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Aeromach Meets Indian

By Bandit | May 31, 2024




A few years ago Paul Aiken, out of Charlotte needed something to do. He loved motorcycles, was a machinist, and had a creative nature, so he bought a very small parts company called Aeromach.

Paul’s shop was akin to Geppetto’s workshop in a storybook. It was dinky, but now contains two state of the art CNC machines, and Paul never lets them rest. The first one started cranking out billet mirrors, and you’re normal line of accessories, grips, pegs, levers, risers, etc.

But Paul isn’t the kinda guy who sits around, plus he loves to ride. He went through four different Victory motorcycles, riding them all over the country. Then he jumped the Victory Vision, then a Yamaha Bolt, and most recently a 2014 Indian Chief Classic.



In each instance he studied and tested these bikes for needed product offerings. Most recently his focus came to rest on the Indian. In addition to his creative nature and software prowess, he hooked up with an overseas company trying to develop a distributor in the states, Highway Hawk, products of Dutch design. That opened more doors to product lines for Paul, but let’s stick with the Indian effort.







He started with a simple billet-cut plate to lower and extend Indian footboards (they eliminate the crashbars). Then he immediately made a heel shifter, the only one available for the new Indians. He worked with Highway Hawk on a set of saddlebags, and he’s working on a rear fender luggage rack.









He also developed a cap in case the owner wants to remove his rear passenger pegs. And I believe he’s working on a set of rear passenger footboards. He is also developing some alternate, smaller windscreens. He’s even offering chromed caps to detail Indian engine fasteners.
















In the meantime, his dinky shop has doubled in size and he’s hired two employees, one to fill orders and manage the warehouse and one to run the CNC machines since he’s installed his second machine, a 4-axis mill.



He doesn’t stop, except for a cigar and a pretty girl or dinner with his wife Molly. Hang on for more reports, more products, and more Indian doodads from the ever-expanding Aeromach control center in Charlotte, North Carolina.







Sources:






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Girls Just Want to Have Fun

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
 
Be the first to comment ‘Rallies’, ‘Road Trips’ and it’s human nature to want to belong to a group of like-minded individuals. You see many such groups in the world of motorcycling. In 1985, when I started riding, there weren’t many female groups, and most of the male-dominated groups did not allow women to belong. Computers, social media and even cell phones weren’t prevalent, so most groups were in local communities.

I was a tomboy at heart, so hanging out with the guys was never difficult for me, but I longed for opportunities to ride with other women and enjoy the camaraderie. I read every article I found about women who rode their own motorcycles. My first opportunity came in the early ’90s when my local Harley-Davidson Dealership in Central Wisconsin started a new Harley Owners Group (HOG) chapter. I knew that there were a couple of other women in my community who rode, but I had only seen one of them out riding.
 

The dealership asked me to be the Ladies of Harley representative. I agreed and, together with Lynda Lepak, we were the first Ladies of Harley reps for Central Wisconsin HOG. I thought this meant that we were going to have women’s rides, but it soon became apparent that our group, which was mostly men, just wanted a women’s auxiliary to bring food to events and help coordinate them.

Regardless of what the guys thought we were all about, Lynda and I were able to get a women-only ride scheduled. I’ll never forget the thrill of riding with four other women to the Dyracuse Hill Climbs. All five of us took to the highway, and cars that passed us would slow down, their windows would drop and cameras would come out. Thumbs-up were prevalent, and our smiles were plastered on our faces for days. As we pulled into the Hill Climbs, the stares were obvious, but I had to chuckle when I saw the men in our group waiting for us.

They were not used to being excluded! Since then, I’ve watched many female rider groups pop up all over the country. Some are local, some have a cause, some are women’s support groups: Motor Maids, Women in the Wind, Women on Wheels, Asphalt Angels, Iron Angels, Chrome Divas, Stilettos on Steel, even the International Sewing Club!

In 2000, I co-founded a group called Women in Motion after attending the 2nd American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Women & Motorcycling Conference in Westerville, OH. The AMA recognized that with so many more women getting their own motorcycles, a conference to celebrate that fact would empower women – and they were right.
 
 
 
Today, the Women in Motion Road Guardians assist police by escorting female-oriented group rides whenever possible. In 2009, the AMA had their 5th Women & Motorcycling Conference in Keystone, Colorado. I’d recently purchased my first brand-new motorcycle, a 2008 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, and I looked forward to every ride knowing that I now had a reliable touring bike. As I was planning the route home, it occurred to me that this would be a perfect opportunity to do an Iron Butt ride.
 
In order to become a member of the Iron Butt Association, a person has to ride over 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours. Your route has to be submitted ahead of time, with the starting and end points verified, and all time-stamped gas stop receipts sent in to verify the route. It was on that ride home from the Women’s Conference that I was again inspired by the many amazing women I met, and I began to contemplate how fortunate we women are. There is no other place in this world where women are so free – free to make choices, free to ride a motorcycle of our choice and free to wear whatever apparel we choose.

I suddenly felt a rush of gratefulness. What makes the USA so different from other places?
 
 

It occurred to me that I may have taken for granted the sacrifice of our military that preserves the freedom that we enjoy. While I was making my choices and enjoying my freedom, others were leaving their families and jobs to protect our way of life. Some had given the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom. How could I give back? It was then that I realized that I needed to serve those who had served me. I would look in the eyes of every veteran I met and thank them.
 

Once I returned home, I called a woman I met at the conference, Diva Amy. She suggested that we take a cross-country ride. “Right on!” I thought. As we continued to explore this idea, the concept for the Diamond Posse was formed. Cat Hammes, the “one-legged blonde” who lost her leg in a motorcycle crash yet had the courage to keep riding; Eldonna Fernandez, an Air Force master sergeant known as the Pink Biker Chic; and Bobbie Carlson, from a company called Cape Fox that trains military motorcycle riders, joined in for the ride.

We would start in San Antonio, Texas, at the Center for the Intrepid, and end in Green Bay, Wisconsin, joining a welcome-home celebration for Vietnam vets. We planned the route around Veterans Administration hospitals, where we would stop to visit veterans, and each evening we would have a meet and greet to raise money for the Fallen Heroes Fund. At the end of our journey, we donated $10,000.00 to the Fallen Heroes.

For a video that was taken while we were on the Diamond Posse Ride:
 

 

For more information about the Diamond Posse, go to www.diamondposse.us or contact Vicki@diamondposse.us.

Regardless of your passion, I encourage you to find a group of like-minded people and enjoy the camaraderie of other independent, self-reliant women. Whether you are just joining the world of motorcycling or have been here for a while, we all have something to offer each other.

Larger gatherings like the Steel Horse Sisterhood, the AMA’s Women & Motorcycling Conference or Biker Belles in Sturgis offer us a chance to meet women from all over the USA. Of course, a group closer to home will give you someone to ride with on a more frequent basis. Do you ride with a group? We would love to know more about you!

—————-
Allstate Insurance Company is not affiliated with Vicki Sanfelipo, Harley-Davidson, Harley Owners Group (HOG), Ladies of Harley, Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rapid Angels, Motor Maids, Women in the Wind, Women on Wheels, Asphalt Angels, Iron Angels, Chrome Divas, Stilettos on Steel, International Sewing Club, Women in Motion,Iron Butt Association, American Motorcyclist Association, Diamond Posse, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Steel Horse Sisterhood, Biker Belles, or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Allstate makes no warranties or representations and is not liable for any goods or services provided by this individual or organization. The views presented here do not necessarily represent the views of Allstate.
 
Reprinted with permission from Allstate Rider News.
 
 
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Count Down to Bonneville 2014, July 17, 2014

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 


34 days with a sleepless night and an early get-the-hell-up and your 5-Ball Racing Team will Haul ASS in an easterly direction on the cool black top at a rapid pace. Destination is the Bonneville Salt Flats. 


Distance from the well oiled gate exiting headquarters front door to the city of Wendover, Utah is a leisurely 644.95 miles, 10 hours and 27 minutes.


The “Raycer” is RUNNING

Monday morning bright and early spoke with Dan Thayer at www.vtwinfuelinjection.com  in Confu, New York.  The gremlin from last year was discovered. The airflow sensor was not doing the job. The faulty unit was replaced and the 124 inch Twin Cam, Hyperformence/R&R Cycle, Series 66 Aerocharger Turbo combination FIRED and idled on 91 Octane pump gas. 


Dan was headed to the local Hot Rod Fuel distributor for 10 gallons of Race Fuel. The “Raycer” is scheduled for Dyno time Thursday or Friday.  


Keyboard Shipping has scheduled a New York pick up on Monday the 21st, delivering to Headquarters in the Port of Los Angeles,  Tuesday the 29th. 


Clicked on the www.RBRacing.com  site and used their handy calculator to determine the Co Efficiency of Drag and needed horsepower to achieve targeted speeds.  

You and your latest love have got to be slippery to go fast. A coat of Lemon Pledge everywhere except the seat and seat of the  hide saving Vanson Tuxedo. 

A 200 mph pass requires 219.411 HP…. 210 MPH, 253.647 HP, 220 MPH, 291.294 HP. The faster you roll, more resistance is encountered and more horsepower is needed.  A 250 MPH pass requires a mere 426.588 HP.  But, wait, there’s much more. Don’t forget, traction may also be at a premium for a multitude of reasons. 


With our Screamin Eagle 6 speed the math indicates we’ll cruise at 200 MPH @ 5,576 RPM in 5th gear.  Try to remember, it’s all Blue Sky and Bullshit until the official time slip is lowered by a length of fishing line, in a tin can from an SCTA official stationed in the timing tower with your timed and printed numbers.  
 
 

Haul Ass!
Ride for Your Life!
Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
 
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The Mayhem Panhead

By Bandit | May 31, 2024

I’ve been interviewing feature builders and owners for 40 years. You can imagine, I’ve conversed with every personality under the stars, including a prick or two. Sometimes we start to talk and suddenly it’s like shooting the shit with a brother of 20 years. And often this one conversation will lead to a decades-long relationship.

After speaking with Chris, I knew we would be in contact for years to come. He was like talking to an old pal in front of the local bike night, about his latest build. We discussed this bike, his shop, and economic survival, Sturgis, Bonneville, and show circuits. So, where the hell should I start?

Just after I hung up the phone, I looked at the chart and saw the shop title, Mayhem Cycles. What the hell does mayhem have to do with Chris and his wife Lisa successfully running a shop for a decade? As soon as Chris could drive he hauled ass to the local Chopper shop in South Brunswick and started to hang out. Before long he had a job and learned the ropes.

Then he took up collision repair to augment his income and he still retains a significant position at a local body shop for over 20 years including the benefits to assist in supporting his family of four kids, and Lisa, his wife. She handles the front office, the parts counter, the phones, and bookkeeping at Mayhem.

Before the economy tanked Mayhem was known for wild choppers and show bikes, but with the downturn the chopper craze faded away and the staff turned to more bread and butter service work, then low-buck bobbers, and remodeling stock bikes. “We once built some crazy stuff,” Chris said.

Now, it’s all about survival and building rideable bikes. Still perplexed about the shop name I reached out to the Mayhem staff for an answer and Lisa articulated the history and direction:

Well our lives did turn into Mayhem but that’s not where the name came from—ha,ha,ha.

When Chris started this 10 years ago he had two partners who opened the company with him. I was a stay-at-home mom with the four kids. We invested the most money in the startup (Chris’s whole pension), so when the other two Left, I had no choice but to jump on board and keep the business going for Chris or we would have lost everything.

The name was one of the other partner’s ideas. I thought it was the worst name and still do!!

My idea for a name included using their three first initials Chris, John, Michael and take the name Central Jersey Motorcycles. But not being a named partner I had no say and one of the other partners wanted Mayhem, so here we are 11 years later…………..Chris in the back with a long time bud, John Vagi, and me up front.

We used to do the show circuit. One fall I did the whole East Coast myself driving the trailer loaded with the bikes and working the shows. Chris stayed behind and kept working. From September thru November I was on the road for three months except for 18 days home. That was a rough fall on the kids, and me but by the end of the show season people knew who I was and knew our bikes.

It was pretty wild but tough on a family. Then the economy tanked and we have been trying to keep afloat waiting for the market to bounce back. This year was the first time in probably five years we did a lot of customizing again, so people around our area are finally starting to spend money.

We would love to get back to shows, and having bikes featured, etc. It’s a true passion of Chris’s to build his “rolling art” as I call it, and I told him I would help him anyway I could. If we ever hit the lottery though, I’m staying home to cook, which is my passion.

I hope someday to be invited to dinner. This bike reminded me of my first ’48 Panhead. It also reminded me of a bike Mil Blair built for me which was Evo powered but just this style of class retro. At first glance to a semi-novice rider, it’s a restored 1950 Panhead, but then the original aspects fall apart. The frame is a Santee re-pop. The front end is an ’09 glide from a Heritage Softail. The brakes are upgraded to discs, the electrics include a 12-volt system and electronic ignition.

The seat was altered and remounted with a comfortable seat shock. “The bike looks retro but is very rideable,” Chris said. I posted a couple of stock 1950 Panhead shots from the Bob T. collection, so you can compare the two.

A few years ago during the toughest of times, Chris was able to move the business out of a grungy industrial park onto the main highway. With the support of stand–up customers like Tony Pinizzotto, who owns this Panhead, and a helpful landlord, Chris and Lisa continue to do what they love and keep their business growing.

They obviously follow the code of the west. Their oldest daughter, Krystyna, is a senior in college, and the youngest, Carson, is 12. There maybe Mayhem at home once in a while, but this family operation is strong and supportive. May there be another wild chopper in Chris’s future…

–Bandit

Bikernet.com Extreme Mayhem Tech Chart

Regular Stuff

Owner: Anthony Pinizzotto

Bike Name: Marilyn

Builder: MAYHEM CYCLES

City/state: Monmouth Junction, NJ

Company Info:
Address: 3945 US 1 South, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Phone: 732-297-7818

Web site: www.mayhemcycles.com AND

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayhem-Cycles/294585923887856?ref=hl

E-mail: Lfreda4@verizon.net

Engine

Year: 1950

Make: Harley-Davidson

Model: Panhead

Displacement: 74 ci

Builder or Rebuilder: Mayhem Cycles

Cases: H-D

Case finish: Natural

Barrels: H-D

Bore: stock

Pistons: stock

Barrel finish: Black

Lower end: stock

Stroke: stock

Rods: stock

Heads: stock

Head finish: Natural

Valves and springs: stock

Pushrods: stock

Cams: stock

Lifters: stock

Carburetion: S&S E

Air cleaner: Paughco Teardrop

Exhaust: stock head pipe

Mufflers: fishtail

Transmission

Year: 1950

Make: H-D

Gear configuration: 4-speed

Primary: 1 ½-inch BDL Belt Drive

Clutch: BDL

Final drive: Chain

Kicker: Yes, stock

Frame

Year: 1950

Builder: Santee

Style or Model: Retro Mod

Stretch: stock

Rake: stock

Front End

Make: H-D

Model: Heritage

Year: 2009

Sheet metal

Tanks: Fat Bobs

Fenders: Front-H-D Heritage / Rear-Stock 1950 style

Oil tank: stock H-D

Paint

Base coat: Cream semi-gloss

Pinstriping: K&M Signs

Powdercoat: Coast2Coast

Wheels

Front

Make: H-D

Size: 16

Brake calipers: 6-piston Performance Machine

Brake rotor(s): 13-inch Performance Machine

Tire: Dunlop MT90B16

Rear

Make: H-D

Size: 16-inch

Brake calipers: H-D stock

Brake rotor: H-D stock

Tire: Dunlop MT90B16

Controls

Foot controls: Stock Floorboards

Master cylinder: stock

Clutch Cable: Mousetrap

Electrical

Ignition: Mallory Distributor

Ignition switch: stock

Coils: Revtech High Performance

Charging: 12V Generator

Starter: Kickstart

Headlight: stock Heritage

Taillight: Tombstone

What’s Left

Seat: Jeffrey Phipps

Saddlebag: Jeffrey Phipps

Gas caps: stock

Handlebars: beach bars

Grips: stock

Sources
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Oh, Oh, Look What Happens to Gasohol!

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
I wasn’t sure how much would happen in the 30 days since I wrote the last article ‘Gasohol…Good or Bad?’. I originally thought I might wait another month, but after all I have seen in the last 30 days, I knew I had to inform you as soon as possible.

On the trip down to Daytona Bikeweek I tested the fuel at every gas station I filled up at. I stopped 3 times for fuel and all the pumps had stickers claiming up to 10% Ethanol. Two of the stations had fuel that was at the 10% Ethanol line and one had only 5% ethanol.
 

Man, you should see the looks I got at these stations testing the fuel before filling the truck up. They must have thought I was someone from a Fed Agency! With the first tank of 10%, I averaged 24.9 MPG. The second tank was the one with 5% ethanol and with this I averaged 26.9 MPG. The third tank was 10% ethanol and the average MPG for this tank was 25.4.  That equates to roughly a 7 percent increase in MPG. That was more of a difference than I thought would happen. All the driving was on the Interstate at the same speeds. All 3 tanks were regular grade and bought at major, high traffic gas stations.  There may be a difference in actual octane which may also cause some differences.

 
While in Daytona, a friend had a hard time trying to get his bike started. He had new plugs and a strong spark at the plugs. The plugs got wet with fuel, but still would pop when kicked, they just would not run. I asked him how old the fuel was and if he used gasohol. He said the fuel was from last summer and yes, it was gasohol. I asked if I could take out my handy dandy tester and check it out. He agreed and we put some fuel in the clear plastic bottle. As we first drained some fuel from the petcock, it had water and some muddy looking debris, not much, but enough to cause problems. We drained until the water and mud disappeared. Now, the fuel was amber in color. The fuel was not clear but had a hazy milky look to it.  I tested the fuel and it showed 0% ethanol. In picture 1 you can see a thick white milky line separating the fuel from the water.  Basically, the ethanol had already absorbed all the water it could mix with and the cloudy line was the excess in the tank. Flushing the tank and carb out and putting new fuel in would fix this bike’s running problem.
 
 
 
During the 30 days for the fuel that I placed in the mason jars which were kept outside under a covered area to protect from any rain and also out of direct sun. The night temps averaged the upper 30’s and daytime highs averaged in the 60’s. Humidity was in the low 50’s and high 60’s during the month. It amazed me how much fuel evaporated in both jars in 30 days! As you can see in picture 2 they both evaporated equally. In case you did not read last month’s article both mason jars had the same gasohol which had 10% ethanol. But, one of the jars had an additive that says it will stabilize effects of ethanol in fuels. I put a black marker line on both jars and they were filled to this line. Both jars had the fuels turn darker in color. The untreated fuel actually had a milky look to it and was not as clear. I tried to get a picture of this, but was too hard to really see in a picture.
 
 

First tested was the jar that had no additive. It had a very slight separation and had a heavy milky lower level.  After testing, it showed that it only had 5% ethanol now (picture 3). What this shows is that the ethanol already had mixed with water and would not separate further. The line between the fuel and water was a thick white muddy color.
The jar with the additive showed no separation in the jar. The testing of this fuel for ethanol still showed 10% (picture 4) but there was a thick line of separation as shown in picture 5. 
 
 
 

What have we found out so far? That the actual percentage of ethanol in your fuel will vary. That ethanol in fuel does absorb and attract water. Now think of your motorcycle tank, it has a vent about the same size. In the outside elements as you ride your bike it comes into contact with rainy days, foggy nights and many changes in humidity. The amount of humidity will place the fuel in your tank in a much worse environment than my jars.
 
 That gasohol does have some separation after 30 days. As the gasohol absorbs water as much as the ethanol can, it now separates as water on the bottom of the tank. The amount of evaporation being in the direct sunlight can increase evaporation!

Many sites state that as gasohol absorbs water the octane count goes down. I have no way of testing this, but why take a chance? I have not found an additive that will actually remove water on the bottom of your fuel tank if you use gasohol.  The additives only work with 100% pure gasoline.
 

Now, that mowing, gardening and riding time is here, I know what I am doing next. Draining all my tanks and draining their carbs and getting some 100% pure gasoline!.  Lucky for me they still sell pure gas  only 15 miles away from the shop. Check out online if there are any gas stations in your area that still sell pure gas.
 
 
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Victory Magnum – An Extreme Bagger From A Mainstream Manufacturer

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
Victory’s new Magnum touring bike is a spinoff of the existing Cross Country and features a 21-inch front wheel that can’t be ignored, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll give you a second to pick up your jaw off the floor… This factory custom comes equipped with a long list of unique features and can be further accessorized so you can take it another few notches up the crazy ladder!
 
Not about to apologize for causing a scene, the Magnum is Victory’s effort to redefine the factory bagger class and probably reach out to a new audience at the same time.
Suspension has been lowered by an inch and the seat is lowered accordingly to give the bike a cooler stance while still offering a nimble ride and proper cornering abilities. Since the Magnum uses the same basic configuration as the Victory Cross Country, you can expect fast handling, a stable and predictable ride, and comfort in spades for your long-haul adventures.
 
 
 
Aside from the spectacular 21-inch cast alloy front wheel with its tightly contoured and styled fender, the Magnum uses a bright LED lighting that’s housed in the sharp-lined fairing. All these elements are combined to produce a contemporary, cutting-edge styling and vibe. We dig the painted inner instrument panel to match the fairing.
 
Power (loads of it) comes in the form of the now familiar 106-inch Freedom V-twin engine and 6-speed overdrive transmission. If you ever get tired of listening to the throbbing tunes delivered by the Victory engine, you can crank your favorite music through the factory 100-Watt sound system while you whizz by and blind people with the three-tone paint scheme. 
 
Hey, we’re off to Sturgis, where we’ll be riding the Magnum in a few days time, so stick around for a detailed report coming some time next week on Bikernet and Bikernet Baggers. Ride safe and have a blast!
 
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The Wait Is Over – The Road Glide Is Back

By Bandit | May 31, 2024

Weeks before the announcement of its 2015 model line-up, Harley-Davidson is previewing the Road Glide and Road Glide Special, two of its new 2015 motorcycles. Infused with DNA of the customer-led product development effort Project RUSHMORE, the two sleek, shark-nose Touring models are being revealed today during special events at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D., and at the National Bikers Roundup (NBR) in Tulsa, Okla.

“Road Glide has always had an incredibly passionate following, which is why its return to the model line-up is exciting for our customers and our company,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “With Project Rushmore technology, intuitive features and great new styling, we’re delivering an improved ride for the Road Glide faithful and the many others looking for more cool Project Rushmore motorcycle options.”

One look at the new contour of the famous Road Glide fairing is all it takes to see past form and convention were put aside and a new rebellious design emerged. The Road Glide motorcycle earned its status satisfying the hard core and now it is back. From the wicked new Dual Reflector Daymaker™ LED headlights to the combination stop/turn/taillights, the Road Glide motorcycles set out to make the ultimate statement in custom, high-mile aggression and back it up with all the function riders demand.

“The Road Glide has always been a bike for a rider who’s cut from a different cloth, a person who wants to make a statement as they chase the freedom of the road,” said Michael Goche, Product Planning Manager. “This new model respects that spirit while offering a significant improvement in aerodynamic and ergonomic comfort, LED lighting and the full suite of Project RUSHMORE features that have been such a huge hit with touring riders around the world.”

 

Road Glide

Shaped by countless hours of wind tunnel testing, the new frame-mounted Road Glide motorcycle fairing features a triple splitstream vent that significantly reduces head buffeting while still providing  comfortable airflow around the rider. The brilliant white beams of the Dual Daymaker Reflector LED headlamp blasts through the murkiest of nights. Centered in the inner fairing is the color screen of a Boom! ™ Box 4.3 infotainment system controlled by twin joysticks located on a new swept-back handlebar that puts the rider in a commanding, comfortable position. A High Output Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine burbles through two chrome mufflers, its abundant torque always on tap with just a twist of the throttle. Touring features include One-Touch hard saddlebags, cruise control, easy-to-read gauges, adjustable air-ride rear suspension and new ergonomic hand controls with intuitive design and improved tactile feel.

Road Glide Special

Select premium features elevate the performance and style of the Road Glide Special from the base model. These enhancements include the premium Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system with touch screen and GPS navigation, Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS and hand-adjustable low-profile rear suspension. An exclusive painted inner fairing and hand-applied pinstriping move the styling up a notch.

The public will have an opportunity to see and test-ride the new 2015 Road Glide and Road Glide Special models at Harley-Davidson locations in Sturgis Aug. 2-9 and in Tulsa on Aug. 2. They then start arriving at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships on August 26, 2014. Visit www.h-d.com/roadglide for more information.

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Expendables 3 – Sneak Peek

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
Expendables 3 to be released August 15th, 2014

They are back and its a bang! This mission starts with the rescue of 8 year hellhole prisoner Wesley Snipes to be rescued off a military train transporting him to worse hell. If you think the fireworks and fighting in these first 10 minutes is spectacular – well this was just an errand while their primary mission is to stop an arms deal in Somalia.

All hell breaks loose and there is a thrilling “car” chase using military vehicles. The target is a surprise. A dead man from Stallone’s past is alive and well. Enter MEL GIBSON. He is mesmerising and totally a cool cat as the villain. He easily beats out the Expendables 2 villainous turn by Van Damme. Clearly Mel Gibson breathes the life into this sequel of the franchise.

Battered and out-gunned the Expendables chief calls it a day. He tells the guys that they are officially over. No more missions. The guys don’t take it very well but they have no choice.
 

Stallone meanwhile runs into his CIA Boss. No, no Bruce Willis this time. Enter Harrison Ford. He plays it cool as he did in his previous roles in Tom Clancy novel adaptations. He tells the old man Stallone to complete the mission. Stallone goes out to recruit new blood – young blood. Kelsey Grammar comes along as the HR Department for Stallone. Together they pack up a team of 4 young ones including a feisty MMA gal as their team. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the pilot.

Mission: Bring in Mel Gibson alive to be tried at the Hague as a War Criminal.

The jokes on Stallone as the young ones laugh at his plan. The gal says it best when she says, “It would be a great plan if it was 1985”.
 

The young ones use technology to control security and electric wiring and easily capture Mel alive and into a van for transport to Hague. He is wearing a GPS tracker and Stallone’s crew doesn’t get too far with their hot package. It is revealed that Mel Gibson is a founder member of Expendables who quit after “America eats its own babies” incident in one old mission.

Stallone survives the rocket into the van while others are captured alive as hostage and bait for Stallone and CIA.
 
 

Broken and defeated again, Stallone wants to go in all Rambo-commando all alone. Arnold tells him the truth – suicide. Antonio Banderas who was rejected earlier by the HR shows up in time and convinces Stallone to take him on the one-way trip to hell. It is known that Antonio Banderas is the sole surviving agent from the Benghazi massacre where no back up ever arrived.

The old crew of Stallone shows up – Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Wesley Snipes and Couture. Stallone is grateful and takes them on board. One way ticket indeed.

The 4 kids are strapped as bait in a brokedown city in a defunct nation. The entire building setup with C4 explosives. A normal team would have 90 seconds to get out. So Mel Gibson offers them 45 seconds to survive the blast. The young ones step in and jam the receivers from getting the blast signal. The defunct nation army therefore has to set loose upon these 9 Expendables.
 

What follows is an epic battle and gunfire. It is an education in weaponry and assault. If you thought you knew all about war and guns, here is something to jog the memory and add some more to your collection. 

Harrison Ford really does want his target alive. He recruits Arnold and Jet Li to get to the target and support Stallone. Few know that Harrison Ford in real life is a registered rescue pilot and really does know how to handle a helicopter. He does well as the pilot while Arnold has his favourite big guns to blast holes into the heads of pawn soldiers of defunctistan. 

An epic climax awaits with one on one unarmed combat between Mel Gibson and Stallone. The building blasted through shells of military Tanks is about to go up in the wired C4. The only way off is the roof and Ford collects them all except Stallone duking it out with Mel Gibson.
 
Well, the epic nail biting finish is picture perfect as the entire building goes down while Stallone runs up the roof and jumps to hang on to the chopper.

The Expendables are back home and safe and now a big team with average age dropping like extras in an action movie. Yes, the new young ones get their tattoo and even Antonio Banderas is an Expendable now.

Arnold however has not retired and instead poached off Jet Li who now works for him.

Thrilling and massive and spectacular. Watch it to believe it.
 
 
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Powwow of Native Iron American Heritage Motorcycle Party

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
 
 
It’s never too late to party especially on the coat-tails of America’s Independence Day celebration, so when Deus ex Machina, L.A.’s popular gathering spot for bikes, surfboards and a great cup of java, threw a day-after-July 4th celebration of Motorcycles Made in the U.S.A., all flavors of red, white and blue bikes showed up. Plus plenty of burgers and hot dogs, cold brew and hot tunes served up by the San Diego band LowVolts.
 
 

Strategically located on the corner of Venice Blvd. and Lincoln Blvd., the Deus shop is easy to find and just a couple minutes from the Santa Monica Pier and beach. It throws bike parties with various themes twice monthly. Inside the shop several bikes were on display including a fire engine red Indian “on loan” from the prestigious Los Angeles Petersen Museum as well as a 1942 Big Tank Crocker, rare as dragon’s teeth, brought over by the new Crocker company.
 
 
 

As the event’s organizer Ryan summed it up, “Today we at Deus wanted to tie something in for the Fourth of July so it was the perfect opportunity to spotlight vintage American bikes… Harleys, Indians, Victory, Crocker…and everyone else is welcome, too. We’re all about two wheels and having fun.”
 
 
 

Ryan, in addition to being assistant manager at Deus, happens to be the apprentice for Deus ex Machina’s in-house bike builder Michael “Woolie” Woolaway who crafts one-off masterpieces of all shapes and forms. “What I love about it is working with your hands and stepping back at the end of the day and see what you’ve built.” Ryan also rode his very rare and iconic “Fatz Noriega” 1972 Iron 900 Iron Head Sportster, literally a time machine that he found in storage where it had sat in near mint condition since 1974.
 

Another of the highlights of the gathering was a trio of bikes brought by Scott Jones from his Santa Ana, CA shop Noise Cycles. One was freshly minted, orange and black 2009 Dyna powered by a 120R motor that he won in the bike builder contest at last year’s Born Free rally. The bike’s concept was to pay homage to Harley history circa 1920-1970 with parts from all those decades integrated into the build with a special nod to Scott’s favorite bike, the 1940s Harley WR. Another Noise Cycle’s bike looked like it’s wearing a welder’s mask for its fairing along with #5 racing plate. A third bike was a classic Panhead chopper with kind of a giraffe pattern paint job.
 
 

Says Scott when asked when he first starting making noise, he laughs and says, “Probably about nine years with a blog I started. About 2 ½ years ago it turned into a full-blown business. Fabrication is our specialty, a lot of ground up bikes, mostly Harley, but others as well. We also have a signature line of parts including handlebars.” Shortly Scott’s heading for Milwaukee for a bike movie premier and for Factory’s Knucklehead Reunion.
 
 
Many of the customs rallying up for the party were wrenched together by their owners with a little help from their friends, including a home brewed hardtail ’89 Sporty owned by Ed from the South Bay area featuring a multi-hued prism painted coffin gas tank, Paughco frame, six-over girder and a sticker that reads, “This Machine Kills Hipsters.” One of Ed’s buddies, Justin Dehaven aka “Uncle Jonzy” rode in with his buddies on his ’93 Evo, stretched out on 14-over girder forking by Franks. Justin makes custom seats under the banner High Noon Classics, several bikes at the party saddled up with his work.
 

Bikes rumbled in and out all day long enjoying the SoCal perfect riding weather and the chance to check out a wide range of custom bikes. They don’t call America the melting pot for nothing!
 
 
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KLOCK WERKZ PRE STURGIS PARTY

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
I have been lucky enough to ride to Sturgis for their Black Hills Classic Motorcycle Event for many years. I have ridden by myself, with others, on interstate highways and country roads trying to make each ride just enough different to stay interesting But one thing I have been doing and not changing is stopping in Mitchell South Dakota.
 
 
 
 
Yea it is a good gas stop and that is where the Corn Palace is But that is also the home of Klock Werkz and for the last 8 years they put on a Pre-Sturgis Party as a way of saying thanks to their customers and anyone who wants to stop by. Free hot dogs and of course Roasted Sweet Corn I got ta tell ya delicious!
 
 
 
Through the years I have gotten to know Brian, Laura, their girls and others at the shop and really enjoy stopping to see them and also meeting other friends who stop there.
 
 
 

This year in addition to the party they displayed the Indian Motorcycle they just built for Jack Daniels.
 
 
 
 
 
They make and sell a large selection of motorcycle parts and I have had their “FLARE” Windshield on my motorcycle for some time and love it. Recently I added their “Kicker” Amp and Speakers system so now I can hear music when running at higher speeds.

They are set up in Sturgis for the rally and if you are in town, stop by and say HI!

You can also find out more about them and their parts on-line at:     http://www.kustombaggers.com/index.htm
 
 
 
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