It’s Mild and Wild

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NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON CVO MOTORCYCLES DELIVER EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN, PERFORMANCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide Powered by Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine

MILWAUKEE (June 7, 2023) – Harley-Davidson elevates the motorcycle riding experience with the mid-year introduction of two premium 2023 models from Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™). The new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models showcase advanced technology, enhanced rider comfort and dynamic performance propelled by the powerful new Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 engine. Exclusive and dramatic new visual designs present a transformative revision of the Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring platform.

“With the all-new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models, our mission is to advance every aspect of the Grand American Touring motorcycling experience,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “These models set a new standard for Harley-Davidson performance, technology and style, accelerating the evolution of the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand.”

Iconic Design, Redefined

The new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models feature stunning new design clearly evolved from the familiar shapes of previous Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring motorcycles. Both models feature fairings with integrated venting and LED signature lighting with integrated turn signals. Additional design elements include a trimmed front fender, a new 6-gallon fuel tank with a distinctive side bevel, and saddlebags with a three-dimensional shape in harmony with the fairings and fuel tank. The new Combo Cast Laced wheels make a bold custom statement with a black machine-cut cast-aluminum rim and laced spokes. Each model will be offered in two highly detailed finish options.

Pinnacle Performance

The new 121-cubic inch V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 engine establishes a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson® Touring motorcycle and features optimized liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), a new intake tract and performance exhaust system.

Every aspect of design that could impact overall performance and the comfort was carefully considered during the development of the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models. Dry weight has been reduced significantly – by 31 pounds for the CVO™ Street Glide® model and by 35 pounds for the CVO™ Road Glide® model – compared to the models they replace. High-performance front and rear SHOWA suspension components promote confident handling and provide a dramatic improvement in rider comfort compared to previous CVO™ models, with rear suspension travel increased by 50 percent. Premium Brembo™ braking components offer outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence.

For the first time the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models offer selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport and Rain – that electronically control a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering-Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering-Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings.

Aero and thermal comfort are informed by all-new fairings with a “floating” windshield design, and by adjustable air-control vanes. In wind tunnel testing, subjective helmet buffeting is reduced by an average of 60 percent compared to equivalent 2022 models. The new engine cooling system will further improve thermal comfort for the rider compared to previous CVO models.

All-New Infotainment Powered by Skyline™ OS

The CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models introduce an all-new suite of infotainment technology powered by the new Skyline™ OS. A 12.3-inch TFT color touch screen replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches. This premium display is customizable within three distinct view options and is compatible with Apple and Android devices. Wi-Fi connectivity enables wireless connection to a rider’s device, and a Bluetooth® receiver for wireless headsets is built into the system. Both models feature expanded media storage compartments with a USB-C connection point. A premium, high-performance Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® Stage II four-speaker audio system is powered by a new 500-watt RMS amplifier.

The CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models will make a U.S. public debut in Milwaukee during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival, July 13-16, 2023. Both models will reach authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer showrooms globally in mid-July.

Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® apparel and accessories, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

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by Frank Ball with photos by Meredith Devine

The Gang Setup the 5-Ball Headquarters on the Ruddy Surface of the Round-Up

Dustin Hill, my tattooed Biker brother from the gym rides a sic-ass Dyna with all the upgrades. He invited me and 5-Ball Racing Leathers to be a part of his motorcycle event deep in the heart of the Texas hill country, about an hour and half outside of Austin, Texas.

Deemed The Texas Hills Cycle Show at the round up in Blanco, Texas. I rode my FXR chopper, Bandit “Pops” built, out there alone Friday night. I peeled through the back roads and hills. Man, this place was so cool, perfectly tucked away in thick green endless rolling hills and two-lane back roads of the Texas hill country.

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100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

A Hundred
by Chris Dutcher

He hadn’t felt this good in a long time. Five year sentence he’d done forty-three months, seventeen days, five hours and fifty-eight minutes. But who’s counting…

The bike wanted to go a hundred, and he’d let it. The speedo had hovered right around the one-double zero for well over an hour, he must be on fumes.

Backing off the throttle was almost like after-sex. The engine rapped down like the engine brake on a semi, counting through the gears.

Everyone looked away when he pulled up to the pumps, which was fine with him. His face tingled. He laughed.

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Dustin Hill, my tattooed Biker brother from the gym rides a sic-ass Dyna with all the upgrades. He invited me and 5-Ball Racing Leathers to be a part of his motorcycle event deep in the heart of the Texas hill country, about an hour and half outside of Austin, Texas.

Deemed The Texas Hills Cycle Show at the round up in Blanco, Texas. I rode my FXR chopper, Bandit “Pops” built, out there alone Friday night. I peeled through the back roads and hills. Man, this place was so cool, perfectly tucked away in thick green endless rolling hills and two-lane back roads of the Texas hill country.

As I rode the chopper I was swept away into an old western spirit, twisting and turning through thick gorgeous nature that surrounded me at sunset. I was amazed how the FXR, stretched chopper with the girder front end handled so well. It still fed me an element of danger as the Evo engine and thunder header roared smoothly in the warm Texas heat, a perfect evening for riding.

As I pulled up to the round-up after a strong hour and half ride seemingly out in the middle of deserted Texas country, I felt the feeling of welcome. Rumbling inside the old wooden gates, I was greeted by my tattoo buddies Alex and James and my newest biker bro Johnny Mud.

Frankie Jr. could not make the event, so his sister Maxine bravely agreed to haul the 5-Ball Racing Leathers booth to the event.

Plastered across the back of the booth a mega size poster of Bandit himself made a legendary presence at the event!

With my daughter Maxine, Daren from Hawaii and many more friends, we roamed the isles of beautiful custom built motorcycles lining the top deck of the music venue. A magical Texas evening opened in the vast night sky, after we finished doing some 5-Ball business.

Later, we headed off to some joint in Blanco, a bar found again seemingly in the middle of nowhere, a decorated mid-century retro house, right out of a Marty Robin’s western ballad. We partied a bit with the 5-Ball ladies and left the five ball business in the hands of Maxine Ball.

We returned after a night of love under the Texas stars. Saturday we glowed and roamed the tumble-weed strewn grounds to check the vendors and hang with friends. I want to share a big shout out to those who attended. It was a good time and a perfect Texas biker adventure.

Here’s a few people Dustin would like to thank for sponsoring the Texas Hills Cycle Show and attending vendors:

Kara & Mario the owners of The Roundup. Cowboy Harley-Davidson, Campo Bravo Tequila & Waterloo Sparkling Water for being sponsors.

On May 21,2023, over 3,000 motorcyclists gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento to talk biker’s rights, and to send a message to the state legislature that a change in how California deals with issues important to riders is needed. Speakers from the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of California, ABATE of California, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the National Council of Clubs (NCOC) and other groups took to the podium to stress the importance of all riders – as well as other consumer advocates including those in the automotive industry – coming together to present a unified front. Rally organizer and MRF State Representative ‘Chappy’ Patrick Carver and his team of volunteers did yeoman’s work in organizing the event. Chappy is also the President and lobbyist for the MMA of California and works closely with the MRF on legislative issues being addressed in Congress. Numerous long-time California activists, including ABATE lobbyists Jim Lombardo and Bobby T, ABATE officers David ‘D-Man’ Seiler, Chuck Pedersen, and MMA/ABATE Liaison Dave Battles were on hand as well.

For California riders, a major concern continues to be the issue of being unfairly profiled by law enforcement. Following a concerted, years-long effort by motorcycle clubs from around the country, the NCOC, the MRF, state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and thousands of independent riders, anti-profiling resolutions have now been passed in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with bi-partisan support. On a local level, five states have passed standalone anti-profiling laws. California and other states are working to have similar legislation enacted.

Other topics of discussion at the rally included protecting the rights of consumers to repair their machines, the unrealistic rush to outlaw internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles, ongoing issues associated with unregulated self-driving autonomous vehicles, and the appropriate labeling and availability of E10 or lower petroleum fuels.

MRF Executive Director Mark Buckner addressed the rally, emphasizing the importance of the challenges and opportunities facing riders today. Buckner discussed MRF’s recent Bikers Inside the Beltway lobbying campaign in Washington, D.C., highlighting the issues discussed with members of Congress and their staff. Those issues included ongoing efforts to end unfair profiling; H.R. 906, the Repair Act, seeking to stop manufacturers from limiting the ability of consumers and independent shops to repair products; H.R, 1435, the Preserving Choices in Vehicle Purchases Act, seeking to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent a ban on internal combustion engines; ensuring that Congress and executive branch agencies including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide appropriate oversight regarding self-driving vehicles; ensuring that consumers will continue to be able to purchase E10 and lower ethanol fuels at a reasonable price; and building strong, bi-partisan motorcycle caucuses made up of motorcycle-friendly legislators in Washington, D.C.

Overall, the California Unification Rally was a resounding success, with unity and opportunity the messages of the day.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit http://mrf.org/

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by Bandit with photos from Weed and Cabana Dan

1914 H-D Twin Engine Rebuild and the 1912 Single Venture

It’s Memorial Day 2023. There’s a jammin’ bike show happening in Deadwood. Dan’s hands are full with Sturgis Museum projects. I’m trying like hell to understand Outlaw Justice, my second book and proof reading each page for reprinting. I’m also building a Knucklehead chop and searching for a 1913 twin engine.

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It’s Memorial Day 2023. There’s a jammin’ bike show happening in Deadwood. Dan’s hands are full with Sturgis Museum projects. I’m trying like hell to understand Outlaw Justice, my second book and proof reading each page for reprinting. I’m also building a Knucklehead chop and searching for a 1913 twin engine.

Spring hit the Black Hills like color film smacked photography. Suddenly we’ve gone from 20 degrees to 80 and life is emerald green and brilliant. “I’m not a green guy,” Irish rich said of Charlie’s ’73 Corvette color. I know, that doesn’t make any sense at all…

Cutting to the chase, I’m running behind on this episode because of a myriad of other projects and interruptions. I was able to sneak into the hills over-looking the Buffalo Chip and Dan’s shop recently to grab some shots and kick around the 1914 H-D twin engine rebuild.

It’s amazing how some of these engines survived or weren’t used much. Dan’s waiting on pistons and boring cylinders is critical. How do you bore a cylinder so it’s tighter at the top than the bottom? You got me, but I believe I understand the concept.

Originally, they ran cast-iron Pistons, which don’t swell as much as aluminum pistons, hence the tapered bore. But wait, if you run aluminum pistons, you can bore the cylinders straight and run tighter tolerances. “I don’t have any idea how the factory taper-bored cylinders,” Dan said. He took his cylinders to Lonnie Isam’s shop. Lonnie Sr. has a specific J-model boring table and tooling. Dan honed the freshly bored cylinders and set the piston ring gaps.

Billy Lane told me he’s running Knucklehead pistons in some of his early bikes, but it mean new rods and larger wrist pins. Dan lapped the rods, but the piston pin bushings were fine.

He’s using 741 Indian lower end bearing races and H-D bearings, because the races are readily available from Lonnie or Todd at Jerry Greer’s Indian in Deadwood. Actually 45-flathead military bearings will do the trick and they are available. Dan trued the flywheels and the case bushing on the pinion side was good, amazing and over 108 years old.

The source for many early engine parts is Competition Distributing where his piston pins came from, but there’s an issue. To reproduce parts for early engines is a challenge. How can anyone invest in parts for very low volume engines, say 1000 and 500 are gone. So you stumble into your local casting facility and ask for 100, or even 500 of one part and they laugh you out of the shop…

The cams were all the same for ’14 J-engines. The fast or race engines were juiced with different rocker arm geometry and larger intake manifolds. He’s running a rebuilt Bosch manifold. After WWI the Bosch patents fell into different hands. Some Bosch mags have Germany under the name on the brass tag, others have England or even Made in USA.

Some guys are running standard Joe Hunt or Morris Magnetos attached to an adapter plate.

While in the master’s shop and he wasn’t looking, I took shots of his 1912 single project. Amazing, but this bike will be constructed primarily with re-production parts. The frame came from Dewey Early Harley parts and the bars and front end were manufactured recently in Texas.

There were two models in ’12, the 8-XA which has a clutch on the rear wheel. The 8-A had only the belt tensioner to drive it. Up until 1913 the wheels had only 36 spokes. In ’13 they were changed to 40-spoke wheels. Even the wheels will be new on this puppy. Only the engine will be original. Replacement clutches are available from Sweden.

The tanks came from Antique Moto Smith in Texas, the rims also were made in Texas. Dan laced the wheels and machined the spacers. Look at those tiny rockers from Competition Distributing. Keep in mind, that the new stuff is much more precision than original sand-casted and rough machined components. Even tooling today and of course, CNC machines are very precise compared to old lathes ran by hand.

Next, we will bring you the final install of the newly rebuilt ’14 twin, and maybe a start-up video. I learned that my own ’13 twin racer will not have a clutch, because it will be a crank and ride-off the center-stand to the race. Hang on!

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Rocking & Rolling
by Steven Sanner

The roar of the crash echoed in my ear as I rolled onto the shoulder of the road, along with the unshakable feeling that I had done this before, I knew I had to keep the momentum of the roll going to get clear. As I put my weight into the roll, the dual rear wheels of the semi passed by my nose.

But the feeling (or was it the knowing) that I had done all this before had me jump to my feet with one motion and I unthinkingly ran TOWARD the commotion. I knew there was something I had to do.

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100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

The Break-In
by Bandit

A thug broke into the shop. Rebuilding an old Linkert in the back, I heard a noise and then a scream.

I scrambled towards the retail area, but how was I going to defend myself? I reached for my buck knife, a chrome-moly fork tube, the .38 in the drawer, a yard-long Crescent wrench, the cutoff wheel and or…

The young addict wasn’t interested in the mechanic wielding heavy instruments, just enough cash to buy another high. He turned toward his escape, leaving the young female clerk in a pool of blood. Was I to kill, maim, punish, enable or wait, harm reduction?

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