Ultime Notizie

Wood Meets Metal in Anthony Robinson’s 1969 Triumph Custom Build

Anthony Robinson's flat track custom at Ventura Chopper Fest

The 1969 T-100 basks in the SoCal sun at the Ventura Chopper Fest

Spend a few minutes talking to Anthony Robinson and you begin to realize that he is what a custom bike builder should be. He’s a guy who designs, fabricates, and wrenches out of pure passion for the work. He searches for treasure at swap meets, studies Craigslist for donor bikes, and painstakingly handcrafts his various one-off parts. Robinson is the builder of an amazing 1969 Triumph T-100 custom that won both the Modified Retro and K&N Performer classes at the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in Long Beach, California.

Robinson spends the lion’s share of his time providing for his family by running his successful company in Palmdale, California. Bike building is a passion that he fits in the limited time he can muster between home and business. In fact, the T-100 is only his second completed custom build. “I don’t build bikes to make money. I have just always loved motorcycles,” Robison said.

Anthony Robinson with award check at Long Beach IMS

Anthony Robinson reaps the fruits of his labor at the Long Beach IMS

“I own a garage door business, so I have worked with metal and wood virtually every day for the last 20 years.” Metal and wood - that’s the perfect segue into Robinson’s inspiration for his Triumph show stealer.

“I wanted to build a flat-tracker with a wood theme,” Robinson said. As dichotomous as that may seem, the end result shows the wisdom of his vision. We have to start with arguably the coolest part on the bike; the rear fender. “The wooden rear fender took me three tries, and I was beginning to doubt myself,” Robinson said. “But the third time was the charm. It took a month to build, but it was worth it.” Indeed it was.

The low-slung profile of Robinson’s Triumph is the result of some frame-building magic. “The frame is Triumph, but the front fork is an original Harley-Davidson 45 springer that I bought from an old guy at a swap meet,” Robinson reveals. That mating of the Triumph frame and the springer fork makes for a supreme level of retro-cool.

Anthony Robinson's two Triumph customs

The 1969 flat track build and Robinson's first project, a 1961

Amazing tidbits abound on the Triumph. Robinson says it is always a goal of his to creatively hide the battery and wiring. That task is artfully achieved on the 1969 Triumph with a 1940s era US Navy issued binocular case. The bike rolls on milled and engraved custom wheels, and the hand-crafted seat rests on perfectly integrated leaf springs. The stainless fender struts are minimalistic and match the bike’s theme to a tee.

The paint job transitions the wood motif into the tank in a masterful way. It’s as if there is an evolution from the organic to the metallic that flows from the rear fender to the headlight. The paint-matched, down-turned handle bars complete the flat track look of the build. Every detail is pristine. “My goal is to bring a bike back to life as if it’s new. I know other builders like to leave their bikes sweaty, that’s just not my thing,” said Robinson.

Anthony Robinson's flat track custom at Long Beach IMS

The wood and metal theme of the custom flat tracker works on many levels

The 1969 T-100 engine is restored to polished perfection. The hand-crafted straight pipes make up an exhaust that certainly lets out a British howl. The engine, with a reversed head, breathes through the front intake and dual carburetors. Despite the fact that Robinson’s T-100 wears only screened velocity stacks that are appropriate for the sterile show-floor environment, he is quick to sing the praises of K&N filters. “I trust K&N filters completely. I run one on my 1953 Chevy and on my Harley Baggers. There is a K&N in my daily driver. K&N makes a great filter.”

K&N congratulates Anthony Robinson on his masterful Triumph custom. We all look forward to the next build. You can find Robinson on social media under his bike-building tag – Gasoline and Coffee.

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Eric Norris Returns to Stock Car Racing with K&N Backed Team

Eric Norris, Dave Reed Racing, SRL Southwest Tour Series, Kern County Raceway

Eric Norris prepares for the SRL Southwest Tour Series race at Kern County Raceway in Bakersfield.

Eric Norris says he hasn’t been in a stock car in about a decade. He honestly can’t remember the last time he raced on an oval. Norris made his return to stock car racing in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series in a car backed by K&N and Dave Reed Racing at Kern County Raceway in Bakersfield.

Norris, the son of martial arts expert and actor Chuck Norris, was a veteran in the NASCAR Winston West Series, the predecessor of the K&N Pro Series West. He won his first West Series race in Bakersfield, at Mesa Marin Raceway.

Eric Norris continues to race, off-road trucks and open wheel cars mostly, and has been trying to put a deal together with Dave Reed Racing and his driving partner, Matt Stowe, for some time.

“I always do a couple races a year, maybe a road race somewhere,” Eric Norris said. “I’ve gone out to Cleveland, Mid-Ohio, a few times. Last year Matt and I did like three off-road races. I’m always doing something. I love racing so much, I don’t ever want to step away from it completely. I am always trying to find something to do.”

Eric Norris finished in 20th place in the Bulwark 150 by 51 Fifty Energy Drink at Kern County Raceway. Derek Thorn won the SRL Southwest Tour race. Twenty-six cars entered the race.

Eric Norris, Dave Reed Racing, SRL Southwest Tour Series, Kern County Raceway

Eric Norris (14) races during the SRL Southwest Tour Series event at Kern County Raceway.

“Bakersfield has always been a track that I love to race at,” Eric Norris said. “My first Winston West win was there. I’ve always wanted to go back. We like Dave a lot. He’s got good equipment. If we are going to go back and do something, he’s the one guy we want to do it with. His car was available. He’s letting us drive his car and go do it. It just seemed like the timing was right.”

Fitting a stock car race into his schedule is tricky. Eric Norris works as a stunt coordinator. He has been working on the TV show “24” in Atlanta, Georgia, and finding time to take away from the show has been difficult.

“It’s hard for me to commit to anything,” Eric Norris said. “We have tried to do a couple of different things with Dave earlier in the year. It’s just hard for me to sit there are say I need this Saturday night off. Then I go and work somewhere and I can’t get away.”

When he put together the deal to race in the SRL Southwest Tour Series in Bakersfield, he had to ask the producers of the show to give him time off. He wanted to leave on Thursday and the race was on Saturday night.

“They were super cool about it,” Eric Norris said. “Everything just kind of worked out. The timing was right. Dave had his car available. I know Dave is going to do everything he can to give me the best equipment and the best people.”

As for his expectations for the race, Eric Norris said he was not sure how it would play out. He was not so concerned about winning the race, but wanted to be competitive.

Eric Norris, Dave Reed Racing, SRL Southwest Tour Series, Kern County Raceway

Eric Norris entered the SRL Southwest Tour Series race in Bakersfield in a car backed by K&N.

“I am just going to have fun, stay out of trouble, and see what happens,” Eric Norris said. “I am out there to go and just have fun.”

Even though Eric Norris works as a stuntman and stunt coordinator in movies and television shows, and races off-road trucks and cars, he insists he is not looking for an adrenaline rush. Racing cars is how he gets his competitive juices flowing. It is a way for him to challenge himself in a competitive forum.

“I’m not a super big adrenaline junky that I like to go out and jump out of airplanes,” Eric Norris said. “Racing cars is a more competitive thing for me than adrenaline junky thing for me. I get the adrenaline obviously when you're sitting there getting ready to get the green flag, and you got those big butterflies. It’s all about passing the next guy," explained Norris.

"I’ve never been a huge adrenaline junky. That being said, I have done some big stunts, and I still do big stunts. I get those big butterflies and all that. But it’s more about doing a good job and doing something cool than, oh my God, I am going to jump out of this building.”

His goals for the race were pretty realistic, stay on the lead lap and hang with the race leaders.

“I don’t know what my goals are really,” Eric Norris said. “I’d love to sit there and run every lap and finish on the lead lap with everybody and be competitive. I want to go out and be competitive and race hard, be up there with the leaders.”

Eric Norris, Dave Reed Racing, SRL Southwest Tour Series, Kern County Raceway, K&N

Eric Norris finished in 20th place in the SRL Southwest Tour Series race at Kern County Raceway.

Still, he said he knew he would be a little rusty at the start. But he said he hoped he could shake off the rust quickly.

“I haven’t been in a car in 10 years,” Eric Norris said. “I have to get acclimated in two days of practice. Dave is going to give me a good car and if everything works out, there’s no reason I can’t go run up front with the leaders.”

Eric Norris had plenty of top-notch support for the race. Three-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion Eric Holmes was his spotter. Plus K&N provided support for Eric Norris and his team in the race.

“K&N brings a big company to the series. It is exciting to have K&N as part of the series and part of this whole program as a sponsor,” Eric Norris said. “It brings legitimacy, especially with the Southwest Tour, to have a such a great company as part of it. I am excited to be a part of it.”

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2015-2016 Ford F-150, Edge, Lincoln MKX Oil Filter For Conventional, Synthetic Oil

The K&N PS-7037 Cartridge Oil Filter for 2015-2016 Ford F-150, Edge and Lincoln MKX.

The K&N PS-7037 cartridge oil filter has a pleated high-flow media that traps 99% of contaminants

The K&N PS-7037 Pro Series cartridge oil filter is specifically designed for 2015 and 2016 Ford F-150 pickup trucks, Ford Edge crossovers, and the 2016 Lincoln MKX SUV.

Whether you have the 2016 Lincoln MKX with the 3.7-liter V6 engine or the 2015 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L Ecoboost, your engine deserves to be protected from hamrful foreign matter that can be floating around in your oil.

As mentioned, the K&N PS-7037 Pro Series cartridge oil filter is designed and engineered for 2015-2016 Ford F-150, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and the 2016 Lincoln MKX.

The filter is specially designed to deal with conventional, synthetic, and blended oils and provides superior filtration that traps 99% of contaminants. The special design of the filter encourages high flow because oil filter restrictions have been reduced. It includes a pleated high flow media that offers higher capacity and reduced oil filter restriction and a nitrile rubber gasket.

Besides Pro Series cartridge oil filters, K&N also offers wrench-off and wrench-off heavy duty oil filters, motorcycle and ATV canister oil filters, marine oil filters, diesel oil filters, and reusable billet aluminum spin-on oil filters. Use the K&N application search tool to find the right products for your needs.

The K&N PS-7037 Pro Series cartridge oil filter is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2016 LINCOLN MKX 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 FORD F150 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 FORD EDGE 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 FORD F150 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 FORD EDGE 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Git R Done Tractor Pulling Team Explains the Challenges and Goals of Tractor Pulling

The Git R Done pulling tractor is powered by 4 Hemi V8s producing 10,000 hp

One of four 2,500 hp aluminum Hemis that power the Git R Done pulling tractor

For most of us would agree an engine comprised of an Alan Johnson billet aluminum Top Fuel Hemi block stretched out to 526 CID and topped by a pair of Alan Johnson aluminum Hemi heads, completed with all Top Fuel grade components and producing 2500 horsepower on alcohol would be sufficient for just about an project we might have in mind.

Now imagine four of these monster motors hitched together with the sole purpose of dragging a sled weighing nearly a quarter of a ton about the length of the football field. Welcome to the world of competitive tractor pulling.

The routes of tractor pulling go back to when farm implements were pulled by horses, and farmers would compete against one another to prove who had the most powerful animals. In some horse teams competed by pulling laden carts loads over a set distance. Eventually the competition evolved and horses would pull a weighted skid, with more weight added as competitors were eliminated. These events continue to this day with specially bred draft horses bred to have high strength for pulling heavy loads.

While horses continue to pull, motorized tractor competition began in 1929 at events at sites like Bowling Green, Ohio, which continues to be the site of the NTPA National Championship. Not unlike short track dirt racing during the period into the 1960s rules varied from state to state, and even county to county. The lack of ability for a team to compete less than 50 miles from home severely limited the growth of the sport.

Recognizing this limitation, representatives from eight states created a common set of rules and established the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA). In the early 1970s, most competitors used standard farm vehicles, with the motto, "Pull on Sunday, plow on Monday". There were two classes: stock tractors, which were commercially-available tractors as produced by manufacturer and modified tractors, which were basic tractor chassis powered by a virtually unlimited choice of engines.

The four engines are connected in pairs, then through a cross box

Each pair of engines is connected at the crankshaft, but still fires as two V-8s

Today there are about 15 different sanctioning bodies for tractor pulling in the United States, along with organizations in Denmark, Holland, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, and Brazil.

Besides the multiple engine configurations that the Correia family runs, motors as diverse as Russian helicopter and torpedo boat engines, Continental AV1790 M103 tank engines, or an Allison V-1710 V-12 aircraft engine from a WW II P-38 or P-41.

The father and son Git R Done team of Clarence and Jeremy Correia run their four-engine machine as two separate banks of V-8 engines, connected crank to crank. Power is then feed to an Engler Cross Box, whose function is to couple the left and right pairs of engines together.

The goal of a Tractor Pull is to overcome the weight that the tractor is dragging, and in doing so pulling it farther than any of your competitors. The diabolical part is that the sled isn’t static weight - it contains a a heavy box filled that is mechanically winched forward as the sled progresses down the course. Pulling this ever-increasing load overcomes the power of the tractor and it stops short, although on occasion one will reach the end of the course, which is known as a “full pull.” The distance from start to finish is measured in thousandths of an inch and the tractor that pulls the sled the farthest distance is declared the winner. If more than one competitor reaches the full pull mark, a pull-off is held to determine a winner. Sort of like drag racing with each car connected to a powerful spring back at the start line.

So what’s it like to make a run in a four-engine, 8000-lb., Unlimited Class tractor? Let’s have Jeremy walk us through it. “Since this isn’t a speed sport, you don’t need to jump on the gas. Instead you apply a light throttle for the first five to 10 feet and make sure your tires have sufficient grip.” Side note here. The tires are Firestone Puller 2000 and they’re designed especially for tractor pulls. Should you see one you’ll notice that they don’t have much of a tread as a farm tractor tire. This was done to reduce the amount of dirt thrown back against the skid, which would build up and add resistance. Back to Jeremy:

Firestone has developed tires specific to the needs of pulling tractors

Power is transfered to the Earth through specially-designed Firestone pulling tires

“Then you start to apply power. Experience comes in here as to how much you can feed and how quickly,” Jeremy said. “The biggest difference between our engines and a Top Alcohol motor is that our cams are designed for low-end torque, so it’s important to keep engine speed in the peak toque range.”

“Weight transfer is another important factor, and I know that I’ve balanced the tractor just right when the front wheels are one foot off the ground. Higher and too much weight is being transferred, down on the ground is not enough.”

“In traveling the course of the run, even though my forward speed is only about 30 – 40 mph, the tires are spinning at 98 mph,” Jeremy added. “You put it all together like that and you’ve earned yourself a full pull.”

If you’re a fan of motorsports you owe it to yourself to check out a Tractor Pull at least once. Where other forms of racing have limited the horsepower of cars or the length of the venue, this is still the Wild West, where if you have a better idea, build it and come take on the rest.

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K&N Performance Air Intake Adds Horsepower to Your Harley-Davidson® Glide

K&N 57-1122 intake parts

The 57-1122 performance kit includes all that is needed for instant power

One of the most unique and intriguing of the 1970s biker movies was Electra Glide in Blue. Some would say that the diminutive actor Robert Blake was the star, but in my mind the title character stole the show. The Electra Glide has become one of the most iconic Harleys® of all time, and it's not just because of a movie made in the era of bell bottoms!

If you want to take your Glide or Road King to the next level, it’s time for you to bolt on one of the most impressive intakes on the market. The K&N 57-1122 performance intake can deliver some of the most substantial power gains your FL series Harley-Davidson® can get from a simple to install accessory.

K&N 57-1122 intake on a Harley

The clean design of the 57-1122 intake enhances the look of the Harley FL line

Let’s take a look at the numbers. The K&N dynamometer showed an impressive estimated gain of nearly 13 horsepower when the 57-1122 was bolted to a stock 2008 Electra Glide Classic. That kind of estimated gain in power is usually only achieved with expensive internal engine modifications. The intake’s performance magic doesn’t stop there. The same dyno run showed an estimated torque gain of well over 14.5 foot-pounds.

We really want you to click on the dyno chart link on the 57-1122’s product page. You’ll see that the gains in both horsepower and torque are consistently and substantially higher than the stock intake over the entire RPM range. As you undoubtedly know, that means that the overall rideability of the bike will be fantastic – not only on wide-open freeway runs, but around town as well.

K&N 57-1122 intake in box

Installation of the K&N 57-1122 intake usually takes less that 90 minutes

So the performance numbers are impressive, but the added bonus is that the 57-1122 is a beautiful addition to your Harley. K&N’s designers have created an intake kit that bolts to the throttle body with a billet aluminum mounting plate and then sweeps forward with an intake tube that is finished impeccably. All of the hardware for the simple installation comes in the intake's package.

Of course, the intake is completed with a K&N high flow filter. The filter incorporates layers of oil-impregnated cotton gauze that is free-flowing yet offers excellent filtration. The filter, which is backed by K&N’s famous 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty, is fully washable and reusable. You will never need to buy another air filter for your Harley.

The 57-1122 is made in the USA and is fully legal in all 50 states. Browse through the application list below to match the intake to your ride, and consult K&N’s online application tool for all of your filter needs. Then go watch Electra Glide in Blue!

2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXS STREET GLIDE SPECIAL 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTP ELECTRA GLIDE POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING POLICE 103 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR ROAD GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRSE4 SCREAMIN EAGLE ROAD KING 110 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 96 CI - Exc. Lower Fairings

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