Car Or Motorcycle? The Dodge Tomahawk Concept Vehicle

We Love Concept Vehicles and This One Is Definitely For Our Motorcycle Fanatics!

Dodge Tomahawk Concept Has A Viper Power Plant

Creating a concept vehicle has just got to be a lot of fun!  Seriously, some of us are obsessed with drawing pictures of really cool vehicles.  Vehicles that look awesome, but, for the most part, would never become a reality.  Imagine working for a real car or motorcycle company and having the ability to make some of those cool pics become a reality.....now, that's a job I would just die for!

 

The Dodge Tomahawk Concept is an awesome vehicle.  I use the word vehicle because I think it's still up for grabs as to whether it should be considered a car or a motorcycle!  According to Allpar.com, “For the Tomahawk to have been sold in the U.S. for road use, it would have had to pass all of the automobile safety standards.  Had the engineers replaced one of the tire pairs (either front or back) with a single tire (for a total of three), it would have been a motorcycle, although I think the lights might have been in violation of the regulations.”  According to Allpar.com, a motorcycle can have no more than 3 wheels on the ground at one time.  It (The Tomahawk) has four wheels, looks like motorcycle, and actually, I don't personally care what they call it....I just want to ride it!

Powered by an 8.3L, 10 cyclinder, 90 degree V-type, liquid cooled, 505 cubic inch, Viper motor that, through a manual, foot-shifted, aluminum-cased two-speed, sequential racing-style with dog ring, straight-cut gears, could propel this beast from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of somewhere around 300 mph, this vehicle is just raw adrenalin looking for a driver or rider!

The block is a 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners, aluminum alloy cylinder heads. The Bore x Stroke: 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches (102.4 x 100.6), two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder, roller-type hydraulic lifters, sequential fuel injection with individual runners.  With a compression Ratio: 9.6:1, and a Max Engine Speed: 6000 rpm fueled by 93-octane unleaded gasoline, a dry sump oil system that takes 8 quarts of oil and requires twin aluminum radiators mounted atop engine intake manifolds, force-fed from front-mounted, belt-driven turbine fans. The cooling systems actually requires 11 quarts of antifreeze!  You can find a full article on the Tomahawk at Allpar, a great site with lots of great articles on everything automotive. 

 

This is just one badass bike, or car, or whatever you prefer to call it!  Now I know you're asking yourself, why is she talking about this awesome concept bike, when, in reality, none of us can own or ride it!  It is just that, a concept!

 

Well, we can all dream, right?  Actually, the reasoning behind this story is that with a little ingenuity, you can turn any bike into your own concept vehicle!  Accessorizing your bike can turn a plain Jane into a head-turning, break tapping, talk of the water-cooler ride!

 

And, accessorizing doesn't have to be expensive.  You can add chrome to just about any part of a bike for pennies on the dollar.  Chrome accessories are great for adding flash and you can get almost any part in chrome!  Check out the great chrome parts from CruiserCustomizing.  Their chrome accessories page has "bling" for your bike from the tinyest parts to some great Kuryakyn Eagle Front Fender Ornaments and Show Chrome Accessories (big bike parts) Chrome Edge Guards for Tanks, etc.  You'll love your bike's new flashy look and there are chrome peices to fit any budget.

Check out their American Motorcycles Accessories page too, for some great ideas for your American made bike! There are simply too many neat accessories to mention here, so go shop to your hearts content at CruiserCustomizing.

 

Looking for some "high tech" accessories to bring your bike up-to-date and maybe even into the future?  BikeBandit.com has your toys! Check out their motorcycle communication page for some great "high tech" toys to customize your ride!  From the Garmin zumo® 220 Motorcycle GPS to the GoPro Motorsport Hero2 HD Digital Camera, you'll find all kinds of great accessories and upgrades to bring your ride into the 20th Century at prices that won't "break your bank"!  One of my personal favorites is the MotoComm DSR-1003G Digital Recorder & Camera System.  You can ride and record all your favorite rides and upload them to U-Tube or share them on Facebook!  The camera mounts wherever you'd like and can create a "driver's vantage point" view that will really make the viewer feel like they were there.

Adding some accessories to your ride can really make your bike look and feel new again without spending a huge amount of money!  You might not have a Tomahawk, but, you'll have your own "concept" bike, customized by you!

 

 

Happy Motoring!

-Larry and Dee Blackman

LDJ Auto Body & Custom Shop, Gibsonton, FL

www.ldjautobody.com

More about → Car Or Motorcycle? The Dodge Tomahawk Concept Vehicle

The Art of Custom Car & Motorcycle Maintenance Has a Great NEW Look!

Welcome to "The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle"' blog's new look.  We are always looking for ways to bring the best and most insteresting content to our readers.  We have reconfigured our blog page to make it easier for our readers to navigate and we've added some neat things too.

It has always been our desire and goal to bring our blog subscribers the best products at the lowest prices.  After careful consideration and lots of price comparisons, we've come up with a list of the best car, truck, and motorcycle parts and accessory suppliers anywhere on the World Wide Web!

LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical's staff of professional technicians has put together the most comprehensive list of parts and accessories that are second to none.  These are the parts that the pros use.  And, they know how to pick them.

From full body kits, ground effects, spoilers, lambo doors and more, LDJ Auto Body's technicians do them all.  "Nothing is worse than trying to fit parts on a vehicle that are poorly made and not up to spec", said Larry Blackman, owner of LDJ.  "Add-on accessories can make or break the look you are going for, not to mention breaking the bank for unnecessary technician time in trying to fit a poorly manufactured part.  Going the extra nine yards to ensure that you purchase high quality parts will actually save you money in the long run.  They fit better, they paint better, and ultimately, they look better."



"Motorcycle parts are no different than car and truck parts", Blackman went on to say. "Quality is everything when you're accessorizing any type of vehicle."

That's why we have gone to great lengths to promote the suppliers that the professionals prefer.  Check out the links in the side-bar for some great deals from the best suppliers in the business. 

We'll also make sure that we keep you informed of any sales or promotions that are going on.  We do the homework so you don't have to.  Enjoy your shopping experience here at "The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle Maintenance" knowing that you're getting the best.....for less.

Happy Motoring!
Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
www.ldjautobody.com








http://test.skimlinks.com

More about → The Art of Custom Car & Motorcycle Maintenance Has a Great NEW Look!

New Motorcycle or New Motorcycle Accessories? Ways to Cure the Craving For A New Bike!

In today's economy, we sometimes can't just run out and buy all the great things we want.....  I know, I sound like your mother!  But, sometimes, even your mother had some really good ideas, right? 

When we get a new toy, the main interest is in the fact that it's NEW.  A new car, a new bike, a new 'whatever'....  Ever notice your kids when they get something new?  Yup, you guessed it.  They unwrap the present, play with it like mad for a couple hours, days, sometimes, even months, but, the eventual end is that the 'newness' wears off and it becomes yet another mundane item in our neverending list of 'things".  Well, here's an idea for you! 

For motorcyclists, this should be a 'no brainer'! Even if you've been riding the same old bike for a couple years, there are lots of things you can do to make it 'feel' like new.... For instance, take a look at the paint. Motorcycles are not big, huge items, like a car. So, you can take your motorcycle to your local paint shop and have the 'entire' bike painted for a mere fraction of what a new one would cost. Now, I'm not talking about doing a complete, custom graphic, multi-zero's in the cost, paint job. I'm talking about changing the color, or adding a graphic, or even adding a pin stripe or two. All of those things will make 'ol faithful look different and therefore, make you feel different about your bike.
If you've been toying with the idea of a new motorcycle, think about "renewing" your existing motorcycle first.  Motorcycles are one of the most "accessorizable" vehicles out there.  You can literally create a whole new bike just by using accessories!  The best way to do this is to take a look at your existing bike.  What are you trying to do?  If you're considering selling your bike for a bigger one, what's the reason for going bigger?  Are you looking for more power? Or, are you looking for something a bit more comfy with some storage capability, like a cruiser?  If you are wanting that smaller bike to be a bit more comfortable and offer you some more storage, and even if you're just looking to get that feel of a big, comfy, cruiser, there are lot's of things you can try before you go out and spend the money on a new bike.
 

If your existing motorcycle is a smaller bike like an H-D Sportster, you're in luck. Sporty's are one of the most customizable bikes out there. So, if you're wanting the "luxury" feel of a big, comfy, cruiser or bagger, let's start with the seat. Seats come in every imaginable configuration out there. For starters, you're probably going to want the ability to bring your wife, girlfriend, or someone else with you.....so, solo seating is out. Let's take a look at what seating options will make that sporty feel more like a Deluxe or Fat Boy.

Let's look at some examples.... We recommend a good accessory dealer for starters, so J&P Cycles - Motorcycle Seats has some great seating arrangements for H-D here too.  Now, please don't think I'm only speaking about H-D here, I only chose the Sporty because it's an easy bike to customze.  You can customize ANY bike and I promise I'll cover those a little later.  Back to the seating arrangement, start by considering what other items you want to add to your Sporty and make sure that your seat will work with those items.  I recommend looking at something very comfortable for both you and your passenger.  Back rests are important if you're going to be doing any long distance riding, so be sure to consider that, and there are many seats that have removable backrests that take only seconds to put on and take off.  I would consider one of those simply because of the veratility.  The example below is taken from Motorcycle Superstore
They have some great choices too!  The seat below is a touring seat that can be had for almost any bike and offers you the ability to have a removable driver backrest and is comfy for both the driver and passenger giving you lots of versatility.  Add a passenger backrest with a small luggage carrier and you're in business!

Tour Special Seat w/Driver Backrest Saddlemen Tour Special Seat w/Driver Backrest Split-cushion seat design separates lumbar support and seat cushions so they compress independently, reducing tail and hip bone pressure Each seat includes special touring contours and SaddleGel in both driver and passenger seating for increased comfort Driver's backrest is adjustable for both height and fore-aft position Supple SaddleHyde offers a combination of comfort, glove-soft leathery feel and weatherproof, no-maintenace good looks Made in the USA **Note: Product is bike specific, so actual product may vary from image.

Once you've picked out your new seat, let's take a look at adding some other "creature comforts" like storage.  Adding some really great saddle bags to your Sporty does two things.  Of course, the obvious is that you'll gain some serious storage space.  But, adding bags to your bike will give your Sporty that "bigger" cruiser look, which, if you remember is what we're looking for too!  I personally prefer soft bags for a Sporty because they have a different, softer look and you can get bigger bags that will expand when you need the room, but, also won't look out of place on your Sporty when they're flattened out and not filled to capacity.  Also, if you're looking to get that "new" look on a budget, soft bags will save you money because they don't need to be painted.  Hard bags usually need to be painted to match the bike and paint costs money.  Going with soft bags will save you the cost of painting and you can use that money to add some additional accessories to help maximize the new "cruiser" look you're going for. J&P Cycles - Motorcycle Saddlebags and Luggage has some great ideas here and this is just the start.  Don't forget, bags come in all styles and shapes.  If you're the kind of person that changes their mind often, you might want to go with a "rear bag" that is removable.  That way you can have your storage when you need it and lose the baggage when you're just out riding.



There's lots of other things too.  Take a look at some of the other accessories available for motorcycles nowadays!  There are literally thousands of things to add to your bike to give it and yourself a little lift.  Do you like chrome?  Even little bits of chrome added here and there can give a bike a 'new' look.  Chrome gas caps, fuel shut off knobs, handle bar grip inserts, are just few of the chrome adders that will help dress up an older bike.



Take a look at handle bars too!  Handle bars can change the entire look of your bike without a whole lot of work.  Make sure that whatever you choose is comfortable to you.  With all the different configurations out there, you are sure to be able to find one that fits your body style, the look you're going for, and last, but not least, your budget.

So there you have it!  You can take your existing ride and turn it into a whole new experience without having to go through selling it and buying new.  Of course, there will come a time when you just want to replace your ride, and that's always an option.  But, in these economic times, sometimes just making a few changes can satisfy the craving for something new.  And, remember, any options you add to your ride will also add to it's value, so, when it does become time to trade it in or sell it, you can get a return on your investment too!

Happy Motoring!

Larry and Dee

More about → New Motorcycle or New Motorcycle Accessories? Ways to Cure the Craving For A New Bike!

Chrome Motorcycle Accessories! Big Look for Small Change!

It's the little things in life that really make a difference!  Ever go to a bike event or even a biker bar and look in the parking lot?  Lot's of bikes look alike....baggers, sporty's, jap bikes, Harley's....they all seem to blend in.  Then, suddenly, you see the beauty of one that really catches your eye!  What's the difference?  Look closely and you'll see....

Many bikes just need a little bling to really spice up the look!  Something as small as a little chrome on a handlebar, the shiny eagle on the gas tank cover and sometimes, the careful placement of all of these things just seems to make the bike! 

Dressing up your "dresser" doesn't have to be expensive!  Check out some of these items from Cruiser Customizing. 

You can find all the best accessories right here in one place!  And, Cruiser Customizing has the best prices and the greatest deals around.

Most of these items can be installed in minutes using simple tools everyone has.  They also offer you a means of "personalizing" your bike and letting you express the real, riding you without spending an arm and a leg!

From license plate brackets to headlight visors! They're all great ways to spice up your ride!



Spring is around the corner.  Get your bike shined up and ready to go now!  Be the first one on the block to "brighten" your driveway!  You know what they say about the "lead dog"!  Don't be a follower....make your own statement today and let your neighbors follow you!

Mirror's are not only a necessity for safe riding, but, also a great place to mount some chrome!  Even braided lines can add some accent and afford strength, durabilty and.....yup, even beauty!





Don't forget, LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop is ready to install any of your new bling at prices that match the great deals you get with Cruiser Customizing!

And, it's not ALL about the chrome!  There's much more available to make your personal statement.  Although chrome is great, there are other accessories out there to let "you be you"! How about a custom color winshield?  Memphis Shades has your color at prices that will make your head spin!  Check them out here!




From "saddles" to "saddle bags", transform your beast into a beauty!











With Cruiser Customizing and LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop, you can transform your ride into a "work of art" all at a price that won't bust your budget!

LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop & Cruiser Cutomizing....one stop, one shop for... and installation!

More about → Chrome Motorcycle Accessories! Big Look for Small Change!