S&S® Cycle, enjoyed an incredibly successful 50th Anniversary Celebration this past June 27-29. The city of La Crosse played host to approximately 30,000 visitors as riders came in from across the country and around the world to commemorate the occasion. The weekend, hosted by the Smith family (owners of S&S) was planned over a year ago and involved 50 world-class builders using 50 limited production anniversary engines to build 50 unique custom bikes and to compete for $50,000 in S&S product credit. “Not only was it a success for S&S because of all that support, the entire community benefited, and several local charities including the Oktoberfest Committee, Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Museum, and Riverfront, Inc. were the beneficiaries of over $100,000 in combined charitable fund raising”, said Smith. Additional photo’s will be showing up as winners start bragging about their wins and magazines start publishing the builds. Now, onto the fun part of the weekend, the winners of the show! P-Series
Krugger Motorcycles
Well, lets try and sum up this years SmokeOut at the Franklin Drag Strip. Partly Sunny Skies. Cops. Cool Bikes. Super Builders and Vendors. Late Night Shenanigans. Sleeping Late. Turkey Legs. Cops. BYOB. Cool Bands. Great Drags. Cops. New Friends. Old Friends. Cops. Tickets. Anvil Toss. Wet T-Shirt Contest. Cops. Great Local Food. Nice locals. Super riding. Cops. Pretty much summed up this years Horse Smoke Out. Can’t say any more. Oh, did we say Cops!
Malcolm Smith teams with Brenda Fox in leading the Bike for Breast Cancer Awareness. When: Thursday August 7, 2008. Where: Top 50 Rally Park during this year Sturgis Bike Week.
Malcolm Smith, one of the most multi-faceted competitors ever to take to the dirt wowed fans for over three decades with numerous trips to the victory podium. His racing career included six Baja 1000 victories, four Baja 500 wins, eight gold medals at the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) and a collection of four-wheel victories. However, it was his co-starring role in the 1971 moto movie epic On Any Sunday that garnered him the most recognition. Produced by Bruce Brown and Steve McQueen, the movie helped launch America’s love affair with dirt biking – and introduced Malcolm to scores of new fans.
This year’s event will benefit Brenda Fox, a motorcycle journalist and spokesperson for women in motorcycling. Brenda has been battling with breast cancer issues and rising medical bills. This year’s ride and charity auction proceeds will assist her in getting through this difficult time, allowing the industry to give back to the woman who has helped so many motorcycle builders and parts manufacturers. The ride begins at 12.00 noon. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the registration fee is $15 per person.
Never to be deterred, our friend Robbie “Kaptain” Knievel jumped a total of 24 delivery trucks Saturday at Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason Ohio. As most fans know Robbie’s dad, Evel Knievel passed away last year at the age of 69. Back in 1975, Evel had jumped his bike 115 feet, over 14 buses, at Kings Island. Robbie, now 46 years old, continues his father’s legacy. In fact, he is said to be considering attempt at jumping the Snake River Canyon, which his father also tried (and failed…) in 1974. Evel Knievel made daredevil history when he jumped 14 Greyhound buses in 1975 at Kings Island. Although Robbie hit just shy of the 231 feet he needed to break the world distance record he set in 1998, he did break the record for jumping Coke Zero trucks. His record for trucks was 19. Congrats Robbie! Now, where’s that bottle of Advil!!!
If your a fan of the 70’s Rock’n Roll and had the opportunity to attend concerts of such bands as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynard, Steve Miller, Pink FLoyd and of course KISS, you’ll be anxious to see them again at this years 68th Sturgis Bike Week (August 4-10). Glencoe Nations Rock’n the Rally, is bring the group to Sturgis August 4th for what could become “the night that rocked Sturgis“. Currently in the midst of a sold-out European arena and stadium tour, KISS will make a stateside detour to Sturgis with the one-of-a-kind stage show for which they’re known.
KISS invented stadium rock in the 70’s with their sci-fi Kabuki costumes and make-up, explosive theatrics and, of course, their trademark platform boots. In their extensive world tours, they’ve attracted the most rabid fans: The KISS Army. Now celebrating thirty-five years of rockin’ the globe, KISS founders GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY, along with longtime band members guitarist TOMMY THAYER and drummer ERIC SINGER, vow to bring to Sturgis the time-honored KISS spectacular that has made their performances legendary.
Tickets to the KISS performance on Aug. 4 in Sturgis, S.D. are available at www.startickets.com or 1-800-345-9213. Glencoe camping information and additional lineup announcements may be found at Rock’n the Rally’s website: rockntherally.com.
As a friend of Rick Fairless i’m always excited to hear what he’s up to (He’s recently returned from a trip to Greece, which should include some funny “country meets Greece” stories). This years Sturgis event will also be something to talk about for fans of Rick. One lucky winner will have the chance to spend an entire afternoon during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with Rick Fairless, on the first annual “Ride With Rick.” All money raised for the ride will benefit Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. “I meet thousands of people every year during the Sturgis rally and I never get to spend much time with any of them,” said Fairless. “People travel a long way to come meet me and this is my way of thanking them- by spending my entire afternoon with them out on the road.” “Ride With Rick” will take place during the rally on Sunday, August 3rd. To make this ride an extra special experience, the winner will be provided with a new Big Dog Motorcycle to enjoy for the afternoon, along with a complimentary Big Dog Motorcycles riding jacket. Together the group will tour the beautiful Black Hills, making stops in Lead, Deadwood, and Spearfish before ending the tour back at Rick’s Strokers Sturgis at Thunder Road.
Raffle tickets for “Ride With Rick” are only $10 each and are available at Strokers Dallas, or can be purchased in the online store at www.strokersdallas.com. All money raised through the sale of tickets will benefit Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. One winner will be drawn July 15th and need not be present to win. Winner is responsible for their own transportation to and from Sturgis, as well as any additional room/board expenses. Winner must have a valid motorcycle license and will be required to wear a DOT approved helmet while riding the provided Big Dog Motorcycle.
This event over the years, has become one of the industries little “BIG” happenings. Granted, it doesn’t have the massive number of attendees or in a location some would go to (ie no beaches). But, it is one of the most “real” events we’ve had the privilege of attending for the past few years. Builders whether professional or amateur come to the Smoke-Out East to see what real everyday people are riding; see upcoming trends in design and catch new products from some of the industries most talented craftsmen. You’ll see people like Fab Kevin, Led Sled Customs, Lucky Charm Choppers, Ice Cream Man from Hell, Jail House Choppers, Hank Young, Deviant Designs, Billy Lane and others (yeah Guilty Customs will be there too) who attend regularly.
This years event finds the Horse changing locations to the Farmington Dragway (off of I-40 near where I-77 cross), as well as expanding the venue to include drag racing (average Joe’s drags and no prizes) and on-sight camping. It’s still “No one under 18 allowed” and will feature the regular topless bike washes and bull riding, t-shirt contests (t-shirts optional), a home built chopper show, camping, the Horse’s chop off, and ton’s of vendors and custom builders displaying their creations will be present. The dates are:
Friday June 20th - starting at 5 pm and going to 11pm
Saturday June 21st - 10 am to 11pm
Sunday 10 am to 3 pm
Cost to enter will be as follows:
Wristband good for Fri, Sat and Sunday: $35 per person at the gate, $ 30 if you pre-register.
Saturday Only - $ 30 per person at the gate, there is no pre-registration rate for Sat only wristbands.
Sunday Only - $ 15 per person at the gate, there is no pre-registration rate for Sun only wristbands.
For more information go to The Horse Smoke-Out Rally site HERE.
As a participant in the inaugural “Limpnickie Lot” happenin’ at this years Daytona Bike Week, the “Guilty Gang” got to set up shop with some of the industries best and brightest. No ego’s, or stupid “posturing”, just guys looking to show their builds, have fun, make new or see old friends and enjoy the company of other builders. It was those of us that wanted to bring these events back to their roots….the people! So, we couldn’t think of ANY place else we’d want to be during Sturgis than with these same builders at the Limpnicki Lot at The Broken Spoke.
The Broken Spoke Saloon will bring the Limpnicki Lot to the X & Y generation by welcoming to the Broken Spoke Campground, those builders who enjoy building old school bikes, riding dirt bikes, skate boarding, flat track racing etc and all while listening to high energy music featuring alternative rock ‘n roll, punk bands, etc. “The “Limpnickie Lot” is all about generation X & Y, the two next generations of motorcyclists doing what they love to do. It’s more than just a place to hang out, it’s a place to get involved and have fun doing stuff” said Jay Allen, owner of the Broken Spoke.
“The Limpnickie Lot” will feature builders working on bikes and cool projects that are changing the industry as a whole. “There are no appearance fees here, just us, our bikes, our crew, our skateboards, our dirt bikes- just us” explains Limpnickie founder and owner of Nash Motorcycle Company Taber Nash. The “Limpnickie Lot” is located inside the Broken Spoke Campground and is taking reservations now for RV spaces, cabins and good old-fashioned camping grounds. The campground and the Biker Pool will operate from August 1 -10, 2008. Special early reservations apply, only $99 per person until June 15th. You can book now by going to RESERVATIONS or call (866) 754-2526.
Women, motorcycles, food, entertainment, free gifts and riding in Daytona. What could be better! Seems Vicki Gray of MOTORESS.com,has team up with Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona along with The Bikers Guide and Image Makers Advertising to bring to women riders the first annual celebration in the Volucia County area. The event starts at 6:30PM (note, the time) at Rossmeyer’s in Ormond Beach, FL where there will be safety seminars, fashion shows, bike contest, raffles, give-a-ways, live entertainment and riding exhibitions by Daytona H-D Drill Team. From Destination Daytona, a police escorted Moonlight Ride will leave at 9:00pm, traveling to Main Street via the Main Street Bridge. Attendees can register to win a 3 day/2 night weekend getaway. The first 250 women riders participating in the Moonlight Ride will receive Welcome Bags upon their arrival. More than 10 bars and restaurants on Main Street will be open for celebration into the night.
Fab Kevin makes some cool stuff! One of the coolest products is this slick little set up to hide the battery inside the primary. While this isn’t new, it is worth considering if you’re looking for that product that can give your build the “stealth and cool” feature. It’s his “Battery-In-A-Box” kit where you can put a small battery right inside a BDL primary for Evo’s or Shovel 4 speeds. Pretty slick. Of course this is using a small moto-cross battery (you have to bring your own). Included in the kit is the battery box with clamp and rubber isolator pad, outer plate to hide the battery, and the associated mounting hardware, stand-offs, etc. Retail Price-$325.00. You can find them at Fab Kevin’s site HERE.
So, if your planning (or wishing) on going to Sturgis this year why not go on someone else’s “dime“! The folks at Sturgisbikerallynews are giving some lucky person the chance of having an all expense paid trip to “biker heaven” this year. Here are the details. Log onto www.SturgisBikeweek.com and register. The drawing will be July 4th, 2008. The Grand Prize Winner will receive $500 in Cash, 2 VIP Wristbands for Glencoe CampResort, Free Admission to all events at Rock’n the Rally, Free Admission to ThunderRoad, plus a $300 shopping spree at the Sturgis Bike Week Superstore in downtown Sturgis. An additional 50 winners will receive a Limited Edition Sturgis Bike Week 2008 t-shirt. Now, that’s a sweet deal!
If you keep up with economics (or even the current gas prices) your more than aware that times are tight. And the custom motorcycle/parts business isn’t immune to the slow down in the economy. Just take a look at the amount of shops closing over the past 2 yrs. So, part of any smart business owners plans for survival should include some form of diversification of income streams. Which is where Colleen Swartz comes into the picture. You’ve probably recognized that name as the attractive freelance motorcycle photographer who regularly contributes to magazines such as Cycle Source, The Horse, American Iron and many others. Due to her connections in the industry as well as insight into the needs of builders, Colleen has started a new business called “Master Link International” for the purposes of exporting custom motorcycle parts overseas.
The idea behind the venture is pretty simple. Builders here in the states hate shipping oversea! Especially small shop. We just don’t have the manpower, resources, time, money etc! You have to deal with shipping, taxes, tariffs, governmental regulations, insurance, language barriers, etc etc….you get the idea. So after talking with an initial group of builders (Leroy Thompson, Fab Kevin’s, Guilty Customs, Kundratic Kustoms, Matt Daniels Union Cycle, Nash Motorcycles, Walter Siegl, led Sled Customs, Cook Customs and Rich Phillips) who all expressed frustration as well as wanting ways to widen our income opportunities, Colleen teamed up with Eiji Kumagai who worked as a Harley mechanic while in the states; was from Japan and recently having returned to Japan, is working in one of Japan’s largest and well known chopper shops, Satsuma Cycle Works. Satsuma will be our exclusive dealer of “Made in the USA” parts to Japan and will be sharing space with Master Link at shows to display the parts from participating builders. So, as of March 17th 2008, the first shipment of parts left the US headed for the Joints Chopper Show in Nagoya Japan on April 20th, 2008.
Colleens plans for Master Link are to firm up relationships with dealers in Europe, New Zealand and Australia along with any other opportunities that come her way. If you would like more information on how to become part of Master Link International, you can contact them at Colleen@digitalmagicbigshots.com. Or by phone at 414-380-9005.
If you’ve seen the other film works from Scott Di Lanna and Zack Coffman (ie. Choppertown, The Sinners), you probably have some high expectations of their newest film called “Brittown“ The Brittown DVD is coming out next week (March 27th) and the premiere showing is in San francisco at the Roxie Cinema, (located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, at 3117 16th Street between Valencia and Guerrero). Showtime is 6:30pm, 8:30pm and 10:30pm. There is FREE parking for motorcycles in front of the theater. Tickets are available online or at the door.
You’ve undoubtedly heard the rumbling already with over 50 builders vying for bragging rights at S&S’s 50th Anniversary Event happening June 27th to June 29th, 2008. (with some preliminary events taking place on Thursday, June 26th as well). The official location will be at the Oktoberfest grounds adjacent to the Mississippi River in downtown La Crosse, WI, (other venues are offered throughout the region as well). Several motorcycle-related and general interest events are already planned such as S&S facility tours, the 50 builder/50 bike build-off for $50,000, dyno shoot-outs and street drags, historical rides, a La Crosse Area Harley-Davidson® sponsored ride, La Crosse City Brewery tours, riverboat tours and cruises, concerts, baseball games, fireworks, and much more. “When I think back to 1979, when I joined the business, who would have thought that we would have 50 builders from all around the world building motorcycles to participate in a competition celebrating our 50th,” said S&S Chairman of the Board, George Smith.
Just some of the builders participating: Kiwi Motorcycles, Kris Krome, Bill Dodge, Chica, Cook Customs, Sucker Punch, Kim Suter, Redneck Engineering, Donnie Smith, Brian Klock, Kendall Johnson, PCC, Rick Fairless, Scott Long, and the list goes on and on! George, you and your crew should be commended for building the best engines in the business and having probably one of the industries most anticipated event for 2008. See ya’ll there!
With the “2nd half” of Bike Week has started for us here at the Limpnicki Lot at Stone Edge Skate Park, and we’ve been part of some cool activities, watched celebrities work on one of our bikes, attended worthy fundraisers. One such fundraiser was the Biker Fusion party at The Dog House where the builders (and crowd) raised money for the “Soldiers’ Angels Fund“. This was the biggest group of custom builders ever seen on one stage to show support for the troops. (and yeah, we’re in there, right besides Dave Perewitz, Roland Sands and Biker Chick Athena).
We watched as Ami James (from Miami Ink) tried his hand at pin-striping one of Guilty Customs newest builds called “1/2 Pint” under the watchful and encouraging eye of famed painter and pinstripper George Sedaki. Ami’s talents as a tattoo artist really did help him in his first ever venture into pinstripping. Great job Ami! Thanks. Traditional activities included 25 or so of us from the “Limpnicki Lot” riding to check out Willy’s Tropical Tattoo’s bike show. Some other activities (note: we were “innocent by-standers” for all activities) such as parking lot burn-outs, getting ladies to sit on Lucky Charms custom “Vibrator equipped” seat for free shirts or having Ralph Randolph (Knockout Motorcycle Co) and his guys drive their newest (and wildest) bike creation into the living room for a 3:00am “wake-up call” for all guests and neighbors to hear. We’ve even taken some serious timeout for saying hello to editors of various industry magazines (American Bagger, Hot Bike and IronWorks) and catching up with builders we respect. If your wanting to browse through more pic’s go HERE.
On a serious note. We feel very blessed to have participated in this years Daytona Bike Week and especially happy to have participated in the “Limpnicki Lot” which was put together by Tabor from Nash Motorcycles and Chris Callen the editor of Cycle Source Magazine. This one event, we feel, has the potential of bringing Daytona Bike Week back to it’s roots and we’re anxious to participate next year. Till then, ride safe!
S&S® Cycle, enjoyed an incredibly successful 50th Anniversary Celebration this past June 27-29. The city of La Crosse played host to approximately 30,000 visitors as riders came in from across the country and around the world to commemorate the occasion. The weekend, hosted by the Smith family (owners of S&S) was planned over a year ago and involved 50 world-class builders using 50 limited production anniversary engines to build 50 unique custom bikes and to compete for $50,000 in S&S product credit. “Not only was it a success for S&S because of all that support, the entire community benefited, and several local charities including the Oktoberfest Committee, Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Museum, and Riverfront, Inc. were the beneficiaries of over $100,000 in combined charitable fund raising”, said Smith. Additional photo’s will be showing up as winners start bragging about their wins and magazines start publishing the builds. Now, onto the fun part of the weekend, the winners of the show!
Well, lets try and sum up this years SmokeOut at the Franklin Drag Strip. Partly Sunny Skies. Cops. Cool Bikes. Super Builders and Vendors. Late Night Shenanigans. Sleeping Late. Turkey Legs. Cops. BYOB. Cool Bands. Great Drags. Cops. New Friends. Old Friends. Cops. Tickets. Anvil Toss. Wet T-Shirt Contest. Cops. Great Local Food. Nice locals. Super riding. Cops. Pretty much summed up this years Horse Smoke Out. Can’t say any more. Oh, did we say Cops!
Malcolm Smith teams with Brenda Fox in leading the Bike for Breast Cancer Awareness. When: Thursday August 7, 2008. Where: Top 50 Rally Park during this year Sturgis Bike Week.
This year’s event will benefit 
If your a fan of the 70’s Rock’n Roll and had the opportunity to attend concerts of such bands as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynard, Steve Miller, Pink FLoyd and of course KISS, you’ll be anxious to see them again at this years 68th Sturgis Bike Week (August 4-10). Glencoe Nations Rock’n the Rally, is bring the group to Sturgis August 4th for what could become “the night that rocked Sturgis“. Currently in the midst of a sold-out European arena and stadium tour, KISS will make a stateside detour to Sturgis with the one-of-a-kind stage show for which they’re known. 
As a friend of Rick Fairless i’m always excited to hear what he’s up to (He’s recently returned from a trip to Greece, which should include some funny “country meets Greece” stories). This years Sturgis event will also be something to talk about for fans of Rick. One lucky winner will have the chance to spend an entire afternoon during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with Rick Fairless, on the first annual “Ride With Rick.” All money raised for the ride will benefit 
This event over the years, has become one of the industries little “BIG” happenings. Granted, it doesn’t have the massive number of attendees or in a location some would go to (ie no beaches). But, it is one of the most “real” events we’ve had the privilege of attending for the past few years. Builders whether professional or amateur come to the Smoke-Out East to see what real everyday people are riding; see upcoming trends in design and catch new products from some of the industries most talented craftsmen. You’ll see people like Fab Kevin, Led Sled Customs, Lucky Charm Choppers, Ice Cream Man from Hell, Jail House Choppers, Hank Young, Deviant Designs, Billy Lane and others (yeah Guilty Customs will be there too) who attend regularly.
As a participant in the inaugural “Limpnickie Lot” happenin’ at this years Daytona Bike Week, the “Guilty Gang” got to set up shop with some of the industries best and brightest. No ego’s, or stupid “posturing”, just guys looking to show their builds, have fun, make new or see old friends and enjoy the company of other builders. It was those of us that wanted to bring these events back to their roots….the people! So, we couldn’t think of ANY place else we’d want to be during Sturgis than with these same builders at the Limpnicki Lot at The Broken Spoke. 
Women, motorcycles, food, entertainment, free gifts and riding in Daytona. What could be better! Seems Vicki Gray of 
Fab Kevin makes some cool stuff! One of the coolest products is this slick little set up to hide the battery inside the primary. While this isn’t new, it is worth considering if you’re looking for that product that can give your build the “stealth and cool” feature. It’s his “Battery-In-A-Box” kit where you can put a small battery right inside a BDL primary for Evo’s or Shovel 4 speeds. Pretty slick. Of course this is using a small moto-cross battery (you have to bring your own). Included in the kit is the battery box with clamp and rubber isolator pad, outer plate to hide the battery, and the associated mounting hardware, stand-offs, etc. Retail Price-$325.00. You can find them at Fab Kevin’s site 
So, if your planning (or wishing) on going to Sturgis this year why not go on someone else’s “dime“! The folks at Sturgisbikerallynews are giving some lucky person the chance of having an all expense paid trip to “biker heaven” this year. Here are the details. Log onto 
If you keep up with economics (or even the current gas prices) your more than aware that times are tight. And the custom motorcycle/parts business isn’t immune to the slow down in the economy. Just take a look at the amount of shops closing over the past 2 yrs. So, part of any smart business owners plans for survival should include some form of diversification of income streams. Which is where Colleen Swartz comes into the picture. You’ve probably recognized that name as the attractive freelance motorcycle photographer who regularly contributes to magazines such as Cycle Source, The Horse, American Iron and many others. Due to her connections in the industry as well as insight into the needs of builders, Colleen has started a new business called “Master Link International” for the purposes of exporting custom motorcycle parts overseas. 
If you’ve seen the other film works from Scott Di Lanna and Zack Coffman (ie. Choppertown, The Sinners), you probably have some high expectations of their newest film called 
You’ve undoubtedly heard the rumbling already with over 50 builders vying for bragging rights at 
With the “2nd half” of Bike Week has started for us here at the Limpnicki Lot at Stone Edge Skate Park, and we’ve been part of some cool activities, watched celebrities work on one of our bikes, attended worthy fundraisers. One such fundraiser was the Biker Fusion party at The Dog House where the builders (and crowd) raised money for the “Soldiers’ Angels Fund“. This was the biggest group of custom builders ever seen on one stage to show support for the troops. (and yeah, we’re in there, right besides Dave Perewitz, Roland Sands and Biker Chick Athena). 
called “1/2 Pint” under the watchful and encouraging eye of famed painter and pinstripper George Sedaki. Ami’s talents as a tattoo artist really did help him in his first ever venture into pinstripping. Great job Ami! Thanks.
Traditional activities included 25 or so of us from the “Limpnicki Lot” riding to check out Willy’s Tropical Tattoo’s bike show. Some other activities (note: we were “innocent by-standers” for all activities) such as parking lot burn-outs, getting ladies to sit on Lucky Charms custom “Vibrator equipped” seat for free shirts or having Ralph Randolph (Knockout Motorcycle Co) and his guys drive their newest (and wildest) bike creation into the living room for a 3:00am “wake-up call” for all guests and neighbors to hear. We’ve even taken some serious timeout for saying hello to editors of various industry magazines (American Bagger, Hot Bike and IronWorks) and catching up with builders we respect. If your wanting to browse through more pic’s go 
