BACK IN THE SADDLE

I’M BAAAAACK! IT’S BEEN ABOUT FIVE YEARS SINCE I LEFT THE SENIOR EDITOR POST OF HOT BIKE TO TAKE ON THE EDITOR-INCHIEF ROLE OVER AT BAGGERS MAGAZINE. IT WAS DEFINITELY A GOOD RUN AND I’M FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE EXPERIENCES I’VE HAD, BUT I KIND OF FEEL LIKE BREAK DANCIN’ NOW THAT I’M IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT...ER...RIDER’S SADDLE OF THE BEST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE ON THE PLANET. EVEN THOUGH CUSTOM BAGGERS WERE DEFINITELY MY FOCUS FOR A BIT, I’VE ALWAYS PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO ALL THINGS CUSTOM.

Seeing that this is my first issue back with Hot Bike, I’d be lying if I told you there hasn’t been an insane amount of pressure to make this one special (notice my head in the vice, Casino style?). I do it to myself. I’m neurotic that way though. It’s also where I think I thrive. When my back’s against the wall, fight or flight kicks in and I definitely come out swinging. And the creative juices start flowing. Or at least that’s what I tell myself in order to maintain a certain sense of sanity.

Whatever the case, things have definitely changed on the Hot Bike side of the fence since I last contributed to the book, and it’s been an interesting perspective to be on the outside looking in. But now I’m on the inside. And my focus is to keep you fine folks entertained with only the best V-twin custom content, all packaged up nice and tidy.

The death of the Dyna has sparked a lot of controversy within this community. Most are still on the fence about the new Softails.

Others have welcomed the monoshocked Milwaukee-Eight with open arms. And it’s exciting to see the creativity involved with the many bike builders that accepted the Softail challenge—The Speed Merchant’s Fat Bob on this month’s cover, for instance. Isn’t that what the custom-bike industry is all about anyway? Even if you don’t like something, make it so you do!

Harley-Davidson has been staying plenty busy with its initiative to grow the community by 2 million new riders in the next 10 years, which is definitely a step in the right direction as some baby boomers are starting to lose interest.

Indian’s been making waves in V-twin too, releasing cool new products, but more so, taking the holeshot in the American Flat Track Twins series, with Indian Wrecking Crew members Jared Mees, Bryan Smith, and Brad Baker owning the podiums on race weekends.

There are a lot of cool things happening in custom V-twin land too. I’m curious to see where the FXR and Dyna trends go. Will they stay the course of cool for a while? Or will the new Milwaukee-Eight Softails take over the top spot? What about baggers? Will functional performance baggers continue to replace the gaudy big-wheel bagger trend? I think so.

All these questions, and more, will be answered in the upcoming issues of Hot Bike. It’s pretty simple: If it’s not “hot,” you won’t find it here.

I want to thank you for continuing to support Hot Bike. I look forward to entertaining you for many years to come. HB

JORDAN MASTAGNI @JORDANMASTAGNI

We’re big fans of smart technology that makes riding more comfortable. Treat your mitts to the soft, durable Avon memoryfoam grips. The chemicalresistant grips dampen vibration for a more comfortable cruise. These comfy grips are available in small, medium, and large in all diameters for HarleyDavidsons in a chrome or black anodized finish with aluminum ends.

$64.95 avongrips.com

Looking to bump up the performance in your spongy front end to rip around the twisties like you want to? San Diego Customs’ new triple-rate adjustable spring kit for 49mm fork legs will definitely up the ride-quality and handling ante. The fork spring kit comes with all the necessary components to adjust your suspension to better fit your riding style, so get to shredding!

ARLEN NESS BIG SUCKER AIR CLEANER FOR

The all-new Big Sucker for Milwaukee-Eight engines features a hidden breather backing plate, a new filter plate, and directional air Venturi for optimal engine airflow. Also included is a Ness high-performance filter made from surgicalgrade pre-oiled cotton for improved airflow and filtration, and it’s washable and reusable. Fits 2017 and later FLT models with Milwaukee-Eight engines.

The perfect compromise between design and performance, the Rebuffini Ellipse-series brake and clutch levers add svelte styling to your handlebar setup. Combine a wide range of Rebuffini switches as well to incorporate all original function. Available for single-disc or dual-disc applications for HarleyDavidson Sportster, Dyna, Softail, and Touring models.

Arai’s Defiant-X (Black Frost shown) is a sleek, new full-face lid that features a peripheral belt shell construction, stylish mesh mouth vents, exhaust ducts behind the cheek pads for improved airflow in combination with side slit air channels, a one-piece multidensity EPS liner, and a Max-V cavity shield with Pinlock lens for improved visibility in inclement weather.

There are several motorcycle-specific vests on the market these days, but the Black Brand black denim vest is unique in that it hybridizes 12.5-ounce denim with 1.1mm milled matte leather in a comfortable and stylish package. Equipped with a CCW (carrying concealed weapon) pocket and a zippered and snap front enclosure, this vest offers a lot of function in an attractive price.

$299 sandiegocustoms.com

$679.95 araiamericas.com

$139 blackbrandmc.com