Liquid Mercury

New Mercury Customs Parts page

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:33:00 +0000

Want to see some of the coolest parts from Mercury Customs? Now you can see them all in one place. We've taken our greatest hits and put them all on one page for you to see.
Feel free to buy one (or more) or drop us a line and find out how to get your own custom designed components.

very cool.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Fun and games from Sweden.

Introducing ... SwitchBlade!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:46:00 +0000

SwitchBlade: Old School ... the Mercury Customs way.

We've hinted in some of our spy photos that there's some color and chrome here at Mercury Customs. We don't do just black and gray. When a client came to us wanting more of the old school look, we were up for the challenge! With a Paul Yaffe frame and twisted chrome spoke wheels, we had some fun with the final details and finishing (as always).

There were some tough decisions regarding color; after many color choices, we agreed on green. But not just a standard green. This is a powdercoated bike that has multiple tones within it; the green ranges from bright to almost black depending on the light, and it has metalflake which offsets the complementing highlight color of metallic gold. But we couldn't stop there; if it's old school it has to have pinstriping. And we didn't just pinstrip the gas tank and fenders - it extended to the engine highlights down to the remote mount oil filter.

Take a look at the photos to see all the great details.This is another California bike which has been seen at many of the hot spots in Huntington Beach and other Orange County areas.

This month in Hot Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:20:00 +0000

This month Mercury Customs had the opportunity to work with Hot Bike again. Issue #40-4 includes an installation how-to that covers the new CCC SAS Air suspension product. The unit is a self-contained compressor+shocks that allows a clean installation. The only requirement besides mounting the unit is to run wiring for the control switches. Basic electrical wiring provides power and the rest is just riding time. Great installation article with photos. We'll post more on the article next month but until then go get the latest issue of Hot Bike!

Vegas Heat - Classic Mercury Customs styling

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Vegas Heat, classic black, all Mercury Customs design. This outstanding custom has been designed around the Hard Eight platform, the cornerstone of the Mercury Customs design history. We built this bike for a very special client, one who appreciates the smooth ride and outstanding looks. Powered by an S&S 96" engine, this bike carries enough horsepower to carve the roads around Las Vegas while still looking like four Aces at the tables.

S&S® Cycle announces continued collaboration between S&S and MAC Tools.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:24:00 +0000

LA CROSSE, WI (February 7, 2008)

S&S and MAC Tools have had a great relationship over the past three years and are proud to announce that it will continue through 2009. Through this relationship the S&S Training and Certification Center, S&S Product Development Department and the S&S Remanufacturing Department have been fully equipped with MAC Tools. Each student that attends the S&S Sidewinder or VFI Training gets first-hand experience working with MAC Tools and sees just how extensive the Mac Tools line-up really is.

“We are exited about the future and the things we can do together,” said S&S Sr. Manager of Racing & Customer Services, Charlie Hadayia. “We did a tool box together that did very well and are looking at some new tools and products that make sense for both of us. From our Training and Certification Center to winning the 2008 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship S&S and MAC Tools continue to do great things together, and will for years to come."

Currently MAC Tools engineers are meeting with S&S Product Development Team members exploring the possibilities of a line of specialty tools that would serve the v-twin technician’s needs in engine service. More information on S&S Cycle can be found at www.sscycle.com and information about MAC Tools can be found at www.mactools.com

FightClub appears in Hot Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:11:00 +0000

We're very excited to see FightClub in the latest issue of Hot Bike. Taryn Funcheon writes an excellent article and covered all the major points of the bike including an excellent interview with it's owner, Tom. Excellent coverage, excellent photos by Gil Smith (gilsmith.com). FightClub is looking to be the next major trend for Mercury Customs.

2008 Challenge Gets Underway For Yamaha In Sepang

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:17:00 +0000

2008 Challenge Gets Underway For Yamaha In Sepang

Valentino Rossi completed a mainly positive first day of testing in Malaysia today as the first of four pre-season tests began for the Fiat Yamaha Team. Rossi’s second test on Bridgestone tyres was interrupted when he crashed entering turn two on his twentieth lap of the day, but the Italian was unhurt and completed 44 laps and some important development work.

It was a typically hot and humid Sepang day and the track surface caused some problems with several riders, including Rossi’s new team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, also hitting the gravel at some point. Rossi and his team concentrated on a variety of things throughout the day as they continued to work on the development of the 2008 YZR-M1, recording positive results with a new 2008 specification pneumatic-valve engine, new electronics and of course some tyre work with Bridgestone. Rossi’s time of 2’02.490, recorded on his final lap of the day, put him in sixth place.

Valentino Rossi - Position: 6th Time: 2’02.490 Laps: 44
“It feels good to be back on the bike after the winter break, and me and all my team are feeling very motivated about the task ahead. I still have some pain in my hand but I had it checked out again last week and the fracture is okay, so I know it’s not a problem to ride. Today we continued where we left off with Bridgestone and it seems we’re making good progress, we did many laps with the same tyre and I’m pleased with things so far. Unfortunately I had a crash today; I was on an out lap and maybe I pushed a little bit too hard, too soon, with not enough temperature in the tyre and I lost the front. Luckily I was not hurt, my hand is okay and I was able to continue with the day’s work! As well as tyres we tried a new-spec engine and I was quite pleased with this, as well as with some new electronics. The surface wasn’t good today and it wasn’t possible to go so fast but I hope tomorrow it will improve and we will be able to keep improving in all areas.”

Yamaha Racing Communications
Hoogte Kadijk 61 / 1018 BE Amsterdam / The Netherlands
T. +31 (0) 20 625 6539 / F. +31 (0) 20 420 9470
E. office@yrc.nl W. http://www.yamaha-racing.com

S&S Announces Consumer Technical Training Special

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:20:00 +0000

S&S ANNOUNCES CONSUMER TECHNICAL TRAINING SPECIAL

LA CROSSE, WI (January 15, 2008) S&S® Cycle Announces the availability of a special Consumer Technical Training class during the week of the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration.

The S&S Technical Training Department has put together a special three day class that provides and in depth look at the S&S SH-, T- and V-Series engines, along with an overview of the all-new X-Wedge. This class allows students to further their v-twin knowledge by working directly with the S&S Training and Certification instructors in both the classroom and shop.

“This is a great addition to what is already turning into an incredible event week," said Ted Grabowski, S&S Technical Instructor. “Someone who is planning on coming to the 50th celebration can now spend a few days here in our class really learn about their v-twin.”

S&S Technical Instructor Jon “Opee” Olson said, “Event participants began contacting us expressing an interest in attending a training course before the celebration. We decided to open a limited seat three day course for those interested. Seats are limited so enroll soon.”

Normally this is a four day class, but due to the Anniversary Celebration activities, it has been condensed into three busy days. The price has been reduced for this one-time class from $1400 to $1100. Seating is limited for this special session of S&S Consumer Technical Training, so contact the instructors at train@sscycle.com immediately if you want to sign up.

Blackstone Laboratories

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:02:00 +0000

Is That Additive Really a Negative?

We get lots of questions about what, if any, additives people should be using. This article originally appeared in a motorcycle magazine, and it sums up our thoughts on additives perfectly.

S&S Announces New Jay Leno X-Wedge Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:29:00 +0000

LA CROSSE, WI (January 8, 2008) S&S ® Cycle announces a new video of Jay Leno and his X-Wedge™ powered bike can be found on-line at www.jaylenosgarage.com.

Leno took delivery of the bike, built by S&S, in November of 2007. Since then, Leno has appeared in a number of photos supporting the striking members of the Writers Guild of America on his X-Wedge-powered bike.

S&S has video of Leno taking delivery and his first ride on the bike at www.x-wedge.com along with plenty of information on the revolutionary new engine and what it means to S&S --and the v-twin community.

Leno is a contributor to Popular Mechanics Magazine and additional video and information about the bike and Leno's impresssion of the X-Wedge is available in his Green Garage portion of the website at http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/4234113.html .

S&S Cycle is celebrating 50-years of supporting the American v-twin industry throughout 2008. A 50 bike build-off will take place in La Crosse, Wisconsin on June 27-29, 2008 with builders using six different S&S engine families for the build, including the all-new X-Wedge. More information can be found at www.sscycle50th.com .

Easyriders Show Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:41:00 +0000

We just returned from the Easyriders Show in Pomona. Great crowd despite the rainy weather. Interesting bikes, check out the X Wedge bike from Chopper Dave. Other interesting notes were the paint treatments on some of the entries, with a special engine turned look on a particularly race inspired entry. Enjoy the photos.

Easyriders Show Photos

Easyriders Pomona Show This Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:04:00 +0000

We're off to the Easyriders VTwin Tour Show this weekend in Pomona at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. Come out and see the latest project as we introduce a radically different style for Mercury Customs. We can't tell you the name yet, but all will be revealed at the show! Those of you who can't make the show will have to wait! Rain or Shine, we'll be there. Also, we'll have the new 2008 Iron and Lace Calendar for sale, Joe will be signing books, calendars and nearly everything else that does or doesn't move! See you there.

Back and we're busy...

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:51:00 +0000

Well, we had a great Christmas and New Year's and we're back to it.
The shop is buzzing getting ready for the Easyriders Pomona Show, simply one of the biggest shows of the year. We'll be showing new projects and displaying some new technologies, so if you're in town - be sure to make it to the Pomona Fairgrounds, Saturday and Sunday!

Happy Holidays from Mercury Customs

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 23:37:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone for a fantastic year, we'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy holiday and a prosperous new year. 2008 will be filled with new projects, new designs and fascinating events that should keep everyone excited.

Mercury Customs : Design Archive One

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:59:00 +0000

We've added the first of many design archive pages that give a quick view of a dozen projects we've designed, engineered or built. Check out the paint on Project Pink, look at the detail on the new Max Primary Cover assembly and see some initial concept sketches for an upcoming project. Check it out here.

Chopperfest & Cycle World 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:19:00 +0000

Just back from a quick tour of the moto-sphere over the weekend. We had modern, newest, coolest over at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday and old-school, oldest and coolest at the Ventura Fairgrounds near the beach at the David Mann Chopperfest. Both events overflowed with cool and the newest rivaled the oldest for a place in the photo gallery. Visit the Chopperfest photo gallery first and see some of the latest creations for the oldest hotrods. Then trip on over to the Cycle World 2007 photo gallery and get a dose of industry introductions with the latest production motorcycles. Let me know which ones you like best!

David Mann Chopper Fest - This Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:43:00 +0000

Come out and see what Mercury Customs has been up to, this Sunday at Ventura Fairgrounds. The weather appears to look good for Sunday's show, and while it looks like rain through Saturday, the show always manages to dodge the weather. We'll see you out there!

Introducing: Serve with Honor

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:00:00 +0000

A full scale restoration, this original 1942 WLA took over a year to complete, from strip down to full restoration. A complete set of military issued documentation helped make the plan for disassembly and refinishing possible, with resources including the original issue O.D. Green military paint being sourced from the only remaining government approved source. The original project arrived in a civilianized form, having been found ‘in a barn’ in Garden Grove, California. Original engine numbers tracked the bike back to an April 1942 issue to the US War Department for deployment during WWII. Following it’s safe return, it cruised the streets of Los Angeles for over 60 years, remaining undercover (with a repainted black frame and civilian fenders). See more photos here.

LA Autoshow Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:35:00 +0000

Just returned from the Los Angeles Autoshow where several new production cars and a host of the usual spectacular concept cars were on display. You can always tell what the manufacturers are thinking by visiting the L.A. Show, it sets the trend for the rest of the country. This year the car companies couldn't jump fast enough into the population's favorite concept: Hybrid. It was everywhere this year. Everyone had something that was an alternative vehicle, coming soon, if not already in production. It seems 'going green' has become popular with the auto guys. Everyone except the supercar mfgs that is... See the highlight photos here.

Three photo shoots and various updates

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:50:00 +0000

We just finished a run of 3 photo shoots over the past week with the latest projects, nicknamed the "twins" - the two bikes have wildly different details while maintaining the same dna. You'll see one being promoted with the annual L.A. Calendar Show promotional materials over the next 9 months, with the lovely Tiffany Toth gracing the cover.
Also coming soon are photos from the shoot we just finished with Canon USA, (you know- the mega-worldwide camera corporation!) On that shoot we brought along a rigid ride, were calling "Cold Fusion". Red with silver, very different styling. Shot by world acclaimed automotive photographer, Gil Smith, the shoot produced some fantastic results.
We also managed to sneak in some time with a classic restoration project, soon to appear in the rides gallery.
Lots of travel but we think the results have been well worth the effort.
Stay tuned for some new technology, some new graphic design projects and a new artist were recommending.

No fire ... yet.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:25:00 +0000

For those of you who have been following the fires in So. Cal, we're about 5 miles from the Santiago Canyon fire. Santiago Canyon is home to one of the weekend ride destinations, Cook's Corner. We're not sure how it faired, but rest assured we'll find out. For the moment, we're fine and out of danger, being approx. 5+ miles from the fire line. Anything is possible, so we're keeping our eye on the news and watching the horizon for the smoke. The shop parking lot is covered in ash and we're hoping for some better weather in the days ahead. We'll keep you posted.

inside the engine... the video

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:06:00 +0000

ok, this is cool.
If you've ever wondered what the hell is going on with your engine while you're riding (driving) down the street, wonder no more. Here's the video:

in-cylinder video (click here)

(special thanks to Tom H. for the link!)

Book Review : Indian Larry

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 23:28:00 +0000

Love him or not, the new book: Indian Larry by Timothy White covers a great range of material about the enigmatic and iconic figure, Indian Larry. Mostly photographic, the book covers the one of the most charismatic figures in the custom motorcycle industry. Worth a look.

Book review : Into the Red

noreply@blogger.com (Joe) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:25:00 +0000

The latest library read: Check out the book: Into the Red
A detailed description of many classic race cars (most of which were/are in Nick Mason's (Pink Floyd anyone?) personal collection. Excellent discussion about each of the cars and flawless photography as you would expect.
There is also a version of the book that includes an audio CD (I was lucky enough to secure one, don't know if they are available still.) The CD contains a track for each car covered in the book. Unbelievable.
Great looking and sounding performance cars from the past.
Check it out.