Category Archives: The Machine

Gift Idea Alert!!

Ties Suck!  what guy wants to unwrap a tie this holiday season?  Not any we know, and we doubt any you know either. Here is a great gift from the folks at Wizards Products, The Biker Bucket!   This bucket has everything to keep him or her happy in the garage this winter season while dreaming of getting out on the road in the spring.

The Biker Bucket come complete with a t-shirt, 8oz. mist-n-shine, 8oz. shine master polish, and 1 saddle pack which can easily be tossed into the saddlebag, a 2oz. vinyl shine, 2oz. mist-n-shine, 2oz. bug release, 2oz. bike wash and a microfiber towel. All of this packed neatly into a bucket that will get plenty of use in your garage!

Sara hits LA for Perri Ink. Cartel Grand opening with Rally TV

Most of you know Sara also works with Cycle Source Magazine and Rally TV. Over the Weekend the crew headed out to LA for the Grand Opening of a new store owned by Guitarist Nick Perri. The store Perri Ink. Cartel is a collection of a clothing store, Tattoo shop, Photography Studio, Piercing studio, barber shop, guitar store and motorcycle shop.  At the grand opening a lot of the cast of Sons of Anarchy were in attendance to support Nick, here is a shot of Mailman, Ryan Hurst “Opie” from SOA with Sara and Jeremy Johnson. Stay tuned for the Rally TV videos that will be posted right here!

Mustang’s Built-In Removable Passenger Backrest

Check this out; comfort for all the passengers! Mustang feels that Passengers deserve the comfort of Mustang’s fully adjustable backrest!  Now available for Harley-Davidson® FL Touring models 1997-2012, this built-in, removable passenger backrest offers all the features of Mustang’s popular driver backrest.

Mustang’s new backrest pivots to the passenger’s back angle, offers different height settings, and adjusts forward/back to ensure perfect support for the small of one’s back—all without tools.  The backrest can be folded flat for ease of mounting and dismounting.  It also removes easily without tools and can be folded for storage when not in use.  For passengers who prefer more room or want to lean farther back, Mustang offers an optional offset backrest post for only $25.

The 13.5” wide passenger seat with built-in backrest is $449; also available with chrome or black pearl-centered studs.  The front of the passenger seat is recessed to allow clearance when installed behind a solo with a built-in driver backrest.  Riders who have a Mustang solo with a driver backrest and want interchangeable comfort can purchase the passenger seat with a receiver only but no backrest; priced from $249, this passenger seat accepts the driver backrest from the solo for dual versatility.   Be sure to go check them out at Mustangseats.com

Cycle Source Magazine “Best of 2011″ Awards

Ever notice Hollywood uses any excuse to pat each other on the back with awards? Well guess what, Cycle Source Magazine is doing it again, but our awards are for the “real deals”, the hard-working everyday enthusiasts that make our industry the “exciting, wouldn’t miss it for nothing” world that it is today. So here is your chance to cast your vote for “Best Of 2011″ in categories like “Best Manufactured or Custom Bike of the year, Best Pin-Up, Builder, Craftsman or Best Event.  Nominees came to the magazine direct from the readers when a questionnaire was sent out asking for nominations. So please kick back, take a minute and cast your vote for who or what you feel deserves the title of “Best Of 2011″ in Motorcycling Today!  Click HERE to VOTE

The Isle of Man TT

for many years the most prestigious motor-cycle race in the world.
Between 1907 and 2009 there have been 237 deaths during official practices or races on the Snaefell Mountain Course. These guys are just insane. adrenaline junkie just doesn’t come close to describe the passion they have for this sport.

Garage-Girls Profile; Stacy Bortz, one fast Lady!

Stacey Bortz is a true racing junkie! After street riding for several years and spending lots of time in her boyfriends machine shop (Gregg’s Machine) soaking up all the thrills of machining and making horsepower, it wasn’t long before she found herself ready to learn the art of drag racing.
After racing her street machine superglide and feeling that she had taken this bike as far as she could, she decided it was time to purchase a true drag bike!
With that drag bike Stacey ended the year with 2 wins, 1 runner up and taking second place overall.  Pretty dam impressive.  Stacey hits the 1/4 mile in 9.40s around 145 mph plus…  we love it!!!   We asked Stacey some questions here is what she shared…
GG. Tell us about you, where are you from,what are you into and what do you like to do with your free time?
SB. I am from Uniontown PA, 33 years old.  I am an insurance broker at Penn Summit Insurance. Ive been doing this for 14 years. I love my job and I really enjoy helping my clients.
Aside from working, riding and racing my bikes, I am really into fitness, and natural health.  I am very consciencious about what I eat and I love to grow and cook with organic veggies. My garden is my favorite place to be.
I am a  reiki master and teacher and practice that along with other natural healing modalities. I am very much into music and  pretty much need to have music around me 24-7.  I love to go to see live shows as often as possible.
Im a gemini, so maybe that explains the extreme opposites that Ive found balance with– one one side I love quiet meditative hobbies  versus. loud rock shows and superfast drag racing .. it works for me.
GG. How did you find your passion for Drag Racing bikes, how long have you been doing it?
SB. Once I decided to try it there was no going back. When I said that I wanted to do this,  we planned  that I would start learning the following spring (2007).  That gave Gregg time over the winter to build my stock superglide motor up to 114 cubic inches, stretch the swingarm ,change out the transmission and build some pipes.  So I learned to race on a hot rod rather than working up to one. I loved it immediately. Knowing that you can, and doing something that you may be afraid to do is is the most rewarding experience ever. From that first bike Ive graduated to a true drag bike.  The one Im racing now is a 120 cubic inch motor on a custom chassis.  At 180 horsepower, I run pretty consistently in the mid 9’s at speeds between 142-145 mph.  This season I won a couple races and came in 2nd place overall in Hot Street.  I also set a national record in Hot street for 1/8 mile mph at 122.23.
GG. What do you most love about it?
SB. There’s alot to love, what I love most on a personal level about it is the sense of accomplishment from reaching goals and kicking ass. And of course, the rush after coming off of a high speed run.
On a larger scale, I love being a part of this. Ive met some amazing people. There are 7 of us racing out of our pit, plus a network of spouses and friends who come to the races for support. Every race is like a family event.
GG. Do you have a sweet car or motorcycle other than your drag bike?
SB. Other than my drag bike, I still ride my 02 superglide on the street. its a 10 second bike, so its a ton of fun to ride on the street. If you crack the throttle in second gear it lays tire.  I just got a 78 lowrider style black paint job on it with hand painted pinstripes and hand painted decals. I chose 78 because thats the year I was born!
Both of my bikes were covered and shown in the September issue of Ironworks Magazine in the article about GMS. ( Notice the Garage-Girls sticker on my drag bike!! its been there all year!)  Thanks Stacey, YOU ROCK!!!
GG. What are you most passionate about in life?
SB. music,art,animals,spirituality,health and wellness, riding/racing … I could go on all day,but I cant really narrow that answer down to one specific thing.
GG. Is there anything you would love to learn to do?
SB. I would love to learn how to play the steel guitar
GG. Where would you most like to visit?
SB. Peru, India,Thailand..I have a long list.
GG. What is your idea of relaxing?
SB. If Im at home, gardening or hanging out with my cat or reading, but my favorite places to completely zone out and relax are the beach or the mountains
GG. What type of music do you normally listen to?
SB. I love a wide range of music, Im especially fond of the drive by truckers an the alt-country/rock genres
GG. Do you collect anything?
SB. Not really.  I buy tons of books, but not to “collect” them intentionally..I end up giving them away.

Stacey Bortz you inspire us! We love all the things you are into and look forward to watching you make your new goals happen. Pick up that Steel Guitar girl, we know you’ll be able to ROCK it!  Be sure to keep us all in the loop of your racing goals!  ~GG.

Hand Crafted Hydes!

Is there anything better than handcrafted? No, of course not, especially these days when most of the leather products being pushed on us are made in Pakistan… feels gross just saying that, let alone wearing it!
Well, check this new line out by Dr. Jekyl’s Hydes.  A new line of leather belts and bracelets targeted specifically for women, well that’s because us gals like the handcrafted goods and appreciate quality craftsmanship!
Dr. Jekyl’s Hydes was established in 1970 in upstate New York. Owner, Tom Accordino has made it his mission to bring his customers the highest quality leather products possible. Specializing in unique, custom biker related leather, Dr. Jekyl’s Hydes leather products are hand crafted, hand tooled and are all original designs.
With many leather designs to choose from for men and women, in wristbands, wallets, bracelets, bags, biker vests, clothing, guitar straps and even pet collars there is bound to be something you’ll be dying to get your hands on. Check out the website at www.jekylshydes.com.  NOTE… All on-line leather products are sold at www.wickedskulls.com.  Or, contact Tom at 718-273-4781 to place a custom order.