About this episode
Holger from Kodlin USA shares the brand's rich history, originating in Germany in 1984 and evolving into a key player in custom motorcycle building. The conversation dives into the European and American custom bike cultures, regulatory challenges, and the influence of German engineering precision. They discuss collaborations with other brands, the impact of regional styles, and the evolution of bike building from the 90s to today. The episode offers insights into the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Kodlin's sleek, high-quality motorcycle parts and builds.
On today's episode, we're talking with Holger about the brand, the culture behind it, and how Kodlin USA has become one of the most exciting names in the custom V-Twin industry. Known for their killer builds and sleek, eye-catching parts design.
Kodlin USA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kodlinusa/
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BMW
"The American side was the BMW a couple of years ago. No, that was Germany."
BMW is a company from Germany that makes cars and motorcycles that many people like for their quality and performance.
BMW is a German automotive and motorcycle manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles and high-performance motorcycles.
custom bike building
"So Germany is a lot about bike building. Kotlin in Europe is associated with Harley Davidson and custom bike building period."
Custom bike building means making a motorcycle special and different by changing parts and how it looks to fit what the owner wants.
Custom bike building refers to the process of designing and assembling motorcycles with unique parts and styles tailored to individual preferences, often involving modifications to the frame, engine, and aesthetics.
Harley Davidson
"Kotlin in Europe is associated with Harley Davidson and custom bike building period."
Harley Davidson is a famous American company that makes big motorcycles that many people like to customize and ride.
Harley Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer famous for its heavyweight cruiser motorcycles and strong custom bike culture.
Custom Chrome Europe
"I used to run custom Chrome Europe and custom Chrome was like the Coca-Cola in the industry."
Custom Chrome Europe is a company that sells special parts and accessories to make motorcycles look and perform differently, mostly for big bikes like Harley Davidson.
Custom Chrome Europe is a company specializing in aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories, particularly for custom and Harley Davidson-style bikes, serving the European market.
EPA
"Before carb and EPA became an issue here, this shit was going on in Europe, like on steroids, right?"
The EPA is a government group that makes sure cars don't pollute too much and follow rules to keep the air clean.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating emissions and environmental standards for vehicles to reduce pollution.
carb
"Before carb and EPA became an issue here, this shit was going on in Europe, like on steroids, right?"
Carburetors are parts in older cars that mix gas and air to make the engine run, but new rules have made them less common.
Carb refers to carburetors, a device that mixes air and fuel for internal combustion engines. Regulations around carburetors have been replaced by stricter emissions standards.
emissions compliance
"But it's, you know, all the, all the emissions, all the compliance. Actually, how does that work?"
Emissions compliance means making sure cars don't pollute too much and follow the rules to keep the air clean.
Emissions compliance refers to meeting government regulations that limit the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit to reduce environmental impact.
European Union emissions regulations
"That's like lighting its emissions that comes from the European Union. But then there's also standards for different countries."
The European Union is a group of countries that make shared rules about how much cars can pollute and how their lights should work.
The European Union sets unified emissions and lighting standards that apply across member countries to standardize vehicle regulations and reduce pollution.
country-specific vehicle regulations
"But then there's also standards for different countries. Germany is very strict. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, kind of the central European countries. They're really strict."
Even though many countries share rules, some like Germany have extra strict rules for cars to follow.
Despite EU-wide regulations, individual countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have their own stricter vehicle standards and enforcement.
TÜV
"And they got TUV, TÜV, probably heard about that. That's where testing of frames and things, you know, become very relevant."
TÜV is a group in Germany that checks if cars and bikes are safe and legal to drive, especially when you make custom changes.
TÜV is a German organization responsible for vehicle inspection and certification, ensuring that vehicles and components meet safety and environmental standards. It is especially important for custom builds and modifications in Europe.
Porsche
"You know, I'm a new, recent lover of Porsches. I've just, you know, basically just got turned on here recently, always known they existed, obviously, but like just really started to fall in love with like the design and the aesthetics of the thing, of the machines,"
Porsche is a famous car company from Germany that makes sporty and stylish cars. Their designs have stayed similar for many years, which many people like.
Porsche is a renowned German automotive manufacturer known for its iconic sports cars, especially the Porsche 911, which has maintained a consistent design lineage over decades. The brand is celebrated for its engineering precision and timeless aesthetics.
Honda S500
"And if I open my marketplace right now, it's literally like nothing, but BMWs, a couple like S 500, you know, the convertible one from like a 95. It's just prime drug dealer cars."
The Honda S500 is a small, old convertible car made by Honda a long time ago. It was one of the first sports cars Honda made and is now a collector's item.
The Honda S500 is a classic small convertible sports car from the 1960s, notable for being Honda's first production sports car. Despite its age, it remains a collectible vehicle, though examples are rare and often valued by enthusiasts for its historical significance.
Ford Mustang
"I did all that. I was running Kuri Alkin and Mustang Seats. And the more I did that, the less I felt ..."
The Ford Mustang is a sporty car made by Ford. It is known for being fast and fun to drive, and many people like to change parts of it to make it more comfortable or look cooler.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and sporty design. By 2026, the Mustang continues to be popular among enthusiasts for customization, such as upgrading seats and interior components to enhance driving comfort and style.
lowering kit
""Right. First, first big hit was our M8 Soft Day lowering kit. And we just started to create a website and start selling it on the internet.""
A lowering kit is a set of parts that makes a car sit closer to the ground. This helps the car turn better and can make it look cooler.
A lowering kit is an aftermarket suspension modification that reduces a vehicle's ride height. This can improve handling by lowering the center of gravity and can also enhance the car's appearance.
Indian
"Whether you're pushing a Harley, Indian or a custom build, Arlen S delivers with quality parts..."
Indian makes motorcycles that look classic and are good for long rides. They are one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the US.
Indian Motorcycle is a historic American motorcycle brand known for its classic styling and powerful cruiser and touring motorcycles.
Kabuto
"Kabuto motorcycle helmets brings Japan's legendary helmet craftsmanship with cutting edge technology... You can check out these helmets and find out more information at Kabuto Americas dot com."
Kabuto makes motorcycle helmets that protect your head and help you ride safely. They use smart designs to keep helmets light and strong.
Kabuto is a Japanese brand known for manufacturing high-quality motorcycle helmets with advanced safety features and aerodynamic designs.
MIPS safety standards
"All while boasting a lightweight composite shell with ACT tech and MIPS safety standards."
MIPS is a safety feature in helmets that helps protect your brain better if you fall and hit your head at an angle.
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a helmet safety technology designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled impacts.
Toyota A90
"instead of like you're just at a rally. You know, when you're in Sturges, like every, there's not an exit you take off a 90 that doesn't feel like the rally's going on. Well, and it's a riding event, right? I mean, and that's a cool thing about Sturges. You just"
The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car made by Toyota. It is designed to be fun to drive and is often used in car races and events.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary Japanese sports car celebrated for its performance and handling, especially in motorsports and car culture. The latest generation available by 2026 continues to offer advanced technology and a powerful engine, making it a favorite for driving events and rallies.
Drag Specialties
"stay within the frame of a drag specialties catalog cover bike needs to feature parts that are in the book, right?"
Drag Specialties is a company that makes parts to help customize motorcycles.
Drag Specialties is a well-known aftermarket parts company specializing in motorcycle components, especially for custom and cruiser bikes.
powder coating
"And then we powder coated the frame, powder coated a little budget matching components."
It's a way to paint metal parts by spraying powder that sticks and then baking it to make a strong finish.
Powder coating is a finishing process where a dry powder is applied electrostatically to a metal surface and then cured under heat to form a durable, protective, and decorative coating.
motorcycle aftermarket parts
"largest distributor on planet Earth for motorcycle aftermarket parts. This thing is going to be at every Harley shop on the planet and at every custom shop"
Aftermarket parts are extra pieces you can add or swap on your motorcycle to make it look cooler or work better. They aren't made by the bike's original company but by other companies.
Motorcycle aftermarket parts are components and accessories made by third-party companies that are used to customize or replace original parts on motorcycles. These parts allow riders to personalize their bikes or improve performance beyond factory specifications.
touring bikes
"We have a lot of products for the for the new touring bikes, right? From the license plates to the risers to the water reservoir covers"
Touring bikes are motorcycles made for long rides. They have comfy seats and space to carry your stuff so you can travel far without getting tired.
Touring bikes are motorcycles designed for long-distance travel, featuring comfortable seating, large fuel tanks, and accessories like luggage compartments and windshields. They prioritize rider comfort and storage capacity for extended trips.
risers
"From the license plates to the risers to the water reservoir covers, etc. But then, you know, going into deep and picking nest parts"
Risers are parts that lift the handlebars on a motorcycle higher so it's easier and more comfortable to hold and steer.
Risers are components used to raise the height of motorcycle handlebars, improving rider comfort and control by adjusting the handlebar position to suit personal preference.
water reservoir covers
"From the license plates to the risers to the water reservoir covers, etc. But then, you know, going into deep and picking nest parts"
Water reservoir covers are caps that go on the container holding the bike's coolant. They can be changed to make the bike look nicer.
Water reservoir covers are protective or decorative caps for the coolant reservoir on motorcycles, often customized for aesthetic appeal or to match other bike components.
license plates
"From the license plates to the risers to the water reservoir covers, etc. But then, you know, going into deep and picking nest parts"
License plates are the metal tags on your bike that show its registration number. Some people change them to look cooler or fit better.
License plates are metal or plastic plates attached to vehicles displaying registration numbers. On motorcycles, aftermarket license plates can include custom designs or mounting hardware for aesthetic or functional upgrades.
rotors
"And then the same on the rotors. We used the"
Rotors are round metal discs on your motorcycle's wheels that help it stop when you press the brakes. Some people change them to better ones for safer or cooler brakes.
Rotors are the disc components of a motorcycle's braking system that the brake pads clamp onto to slow down or stop the bike. Aftermarket rotors can improve braking performance or aesthetics.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
"below 5.5 on a low-rider ST. The ST has the extended shock. It's like the S after 22. That thing is high. You put this on and you're just a few more comfortable on the motorcycle and it does not impact the way it handles at all."
The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST is a type of motorcycle that sits higher because of longer shocks, making it taller than other similar bikes.
The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST is a motorcycle model known for its extended shocks which raise the ride height, offering a taller stance and different ride characteristics compared to other Low Rider variants.
soft tail
"Yeah. Absolutely. Because there wasn't a whole lot of brands that I felt like jumped on the soft tail thing quick, you know, like it was more..."
A soft tail is a type of motorcycle frame that looks like it has no rear suspension but actually does, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.
Soft tail refers to a style of motorcycle frame that mimics the look of a hardtail frame but actually has rear suspension hidden under the frame for improved comfort. It is a popular design in Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
engine guard
"We were told that our bronze that we use for our engine guards matches the stock bronze with the wheels better than anybody else's... They were a little more high end than just like a regular engine guard."
An engine guard is a part that protects the motorcycle's engine if the bike falls over or hits something.
An engine guard is a protective component mounted around the engine area of a motorcycle to shield it from damage in case of a fall or collision. It can also provide mounting points for accessories and enhance the bike's aesthetics.
VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
"...the new street lights with the 23 and a half VVT style touring bikes. That was the next major step for us."
VVT is a system in engines that changes when the valves open and close so the engine can work better and use less fuel.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is a technology that adjusts the timing of a vehicle's valve openings and closings to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. It allows the engine to optimize power delivery across different RPM ranges.
set screws
"You just slide that cover over. There's two set screws that you put on and put the cover in place. And then you have the top cover, same thing. You have two set screws..."
Set screws are small screws that hold parts tightly together so they don't move or fall off.
Set screws are small screws used to secure an object within or against another object without the need for a nut. In this context, they hold the water reservoir cover in place on the motorcycle.
LED lighting
"And then you put ours in. And they have this round LED in it that we it's a brand new that we're going to use for all of our new lightings going forward."
LED lights are special lights on vehicles that use tiny electronic parts to shine very brightly without using much electricity, and they last a long time.
LED lighting refers to light-emitting diode technology used in vehicle lights, which offers brighter illumination, lower power consumption, and longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs.
turn signals
"like turn signals and stuff, they need to just be seamless in the bike."
Turn signals are the blinking lights on a vehicle that tell other drivers when you want to turn or move to another lane.
Turn signals are vehicle lights that indicate the driver's intention to turn or change lanes, improving safety by communicating movements to other road users.
Subaru Brat
"brats and German beer and handing them out, so we're al..."
The Subaru Brat is a small truck made by Subaru. It has seats in the back and is good for carrying things and driving on rough roads.
The Subaru Brat is a small utility vehicle produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its unique pickup truck design with rear-facing jump seats in the cargo area. It has a cult following for its quirky style and off-road capability, often associated with outdoor and casual social events.
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