as it hits on a subject close to our heart, which is building fun bikes for people to enjoy and doing something for people we love.

If your familiar with the bikes rolling out of the shop you’ll quickly recognize the influences for her bike, which will be the “1/2 Pint”, which has been featured in numerous magazines and has been a hit with many riders (male and female).

And on a personal note guys, don’t let that sweet pretty face fool you either!  She’s very adept at kickboxing and sarcasm and can handle herself very well on any playing field and on two wheels!  And no, she’s not interested in dating any of you guys either!  (I try to keep her away from bad influences)…But she will race you on her new bike!

Being part of the Limpnickie Lot is something a lot of us in the group see as not only a great blessing but something that gives us the ability to “give back” to the community that so enthusiastically supports and embraces our efforts and more specifically our goals.  That goal is to bring motorcycles back to the grass roots where people not only ride but enjoy and understand their motorcycles.  Thus the reason (we believe) we’re gaining so much momentum.  One group that has been a major contributor of this resurgence is the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America).  For those that attended the 2009 Daytona Bike week (and the Limpnickie Lot specifically), you had the opportunity to see (and participate) in learning how to kick start a 1956 Harley Knucklehead and a 1945 Indian Chief. Something most people have NEVER done! We’re glad to announce that for the 2nd year in a row at the Limpnickie Lot, the AMCA will host an Antique Bike Show on Wednesday of Bike Week 2010. (March 3rd), and rally goers will not only be able to gawk over and fondle old machinery but interact with them in a way most never have….getting one started!  Our friends (and vintage motorcycle experts) Matt Olsen and Rocky Halter will be the guys guiding those interested in learning about these machines.

The AMCA Bike Show and the Kick-start Demo will run from 1 to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Limpnickie Lot in the Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona. And as an added treat, (in case you can’t make it to the demo) plan on getting there on Friday, March 5, for the  Cycle Source Magazine Ride-in Bike Show with AMCA sponsoring the antique class and handing out the best Antique Chopper, Bobber, Survivor and Restored bikes.  Something everyone should see!

Expanding on his relationship with Brian Klock and Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, Mike Tomas plans to move Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co.’s new engine manufacturing, engine rebuilding and motorcycle restorations and repairs to Klock’s South Dakota facility in 2010. Tomas earlier this year moved all Kiwi Indian parts distribution Klock’s Mitchell, S.D., as part of a joint venture between the two companies.

“Brian and I are close friends who share the same work ethic and long-term vision about the future of our respective businesses,” said Tomas in a press release. The founder of Kiwi Indian remains the sole owner of the company currently based in Riverside, Calif.

Both Klock and Kiwi have participated in televised custom build-offs and continue to garner their share of magazine coverage. The two builders say they have a mutual respect between one and other and both have a desire to share designs and concepts in an effort to keep innovating.

“This is a project Mike, my wife Laura and I have talked about for three years, so in light of the economy, yes it’s a good move. But more so there’s an interest for both entities in working more efficiently and a desire to be gentlemen of the industry,” said Brian Klock. “I have long held Mike and his wife Carolyn in high regard for their upstanding moral outlook on business; thus Laura, I, and our team at Klock Werks are proud to be associated with them.”

Both companies are still financially strong, the release stated and the venture makes Kiwi’s parts line more centrally located providing access to parts distribution routes, and positions him to more easily reach many industry events.

“One warehouse, better shipping contracts, and improved customer service are all goals we hope for,” Tomas said. “Yes, growth and change are difficult in any setting, let alone a down economy. Our families and teams have prayed for guidance and thought the time was right. We all are smiling about this new venture and look forward to the challenges ahead. The camaraderie that is motorcycling lives on!”

Tomas added that his company has and will continue to put quality ahead of price. “Our level of product testing and development tops efforts of classic Indian companies around the world. Our parts are designed for the Indian owner that rides, including myself,” he said.

Kiwi Indian manufactured crankcases and Kiwi supplied cylinders were recently approved for SCTA land speed racing. The company’s catalog features a detailed collection of exploded view drawings of every assembly of the motorcycle, clear descriptions and accurate year of fitment, ever created.

Ok, you “want-to-be” film makers, commentators and up and coming actors.  Here is your opportunity to shine. RockMoto is rolling out a creative idea to get you want-to-be actors or film makers working on something that can put some cash in your pockets.  Create a short video about what can be done on a motorcycle or scooter with a single tank of gas in one day. In 5 minutes or less, show what you would do, where you would go, who you would meet in one day on one tank. If you don’t have access to a motorcycle or scooter, use what you have: a bicycle with a cardboard motorcycle outline, animation, anything that will get your idea across. All we ask is that if you do show a motorcycle rider or passenger, they are wearing protective gear – including a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and shoes – and not breaking any laws. You’ll have to submit your work as a video response to their contest video on Rockmoto’s contest video listed on YouTube (www.youtube.com/rockmoto) by December 31, 2009. Oh yeah, and the prize: $1,000 cash for 1st place, $500 each for 2 runners up and $250 each for 3 honorable mentions.  If you want to find out more or have questions, email RockMoto at onetankoneday@rockmoto.com.  Good luck!

We saw this over at our friend Cyril Huze site and had to say “about time!”.  Cool styling and definitely “retro” influences.  Granted some may not like it but for the type builds rolling out of the doors at Guilty Customs, this fits the bill big time!  Wimmer has added this product to their ever growing inventory of intakes and air cleaners.  This one specifically replaces the S&S teardrop model. You just remove the S&S cover and replace the filter with this new oversized one along with the new cover. It is CNC machined billet and it’s intake fits all S&S carburetors and is available in several finishes. So you can mix and match to your hearts content. The “lifetime” filter is easy to service and with an MSRP starting at $225.00, you can’t go wrong. Check it out at their site, HERE.

Everyone knows that “milk does a body good“. That tag line has been used for years on commercials from the milk industry.  HOWEVER a Russian photographer named Andrey Razumovsky has taken this phrase to a whole other level, with these creative and tastefully done portraits of women in “milk dresses”. Ok we’re still trying to figure out how he did it (other than image manipulation of course).  But his approach definitely has inspired this ole guy to start drinking more milk.  Or at least asking the miss to indulge me with a glass.  Of course this whole project forces me to ask the question, “how do you hang that dress in the closet?” You can check out more of his work HERE