Chopper Kulture

Authentic premium quality lights

Designed by award-winning custom bike builder Mario Kyprianides, Chopper Kulture E-approved H4 headlights and LED taillights and turn signals are available in a selection of polished or black body with brass or polished bezel combinations.

The headlights have an outer diameter of 5” (125mm with 4.8”/122mm depth) and headlight unit visible diameter of 3 5/8” (92mm). Made from 7075 billet aluminum in a polished, gloss black or flat black finish, with a matching aluminum or polished brass bezel, the bottom-mount bracket enables them to be installed on virtually all lower triple tree plates.

The taillights are in billet aluminum in a polished, gloss black or flat black finish, with a matching aluminum or polished brass bezel. They are mounted with a single 1/4” bolt and bundled wiring by drilling two holes in the fender and are 2” (50mm) in overall diameter and 2” (50mm) deep.

The turn signals are also available in a variety of anodized finishes and blend a combination of aluminum and brass bodies with the kind of bezel detail normally found on much larger headlight trims; they measure 2 1/4” (57mm) long, 1 1/8” (28,5mm) deep and have a diameter of 27,6mm. Sold in sets of two, they are a simple bolt-on install for almost any motorcycle.

CHOPPER KULTURE
www.chopperkulture.com

Hyperpro

Stock replacement rising rate springs

Internationally well known for their sportbike and streetbike suspensions, Dutch specialist Hyperpro has had Harley-Davidson (and more recently Indian Motorcycle) model-specific suspension applications in its line-up ever since the company began in business in 1993.

Their range includes stock replacement and performance upgrade rear shock absorbers and rising rate/progressively wound shock absorber springs, front suspension springs, full front end suspension kits and one of the best known and most widely used steering damper programs in the market.

Seen here, springs are where the company started, and they still regard their front fork and rear shock absorber spring sets as a core competency.
Hyperpro rising rate progressive front fork springs “provide your bike a lot of comfort while riding, a shorter braking distance and prevent the bike from bottoming out,” says International Sales and Marketing VP Jan Belder.
“Together with the specially formulated oil that comes with the springs – an oil that is blended to our own precise requirements – we create better controlled damping, which results in a much more comfortable feeling while riding on the straight and while cornering. It is all about confidence and consistent, reliable and predictable response.
Our rising rate progressive rear spring sets can be mounted on the original shocks for a hugely noticeable and immediate improvement. Due to the rising rate design of the springs, they also give a comfortable feeling in all conditions and riding circumstances, from the wet to the dry, solo, two-up, with or without luggage, the spring rate will automatically adjust for every need of the suspension. Together with a set of progressive front fork springs, it gives the bike its needed balance and much more stability.
Hyperpro front fork and rear shock absorber springs are available for Sportster, Dyna, Touring, VRSC, XR and Street models. The company has 25 employees, a 10,000 sq ft (1,000 sq m) facility at Werkendam in southern Holland, and is exporting to more than 40 countries around the world.

HYPERPRO
www.hyperpro.com

W&W Cycles

W&W Cycles – always attending
to the details

Samwel Flathead frames
The European made reproduction 45” Flathead style frames seen here are from Samwel Supplies of the Netherlands – a well-known and leading old style parts manufacturer. They can be used as a stock replacement or as a basis for a scratch build bobber or chopper and fit 45”/750cc solo models from 1941 to 1952. Made in steel and drop-forged steel and available in black powder-coated finish.

‘Slant’ RSD exhaust systems
These ‘Slant’ 2:1 exhaust systems are designed by Roland Sands Design (RSD) in satin finish stainless steel with race style spring secured muffler connections. Manufactured for RSD by Vance & Hines, they have drilled heat shields and slash-cut carbon end caps; suitable for 2004 and up Sportsters (not homologated in Europe yet), they have a 1 ¾” header.

 

LED inserts and spotlights
As LED based lamps are get more popular, these E1 approved 12v 5 ¾” LED inserts allow traditional optics to be maintained with all the durability and benefits of bright LED technology. Features include clear polycarbonate lenses, chrome-coloured edging and shade borders.
Also seen here, these steel, ECE approved 12v custom LED spotlights are similar to the classic 1962 and up spotlights, but with updated technology. They feature E13-approved LED inserts for a state-of-the-art lighting performance. Available chromed or black, with tinted LED lamp insert and mounting block.

 

Daytona indicator lights
Daytona Beta 12v indicator light units are precision made micro LED indicator light units which feature a durable, strong billet aluminum housing with five LED indicators for turn signals, oil, high beam and neutral; they come with a stainless steel bracket for universal installation; available chromed or black.

 

‘Zeus’ USB charger socket
From Pangea Speed, this 5v/1.5A 60mm ‘Zeus’ USB charger socket and switch has a strong, durable billet aluminum housing with built-in bracket and stand-off spacer to make them easy to mount nearly anywhere. A rubber lid keeps out dirt and water when the charger is not in use; comes with 120 cm wires, mounting bolt and wire terminals.

 

Brillman accessories
W&W have added a number of USA made Brillman accessories, including these 7mm vintage ignition wires with old school style braided cotton 16-gauge spark plug wire for custom cable fabrication. It contains modern PVC insulation and stranded copper for top performance – note though that copper core wires should not be used with electronic ignitions other than Dyna “S”; 12 color versions available. Brillman’s vintage ignition wire terminals for vintage style braided cotton spark plug wires are available in a wide selection of fittings and terminals – including fork, ring, snap and hook types. 

Also seen here, Brillman’s 24mm old style 180-degree coil boots protect plug cables’ connectors from the elements and the hands from electric strikes; made in black rubber. Brillman 6mm brass spark plug thumb nuts connect the ignition wires to the threaded studs of the stock spark plugs when using vintage style terminals, while their 13mm magneto thumb nuts are in classic bakelite to connect the ground wire that comes from the kill switch to the magneto’s interrupter housing. 

 

Bates handlebars
New W&W handlebar options include these German made Bates 77cm wide by 35.5 cm high ‘Long Beach’ and 91 cm by 16.5 cm high ‘Big Sur’ designs in chromed or black powder-coated or bare finish 3mm wall thickness steel. Available with W1 plain or W2 cable routing, with or without dimples, for 1981 and 1982 and up applications.

 

DBBP Wave Bars
These 67 cm DBBP Wave Bars by Dutch based customizer Mark van der Kwaak feature “distinctive design and meticulous craftsmanship” with a cast center piece low mounting on the upper triple tree - directly bolting to the upper crown without risers for a sleek look. 

Biltwell ‘Utility’ mirrors
These 98mm stem length ‘Utility’ mirrors by Biltwell are made in die-cast aluminum with a stainless steel ball joint. The threaded base accepts a 5/16-18 stainless steel button cap Allen bolt for easy mounting on a wide range of stock and aftermarket hand controls; available chromed or matt black.

W&W CYCLES AG
www.wwag.com

Biker Fest (aka Italian Bike Week)

Biker Fest 2018 to host AMD World Championship affiliate custom bike show

The 32nd annual Biker Fest (aka Italian Bike Week) at Lignano Sabbiadoro, on the Adriatic coast of Italy, north of Venice, will be staged from 10 - 13 May 2018, again hosting the Italian Custom Bike Championship finals, the official affiliate round of the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building for Italy.

This year saw thousands of bikers descend on Lignano Sabbiadoro for one of Europe’s oldest custom bike events, the brainchild of father and son team Moreno and Micke Persello, creators of the original Chopper and Custom Show at Padua back in the 1990s and publishers of leading Italian custom lifestyle magazine Biker’s Life.
Next year will be the seventh time the ever-popular Biker Fest will play host to the climax of the 12 city/event Italian Bike Championship with no less than four builders winning 1,000.00 euro each of expenses to compete at ‘AMD XIII’ at INTERMOT ‘Customized’ in Cologne, Germany, in October 2018.

Over 100 bikes in total were on display at the impressive Terrazza Mare, and classes will again include Freestyle, Modified Harley-Davidson, Metric, Streetfighter/Sportsbike, Cafe Racer, Scrambler, Bagger and Old Style, with the three ‘Best in Show’ winners and ‘Public Vote’ pick scooping the ‘AMD’ prize money being put up by the show organizers.

Best in Show, Italian Motorcycle Championship, 2017

With a larger vendor presence at the event this year, an expanded additional “customizer” vendor area was set up opposite the Terrazza (in addition to the usual vendor lot at Luna Park) where there were opportunities for builders and custom shops to present their work - a new feature in 2016 that is developing into a popular opportunity for custom builders to connect with the over 35,000 riders who attend.
Exhibitors backing Biker Fest in 2017 included Custom Chrome Europe, Motorcycle Storehouse, Free Spirits, Italian suspension specialists Andreani and Bitubo, Asso Special Bike and motorcycle manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, BMW, Honda, Aprilia, Ducati (Scrambler) and Moto Guzzi.
www.bikerfest.it

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Bigger Barber

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Barber Motorsports Park at Birmingham, Alabama, has made major facility improvements.
An additional 85,000 sq ft of space has been added to the Barber Museum, making it more than a quarter of a million sq ft in total – said to be the largest motorcycle museum in the world, housing the largest collection of motorcycles in the world (over 1,400 and counting), the museum drew 270,000 visitors last year.

The 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, housing the 2,300 sq ft Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Two new pedestrian bridges give access to the infield areas within the 16-turn, 2.38 mile, 45-foot wide race track, and a newly constructed Barber Proving Grounds complex includes a multi-configurable track, classrooms, wet/dry skid pad, obstacle course and 50-acre off-road course.
With its creative architecture and great attention to detail, the museum showcases over 100 years of motorcycle production. More than 650 bikes can be seen on any given day, and 200 different manufacturers from 20 countries are represented in the collection—from Harley-Davidson, Honda and Indian to Showa, DSK and Cagiva.

Facilities include 25,000 sq ft of meeting space and a 74-seat multimedia theatre

The motorcycle collection started with the first acquisitions in 1988 and includes around 100 Harleys, with 99 percent of all the bikes in the collection said to be able to run within an hour of prep; the only machines that do not run are the wood and unattainable replicas.
Efforts are made to restore each machine to its original specifications. Some machines bear period modifications – “with the diversity of the collection, some inconsistencies are inevitable, yet we continuously add to our research library and discover and correct inconsistencies.

The 2.38 mile, 45-foot wide road racing track

At any one time, more than 600 motorcycles are on display in the museum – “we have many bikes in storage, and museum guests can view this area of the collection during large events and when purchasing a Premium Museum Tour, which includes the Restoration Level.
“There have been over 2,500 bike manufacturers around the world since 1900. We have purchased from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, and we have 216 different manufacturers represented from 20 different countries.

Proving Grounds track with wet skid pad and classroom overlooking the track

“The vision for the museum began as a car collection and then took on the role of motorcycle collection. But cars were never forgotten. The museum has focused primarily on Lotus race cars, although other cars are exhibited.”
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit, with proceeds going to local and national charities, to generate positive publicity for the region and to attract visitors to Birmingham, Alabama, from across the country and around the world.
www.barbermuseum.org

AIMExpo 2017 review part 4

Avon Tyres: The leading custom motorcycle tire manufacturer has added to its ever-popular Cobra range of touring tires with two new fronts (130/60B19 and 130/60B21) and two new rears (160/70B17 and 180/55B18). A firm favorite with custom shops and custom bike builders, Avon’s Cobras were introduced in 2007 as a replacement line for the venerable Venoms. Described as delivering “style and performance for cruisers, customs and tourers,” they are backed by Avon’s Road Hazard warranty program and 15,000-mile warranty; www.avonmoto.com

 

Beringer: Noted worldwide for its manufacturing quality, French made Beringer brake calipers and rotors, 6-piston Aerotec and 4 and 6-piston radial calipers are sold to leading custom shops and bike builders worldwide; www.beringer-brakes.com

 

S&S Cycle: This is proving to be a big year for the legendary Viola, Wisconsin based purveyor of “Proven Performance” as it continues a product blitz that has seen them move seamlessly from items such as M-8 cams and install kits right through to the 50-state legal MK 45 muffler/header ‘El Dorado’ performance exhaust system package for ‘09-’16 Harley touring models. Shipping complete with optimized and matched Power Tune headers and a set of 4.5” MK45 mufflers fitted with the latest S&S designed high flow cat technology. By placing the cat in the muffler, it is insulated and moved away from the rider’s legs, while maintaining its high flow and emissions reducing characteristics. Backed by a California Air Resources Board ‘Executive Order’ (EO# K-010), it “combines clean styling and an authoritative note with increased torque and horsepower.” Described as a bolt-on install that doesn’t require tuning, the ‘El Dorado’ package is available for ‘09-’16 touring models in show quality chrome or black ceramic finish with choice of S&S ‘Tracer’ or ‘Thruster’ style exhaust tips. M-8 applications are due for release very soon; www.sscycle.com

 

Amsoil: This year saw the death of founder Al Amatuzio, 93, a former fighter pilot of distinction and a man widely regarded as one of the pioneers in terms of bringing synthetic lubricants to the automotive industry. The Superior, Wisconsin based company added to its motorcycle product line this year with a new V-twin synthetic motorcycle oil, in 15W-60 viscosity, as a premium alternative option to manufacturer-branded oils for Victory and Indian Scout applications. The company says that this catalytic converter compatible formulation has been “engineered to protect critical components operating in the high-heat conditions commonly found in hard working engines. Fortified with a premium anti-wear and oxidation-inhibitor additive package to reduce wear regardless of operating conditions, it remains thermally stable and extremely resistant to breakdown”; www.amsoil.com

 

Antigravity Batteries: More than just a battery manufacturer, the Los Angeles, California based manufacturer is a purveyor of advanced power solutions, with the top-of-the-range American made, ultra-lightweight YTX12 24-cell lithium ion motorcycle battery said to be the “highest power lithium nano-phosphate motorsport battery ever made.” At just 5 lbs it is said to deliver a weight saving of up to 14 lbs in motorcycles, and despite its compact 5.82” x 3.4” x 5.12” design, it can produce a massive 720 cranking amps. It features all-brass terminals and comes with a 3-year warranty. Also check out the company’s 6-volt 8-cell lithium-ion battery - lightweight and small enough to fit all horseshoe type oil tanks or early battery boxes – and the small but powerful MicroStart jump starter and portable power solution; www.antigravitybatteries.com 

Design Engineering Inc: Recent new products from the Avon Lake, Ohio based thermal and acoustic barrier specialist include ‘Titanium’ exhaust wrap in a sleeve and Generation III exhaust heat shields; www.deipowersports.com

 

Kibblewhite Precision Machining: The leading Californian valvetrain manufacturer has brought a slew of product design updates to the market for Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight Touring model engines. Wound from a blend of chrome silicon wire designed specifically for performance valvetrain, KPMI high-performance replacement and high-lift beehive spring kits allow the choice of aggressive cam profiles, with lifts of up to .550” for performance builds that the stock springs wouldn’t be able to cope with reliably. KPMI ‘Black Diamond’ intake and exhaust valves are said to offer combined weight savings of approximately 6.8 g over the OEM components, reducing wear and tear on the rest of the valvetrain and allowing the engine to rev higher. KPMI also offers ‘White Diamond’ Inconel exhaust valves for extreme duty applications with high exhaust gas temperatures; www.kpmi.us

 

Ride Wright Wheels: The Anaheim, California based spoke wheel manufacturer describes its premium “Fat 30-Round-02s” 30-spoke custom motorcycle wheels as a “solid investment that now come as standard with our real steel Omega rims. The steel format is intended for professional builders and for those who want to customize their motorcycle using the strength and reliability of American steel”; www.ridewrightwheels.com

Arlen Ness

‘Monster Sucker’ kits with patented ‘Hidden Breather’ technology

Available with or without forged billet covers, Arlen Ness ‘Monster Sucker’ air cleaner kits feature their patented Big Sucker ‘Hidden Breather’ technology and more filter surface area for maximum performance.

The ‘Hidden Breathers’ are O-ringed at the heads and exit out of the mouth of the throttle body to provide efficient engine breathing, eliminating the need for any external hoses or hardware.

The filter features a built-in inverted top to pull in air not only from all sides of the filter but also from the front, “which results in more performance-gaining airflow”. Each re-usable filter is constructed from synthetic material that is water resistant, which in most cases eliminates the need for a rain sock and does not require oil – just rinse and re-use.
They fit with fairing lowers and are available in a choice of finishes - 10-Gauge, chrome or black, beveled chrome or black and Deep Cut chrome or black, with optional forged covers to match.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com

Twin Power

Twin Power V-twin lubricants

Manufactured, blended and bottled in the USA from 100% U.S. sourced components, this new line of Twin Power lubricants is “ready for the demanding performance of American V-twin motorcycles.”

The new line includes a 25W60 premium engine oil, 20W50 synthetic engine oil, Sportster transmission fluid primary chain lube, semi-synthetic transmission oil, transmission gear lube and fork oil.
“We had the lubricants evaluated using four industry standard tests, and the final results showed that our oils tested superior to other competitive oils on the market,” said James Simonelli, Brand Manager for Twin Power. The four tests were the Falex Pin & V Block Test, Four Ball Wear Test, NOACK Volatility Test and Viscosity Index Test.
The new range comes in heavy gauge, wide mouth bottles that feature foil sealed caps and color-coded labels and caps for easy product identification. “Each lubricant has been manufactured from superior base stock that provides more consistent viscosity, extreme wear resistance and increased stability at high temperatures.”
The engine oils exceed JASO MA2 specification, providing increased shear stability, film strength and clutch performance, which allows them to be used in wet clutch and transmission applications if desired.

BIKER’S CHOICE
www.twinpower-usa.com
www.bikerschoice.com