customchoppers

Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine

Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine

My observation, is that Harley is returning to the single cam, concept, as they used to use on the pre-Twin Cam Era, i.e. EVO, Shovelhead, Panhead, engines. They have eliminated the inboard roller chain drive (inside the cam support plate), and have an easy to access, outboard roller chain drive. That is a positive development.

However, the con on this is that they have retained the pesky, PLASTIC cam chain tensioner, which is a wear item, and has to be periodically inspected and replaced or risk cratering the engine.  With the increase in power and displacement, it is going to be putting a lot more power demand on the single roller chain drive, which has a propensity to stretch over time and can negatively affect cam/valve timing. I wonder if this added power demand, will wear out the cam chain tensioner, sooner, rather, than later. It remains to be seen. I wonder if they have retained a pressed-together crankshaft which can twist out of true, as they have been known to do, on the Twin Cam engines, on a hit or miss, basis, and can crater the engine, or if they have a bolted together, stronger crankshaft, as on the pre-Twin Cam  Era, engines, which is a superior design. (more…)

By Oakley, ago

Motorcycles – Choppers vs Baggers

Motorcycles – Choppers vs Baggers

In comparing these two styles of motorcycles I’m not talking about functionality here, I’m not talking about which would be best for local rides versus cross-country riding or which would be best for senior riders. No, what I’m talking about here is which one is more likely to be considered a form of rolling art and have higher ‘Wow’ factor.

Motorcycles – Choppers vs Baggers:


This motorcycle video is about one rider’s opinion of the difference between choppers and baggers. Naturally, this is very subjective and each type of bike has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. (more…)

By biker1, ago

Chopper Ride

Chopper Ride

European choppers riding on the highway. These are some very special wicked looking choppers.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

A chopper is a type of custom motorcycle which emerged in the United States in the mid-1960s. The chopper is perhaps the most extreme of all custom styles, often using radically modified steering angles and lengthened forks for a stretched-out appearance. They can be built from an original motorcycle which is modified (“chopped”) or built from scratch. Some of the characteristic features of choppers are long front ends with extended forks often coupled with an increased rake angle, hardtail frames (frames without rear suspension), very tall “ape hanger” or very short “drag” handlebars, lengthened or stretched frames, and larger than stock front wheels. The “sissy bar”, a set of tubes that connect the rear fender with the frame, and which are often extended several feet high, is a signature feature on many choppers.

Perhaps the best known choppers are the two customized Harley-Davidsons, the “Captain America” and “Billy Bike”, seen in the 1969 film Easy Rider. (more…)

By Oakley, ago

California girls motorcycle accident

California girls motorcycle accident

California motorcycle group arranged a fun, all-girl ride along the beach in southern California. The fun turned to frightful, however, when an accident left multiple people injured. Most of the riders were wearing protective gear, however, so injuries were minimized.

30+ riders (mostly female) got together for a group ride from Anaheim, CA to Long Beach CA. Shortly after getting on the 91 W Fwy, a car in the right lane got rear ended, skid out of control across the freeway causing several riders to crash. Three riders were taken to the hospital and are expected to fully recover. (more…)

By Oakley, ago

Ironhorse Texas Chopper for Sale

Ironhorse Texas Chopper for Sale

***Now SOLD

2006 Texas Chopper

This great-looking bike was my personal bike that I sold about two years ago. The current owner, who lives in Washington state is getting ready to buy a home and needs to sell it. Below are a few current pictures of the bike as well as links to a couple of my videos where I was riding the bike around San Diego. This is a 2006 American iron horse Texas chopper. Of the about 6 to 8 models that they made, this was their flagship model. Personally the only reason that I sold it two years ago was because I wanted to get another one and be able to have it custom painted the way I wanted.

Yes, not only is this a stunning looking bike, but it’s also a very powerful excellent handling chopper. In my opinion, and the opinion of many other longtime riders, the Texas chopper epitomized the high-end American chopper! (more…)

By biker1, ago

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2016

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2016

This is by far, the experience of a biker’s lifetime in a place where local people can still show you a thing or two about hospitality. The Sturgis 2016 motorcycle rally just ended a few weeks ago and already they are planning for Sturgis 2017!

The 77th Annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for August 7-13, 2017.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The first rally was held by Indian Motorcycle riders on August 14, 1938, by the “Jackpine Gypsies” motorcycle club,[2] who still own and operate the tracks, hillclimb, and field areas where the rally is centered. The first event was called the “Black Hills Classic” and consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. The founder is Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. He purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936 and formed the “Jackpine Gypsies” that same year. The Jackpine Gypsies were inducted to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1997. Hoel was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame the following year, in 1998. (more…)

By Oakley, ago

75th Anniversary Daytona Bike Week 2016

Daytona Bike Week 2016

This video was made in Daytona Beach Florida during the 75th annual Bike Week which is when thousands of bikes arrive.

Celebrate the very special celebration of the 75th Daytona Bike Week, a tradition since 1937…for what is sure to be the biggest, best, and most memorable Daytona rally in history.

As with the other milestone rallies, Bike Week 2016 featured higher profile entertainment, signature events, larger attendance, and MORE FUN! (more…)

By Oakley, ago

San Diego California Motorcycle Riding

San Diego California Motorcycle Riding

Riding my 2006 American iron horse Texas chopper in the East County of San Diego. The video was produced in Blossom Valley here in San Diego.

I have since sold this bike to an experienced motorcycle rider up in Washington State. I was going to be replacing it with a Big Dog K9 motorcycle. But, I ended up getting another American Ironhorse Texas Chopper .  . The same year as this blue one, a 2006. It was all black ,but I wanted it so I could have my own custom paint job applied. (more…)

By biker1, ago