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The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions Part 2: The Mecum Extravaganza

1 Feb 2017

The Mecum Auction audience in Las Vegas at the South Point Resort

Thousands of motorcycle lovers watched as rare bikes were auctioned at the Mecum Auction

The famous motorcycle auctions held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, are a chance for any motorcycle enthusiast to view, study, and even purchase some of the rarest and coolest bikes in the world. In part 1 of this mini-series, we looked at the stately British auction presented by the historic Bonhams Auction Company.

Kenny Roberts' flat tracker at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas at the South Point Resort

Kenny Roberts' flat tracker was a star of the auction

Held at the same time, just eight miles away in Sin City’s South Point Resort and Casino was the decidedly American Mecum Auction. The Mecum Auction is a much larger event that spans a full four days, and features more than four times the motorcycles offered up at the Bonhams Auction.

The Mecum auctioneers are louder and more aggressive, the bikes are peddled in rapid-fire fashion, and the motorcycles are as diverse as you could imagine. There were ultra rare, unrestored pieces of historical rolling art auctioned off for north of $100,000, as well as more recent and more common bikes that fetched winning bids well below $1,000.

King Kenny's Yamaha wears a K&N performance filter

A notable percentage of the bikes featured at the Mecum Auction were offered on the block wearing K&N filters. With the Bonhams Auction, we focused on over-the-top customs. Now let’s take a quick look at a spectrum of race bikes that were offered at the Mecum Auction. Each of these racers trust their protection and performance to K&N filters.

1976 Yamaha OW 72 Flat Track Racer

This 750cc racer was ridden by Kenny Roberts. How’s that for a legendary ride? The bike is in original, as-raced condition. The Shell 750cc Yamaha racing engine features flatslide carbs that breathe through K&N pod filters. It’s a legendary racer protected by legendary filters.

A K&N filter helps this 1991 Harley-Davidson® XRTTpump out 120 HP

1991 Harley-Davidson® XRTT

This one-of-a-kind, hand-built street racer features a 120 horsepower S&S V-twin featuring a 45mm Mikuni carburetor. That carb breathes through a K&N performance filter. That performance is transferred to the ground through a Zipper’s 5-speed transmission. The exhaust is handled with a stainless SuperTrapp system.

1967 Greeves Scottish Trials

This 1967 Greeves Scottish Trials is an original classic and runs a K&N filter

This very cool vintage European competition racer is most recognized by it leading link front suspension. The Greeves was a fixture on the racing podiums of the 1960s and early 1970s. This original condition beauty wears a K&N pod filter to protect that vintage power plant.

1971 Honda SL350 Racer

Classic lines, a Sonic Weld frame, and K&N protection on a SL350 racer

This beautiful little dirt racer is built around a Sonic Weld frame. The classic Honda 350 runs through a 5-speed transmission. Of course that iconic parallel twin gets its clean air through free-flowing K&N filters.

1997 Harley XR750 Dirt Track Racer

Arguably the most famous of the Harley racers, the XR750 is the stuff of flat track legend. This example features a custom C&J frame and side-mount Penske racing shock. The power-built V-twin breathes through two large K&N filters that offer the Harley loads of air and reliable protection.

XR750 Dirt Track Racer at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas at the South Point Resort

Big jugs and big K&N filters highlight this Harley XR750 Dirt Track Racer

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The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions Part 1: The Bonhams Experience

1 Feb 2017

The Las Vegas Bonhams Auction entry display

The Bonhams Auction featured the very best of vintage and modern motorcycles (Photo by Tim Kessel)

In this two-part series, we will look at the large-scale motorcycle auctions that were held concurrently in Las Vegas, Nevada in January.

The smaller and perhaps more exclusive of the famous Vegas auctions is Bonhams. The Bonhams Motorcycle Auction is a segment of the British auction company that serves as the middleman for everything from rare jewelry to fine art to the world’s most prized vehicles.

For the motorcycle lover, the Bonhams Auction is a chance to see and even touch some of the most exotic motorcycles ever produced. Of course, if you have a deep wallet – extremely deep – you can go home with one of these rare examples. Just as a staggering example, an extremely rare, original 1914 Feilbach Limited went for $195,000. And no, that’s not a misprint.

2013 Ecosse Founder’s Edition Titanium Heretic at Bonhams side view

The Ecosse Founder’s Edition Titanium Heretic is a hand-built custom rocket (Photo by Tim Kessel)

Just to be fair, those of us with more limited means can also bid at Bonhams. Many motorcycles were sold a price point the common man could still fathom. An unrestored 1971 Yamaha Mini Enduro went home with a bidder for a mere $345.

K&N was very well represented in the Bonhams Auction. The event featured several of the most outrageous customs the motorcycle world has seen. Not coincidentally, many of those beauties were wearing K&N filters. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

2013 Ecosse Founder’s Edition Titanium Heretic

The K&N filter in the Titanium Heretic has a very cool nest (Photo by Tim Kessel)

The Heretic is a completely hand-built monster of a custom. The bike is reported to function as beautifully as its form would indicate. Billet and carbon fiber parts grace virtually every square inch of the bike. It is not surprising that the Heretic is composed of the finest components. After all, the founder of Ecosse built this bike as his personal ride.

The power plant is a 2100cc V-twin that produces 110 rear-wheel horsepower. More impressively, it pumps out 145 lb-ft of torque. That huge S&S breathes through a K&N filter that sits in an ultra cool custom aluminum and carbon fiber intake.

Bidders did not meet the reserve price of this exotic. It is valued at over $150,000.

The Confederate Wraith side view at the Bonhams Auction in Las Vegas

The Confederate Wraith's arched backbone is a cool signature element (Photo by Tim Kessel)

2008 Confederate Wraith B210

One of two stunning Confederate builds at the Bonhams Auction, the Wraith is one of under 100 that were ever produced. Celebrities are magnetically attracted to Confederate motorcycles with owners like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Cruise, and Brad Pitt. If you have a bank account that rivals those guys, you could have had this one that drew a winning bid of $48,000.

The Confederate Wraith engine view at the Bonhams Auction in Las Vegas

The K&N filter on the Wraith is a prominent feature along with the exotic forks (Photo by Tim Kessel)

The bike’s spine is an arched carbon fiber member that links the exotic front and rear suspensions. The front forks are an amazing blade-type girder arrangement and the aluminum rear swing-arm is controlled by a center mounted mono-shock.

The Wraith’s exotic body and chassis is built around a 125 horsepower 1967cc V-twin. That motor is fed by an exposed, side-facing K&N filter that serves a conspicuous performance and styling element of the exotic build.

2010 Confederate P120 Fighter Black Flag

The Confederate Fighter Black Flag side view at the Bonhams Auction

The Confederate Fighter Black Flag features fluids portholes and a K&N intake (Photo by Tim Kessel)

The Black Flag is even rarer than the Wraith. Only 13 were ever produced. What puts the “black” in the Black Flag is the fact that every aluminum component is anodized in black. Again, the backbone of the bike is a main focal-point of the styling. There are glass ports in the huge aluminum frame tube so the rider can view both the gas and oil that are contained there.

The Black Flag’s V-twin is a 120 cubic inch monster that produces an arm-stretching 160 horsepower. The 135 lb-ft of torque is sure to spin the carbon fiber wheels. Again, it is a K&N that feeds clean air to the power-plant. An exposed K&N pod filter is mounted to a forward-sweeping aluminum intake. The folks at Confederate are clearly displaying their trust in the world’s best filter.

The Black flag went for a winning bid of over $56,000

Check back for part 2 of the Vegas auction series in which we will look at the massive Mecum Auction and some classic racers that breathe through K&N filters.

A spine-view of the Black Flag shows the anodized magic and the K&N protection (Photo by Tim Kessel)

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Congrats to Champion Cooling Systems Pro Comp Champ, K&N's Kevin McClelland

1 Feb 2017

View of the NMCA WEST recipients of the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Championship rings on stage.

The recipients of the NMCA Wes Series Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Championship rings

We joined the folks from Promedia, Aerospace Components, and a couple hundred of the area’s fastest on the evening of January 21st for a celebration of the 2016 NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels Street Car Nationals. With the 2017 NMCA West season right around the corner it was time to celebrate the winners and possibly inspire some new victors at Vic’s Garage, home of the legendary Vic Edelbrock Jr.’s incredible museum and car collection! The atmosphere was festive and animated. The dragstrip tales of the competitors led to some lighthearted banter with the idea that there would be a next time!

Shot of the championship trophies as presented by Aerospace Components

Some amazing championship hardware presented by Aerospace Components Winners Circle

Hosted by Brian Lohnes, the awards ceremony included several exciting video recaps of the year along with the presentation of the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Championship rings, the NMCA Victor Championship trophies and Top Ten awards, presented by Aerospace Components.

Shot of Brain Lohnes, Kim Kussy of Aerospace Components and Steve Wolcott of ProMedia

Host Brian Lohnes with Kim Kussy of Aerospace Components and Steve Wolcott of ProMedia

The NMCA WEST Champion Cooling System Pro Comp Champ and K&N Driver, Kevin McClelland, competed in multiple series during the 2016 racing season including the NMCA WEST Series and the NHRA Summit Series.

Shot of Kevin McClelland pulling the front wheels up on the drag strip.

K&N Director of O.E.M. Business Kevin McClelland, getting a little lift on the drag strip.

Kevin McClelland has been known to lend a hand to fellow competitors on more than one occasion. McClelland who serves as K&N’s Director of OEM Business, in a manner of speaking, comes from drag racing royalty as many people refer to his father Dave McClelland as “The Voice of NHRA.” This four-time NHRA National Event winner is continuing the racing legacy and competing in earnest with his son Daniel in the series. Kevin's wife, Lisa McClelland, even gets in on the action and won 2016 Crewmember of the Year thanks to her efforts throughout the season.

Shot of Kevin McClelland smoking the tires of the '27 Davis Roadster, NMCA WEST Spring Nationals

Kevin McClelland smoking the tires on his 1927 Davis Roadster at the NMCA WEest Spring Nationals

At the season opener in April, the 5th Annual NMCA WEST Spring Nationals, in Champion Cooling Pro Comp Class, fellow competitor Paul Wiechmann took pole, but it was McClelland in his 1927 Davis roadster who would meet Gary Cooke and his 1961 Corvette in the final. Both racers ran 9.91 on their 9.90 index, but it was McClelland's .011-second reaction time that gave him the win over Cooke's .042.

At the Lucas Oil West Coast Shootout in June, Kevin McClelland came out on top once again with Zach Meziere as the event runner up at Autoclub Dragway, in Fontana, California.

Record breaking temperatures may have had something to do with McClelland’s outcome at the Energy Suspension Street Car Nationals in September. Separated by a mere hundredth of a second from first place, Kevin would land in fifth place at the end of competition. It’s incredible that the winner and events runner up were decided down to thousandths of a second.

Overhead shot of Vics Garage in Torrance, California

Vic's Garage, located in Torrance, California, was the ideal venue for this high performance group

The competition is thick in the Champion Cooling System Pro Comp class with winners being just thousandths ahead of their rivals. And the competition at the 5th Annual Mickey Thompson NMCA West Finals was fierce. K&N’s Kevin McClelland would qualify and run against Dennis Sato where he would have the advantage and move up to the next round. In the end he would finish fourth with one hundredth of a second separating him from the winner Zach Meziere.

Shot of Aerospace Components, Kim Kussy with Sportsman of the Year, Dave Gotts and wife Jennifer.

Aerospace Components, Kim Kussy with Sportsman of the Year, Dave Gotts and his wife Jennifer

Take a look at the 2016 Season Winners:

Kevin McClelland, Champion Cooling Systems Pro Comp

Jan Vanderpool, Street Comp

Marvin Roles, Calvert Racing Quick Street

Brent Calvert, MMR Mustang Madness

Brent Calvert, JET-HOT Open Comp

Steve Cox, Hedman Hedders Nostalgia Street Car

Shot of NMCA WEST series Edelbrock Super Quick Champ Zach Meziere at staging.

NMCA West Series Edelbrock Super Quick Champ Zach Meziere, staging.

Doug Crumlich, Meziere Enterprises Top Sportsman

Zach Meziere, Edelbrock Super Quick

Greg Seth-Hunter, Pro Mod

Mike Silva, Ultra Street

Tony Smith, ARP Outlaw 8.5

Ross Wilson, Lucas Oil N/A 10.5

James Lawrence, Pro Charger Limited Street

Shot of James Lawrence staging in his Pro Charger Limited Street, Drag Zine.

NMCA West Champ, James Lawrence staging in his Drag Zine, ProCharger Limited Street

Special Awards Winners:

Driver of the Year Winner: Mark Miyashiro

Crew Member of the Year Winner: Lisa McClelland

Sportsman of the Year Winner: Dave Gotts

Ambassador of the Year Winner: Paul Wiechmann

We’d like to congratulate our very own Kevin McClelland for his success at the drag strip and can’t wait to see what transpires in the 2017 race season.

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K&N Air Intake for 2014-2016 Kia Forte Offers Estimated Boost of 7 Horsepower

1 Feb 2017

The K&N 69-5316TS Air Intake is designed to fit 2014-2016 Kia Forte and Forte Koup.

The K&N 69-5316TS air intake system offers an estimated 7.04-horsepower at 5382 rpm

Created in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation is the oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles and is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea. In December 2015 Hyundai Motor Company, the largest South Korean manufacturer of automobiles, purchased 33.88% stake in Kia.

Kia manufactured the first domestic bicycle in 1951 and built Honda-licensed small motorcycles starting in 1957, Mazda-licensed trucks beginning in 1962 and cars in 1974. It opened its first automotive assembly plant in 1973 and built the small Brisa automobile until 1981, when new military dictator Chun Doo-hwan enforced industry consolidations and forced Kia to stop making passenger cars and focus on light trucks instead.

In 1986, Kia resumed building passenger cars in partnership with Ford and it also produced several Mazda models for domestic sales in South Korea as well as for export into other countries. This included the Kia Pride, which was based on the Mazda 121 and the Avella, which were sold in North America, Australia, and Asia as the Ford Festiva and Ford Aspire.

Kia Motors in America was founded in the United States in 1992 and the company began opening Kia dealerships in the U.S. The first four dealerships were in Portland, Oregon.

One of the company’s most popular models is the Kia Forte, which was first manufactured in 2008. Four gasoline engines, a diesel engine, and a liquefied petroleum gas engine, also known as propane, powered the first generation models. The second-generation (2013-present) Kia Forte is a compact that includes five gasoline engines.

K&N offers the 69-5316TS air intake system for both the Kia Forte and Forte Koup. The system includes a free-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum tube and an oversized cone shaped washable and reusable air filter that can be used for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings.

The K&N 69-5316TS Air Intake offers more air to the engine that the factory air filter and intak

The K&N 69-5316TS air intake is engineered to replace the factory air filter and air intake

K&N also offers the 99-5000 filter care service kit that is specially formulated to clean and recharge the filter so that it can be used over and over again.

The air intake system is designed and engineered to replace the factory air filter and air intake housing. The system is engineered to dramatically reduce airflow restrictions because it smoothes and straightens the airflow. This ensures that the engine breaths in more air than the factory air intake could supply it. The result is more power and acceleration throughout the RPM range of the engine. In fact, dyno tests confirm that the intake produces an estimated horsepower gain of 7.04-horsepower at 5,382 rpm.

The tube has a silver-powder finish and accommodates the factory crank case vent hose and blow off valve and a heat shield is included that blocks hot engine air from entering the intake. This assures that the engine is fed only cool air.

K&N is so sure of the quality of the air intake it covers it with a 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty. This guarantees that the air filter will last for 10 years or one million miles.

The K&N 69-5316TS air intake system is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2016 KIA FORTE5 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 KIA FORTE KOUP 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 KIA FORTE5 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 KIA FORTE KOUP 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 KIA FORTE5 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 KIA FORTE KOUP 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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The 68th Annual Grand National Roadster Show is a Must See for Auto Enthusiasts

31 Jan 2017

Bruce Wanta's 1936 Packard took home the award for America's Most Beautiful Roadster

At the end of every January, beautiful hot rods from all over the U.S. congregate at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. You may be asking yourself why. The answer is the Grand National Roadster Show. The longest running indoor car show in the world, the GNRS is also known as the “Grand Daddy of Them All.” Since 1950, the show has attracted hordes of onlookers to see the most beautiful cars in the world. Since the very beginning, the judges have awarded the award of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster.

You can see just about anything at the Grand National Roadster Show, like this 1966 Buick Riviera GS

For this year, the 68th annual GNRS, the award went to a 1936 Packard from Hollywood Hot Rods, known as the Mulholland Speedster. To be eligible for the AMBR award, the car must be a roofless two-seater made before, or based on a car that was made before 1937. While the Packard is somewhat of a non-traditional roadster (since it has a disappearing top), the judges felt it was worthy of the 10-foot tall trophy that is awarded each year to the winner.

Bare metal is a popular finish like on this Ford Roadster from American Speed Company

Along with the twelve entries for AMBR, there were hundreds of other, equally impressive vehicles on display. This year’s theme was “The Magic Happens Here” and the feature building was full of Tri-Five Chevy’s to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevys. If you have never been to this show, this is a bucket list item. Start saving now and pack up the family next year for a trip to sunny Southern California to take a walk through car enthusiast heaven. We also have Disneyland, so there’s that!

One of the other AMBR contenders was this 1932 Roadster from Goolsby Customs

Another bare metal finished car was this magnificent 1936 Cadillac Custom called Shangri-La

The winner gets this 10-foot trophy, but they don't get to take this version home

This Dodge Dart with a blown Hemi took our breath away

Trucks are also popular among the hot rodding crowd like this 1950 Chevy with a 327ci motor with K&N

Some of the cars are restorations and others, like this 1940 Ford Coupe with a Coyote motor, aren't

You might have seen this before, but this 1961 Blazer concept from Sic Chops is unbelievable

The crowds that attended the 2017 Grand National Roadster Show had plenty to drool over

A 1957 Chevy with a twin turbo 540ci motor is the stuff that dreams and nightmares are made of

A gorgeous example of a Ford Mustang with a 427R Roush motor

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