Posts
Really cool advertisement you gotta see this motorcycle stunt mania.
These guys have some serious skills, and the choreography is incredible.
click on the link below to watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caOInhi5e8c
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Pulsar Mania- Awesome Advertisement video of Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle
Really cool advertisement you gotta see this motorcycle stunt mania.
These guys have some serious skills, and the choreography is incredible.
click on the link below to watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caOInhi5e8c
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
CONRAD LEACH
Each year at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours, an artist is given a conference room at the Ritz to display motorcycle-related paintings or sculpture. Last weekend the room was occupied by the paintings of Conrad Leach, pictured beside his portrait of Peter Fonda (in his
Wild Angels role). As you can see, the paintings are large scale (8' - 10' tall), and beautiful; Conrad had a 5 year contract as artist for the Louis Vuitton stores, and is now branching out, and selling his paintings at galleries and at exclusive shows.
The Norton painting with the pink (!) Union Jack looks a bit like Jimmy Guthrie ca 1934... I coveted it, I wanted it, I considered it, I talked it over with my wife...but the $10k price tag, while very reasonable for a large-scale original painting, was simply too much at the moment. I understand Alain de Cadanet bought it instead; I hope it looks good in your living room, Alain.
If you like what you see, he sells giclee (ie, photographic) prints of these and other paintings, including James Bond (Connery, of course), and two Ferrari GTOs (the models for which happened to have been owned by Alain de C, so I guess it was his karma to buy 'my' painting). I think George Cohen will be selling prints of the Norton through his site 'Norton Singles'. There is a rumor that George's most recent creation, the flat-tank 'Silverknob' which he showed at Brooklands and Stafford, will be a future subject of Conrad's paintbrush. Can't wait to see that one.
Below are scans which Conrad sent (much better than my lousy pocket camera snaps!)
Wild Angels role). As you can see, the paintings are large scale (8' - 10' tall), and beautiful; Conrad had a 5 year contract as artist for the Louis Vuitton stores, and is now branching out, and selling his paintings at galleries and at exclusive shows.The Norton painting with the pink (!) Union Jack looks a bit like Jimmy Guthrie ca 1934... I coveted it, I wanted it, I considered it, I talked it over with my wife...but the $10k price tag, while very reasonable for a large-scale original painting, was simply too much at the moment. I understand Alain de Cadanet bought it instead; I hope it looks good in your living room, Alain.
If you like what you see, he sells giclee (ie, photographic) prints of these and other paintings, including James Bond (Connery, of course), and two Ferrari GTOs (the models for which happened to have been owned by Alain de C, so I guess it was his karma to buy 'my' painting). I think George Cohen will be selling prints of the Norton through his site 'Norton Singles'. There is a rumor that George's most recent creation, the flat-tank 'Silverknob' which he showed at Brooklands and Stafford, will be a future subject of Conrad's paintbrush. Can't wait to see that one.
Below are scans which Conrad sent (much better than my lousy pocket camera snaps!)
STAFFORD SHOW, Saturday
I scored a coveted Friday ticket to Stafford, which is meant for traders and display only, so I was able to take a good look around the grounds before the public showed up in droves. There isn't a show in the US which has the same extent of club stands, autojumble stalls, auction halls, and bikes for sale. Every small and large club seemed to have a presence and a few bikes on
display; the Rudge club had a '1940 on the beach' display, complete with lots of sand under the bikes.
This first photo was taken at 8 am, an hour before the public was allowed in... as you can see, there were already a few thousand people waiting. By 10am the area was swarming with people, and by noon it became difficult to see into the vendor's stalls. The variety of items on offer was impressive - one fellow's entire tent was ohc Norton spares, including loose engines.
The second pic shows a ca. 1906 DeDion Bouton engine, lying on the tarmac, waiting for a new home. It was one of three I saw on the day... and I thought they were rare. They were a popular engine in the Pioneer days, when it was difficult to find a reliable motor for your small production motorcycle.
Another stall had not only this Douglas 90+ for £4950, but two Vintage Royal Enfield v-twins... I saw another three of these available. Was it the day for Enfields?
The earlier model used a Vickers engine (noted for making guns more than motors), the other a JAP.
Stalls tended to have a real mixed bag on offer, as did this one; a 20's lightweight, a 50's AJS thumper, 70's Triumph trials machine, a rigid BSA sidevalve, and a modern Suzuki RG500. What an eclectic collection.
The Scott club had a great stand, and Roger Moss had a corner to himself, to display the 'cover girl' of the most recent VMCC newsletter - his racing
Scott. The next photo shows the bike in action at Cadwell Park; yes it is airborne, and yes it is that fast. Roger is a gifted engineer, and the engine of this machine is entirely of his own manufacture,
to the original appearance of a Scott, but with a completely strengthened and improved spec to the crank, pistons, barrel, and crankcase. Roger made the double-sided front hub from solid dural, and spent time explaining the Bendix adjustment system of the single-trailing-shoe
arrangement. Some of his improved parts on the table are in fact the engine of John Sims, local (to me) Velocette enthusiast.
If you needed a replica Fontana, Grimeca, or Manx Norton brake, you could find one here. They only cost money...
By noon, the crowd looked like this; a sea of people swarming in from the entry gate. Besides the outdoor autojumble, which was about the same size as Netley Marsh, there were several large halls which were full of autojumble stalls and club stands. Plenty to look at.
I loved this Panther from the Panther OC stand. The best transfer... and they had respectable performance during this period (1930) as well.
Any kind of horrible deep fried food you could need was lined up in trailers; fish and chips, burgers, panini, shredded pork, bacon sandwiches, the lot. No deep fried oreos though; they haven't discovered American bad cooking yet. Soon.
The photo of the hottie was tucked onto a wall displaying vintage Scott photos, behind the bikes. When I queried the woman tending the club stand about it, she said her husband had figured it would be m
uch more interesting than a bunch of old bike photos! It's Helen Mirren, ca 1969-ish. I'll never look at her the same.
The Velocette club stand had a few holdovers from Brooklands, which could be observed closely as they were static in the Hall. This is the ultra-rare Veloce, forerunner of the Velocette, which is owned by Dave Masters, who literally wrote the book on swingarm Velocettes. This was the first all-Veloce model, with their own ioe engine with an in-unit 2 speed gearbox. The small two-stroke Model A in the Brooklands post was the diminutive version of the Veloce, hence the 'Veloce-ette' name... the small bike remained, the big bike was
dropped, and when next the Veloce company tried to introduce a bike with 'Veloce' on the tank, nobody remembered that there had been such before the introduction of the lightweight two stroke.
Did you say you were looking for a bike for the Moto Giro? Here were 6, all pre-1957 125-175cc machines; pushrod, ohc, and dohc, increasing in price according to capacity and complexity.
If you need a set of rare forks made, for example if you shunt your mkVIII Velocette, you'll need to speak with this fellow, Ray Daniels, who will build you a brand new set of forks. A very handy skill... forks in my opinion being replaceable without ruining the provenance of the machine.
display; the Rudge club had a '1940 on the beach' display, complete with lots of sand under the bikes.This first photo was taken at 8 am, an hour before the public was allowed in... as you can see, there were already a few thousand people waiting. By 10am the area was swarming with people, and by noon it became difficult to see into the vendor's stalls. The variety of items on offer was impressive - one fellow's entire tent was ohc Norton spares, including loose engines.
The second pic shows a ca. 1906 DeDion Bouton engine, lying on the tarmac, waiting for a new home. It was one of three I saw on the day... and I thought they were rare. They were a popular engine in the Pioneer days, when it was difficult to find a reliable motor for your small production motorcycle.
Another stall had not only this Douglas 90+ for £4950, but two Vintage Royal Enfield v-twins... I saw another three of these available. Was it the day for Enfields?
The earlier model used a Vickers engine (noted for making guns more than motors), the other a JAP.
Stalls tended to have a real mixed bag on offer, as did this one; a 20's lightweight, a 50's AJS thumper, 70's Triumph trials machine, a rigid BSA sidevalve, and a modern Suzuki RG500. What an eclectic collection.
The Scott club had a great stand, and Roger Moss had a corner to himself, to display the 'cover girl' of the most recent VMCC newsletter - his racing
Scott. The next photo shows the bike in action at Cadwell Park; yes it is airborne, and yes it is that fast. Roger is a gifted engineer, and the engine of this machine is entirely of his own manufacture,
to the original appearance of a Scott, but with a completely strengthened and improved spec to the crank, pistons, barrel, and crankcase. Roger made the double-sided front hub from solid dural, and spent time explaining the Bendix adjustment system of the single-trailing-shoe
arrangement. Some of his improved parts on the table are in fact the engine of John Sims, local (to me) Velocette enthusiast.
If you needed a replica Fontana, Grimeca, or Manx Norton brake, you could find one here. They only cost money...
By noon, the crowd looked like this; a sea of people swarming in from the entry gate. Besides the outdoor autojumble, which was about the same size as Netley Marsh, there were several large halls which were full of autojumble stalls and club stands. Plenty to look at.
I loved this Panther from the Panther OC stand. The best transfer... and they had respectable performance during this period (1930) as well.
Any kind of horrible deep fried food you could need was lined up in trailers; fish and chips, burgers, panini, shredded pork, bacon sandwiches, the lot. No deep fried oreos though; they haven't discovered American bad cooking yet. Soon.
The photo of the hottie was tucked onto a wall displaying vintage Scott photos, behind the bikes. When I queried the woman tending the club stand about it, she said her husband had figured it would be m
uch more interesting than a bunch of old bike photos! It's Helen Mirren, ca 1969-ish. I'll never look at her the same.The Velocette club stand had a few holdovers from Brooklands, which could be observed closely as they were static in the Hall. This is the ultra-rare Veloce, forerunner of the Velocette, which is owned by Dave Masters, who literally wrote the book on swingarm Velocettes. This was the first all-Veloce model, with their own ioe engine with an in-unit 2 speed gearbox. The small two-stroke Model A in the Brooklands post was the diminutive version of the Veloce, hence the 'Veloce-ette' name... the small bike remained, the big bike was
dropped, and when next the Veloce company tried to introduce a bike with 'Veloce' on the tank, nobody remembered that there had been such before the introduction of the lightweight two stroke.Did you say you were looking for a bike for the Moto Giro? Here were 6, all pre-1957 125-175cc machines; pushrod, ohc, and dohc, increasing in price according to capacity and complexity.
If you need a set of rare forks made, for example if you shunt your mkVIII Velocette, you'll need to speak with this fellow, Ray Daniels, who will build you a brand new set of forks. A very handy skill... forks in my opinion being replaceable without ruining the provenance of the machine.
Motorcycle Puzzle has whole family puzzled.
When My family and I went to Glacier National Park for a family vacation, I was really bummed out that I did not have my motorcycle with me, as it would have been a beautifull ride. That is another post all together.
We did get a souvineer called scramble squares. It consists of 9 square cardboard puzzle pieces that make a perfect square when assembled together. All 9 pieces are the exact same square shape, just the picture is different. The object is to line up all nine pieces so the pictures all match up. It comes with no photo of it completed, so it is truly mind boggling.
I know it can be done, because we saw it put together at the gift shop. That was the only time it has been together. We've all tried but to no avail.
Of course the puzzle I bought was of motorcycles.
I took a picture below.
It is not together properly in my photo of course.
Everytime we think we got it together, we realize we are off a piece or two.
Gaaah!
P.S.
Anyone interested, should click on the picture to expand it to full size, copy and paste it, and print it out, and cut out the pieces to make your own puzzle. Then try to solve the puzzle. Be prepared to waste some serious time trying, as the hardest most frustrating part is you have no idea where the correct starting pieces are, etc.
If any one does solve the puzzle, PLEASE take a picture, and e-mail it to me. I want proof, and I'll post it on my site. Also I want it for myself so I can cheat and put my own puzzle together.
Good luck!
Mr. Motorcycle
We did get a souvineer called scramble squares. It consists of 9 square cardboard puzzle pieces that make a perfect square when assembled together. All 9 pieces are the exact same square shape, just the picture is different. The object is to line up all nine pieces so the pictures all match up. It comes with no photo of it completed, so it is truly mind boggling.
I know it can be done, because we saw it put together at the gift shop. That was the only time it has been together. We've all tried but to no avail.
Of course the puzzle I bought was of motorcycles.
I took a picture below.
It is not together properly in my photo of course.
Everytime we think we got it together, we realize we are off a piece or two.
Gaaah!
P.S.
Anyone interested, should click on the picture to expand it to full size, copy and paste it, and print it out, and cut out the pieces to make your own puzzle. Then try to solve the puzzle. Be prepared to waste some serious time trying, as the hardest most frustrating part is you have no idea where the correct starting pieces are, etc.
If any one does solve the puzzle, PLEASE take a picture, and e-mail it to me. I want proof, and I'll post it on my site. Also I want it for myself so I can cheat and put my own puzzle together.
Good luck!
Mr. Motorcycle
Monday, April 28, 2008
Free Smells ... Ooh Yeah
As much as I like motorcycles, and the motorcycle lifestyle, I like motorcycle shops.
Why you ask?
Because there is only one kind of person you will ever likely run into at a motorcycle shop of any kind.......another biker, or person with similar interests, or obsessions if you will.
It's like hanging out at a bar. My wife actually refers to a local bike shop I hang out at as "The Bar".
I think She is O.K. with me going there 'Cause it keeps me out of the real bars "for the most part".
I labeled this post free smells, because it reminds me of a hoagie restaraunt nearby called Jimmy John's . This is where they advertise that they deliver subs so fast you'll freak.
Anyway, they have a sign on the front door that says "Free smells".
I chuckle inside a bit when I see the sign, because I'm always tempted to walk in some day through the front door and take a REALLY big sniff. When they ask me if they can help me, I want to say, no thanks, I just came in for a free smell.
(LOL). I crack myself up sometimes. Just ask my wife an kids. They find it funny that I make myself laugh.
This brings me back to the bike shop. I many times have no reason to go there except for my free smells. In other words, not to purchase anything, but just to talk smart, and hang around with the guys in the shop, drink a beer or two and shoot the sh*t if you know what I mean.
Where do you get your free smells?
Mr. Motorcycle
Why you ask?
Because there is only one kind of person you will ever likely run into at a motorcycle shop of any kind.......another biker, or person with similar interests, or obsessions if you will.
It's like hanging out at a bar. My wife actually refers to a local bike shop I hang out at as "The Bar".
I think She is O.K. with me going there 'Cause it keeps me out of the real bars "for the most part".
I labeled this post free smells, because it reminds me of a hoagie restaraunt nearby called Jimmy John's . This is where they advertise that they deliver subs so fast you'll freak.
Anyway, they have a sign on the front door that says "Free smells".
I chuckle inside a bit when I see the sign, because I'm always tempted to walk in some day through the front door and take a REALLY big sniff. When they ask me if they can help me, I want to say, no thanks, I just came in for a free smell.
(LOL). I crack myself up sometimes. Just ask my wife an kids. They find it funny that I make myself laugh.
This brings me back to the bike shop. I many times have no reason to go there except for my free smells. In other words, not to purchase anything, but just to talk smart, and hang around with the guys in the shop, drink a beer or two and shoot the sh*t if you know what I mean.
Where do you get your free smells?
Mr. Motorcycle
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Yamaha Recalls CP250 and YP400 for Fuel Pump Problem
Yamaha has issued a recall of certain 2006-2007 CP250 and 2005-2007 YP400 motorcycles.
The engine could stall and be difficult to restart because the wire terminals in the fuel pump wire coupler have corroded. Water can enter from the main wire harness end and run through the harness to the fuel pump coupler. If the water remains in the coupler for an extended period of time, the terminals can become corroded, which can prevent the fuel pump from operating properly.
9600 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
The engine could stall and be difficult to restart because the wire terminals in the fuel pump wire coupler have corroded. Water can enter from the main wire harness end and run through the harness to the fuel pump coupler. If the water remains in the coupler for an extended period of time, the terminals can become corroded, which can prevent the fuel pump from operating properly.
9600 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Shawn on his Spyder 300
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Web site. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery.
See Shawn on his Johnny Pag Spyder 300.
If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
See Shawn on his Johnny Pag Spyder 300.
If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
She snows, and she blows
Not that this is great post material, 'Cause weve all read about it so many times before, but it cannot go without mention.
It is April 26th, 5:39 A.M Central time zone, and it is now blowing I would guess up to 40 M.P.H. wind gusts (Maybe more), and it is snowing.
I know this is Minnesota, but this is not typical to have snow this time of year. I know it won't last, and I'll be riding again soon, but it still frustrates me because I've only had my motorcycle out a handfull of times. Many other years, I'd have had it out plenty by now.
Guess I'll work today instead of ride.
Have a good weekend, and hopefully some of you will get out and enjoy some decent weather.
Maybe I'll live vicariously through you.
Mr. Motorcycle
It is April 26th, 5:39 A.M Central time zone, and it is now blowing I would guess up to 40 M.P.H. wind gusts (Maybe more), and it is snowing.
I know this is Minnesota, but this is not typical to have snow this time of year. I know it won't last, and I'll be riding again soon, but it still frustrates me because I've only had my motorcycle out a handfull of times. Many other years, I'd have had it out plenty by now.
Guess I'll work today instead of ride.
Have a good weekend, and hopefully some of you will get out and enjoy some decent weather.
Maybe I'll live vicariously through you.
Mr. Motorcycle
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Motorcycle FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycles
I have just released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Motorcycle Views Web site.
The questions and answers in the motorcycle FAQ cover a wide variety of information about motorcycling.
My approach is to consider the various phases that a motorcyclist goes through in his/her search for motorcycle information.
In the beginning, a prospective motorcyclist may just have basic questions. As they get deeper into the subject and actually realize that they want to learn to ride, their questions change.
As a person becomes a rider, they then want to buy a motorcycle and all the stuff that goes with it. The questions continue changing as the rider becomes more experienced.
I attempt to treat most of these major questions normally asked throughout the complete life of a motorcyclist -- a big undertaking.
Check out my Motorcycle FAQ for the complete set of questions and answers.
The questions and answers in the motorcycle FAQ cover a wide variety of information about motorcycling.
My approach is to consider the various phases that a motorcyclist goes through in his/her search for motorcycle information.
In the beginning, a prospective motorcyclist may just have basic questions. As they get deeper into the subject and actually realize that they want to learn to ride, their questions change.
As a person becomes a rider, they then want to buy a motorcycle and all the stuff that goes with it. The questions continue changing as the rider becomes more experienced.
I attempt to treat most of these major questions normally asked throughout the complete life of a motorcyclist -- a big undertaking.
Check out my Motorcycle FAQ for the complete set of questions and answers.
Exactly when did I fall in love with motorcycles?
I must first say that I have been planning this post for quite some time, but fellow motorcycle blogger, FLHX Dave from http://roadgritscafe.blogspot.com/ beat me to it. I’m sure he is not the first to post this story in his own version, and I certainly hope he and I will not be the last. It makes such good reading.
The link to his post is something you should make sure to read as well. It is heartfelt, and funny. http://roadgritscafe.blogspot.com/2008/04/no-one-forgets-their-first-time.html
I’m not sure, but I know before the day I was certain, there were a lot of influences. Some were subliminal, some were not.
My very first brand new bicycle had baby ape hangers. This was just the style back in the early 70’s. In the photo, you can see, I’m the littlest one up front. My sister hiding directly behind me had ape hangers on her new bike as well, and my big brother, well, he wanted a five speed, so he got the beach cruisers. Notice my big brother's Vikings belt buckle! Too funny.
My second bicycle was a Huffy Thunder Road. This was like a motorcycle as far as I was concerned. Couldn’t imagine how many times I put playing cards in the spokes to get the potato potato potato V-twin motorcycle sound out of it. I used to pretend it was a motocross motorcycle too. (No that is not me on the Huffy.)
I remember getting a ride on my older cousin Gary’s Harley like it was yesterday. I’m not sure if he went super fast, or if it was my imagination taking hold because it was my first real motorcycle ride ever. It sure felt fast. I was in love with it and the adrenaline rush it gave me.
I remember getting a ride on the back of one of my older brother’s friend’s crotch rockets. This is when they seemed to be pretty new on the market for street legal bikes, and I know he went way too fast for having his friend's kid brother on the back with no helmet. I also know I egged him on to "go Faster - Faster!". He said we were doing about 100 MPH. THAT was cool. I was again in love with motorcycles and the adrenaline rush.
I never had a motorcycle as a kid. My folks wouldn’t have it. Too dangerous, and too much money. I had a few friends with three wheelers, mini bikes, dirt bikes, and such. I got to ride their stuff plenty. This scratched my itch, until I was a little older.
When I was 15 years old, my folks let me buy a moped with money I’d saved from lawn mowing jobs around the neighborhood. I believe, but can’t say for certain that this was when the true obsession started.
I got my driver’s license at 16 years old, and drove a car. Moped too slow, too dorky, not 18, & my folks wouldn’t let me have a motorcycle. (YET).
My mom and dad said you can’t have a motorcycle unless you are 18. I believe there was implication that I did not live with them as well, but shortly after I turned 18, ( I was 19). I bought a brand new shiny Honda Rebel 250. Burnsville Motor Sports was going out of business. The owner’s wife was selling it. It was hers. She had about 200 miles on it. Mostly from learning how to ride. She was afraid of riding so she wanted to give it up. They said I could take it home for $850.00. I paid cash that day. I had never ridden a real motorcycle on the road or anything yet, and did not really know how to ride, let alone shift. I had my buddy Johnny drive it home for me. I followed in my car. When we pulled up the driveway to my house together, my mother had just come home from work. Se said ”Hey Johnny , nice motorcycle, did you just get it? It looks brand new!” Johnny said, ”nope, it’s Mark’s. He can’t ride it yet, until I show him how.” I think my mother almost fainted when she realized he wasn’t kidding. This was similar to the reaction she had with my first tattoo. She wanted me to wash it off. (The tattoo was exactly three days after my 18th birthday.)
Anyway, back to the motorcycles. More bikes later, more stories to tell, here I am today.
I am a true obsessed motorcycle enthusiast nut. I LOVE EM!
You other motorcycle bloggers out there should share your story. Do your own post on this topic, or please feel free to write it in my comments section.
I’d love to hear your story.
Mr. Motorcycle
The link to his post is something you should make sure to read as well. It is heartfelt, and funny. http://roadgritscafe.blogspot.com/2008/04/no-one-forgets-their-first-time.html
I’m not sure, but I know before the day I was certain, there were a lot of influences. Some were subliminal, some were not.
My very first brand new bicycle had baby ape hangers. This was just the style back in the early 70’s. In the photo, you can see, I’m the littlest one up front. My sister hiding directly behind me had ape hangers on her new bike as well, and my big brother, well, he wanted a five speed, so he got the beach cruisers. Notice my big brother's Vikings belt buckle! Too funny.
My second bicycle was a Huffy Thunder Road. This was like a motorcycle as far as I was concerned. Couldn’t imagine how many times I put playing cards in the spokes to get the potato potato potato V-twin motorcycle sound out of it. I used to pretend it was a motocross motorcycle too. (No that is not me on the Huffy.)
I remember getting a ride on my older cousin Gary’s Harley like it was yesterday. I’m not sure if he went super fast, or if it was my imagination taking hold because it was my first real motorcycle ride ever. It sure felt fast. I was in love with it and the adrenaline rush it gave me.
I remember getting a ride on the back of one of my older brother’s friend’s crotch rockets. This is when they seemed to be pretty new on the market for street legal bikes, and I know he went way too fast for having his friend's kid brother on the back with no helmet. I also know I egged him on to "go Faster - Faster!". He said we were doing about 100 MPH. THAT was cool. I was again in love with motorcycles and the adrenaline rush.
I never had a motorcycle as a kid. My folks wouldn’t have it. Too dangerous, and too much money. I had a few friends with three wheelers, mini bikes, dirt bikes, and such. I got to ride their stuff plenty. This scratched my itch, until I was a little older.
When I was 15 years old, my folks let me buy a moped with money I’d saved from lawn mowing jobs around the neighborhood. I believe, but can’t say for certain that this was when the true obsession started.
I got my driver’s license at 16 years old, and drove a car. Moped too slow, too dorky, not 18, & my folks wouldn’t let me have a motorcycle. (YET).
My mom and dad said you can’t have a motorcycle unless you are 18. I believe there was implication that I did not live with them as well, but shortly after I turned 18, ( I was 19). I bought a brand new shiny Honda Rebel 250. Burnsville Motor Sports was going out of business. The owner’s wife was selling it. It was hers. She had about 200 miles on it. Mostly from learning how to ride. She was afraid of riding so she wanted to give it up. They said I could take it home for $850.00. I paid cash that day. I had never ridden a real motorcycle on the road or anything yet, and did not really know how to ride, let alone shift. I had my buddy Johnny drive it home for me. I followed in my car. When we pulled up the driveway to my house together, my mother had just come home from work. Se said ”Hey Johnny , nice motorcycle, did you just get it? It looks brand new!” Johnny said, ”nope, it’s Mark’s. He can’t ride it yet, until I show him how.” I think my mother almost fainted when she realized he wasn’t kidding. This was similar to the reaction she had with my first tattoo. She wanted me to wash it off. (The tattoo was exactly three days after my 18th birthday.)
Anyway, back to the motorcycles. More bikes later, more stories to tell, here I am today.
I am a true obsessed motorcycle enthusiast nut. I LOVE EM!
You other motorcycle bloggers out there should share your story. Do your own post on this topic, or please feel free to write it in my comments section.
I’d love to hear your story.
Mr. Motorcycle
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Ever wonder what happened to Vinnie after he left Orange County Choppers?
Ever wonder what happened to Vinnie after he left OCC?
And where in the Hell is Cody?
Vinnie Dimartino and Cody Connelly have started Vforce Customs.
It’s about time!
I knew it would happen eventually. Glad to see it materialize. I wish them both the best of luck in their new venture.
The posted photo here was borrowed from their site.
Check out their website.
http://www.vforcecustoms.com/
And where in the Hell is Cody?
Vinnie Dimartino and Cody Connelly have started Vforce Customs.
It’s about time!
I knew it would happen eventually. Glad to see it materialize. I wish them both the best of luck in their new venture.
The posted photo here was borrowed from their site.
Check out their website.
http://www.vforcecustoms.com/
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Beautiful 1974 Kawasaki 900
I was just at a client’s house.
We got to talking about cars and motorcycles. He showed me his 1974 Kawasaki 900 with only 19000+ miles.
The client of mine was the original owner.
The bike was pretty. It was in beautiful condition. It was all stock except the pipes which were replaced as the originals had rusted.
It’s was really nice to see a 99% original, well kept bike.
We got to talking about cars and motorcycles. He showed me his 1974 Kawasaki 900 with only 19000+ miles.
The client of mine was the original owner.
The bike was pretty. It was in beautiful condition. It was all stock except the pipes which were replaced as the originals had rusted.
It’s was really nice to see a 99% original, well kept bike.
Got air? Tech. tip #2
Tech. tip #2.
I don't want all of my tech tips to be of the paint side of the motorcycle industry, so I thought I'd ask some advise of a motorcycle mechanic / bike builder. Scott Storms of Stormy Custom Bike Works in Blaine, MN. I reference to him as he is a friend of mine and local from where I come from, and I think one Hell of a Mechanic.
Scott, AKA Stormy, said he'd keep me in mind as he is wrenching, as ideas come up, he'll try to write them down.
He said the first thing to note that he sees far to frequently, is that 98 % of the bikes that come into the shop have underinflated tires. He said even my tires were low on air when I brought the bike in. He states that the average optimum P.S.I. for rule of thumb, should be at about 40 P.S.I. for motorcycle tires. Scott states that you should have a tire pressure guage with you when you ride for any long distances. Every so often, when you fill up with gas, check your tires. It only takes a second.
I'll keep this in mind, as I know, I'm guilty of sometimes just getting on and riding without checking my bike over properly, which scares the crap out of me after the Big Bear Chopper recall for frame welds failing.
The whole thing about low air pressure in motorcycle tires was just recently re-inforced by a blog post that Crusty the Biker http://crustythebiker.blogspot.com/ did that mentioned low tire pressure. I can't remember exactly what post, but I remember reading it and thinking that it was an important point to make as he owns a bike shop and he stated the same thing I had just heard from another bike shop the previous day.
So my Tech. tip is simple.
Make sure you check your tire pressure before you ride. I'ts your bike, and it's your life and safety we're talking about here.
Mr. Motorcycle
Monday, April 21, 2008
Condor Lifts, chocks, and stops at the 2008 Donnie Smith Bike Show
I've been meaning to post about this for a while but can never find time to squeeze all of the post ideas in.
When I was a t the 2008 Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show recently, I ran into these guys from Condor. I was thoroughly impressed with their line of products that they were demonstrating.
They have fair prices, and really cool lifts, chocks, trailer stops, etc. plus the line of products was extremely user friendly, which is what I liked about them.
Here is a picture of the Pit Stop/Trailer Stop (PS-1500) I'm thinking about getting, as my wife wants me to build a smaller bike trailer.
All you have to do is roll the front tire in and it automaticly self locks the bike into place.
Secure the back, and you are ready to roll.
If you want to check out their site, here is a link.
http://www.condor-lift.com/
When I was a t the 2008 Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show recently, I ran into these guys from Condor. I was thoroughly impressed with their line of products that they were demonstrating.
They have fair prices, and really cool lifts, chocks, trailer stops, etc. plus the line of products was extremely user friendly, which is what I liked about them.
Here is a picture of the Pit Stop/Trailer Stop (PS-1500) I'm thinking about getting, as my wife wants me to build a smaller bike trailer.
All you have to do is roll the front tire in and it automaticly self locks the bike into place.
Secure the back, and you are ready to roll.
If you want to check out their site, here is a link.
http://www.condor-lift.com/
First decent ride of the year. I saw something interesting
I was finally able to get out for a nice long ride yesterday. The weather was beautiful. Bikes were everywhwere. I did not go anywhere special, just rode through Carlos Avery wildlife preserve, and putzed around. One of my riding buddies was doing projects trying to get the house ready for sale, another was getting ready to head out of town, and another didn't anwer his cell. I'm guessing he was out before me, and couldn't hear it over the sounds of the bike. So I went for a solo ride.
I did manage to stop at FatBoys Bar and Grill for a beer.
And then I spotted this thing rolling in.
I'm not going to say good or bad about it, as It is what it is, Just plain interesting.
All in all I had a good day riding. It was nice to be back on the road again.
I did manage to stop at FatBoys Bar and Grill for a beer.
And then I spotted this thing rolling in.
I'm not going to say good or bad about it, as It is what it is, Just plain interesting.
All in all I had a good day riding. It was nice to be back on the road again.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
BROOKLANDS CENTENARY #1
April 20, 2008 was 100 years to the day of the first official Brooklands motorcycle race. There had been a
match race the previous February, between Oscar Bickford and Gordon McMinnies (both Oxford undergrads at the time), on a Vindec special and a Triumph. McMinnies won the race on
his TT Model Triumph, and later was founding editor of Motor Cycling magazine. Racing hoodlum goes legit!This is the fourth Brooklands event I've attended, and dwarfed all previous with the number of entries and bikes on display, and the crowd milling around. The old motto, 'the Right Crowd and No Crowding'
certainly didn't apply on the day, but I didn't mind a bit. It was all crackling noise and excitement from the moment Dai pulled the car into the lot, very early in the morning. Someone was firing up an alcohol-burning veteran in the parking area, with all attendant smoking and noise. We got
distracted at the entry by the autojumble stalls, especially a scrapbook of original racing photos from ca 1934-36... lovely to look at, but at £3000, it was waaay out of my league. I'd rather have another motorcycle!
The giant grassy outfield was host to several one-make clubs (Scott, Douglas, Vincent), but the Velocette club dwarfed them all with a huge entry of machines from 1913 - 1971, including the
Roarer, and the oldest known Velo of Dave Masters, recently featured in Classic Motorcycle. See photo of Dai sitting on the 1913 Model A Velocette, which was fired up by Tim Simkins,
who looks after the two-stroke side of the Velocette Owner's Club. Velo made their early reputation on excellent little 'strokers, before they leapt directly to ohc bikes (the 1926+ K series), and went 'one step back' in '33 with the introduction of the ohv MOV 250cc. Their last tw0-stroke was the GTP of 1948 - I used to own one, and it was a lovely little bike, but too slow for my tastes! See movie of the Model A being fired up... with a kiss to the petrol tank!Graham Rhodes was tending the Roarer, which everyone was hoping would be fired up, but this wasn't to be as Ivan was busy, and Graham is unable to ride since his 2005 Manx TT win (he has developed MS). His father Ivan raced around the grounds on the '26 Alec Bennett TT-winning
ohc 350cc K model (pre KTT, this was a hotted up standard roadster). The bike is in original
paint and plating, and has a rustic patina for sure, but is all the more compelling for it. See the video of Ivan not slacking up the Test Hill. He has been racing old Velocettes since they were barely old at all!
I'll have to make another post with more individual bike photos, as there were so many unique or very rare machines being ridden around. Several collectors brought out their best hidden gems, including a New Imperial 250cc with a LeVack-created dohc JAP engine - one of 6 built. This same fellow has two of the six Sunbeam Crocodiles built in 1926, and was kind enough to let me sit astride what is, for me, a personal dream machine; no I didn't make brrrb brrrb noises. I had actually arranged to meet this fellow beforehand, as we have a mutual
friend, and he graciously invited me to visit his collection in Austria (subject of another post!). The Crocodile is called thus as, like the Croc in Peter Pan, it goes 'tick tock', unlike the traditional silence of the ohv and sv Sunbeams. A close look at the bike reveals the cylinder barrel which is cast for an ohv machine, and still has the indents for the two pushrods. Clearly, not ready for production - all these ohc 'Beams were factory experiments, which they dropped when performance proved disappointing (they didn't use a strobe light to see how the valves were bouncing around with different cam shapes - that took Harold Willis of Velocette to sort out).There were racing Douglas' from the 20's which ranged from scruffy and original to ultra-resplendent in nickel plating and silver/blue paint schemes. The sounded phenomenal,
and looked so fast just sitting there. Each of them seemed to be different as well, with changes
to carbs, airboxes, wheels, tanks, etc, even though they were from the same small factory, and within perhaps only 4 years of production range, 1925-29.Chris Illman, whose Norton-JAP sprinter was featured in an earlier post, brought along some of his 'gear' (knowing how much I like Really Cool Gear) - here's a photo of a watch which was presented to Freddy Dixon, after winning 4 classes at a race meeting in 1921, on his Harley-Davisdon. He got the watch on ebay, and was I kicking myself while vowing to find a
search engine for ebay Brooklands stuff? He also has a copy of my favorite book in the world, Joe Bayley's 'The Vintage Years at Brooklands", which was the personal copy of Dr Bayley, and was signed by all the surviving racers who he mentions in the book. Now, I believe there is only one left, featured in my previous post on Dennis Loveday.George Cohen showed up with his vintage Norton equipe, a camper truck with a host of really good racing bikes, ranging from early 20's sidevalvers, to late prewar ohc Model 30M. He's pictured astride his latest creation, a flat-tank special Model 18, which is a mix of old and new parts, including new alloy tanks and a freshly made frame. He's almost finished the detail
work, and thinks it should do 100mph on the road. "After all, if Rex Judd can do 100mph for an hour on his in 1924, I should be able to as well..." Go George Go!I heard a rumor that the fellow in the vintage tweed suit pictured near the Roarer, is the grandson of Locke, who built Brooklands in 1907; can anyone confirm this? We spoke of course about vintage clothing and period-correct clothing, as the and the ladies pictured are part of an 'art deco' society which has gatherings totally in time-specific dress. Check out this video of one of their gatherings at an estate in England. It's almost totally perfect, bar one or two things, like modern spectactles and the odd digital camera or cell phone!
Enjoy the rest of these atmospheric photos; if you've never been to Brooklands, and are interested in older racing motorcycles, I can't recommend it strongly enough.
