I’m hammering at the news today. I’m trying to finish the Sturgis Shovel for this weekend and it’s flying together. With Buster’s help we finished the wiring yesterday. I needed some shims for the BDL engine pulley and couldn’t find a goddamn woodriff key for the clutch. I dug through every stinkin’ box and coffee can searching for this goddamn little heat hardened chunk of steel. I have a half dozen clutch hubs but no keys. So I had to make a hard charged run to Walker’s Machine for some engine shims (it’s key to make those pulleys line up perfectly), a fuel filter and that goddamn key. It may run tonight.
I have an offer. Many riders expected great things from HOT BIKE and subscribed. We were able to make some editorial changes and a few programs were initiated before I left. But now it’s in different hands and no-tellin’ which way they will steer the mag. If you find you don’t like the direction as of the December or issues for 2006 let me know. I will gladly give any subscriber who is disappointed in future HOT BIKE?s a subscription to Bandit’s Cantina. Let’s hope the mag just gets better and the staff is devoted to the reader as much as we were, but if something runs afoul, I will stand behind my commitment to devoted readers.
Let’s hit the news.
INTERESTED IN VON DUTCH– I was at Hacienda in Scottsdale. Seriously contemplating getting the Von Dutch Cruelworld Chopper. Any input?
–Joe
Let us know, if you have experienced a Von Dutch ride? –Bandit
THE BIKERNET VINTAGE CAR RACE EFFORT CONTINUES–’53 Lincoln Capri and Cosmopolitan.Lincoln seemed to go a different way in 1952. Introducing an entirely new body style, much more sporting, which would be copied by Pontiac in 1955. A new ball joint front suspension and a completely fresh engine design, done from a clean sheet of paper. It was a properly designed overhead valve V8 of 317ci. At 20 cubic inches less than the previous engine it put out 8 more horsepower, being rated at 160.
Only one wheelbase was offered and Lincoln split the difference between the two used from ’49-’51. Nineteen fifty-two’s would stretch to 123. Somewhat on the small side for the largest Lincoln offering, but this, combined with the ball joint suspension would make these excellent performers. Not exactly what a Lincoln had represented, they nonetheless were quite successful in racing. A club even exists today celebrating the cars, The Road Race Lincolns. Our car is registered with them.
These great cars especially excelled in the Pan American Road races. A 4 speed “Hydramatic” transmission was made standard and it would not be until the 2000 Lincoln LS that a Lincoln would again be available with a manual transmission.
Two trim levels were available. The Cosmopolitan was now the less expensive and the Capri was the top of the line. Weight was about 4200 lbs and an average price was $3300.
Since Johnny Boyd first twanged it out in 1960, and Commander Cody passed it to a new generation some 15 years later, it has been applied to everything from a primered Model A to the forgotten LSC coupe of the Eighties. But the real, honest Hot Rod Lincoln was actually a series of remarkably stock Lincoln Capri hardtops that pulled Ford out of a self-imposed exile from racing that had lasted more than 15 years.
It was a glorious return for Ford, as a factory Lincoln-Mercury team eventually rose to dominance in the “La Carrera Panamericana”, the fabled Mexican Road Race, the very last of the great long-distance competitions to be contested on public highways in North America.
In 1952 and ’53, Lincolns finished first through fourth in the race’s stock car division. Chuck Stevenson won both times, with Smith as co-driver. The 1954 race was won by Ray Crawford in a privately entered Lincoln, prepared by Stroppe, with Walt Faulkner second in a factory car. The other team cars dropped out, either through accidents or mechanical problems.
Tech Info
The all-new Lincoln was launched in 1952 and was built through ’54, and it had the brand new engine to replace the dated Flathead V8. The new 317ci (5.2-litre) unit was extremely smooth, thanks to eight crankshaft counterbalances where most V8s had just six, plus it was easily tuned. The new car also had a very stiff chassis, with six crossmembers on the separate frame, making the car’s new MacPherson strut suspension work well and improving the model’s durability. In its inaugural year the Capri took the Carrera Panamericana in first, second, third and fourth places, then did the same the following year, but just first and second places in 1954. But the Capri boasted more than performance as it also has power-operated leather seats, power windows, power steering and brakes, and even a Hydramatic transmission. In 1956 the car was dramatically restyled; production fell by 50 percent.
This Capri, which won the event’s final running in 1954, was the race’s top-finishing stock car, albeit in the hands of an unheralded privateer who hung on after Lincoln’s factory juggernaut came to grief.Our car is a car that was manufactured in 1953 and consequently would have raced in ’54. It is painted in the same color scheme as the winning car.It participated successfully in the 2000 Panamericana and has been completely overhauled with a full roll cage, 5-point harnesses, Porsche seats. All mechanicals have been redone. The electrics are 12 volt and up to racing standards. All work was done to modern standards, yet kept according to the rules, so that the car still qualifies to run in the “Original Panam” class!! Very few cars qualify for this!
Ball and Christian Reichardt have been on the road for a number of trips, some of these lasting several weeks. Albeit mostly on Harleys, they are road-tested and have proven themselves to be a tough crew. We are currently looking for Sponsorship for this years event. Please see the website for www.LaCarreraPanamericana.com for info on this awesome road race. One of the last adventures in the motor world, the race lasts1 week and runs straight all the way through Mexico, from the bottom to the top on the same route it did in 1954.
The following sponsorship opportunities are available
Full Sponsor will receive placement on the car’s trunk and sidepanels: $10,000
Partial sponsor doors and hood: $5,000
Supporter: the rest $1000We are looking forward to have the artist put your company’s logo and artwork prominently onto this adventure!!
–Dr. Hamster
PM HAND CONTROLS, THROTTLE HOUSINGS AND MIRRORS–Never quite satisfied with the status quo, PM decided their Billet Aluminum, Contour Style Hand Controls needed a final touch. To complete the package, they created a matching billet throttle housing and mirrors! Both the throttle housing and mirrors are designed to blend perfectly into the Contour Master Cylinders (available in both brake and clutch version) as well as Clutch Assemblies! PM Contour mirrors are available in long and short stem.
Create the ideal control package by combining PM’s Contour Master Cylinder and clutch perch, with their matched billet switches, throttle housing and mirrors! Available polished or chrome plated and master cylinders are available in 9/16″” or 11/16″ to match your brake system.
For more information, call or write to:Performance Machine, Inc.
6892 Marlin Circle,
La Palma, CA 90623
714-523-3000
http://www.performancemachine.com
METRIC NEWS ON BIKERNET–Kawasaki has taken the wraps off its KX? competition and off-road motorcyclelines, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and select street bikes for 2006!
Among the many exciting models unveiled is the highly anticipated KX450F,Kawasaki?s new flagship motocross bike. Built with performance, durabilityand reliability in mind, the KX450F features a slim and lightweight aluminumframe, and a liquid-cooled four-stroke engine with the best peak performancein its class.
Be sure to visit www.KawasakiMedia.com for access to the latest productinformation, specifications and high-resolution photography, as well asracing news, photos and ongoing Kawasaki updates.
Check back often as news features and photos are continuously posted!
–Jacquelyn
Email: j.albrecht@freemanmccue.com
Bobstar Customs – A Pioneer in the Custom Metric Motorcycle Industry– (PRWEB) January 16, 2005 — After 20 years of building custom choppers as a hobby, the founders of Bobstar Customs; Bob Gray, Don Gray, and Tom Metcalf turned their passion into a partnership. In April of 2003, they formed Bobstar Customs in Nashville, Tennessee.
After exhausting research for components to customize the metric Yamaha Road Star into a sleek custom-built chopper, the patriarchs pooled their collective technical knowledge to create new innovative ideas. __Hard work and imaginative collaboration produced the initial Bobstar Customs chopper.
Using their custom frame design, a Road Star 1600 power plant, Morton’s exhaust, 63mm front end, RC wheels, ostrich/ stingray seat, and custom paint by Shane Brown, the bike came to life. Designated the “Tangerine Road Star”, the guys debuted their design at Bike Week 2004 in Daytona Beach, Florida. They went on to win numerous awards and trophies from shows in Sturgis, Rat’s Hole, Star Days, and others.
To complete their line of custom theme choppers, the Bobstar team designed three unique individual styles to choose from. __The hometown favorite in Nashville, “Titan,” was developed to demonstrate a “one-of” ability to customize a chopper for corporate and individual buyers. A Harley engine and RC Components frame was used along with custom manufactured wheels, pegs, and logos. The seat is made from an actual NFL football split in half, and the paint is designed to match the Tennessee Titans colors.
Master builder Don Gray, is turning heads across the US with this awesome piece of machinery. Bobstar Customs has teamed with Cingular Wireless, Circuit City, and Nashville radio stations to display this fan favorite at numerous autograph sessions, charity events, and grand openings.
__Reverting to their roots and passions of the 1970’s, Bob and Don Gray took great pride in creating the Honda 750 “Pink Floyd” chopper. A sleek design with great lines, Bobstar Customs has created an artwork that brings many riders back to the days of “Easy Rider”.
Taking a four cylinder and adding modern day components was a unique achievement. The “Pink Floyd” has won numerous awards across the US, and developed a cult following among metric riders.__Rounding out the stable, Bobstar Customs created the “Bobstar Road Star Cruiser”. Starting with a stock 2001 Road Star, modifications were made to the body and frame to accommodate a new inverted 63mm front end. A 200 rear tire and custom LED brake lights, and custom “Bobstar” wheels add to the Road Star design.
__Endless hours of inventing and tweaking resulted in a unique design for a custom bolt-on frame for a stock Road Star that is a complete replacement for your existing frame (not exchange). These patented parts are in bolt-on condition which means that the engine, drive train and battery will all bolt right on without any rework.__The Bobstar Customs’ frames are TIG welded by ANSI/AWS certified welders. Frames are assembled in custom made jigs and fixtures. This is the same material used in many race car frames. Chrome-Moly tubing is both stronger and lighter than Mild steel tubing. Accordingly, a thinner wall tubing of Chrome-Moly (.083″) is comparable in strength to mild steel (.120″ or .134″). So when you have two similar frames of equal strength the Chrome-Moly version will be about 40% lighter.
Bobstar Customs offers the frame in two styles; PRO-STREET or CHOPPER, in any rake, stretch or rise. They are both available in single or double down tube, straight or curved. Their versatile design allows up to a 300 width tire.__In addition to their frames, Bobstar Customs designed a custom swing arm assembly if you want to go to a wider rear end. Their kit will take you from a stock Road Star rear end to a 230, 240, or 300 width tire.
Bobstar Customs offers a choice of two styles; CONVENTIONAL or SIGNATURE. The Conventional Swing Arm Assembly includes frame with hidden axle set up includes the rear axle 1 INCH to fit an American wheel, off- set pulley, and axle covers. The Signature Swing Arm Assembly includes frame with hidden axle set up rear axle 1-inch to fit an American wheel, an off- set pulley, axle covers, four chrome bullet ends, LED lights in tip of four bullet ends, and a 1 _-inch LED strip in curved axle plate. Both of these innovative assemblies are compatible with the stock Road star frame.__Also available in the catalogue of Road Star conversion parts, are axle covers, 63mm front ends, Bobstar wheels, and triple trees.
The motto, “If you can dream it, we can build it!” clearly defines the ability of Bobstar Customs.__Contact Information:_Don Gray_Bobstar Customs_110 Midtown Court_Suite 101_Hendersonville, TN 37075
_http://www.bobstarcustoms.com_e-mail
_888.822.7780
_615.822.7780 (fax)_
Crime Scene Choppers Introduces a Slick Deep-Finned Oil Tank–
Finned oil tank combines style and practicality
Scotts Valley, CA ? July 12, 2005 ? Crime Scene Choppers announces the availability of the newest item in their ?Radical Retro? line, a deep-finned oil tank. The round oil tank features deep cooling fins on the ends and an internal oil filter. All of the line connections are grouped together for a super-sanitary installation.
The finned oil tank is the latest collaboration between Joe McGlynn and Mark van der Kwaak. The tanks are built in aluminum from cast and CNC machined parts, had assembled and finished to produce a truly unique and distinctive product. The combination of cooling fins, an internal return line to the filter and a drop-in filter lets you clean up the oiling system on your bike, and add a ton of style too. The tank is 6? in diameter, 11.5? long and has four mount points; two on top and two on the back.The filled oil tank is exclusively made in the USA.
Quality and Style
?We?re really excited about this new oil tank? said Joe McGlynn, owner of Crime Scene Choppers, ?I wanted to design a tank that combined hot rod style and practicality. We exaggerated the fins slightly to push the design, added an internal filter and fit it all into a nice compact package.?
Deep-Finned Oil Tank Availability
The Deep-Finned oil tank is available through http://www.CrimeSceneChoppers.com immediately. The tank is supplied with a satin finish; polished tanks are available by special order. An optional ?start up? kit may be purchased as well, which includes four vibration-absorbing mounts, a fill cap, a magnetic drain plug, a filter and a filter cap. New products are being introduced every month, so check the website for the latest news.
TOP 10 INDICATORS THAT YOUR EMPLOYER HAS CHANGEDTO A CHEAPER HEALTH CARE PLAN–
10) Your annual breast exam is done at Hooters.
9) Directions to your Doctor’s office include “Take a left when you enter the trailer park.”
8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.
7) The only proctologist in the plan is “Gus” from Roto-Rooter.
6) The only item listed under Preventative Care Coverage is “An apple a day.”
5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to Goodwill last month.
4) “The patient is responsible for 200% of out of network charges.”
3) The only expense covered 100% is “embalming.”
2 Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M’s on them.
AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU’VE JOINED A VERY CHEAP HEALTH CARE PLAN:
1) You ask for Viagra, and they give you a Popsicle stick and duct tape.
THE LATE DAYTONA REPORT–Images from our Daytona Photo Booth. Hope you like them.
–BonBonBan@aol.com
ACCURATE ENGINEERING CNC MACHINED DUCTILE IRON CYLINDERS–Accurate Engineering announces the availability of their CNC Machined Ductile Iron Cylinders. Engineered to the highest standards with extra consideration given to clearances for pushrod tubes, circuit breakers, exhaust flanges, intake hardware, and assembly tool fitment.
The material used is the best ductile iron available for this application. Precision machined for square decks with straight and true bores. The cylinder bases are drilled for a 3/8″ studs instead of a 7/16″ stud. 7/16″ to 3/8″ step studs on the cylinder bases allow for plenty of strength at the base nut relief even after they are bored to their final size. Available in 3.500″, 3.625″ and 3.8125″ bores and lengths to accommodate a variety of strokes.
Beautifully coated in a durable gloss black finish. These cylinders are designed to fit Panhead and Shovelhead style engines and they are available in finished or unfinished bores.
Cylinders include precision-made step studs and chrome 12 point base nuts. Complete with instructions and installation tips.
Accurate Engineering
128 Southgate Rd
Dothan Alabama, 36301
334.702.1993
http://www.accurate-engineering.com
READERS GETS A PATCH–Hope you are doin well. I gotta say the pic ya posted with the news last thursday was a good one. You look really happy. On the flip side, the one ya did with Livia in the Sunday post looks like yer pissed off or something? Either way it’s all good. I think the Idea the guy had in “your shot” of a webcam is really cool. Have ya ever thought about instructional videos to go with tech articles or is that too much problems and expense? Maybe it’s not a good idea. Maybe it’s as simple as the web cam thing. I am uninformed on the issue of doing it all, so I really don’t know.
Well, ya know I look up to ya, and I just got my probate rockers. I sent this pic out to family and friends. I’m kinda proud of it. I still have a long way to go of course, and a lot to learn. We are taught in the club that going from prospect to probate to patch isn’t like climbing a ladder, but rather like a gently ascending slope. We are merely recognized for what we have accomplished along the way. The longer you’ve been with the club, the more of a brother ya should be. I’m proud the club voted on me and gave me the privilge of wearing rockers. Some things have got easier, and in some respects it’s more work. No one is allowed to coast. I’m still a young buck in the herd. I’m looking forwards to the day I patch out.
All good things come in time though.
The pic in front of the bike isn’t my bike. It’s my sponsors trike. We wanted to get the flag in there. We were helping with a MIA funeral in savannah.
Respects,
–Probate Brian (form Georgia)
Thanks Brian. We will look into the web cam with my next bike project. You can watch me toss tools around the shop. Could be interesting. Oh, I wasn’t pissed of in that shot. There comes a time when a man wants the photographer to disappear, if you know what I mean. –Bandit
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