I Guess I Left a Mark In the Motorcycle Industry
By Bandit |
Disclaimer: this is going to be a long story, so if you have short attention span, it’s not for you.
One of my dreams as a kid was working on a motorcycle magazine—which prompted me to leave Philadelphia for Los Angeles where it seemed my chances would be greater. The story of how I ended up in the Editor’s chair at HOT BIKE and STREET CHOPPER is a long story, but the part I will share is my interview with Steve Stillwell and Bill Porter (if you don’t recognize those names in relation to publishing, you are not as old school as you think). They sat me down in the conference room at McMullen Argus and handed me three copies of HOT BIKE, a legal pad and a pen. “Take about 30 minutes and write out what you would change in these magazines if you were the editor. We will be back” and they left. Summary of my notes: there were no bikes being ridden, even in the ROAD TESTS and the girls in bikinis had to go. They offered me the job on the spot.
This was May of 1996, and prior for those that don’t know, I had the privilege of learning from Frank Kaisler at HOT ROD HARLEYS serving as feature editor. Prior to that, I was the shop foreman at MOTORCYCLIST. I knew where I wanted this magazine to go. I wanted action, excitement, exhilaration—all the things motorcycles give you, especially when it is January in Philadelphia and you can’t ride, so you read and re-read your motorcycle magazines (firsthand experience pays). We put together a team that was all over the idea and we attacked the market. Now keep in mind the Harley world was EXPLODING at that time and custom everything was at a fevered pitch.
And the magazine grew. Another fun side note here: I was enthralled with seeing my pic doing wheelies, burnouts and any other cool thing on a bike in the magazine, and I wanted everyone to experience that when we shot their bike—so a new rule went into place. If your bike can’t be ridden, it can’t be in HOT BIKE (or STREET CHOPPER later on). So what did the REST of the Harley mag industry do? They started adding riding to their pages. Don’t believe me, grab your old copies of saved magazines going back to 1996 and take a look at 1997 and beyond. And the industry responded. Builders wanted pics of them doing burnouts in their bike features, excitement was taking over.
But, I am going to let you in on a secret about magazines; they are in print to make money. Whether it is by selling 40$ a year subscriptions or a ton of ads, the bottom line is they line someone’s pocket. Handsomely if done well. So we sold ads. And we did editorial that supported our advertisers. But here is the thing, and you can ask around the industry today and people will verify this, if you sent us a product that sucked, was garbage or didn’t do what you said it did, I wouldn’t put it in the magazine no matter how many ads you bought. We were not going to sell out. Fix it, reinvent it, change its intended purpose and we will look at it again. I pissed of a LOT of people that way, but I protected our readers. If I was going to support the people that supported the magazine, it damn well was going to be good stuff. So we supported our advertisers and promoted good products to our readers without writing negative stuff and slamming people. We took the first rule of business and built lasting relationships with our advertisers—and it worked.
So HOT BIKE kept growing and regularly seeing 240 plus pages each month. And the guys at IRON HORSE took offense. They slammed me for riding a Buell, wearing a full face helmet and promoting (their term) Easter Egg bikes—but such fat fendered, incredibly painted bikes were the core of the CUSTOM MARKET at the time, so we featured them. But we also featured choppers, Pro Street bikes and even baggers. But we were known for the coolest fat tire softails at that time. Fine, I was good with that, because we were seeing the coolest bikes in the industry. But the cats at IRON HORSE thought their market—garage built bikes with no new parts on them—was our market, but it wasn’t. So month after month they mocked me. And month after month I ignored them. We grew, they didn’t. Then one day they were gone. Funny thing about a magazine, it needs advertisers to survive and if you bash the people that would spend money with you, why would they. Now out of that old IRON HORSE crew, I remain friends with a few of the staff guys and we laugh about those old days, but the bottom line? They went away because they didn’t understand the business of a magazine. Do it right, make it interesting to the reader and respect, not serve, the hand that feeds you.
So, along comes another garage built magazine brought up from the ashes of IRON HORSE called THE HORSE. And guess what? They wrote about me all the time too. HOT BIKE was peaking around 300-352 pages a month towards the end of my time there, and EVERYONE knew it. Harley gave us exclusives, the manufacturers gave us first shot at their parts and generally we were the place to be for those interested in what the latest trend in the industry was –not garage built, no new part bikes. We had nothing against them and ran a few here and there when they caught our eyes, but we were focused on the business of providing a good magazine to the hundreds of thousands of reader we had.
I’m getting somewhere with all this now. Yesterday I was on the phone with a younger guy in the editorial world, explaining some things about us older mag guys and he told me that in the recent issue of THE HORSE, Hammer—Ralph Janus, the OWNER of the magazine, the guy who makes all the coin it generates—was ragging on me and praising Jeff Holt the current editor of HOT BIKE. He wrote the same stuff he has been writing about me for OVER 10 years, corporate, boring, blah blah blah. Now in the last 10 years since leaving HOT BIKE all I have done is write two books and maybe a dozen magazine articles. I should not be a factor in the magazine industry at this point, but he goes on and on, about me and the way I did HOT BIKE and how Jeff Holt (I have never actually met Jeff, and I am sure he is an OK guy, we chat on FACEBOOK once in a while and even talked about me doing an editorial in HOT BIKE, but I never heard back from him) is doing things that are so much cooler than I did. Well, guess what? Jeff is doing the SAME thing I did, but with a different trend in the market. MY time was the explosion of radical customs, Jeff’s time has the explosion of BORN FREE type bikes and FXRs. A different mindset, a different style of bikes to please the readers. Old Ralph, on the other hand, is still beating 10 year old story lines and attempting to generate sensationalism from readers he has had from the beginning. Great you have loyal readers that know my name, but shouldn’t your circulation have grown enough that your readers DON’T know who I am or what HOT BIKE was like OVER 10 years ago?
Remember Ralph, if you are using me to generate buzz in your magazine—that you own and make money off of, shouldn’t you be cutting me a commission check on the side? Shouldn’t your efforts be in producing a better magazine that grows a little? Better editorial, better photos, a greater reason to see people invest in your title? If you really want to sensationalize with my name, offer me a column in your magazine (paid of course) and I will spice things up for you. Otherwise, a line from one of my favorite movies says ….”10 years man, 10 years, 10 years, 10 years man 10 years 10 years”
You can see the article from The Horse Magazine below:
(Click on photo to enlarge to full size to read!)
(Click on photo to enlarge to full size to read!)
To read more by Howard Kelly you can go to his BLOG
Freedom Needs A Voice!
By Bandit |
Monday April 28 was Biker Day at the Capitol in Colorado and over 150 bikers attended to make their voices heard. Parked tight the bikes took up a city block and a half. US Defenders, Colorado Confederation of Clubs, and Coalition of Independent Riders (COIR) organized the event, and behind it all was Tiger Chandler. Tiger is the Colorado COIR Commander and a formidable force when it comes to defending the freedoms of bikers in Colorado. This is the fifth year for the event which has grown from a handful of bikers to this year’s number. Each year they have increased the attendance and are thus gaining more attention from the lawmakers.
“The visual impact of all the leather and bikes is an eye opener to lawmakers” said Tiger.
It was interesting to see all the grade school kids on their field trip to the capitol. Mouths dropped and eyes widened as they took in the leather clad bikers marching on the capitol. I was encouraged to overhear a conversation between an adult and one of the students. He asked with a bit a hesitation, “What are the bikers doing here?” She calmly explained that we were on hand to voice our opinions and discuss our concerns with the lawmakers and that the capitol was a place for everyone. Not what you might expect to hear but a well informed answer.
Talking to Tiger before the event she said, “My job is to educate bikers that the capitol is their house and to educate the lawmakers that we vote.” She is at the capitol every week, meeting with lawmakers and attending hearings. Being so visible and speaking on issues she has gained the respect of the politicians and their staff members, and she is consulted on any bill that could affect the bikers.
She worked to get the original Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST)
program in place and now has a position on the most road safety boards and also the Colorado Infrastructure advisory board. Recently Tiger had the opportunity to stop a bill in its tracks by talking to the Representative. A bill was being discussed to not allow bike riders under the age of 8. Through her persuasive conversation the Representative did her research and decided the bill had no place being considered and stopped its progress. Having a voice makes a difference.
program in place and now has a position on the most road safety boards and also the Colorado Infrastructure advisory board. Recently Tiger had the opportunity to stop a bill in its tracks by talking to the Representative. A bill was being discussed to not allow bike riders under the age of 8. Through her persuasive conversation the Representative did her research and decided the bill had no place being considered and stopped its progress. Having a voice makes a difference.
Leaders of US Defenders, CORS, COIR, some legislators, and a couple of candidates for Governor spoke to the receptive crowd. Topics covered respect, freedom, limits on government, rights of bikers, and a reminder that the government works for us. A common theme was personal responsibility and the difference we as a biker community can make by getting involved. Through the efforts of Tiger and others we do have a voice and have made a difference.
Of those in attendance 90% were patch holders. This is not a bad thing; in fact it was great to see them all there. However, the event needs to reach more independent riders. They need to understand that their freedoms can be taken away in the count of a vote. Everyone needs to pay attention to what is going around and not just think someone else will watch out for them. Closing remarks were a call for action, “Every year we are growing, next year we need to double the attendance”.
Get Involved!
Until Next Time – David Campbell
CDC TASK FORCE REPORT
By Bandit |
Before we get to the subject matter at hand, let me address two important preliminary matters. The first is explaining what the Community
Preventative Services Task Force (CPSTF) is. The second is to explain the purpose of this article.
The CPSTF is a task force whose members are appointed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the purpose of providing studies which recommend programs and policies to improve health. Their latest report focuses on motorcycle fatalities and injuries.
The study recommends universal motorcycle helmet laws as the sole method to reduce fatalities and injuries. The report fails to address ways to prevent or reduce motorcycle crashes. There is no mention of motorcycle training and education. The recommendation instead focuses on surviving the inevitable crash.
Now for the purpose of this article. First and foremost let me explain what the purpose is not. I am neither attacking nor defending universal motorcycle helmet laws. As of this writing, 19 states have made the decision to keep them in place while 31 states have elected to allow motorcycle riders to make their own decision about wearing helmets. It is a topic which sparks much debate and disagreement within the riding community as a whole.
The purpose of this article is to suggest that we motorcyclists should not simply accept what we are told by official sounding entities. Before we accept restrictions being placed upon us, perhaps we should ask some hard questions rather than accept the opinions of those who want to convince us that motorcycling is inherently dangerous, and that we are all destined for a terrible crash.
Trust me; it is not just governmental entities that want to convince us of this. Each one of us have been at a social gathering where someone, upon finding out that we ride a motorcycle, has felt the need to tell us about their family member or friend who died in a horrific motorcycle accident. I have never had that happen when someone found out that I purchased a car. I guess people don’t die in car crashes.
But I digress. Let’s get back to the CPSTF.
The CPSTF’s latest recommendation comes on the heels of the CDC study that came to the same conclusion, which is that all states should have universal motorcycle helmet laws. The CPSTF points to several factors in making its recommendation. They point to increased motorcycle fatalities.
They claim that states with universal motorcycle helmet laws experience less motorcycle related fatalities while states that allow adults to choose whether or not to wear a helmet experience more motorcycle related fatalities. The CPSTF claims that wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of a fatal injury by 42%. Finally the CPSTF claims that states which implement universal motorcycle helmet laws experience an economic benefit, while states that repeal universal helmet laws experience increased costs.
Let’s take each of these assertions and ask some questions based upon data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Highway Administration (FDHA). Both websites are below should you wish to look this up for yourself.
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/STSI/USA%20WEB%20REPORT
.HTM
First let’s look at rising motorcycle fatalities. One thing that NHTSA looks at with overall motor vehicle fatalities is motor vehicles fatalities per 100,000 registered motor vehicles. That gives the raw number some context. What happens when we do the same with motorcycle related fatalities? The most recent numbers provided by the federal government give us motorcycle related fatalities and motorcycle registrations for the years 2008 to 2011.
In 2008 there were 5,312 motorcycle related fatalities nationwide. In 2011 there were 4,612. In 2008, the number of motorcycle related fatalities per 100,000 registered motorcycles was 68.93. By 2011 that number had steadily declined to 56.44. It would appear that motorcyclists are moving the numbers in the right direction. Being that there was no change in the number of states that had universal motorcycle helmet laws during that time period, it is hard to conclude that universal helmet laws are responsible for the decrease in motorcycle related fatalities. Could it be that increased focus on training and education is having a positive effect? It is impossible to tell with any certainty.
However, learning how to avoid a crash is a more appealing strategy in my book that merely trying to survive one.
Next let’s look at the claim that that states with universal motorcycle helmet laws experience less motorcycle related fatalities than states which allow adults to choose whether or not to wear a helmet. If we were to look at motorcycle related fatalities in all of the states which have universal helmet laws and compare them to motorcycle related fatalities in states which allow choice, shouldn’t we see a disparity between the two
groups of states?
If wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of a fatal injury by 42%, shouldn’t we see a rather large disparity between the two groups of states? Interestingly, that is not the case. Between 2008 and 2011, jurisdictions with mandatory motorcycle helmet laws averaged 60.26 motorcycle related fatalities per 100,000 registered motorcycles.
States with laws allowing adults to choose whether or not to wear a helmet averaged 57.90 motorcycle related fatalities per 100,000 registered motorcycles during that same period. Given those numbers, I am left with no choice but to seriously question the claims made by the CPSTF.
Finally let’s look at the CPSTF’s conclusion with regard to the economic impact of universal helmet laws. The CPSTF claims that 12 studies looked at the economic benefit after implementation of universal helmet laws, and that four directly comparable studies reported benefits ranging from $29.3 million dollars to $96.1 million dollars per 100,000 registered motorcycles per year. They further assert that five studies looked at the economic impact of repealing universal helmet laws and that three directly comparable studies reported increased costs ranging from $1.8 million dollars to $27.2 million dollars per 100,000 registered motorcycles per year. At face value, that would cause one to conclude that universal helmet laws save money, while laws allowing choice cost money.
However, let’s ask a few important questions. First, how did these studies come to these conclusions? The first claim is that the implementation of universal helmet laws resulted in benefits ranging from 29.3 million dollars to 96.1 million dollars per 100,000 registered motorcycles.
Why is there a gap of 67 million dollars between these estimates? That seems rather large. How were these estimates calculated? How old are these studies? Other than Louisiana, no state has implemented a universal helmet law in over twenty years. Additionally, why is it that the costs suffered from repealing a universal helmet law is anywhere between 1.8 million dollars and 27.2 million dollars, but the benefit of implementing one is anywhere between 29.3 million dollars to 96.1 million dollars? Shouldn’t the numbers be the same? Shouldn’t the cost of repealing a universal helmet law be comparable to the benefit of implementing one?
Finally, if the CPSTF’s claims are true, why don’t we see higher health and motor vehicle insurance premiums in states which allow choice while seeing lower premiums in states with universal helmet laws? I highly doubt that the insurance industry would simply absorb such costs without passing them on to the consumer. Yet there is no evidence that states which allow adults to choose whether or not to wear a motorcycle helmet experience higher premiums than states which have universal helmet
laws.
In the end, every rider must decide for themselves whether they believe that universal motorcycle helmet laws are a reasonable restriction on riders, or an unwarranted intrusion upon personal choice. I would merely suggest that in making that decision we not simply accept as true recommendations and conclusions merely because they come from official sounding entities. Groups can have agendas, and a study can be a tool for advocacy rather than an objective analysis of accurate data.
Speaking for myself, I find the latest recommendation of the CPSTF to be the former and not the latter.
–Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
The HER Project
By Bandit |
The HER Project is rather unique, and was created to empower and create awareness for all American Women Veterans. The project is a way to acknowledge and recognize the women who serve, and to show gratitude for what our women veterans have done for our country.
The creator of the HER Project is Gina Woods, host of Open Road Radio and creator of XX Chromes All Women Bike Builds.
“The HER Project is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering and creating awareness for our American Women Veterans with respect and dignity,” says Gina Woods. “The goal is educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of women veterans who, by virtue of their service in the military of the United States of America, may be having difficulty transitioning back to civilian life.”
The HER Project’s goal was to build two motorcycles dedicated to the disabled woman veteran, and recognizing women veterans. Each motorcycle was to be built in 5 days at popular motorcycle events, in front of the public by women veterans.
The first build was a Trike, which was donated by Woodstock Harley-Davidson, (Woodstock, IL.) The completion of this project was a minor miracle all by itself, in that Gina only had 3 weeks to organize, arrange donations, find parts, and put everything in place for the 2014 International Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Progressive in Chicago in early February. The Veteran builders were Gina, Sharon D. Allen, Jamie Shields and Kimberly Twisted with the help of many sponsors, especial DFT Trikes. As you can see from the pictures below they did an amazing job!!
The second project was scheduled for Daytona Bike Week down in sunny Florida. They left the wintry weather behind in Chicago, seeking refuge from the storms and cold and headed to the warmth of Florida. Gina Woods’, Jamie Shields, Kayla Koeune and Kim Jordan, teamed up together for five days of wrenching, fabbing, building and bike painting, all in front of a live audience at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona.
“Our footprint was elaborate”, shares Gina “Complete with onsite mig and tig, custom painting, exhaust creating, leatherworking, and carb fabrication! Definitely a hands on mobile shop, complete with our own emcee and videographer Karel King”
Wyotech was also very involved with the build and sent a couple of veteran students and graduates over to work with the team on the bike build, welding, painting, fabricating, and odd jobs. Wyotech student Laurice Littlefield, a current Military Motorcycle Mechanic, assisted with the build. Also WyoTech Graduate Kristine Kramer was a part of the fabrication for a few days under the direction of WyoTech Instructor Dan from Creative Fabrication. They were absolutely amazing and wonderful to work with, bringing an air of excitement, commitment and hard work to the project.
Many sponsors throughout the motorcycle industry stepped up to contribute to this project, Bikers Choice, J&P Cycles and S&S Cycles were especially helpful and excited to be part of this new venture. A lot of people came by to see the actual build and visit the booth, including many from the motorcycle industry. Folks in the industry were impressed with the work, and gave a lot of positive feedback; this level of interest is wonderful and so important for women riders, builders and especially for women veterans.
The HER Project Bobber is tricked out – a lot of custom pieces went into it: Biker’s Choice, S&S Cycle and J&P Cycles nailed it in the parts support of this project. Special Thanks to Charlie & Aaron, Pete and Bruce and Dan & Mundo!
They started with a Biker’s Choice frame and Wide Glide front fender cut and chopped, stock style Panhead rear fender cut and chopped, S&S Engine and S&S customized parts: Bullet case custom air cleaner, grenade horseshoe oil tank, DNA Springer front end, 5-speed softail Transmission, customized LePera seat. Creative Fabrication by Dan applied PPG’s Envirobase colors to give the tins a tricolor, desert camo look. Flames were layered out, with some help from Dave Perewitz, followed by 3 coats of Black Candy. To finish off a copper red pinstripe was laid down. Thanks to PPG and 3M. Also Thomas from CSS Airflow Systems who let us use the Carcoon inflatable and portable spray booth. Creative Fabrication by Dan worked with Victor from Icengineworks to design and fab up the custom exhaust, including a finishing touch of functional rain caps on the tips. Thanks to Kyle & Blake at Compressed Air Systems. Other companies supporting: Hupy & Abraham, National Cycle, The Paint Spot, Gruntstyle T’s, Advantage Trailer & Roar Motorcycles!
Here are some close up detailed photos of the bike taken by Rogue:
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Currently in the works are plans to take the Trike and the Camo Bike on a tour of the US, and then to raffle the bikes with the proceeds going to Women Veterans and the National Womens Veterans Association. I asked Gina whether there were plans for future builds and she only said she is working on some possible options!
The most important part of the HER Project is the women themselves, all of whom are either Veterans or have very strong ties to the Military world. Without them the build would not exist. So we would like to introduce you to the women:
Jaime Shields
Jamie’s passion for motorcycles began about the same time she was learning to walk and talk. At the young age of 5, she looked up at her mom and said “Mommy, I’m gonna have tattoos and a motorcycle when I grow up.” At 13, she finally got a taste of riding when a friend let her take his dirt bike. He didn’t get his bike back for the rest of the summer. Six years later she got out of the dirt and hit the street on her first sport bike and she’s been riding ever since.
Though she is not in the military, Jamie’s appreciation for our Veterans started at a very young age, Jamie’s father is a Vietnam Veteran, First Lieutenant in the 525th Military Intelligence Group. Her Grandfather is a World War II Veteran, Private in the 435th Anti-Aircraft Artillery-Automatic Weapons Battalion and Staff Sergeant in the 473rd Infantry Regiment. Jamie’s mother formed a Veteran support group with the AAUW, bringing food, music, conversation, etc., to the PTSD unit in the North Chicago VA hospital.
Jamie has turned her love of everything motorcycle into a career whenever possible, doing everything from selling bikes at a dealer, working for a biker magazine, or working motorcycle events such as the International Motorcycle Show. Jamie was married at Bike Week in Sturgis 2008.
After getting t-boned on her Big Dog Mastiff, Jamie had some down time, so she started teaching herself how to work on her bike. Unsatisfied with the work she was paying others to do on the Big Bear Chopper she bought to replace her wrecked bike, she grabbed some tools and tore into the clutch basket. She went on to replace the ignition module and completely rewired the entire bike. A leaking head gasket forced her to tear into the motor. Jamie has now rebuilt her own bike.
For a girl who didn’t know how to put air in a tire just a few years ago, Jamie finally realized her real passion, building bikes! Only 1 semester shy of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she has instead decided to pursue a degree in Automotive Service Technologies, and will graduate from ECC in May 2014.
When Jamie isn’t wrenching on her bike, you can usually find her attending a bike related function or just hanging out with friends who share her enthusiasm for motorcycles.
Kim Jordan
Kim’s interest in motorcycles began by complete coincidence and almost as a fluke when she was invited on the spur of the moment to accompany her dad to the Laughlin River Run in 1998. That one trip completely changed her life, and Kim returned from Laughlin with direction, purpose, and inspiration. Prior to the trip, Kim had been saving up to buy a house. But when push came to shove, she realized that “you can’t ride a house,” and so she bought her first Harley, a 1994 custom softail.
Kim practically lived on her Harley for the next two years. Although she did not know the first thing about riding a motorcycle when she financed her softail, being the self-motivated type, she soon figured it out and rode it off into the sunset.
Kim reports that she “rode that sucker all the way to the Extraterrestrial Highway, sleeping on the road, and drinking coffee out of a sock along the way.” Her friends and family didn’t see her again until two years later in 2000 when she graduated from MMI in Phoenix, Arizona.
After graduation, Kim worked as a mechanic at Lakeshore Harley in Illinois for two years, and then traveled on to Chicago Harley for another two year tenure. Kim then returned to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked for Las Vegas Harley as a mechanic at the highly esteemed expert technical level. Kim left Las Vegas Harley in 2006, and has since bought a second bike (a 2006 Street Glide), participated in the production and filming of “Poker Run,” and acted as Project Supervisor for the construction of a palatial home at the top of Mount Charleston, Nevada.
Laurice Littlefield (Student, WyoTech Daytona)
Laurice has a deep love and respect for motorcycles and what they represent. She wants nothing more than to make them a huge part of her life. Laurice is originally from Ada, Oklahoma and is proud of her Native American (Chickasaw) heritage.
In 2008, Laurice joined the United States Air Force where she served for four years at Buckley AFB in Aurora, Colorado. While at Buckley, she discovered her love of motorcycles and purchased her first bike, a Kawasaki Vulcan. She rode that for a while then wised up and bought a Harley. After her four years of active duty, she joined the Reserves and obtained a job at Buckley as a Security Escort.
After a year, she decided it was time to start a new chapter of her life. After a lot of soul searching, she decided she wanted a hands-on career working on her passion of motorcycles. To Laurice, there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of accomplishing something yourself. The obvious choice was WyoTech.
Kayla Koeune
Kayla founded Inferno Art Studio L.L.C. in 2012 to exemplify her use of diverse subject matters and mediums. From oil and watercolors, to graphic art and design, textiles and mural work.
With extensive training, life lessons, a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Art History from the Peck school of the Arts, it is safe to say she knows her way around a studio, the naked human form and the beauty of capturing everyday life. ThenKoeune found a new obsession to fuel her passion. Or, a new passion to fuel her obsession… the exciting new concepts found in her connection and enlistment into the Army National Guard. A sort of grittiness, brotherhood and strive for freedom that transcends through her and onto her medium of choice.
A year spent in Baghdad, Iraq, with her unit, Troop B. 1-105th Cavalry in 2009 introduced Koeune to new aspects of life that soon would alter her path completely. Proud of being a part of history, of defending her flag, and of her military career, Koeune found solace as well as therapy after her return home in a new source. There is something to be said about wind racing past one’s face while the road continuously curves on. She found her military brotherhood bled into new areas and venues and introduced her to the world found riding on her motorbike. Her work grew, became more individualized and then, more motorcycle driven, weaving together her grittiness, brotherhood and pride.
Defend, Ride and Paint. Koeune’s art speaks for itself.
Gina Woods
Gina Woods has been riding motorcycles a long time – eighteen years in fact. But riding a motorcycle ( 49 Panhead) isn’t all she does….Gina co-founded and hosts a motorcycle radio show, created a team of women motorcycle mechanics who build bikes for charity, works as a marketing director for a local Indian Motorcycle dealership and organizes large-scale events in at major motorcycle functions.
Most recently, Gina appeared on a WGN-TV superstation segment on women and motorcycles. She also was the subject of a Chicago Tribune front page (Riders’ section) article. Both of these news stories followed on the wheels of Gina as a featured biker in the recently published book, “Biker Chicz of North America,” with her own chapter on her journey in motorcycling.
This latest media attention has brought Gina a potential partnership with Fox Sports Radio and interest in the TV reality show she is currently developing from networks such as Spike, Speed, Fuel and FX.
“It’s a lifestyle not just a weekend thing,” Gina exclaims. Her zest for life and motorcycling has been captured in magazines and photos over the years. This lifestyle is her calling.
Gina is best known as host and co-creator of Open Road Radio, a 15-year talk radio program on everything motorcycle that is in major markets across the United States and podcast globally. She created XX Chromes – All Women Bike Builders, a team of motorcycle mechanic gals who builds a motorcycle in the name of charity! Gina participates in many charities around the country to help fundraise and promote the needy work they do. Another job description she has is working for a local Indian Motorcycle dealership as their Event Marketing Director. Gina has put together some huge motorcycle events in and around Chicago and places like Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Laconia Motorcycle Week to name a few. She has collaborated with other big name promoters as Jam Productions, Live Nation, Paragon Promotions and many more.
Gina Woods is also a single mother whose son and daughter share her love of bikes, “Especially my boy Jake, I just bought him his first dirt bike.”
Colorado Super Show
By Bandit |
Winter in Colorado has been tough for bikers, warm sun during the week, cold and wet on the weekends. Those of us who hold down a regular job have been itching to hit the road. A steady job, good wife, and inclement weather has been the ruin of many a good biker. The date for the Colorado Super Show in Colorado Springs was scratched on my calendar. Watching the weather it hadn’t looked too good and I was resolved to take the truck. A few days before the event the weather changed and with the change was a glimmer of hope for sunshine and warm. Waking to the potential of a warm day a smile spread across my face and the outlook for the day started looking up. I grabbed my camera tossed on my cold weather gear (warm is relative) and loaded the Road King for a little trip.
Slipping out of the garage and headed to the gas station I checked the temp seeing if I needed more or less clothes. As I pulled up to the pump I decided I was dressed just right for the morning, with a full tank and my bandana covering my face I hit the road. The next hour and a half would be just what I had been looking for, time to free my mind.
Heading south I decided to take the toll road around the hectic traffic of Denver, that decision moved me smoothly down the road. Meeting up with Interstate 25 and heading south to Castle Rock I fell in behind a Softtail and Bagger. With a 75 MPH speed limit and pushing it a little I was in Colorado Springs in no time. The other bikes pulled ahead and headed toward the Garden of the Gods and I scooted on down to the show.
The club members were on traffic duty and quickly guided me to an open spot for my Road King. Stowing my gear and locking up the bike I headed in for a look around. First on my agenda was the bike show, with bikes from far away as California I was hoping to see some nice entries. With 15 judging categories there was something for everyone. Promoter Jim Wear said that every year the categories change to meet the entries. Over the years the entries have changed. Between 2007 and 2010 there were lots of customs of the Jessie James and OCC style fat tire bikes, now there were more mild modified, more working man builds.
After taking in the bikes I started browsing the vendors and looking to see who I could find. Johnnie Reynolds from J10 was dazzling the crowd with his leather work but had a few minutes to chat about the bikes. He had his favorite and so did I. I had spotted a Bobber which was a very fine build and he was pulling for a custom build. On to see more; American Motorcycles of Colorado Springs was showing off one of their custom builds and with the help of three cuties were making the show enjoyable.
The Super Show also offers the largest Tattoo contest in Colorado. With about 250 entrants it is quite the show. If you like ink there was definitely some there, lots of ideas and a little inspiration. I really need to schedule an appointment for my next piece.
The Super Show did a fine job pulling in the crowd and supporting their chosen charity. With about 7500 in attendance over the two day show there were plenty of people to bid on the charity auction. The auction raised $6800 for The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Colorado Springs.
After seeing all the vendors some sunshine was in order. Out to the patio to listen to the band and check out the crowd. I thought Steve Ray was reincarnate and it could have been, the band was doing a good job on a couple of Steve Ray standards. BBQ and brats were on the grill and the beer was flowing. The folks were enjoying the warm sunshine and chillin away from the fray of the show.
Time for the bike show results and I was pulling for a couple of different bikes to show. Carrie Fouche’ won a first place for her Hayabusa. Talking to her later she said that of all her wins this meant the most. “Winning the home town show is special”. She shows all over Colorado and this year was invited to Oklahoma and has more shows in the works.
Time to hit the road home and the weather was cooperating; 70 and sunny. I didn’t even need my winter gloves. Heading north I opened the throttle and thought about the day. It was a good day at the show, talking to old friends and making new ones. A short 200 mile ride cruising the interstate was just what I needed. This is the best way to spend a day…
Until next time…
David Campbell
2014 SUPER SHOW BIKE SHOW WINNERS
MILD CUSTOM
| Jim Phillips: Indian Spirit 2003 | 3rd place |
| Jimmy Lemming: H-D Fat Boy 2009 | 2nd place |
| Ed Kraus: H-D Dyna 2007 | 1st place |
FULL CUSTOM
| Brett Taylor: Custom Softail 2014 | 3rd place |
| Mel Bernstein: H-D Dragon II | 2nd place |
| Rich Dinkel: Homebuilt H-D 2008 | 1st place |
RADICAL CUSTOM
| Michael Mathis: Pro-One Lounge Lizard 2005 | 3rd place |
| Rich Dinkel: H-D FXEF Shovelhead 1980 | 2nd place |
| Greg Martinez: Big Bear Sled Deluxe 2007 | 1st place |
CLASSIC CUSTOM
| Phat Rides: H-D Bobber 1965 | 3rd place |
| Jim Fleck: H-D Panhead 1954 | 2nd place |
| Phat Rides: H-D Bob Knuckle 1947 | 1st place |
CUSTOM XL
| Robbie Derby: H-D XLCH Ironhead 1976 | 2nd place |
| Gary Thurow: H-D Sportster XLCH 1968 | 1st place |
DRESSER
| Walter Wickwire: Honda VTX 1300 2007 | 1st place |
CLASSIC
| Cole Deister: H-D FL 1958 | 2nd place |
| Jerry Pokorny: Indian Scout 1949 | 1st place |
ANTIQUE
| Gary Hopkins: BSA Blue Star 1932 | 1st place |
CYCLE TRIKE
| Scott Rinn: Homemade Trike/Chopper 2005 | 1st place |
COMPETITION
| George Nachstheim: Triumph TR6 Racebike 1959 | 1st place |
| Bill Laird: Triumph Daytona 955i 2003 | 2nd place |
STOCK EUROPEAN
| Gene Horstman: Triumph T140D 1979 | 1st place |
CLASSIC EUROPEAN
| Vaughn Fox: Norton Commando 1974 | 3rd place |
| Frank Lee: Ducati 450 Jupiter 1969 | 2nd place |
| Frank Puckett: Triumph T-100 1970 | 1st place |
CUSTOM EUROPEAN
| Perry Clark: “Noriel” Ariel 4/Norton 1963 | 1st place |
SPECIAL INTEREST
| Dana Robbins: Yamaha R5 350cc 1972 | 3rd place |
| Gary Hurlburt: Yamaha YSR-50 1987 | 2nd place |
| Todd Willis: Sears 250 SGS 1966 | 1st place |
SPORTBIKE
| Carrie Fouche’: Suzuki Hayabusa 2012 | 1st place |
2014 BELT BUCKLE SPECIAL AWARDS
THE COLD AWARD
Sean Howell ’04 H-D Electra Glide Coffin Trlr
BEST PAINT
Bjorn Gudmestad ’10 Full Custom
BEST ENGINEERED
Phat Rides ’65 H-D Bobber
BEST DISPLAY
Rob Courtier ’94 Suzuki Intruder POW
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Phat Rides ’47 H-D Knuckle
BEST OF SHOW
Bjorn Gudmestad ’10 Full Custom
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Rich Dinkel ’80 H-D Shovelhead
Bug Out Bag (B.O.B.)… Always Be Prepared
By Bandit |
Howard Knight of Rocking K Customs is creating a Bug Out Bag aka The B.O.B. that holds all the essentials… Bourbon, Cigars, HelmetLok, sunglasses, and credentials.
Howard Knight of Rocking K Custom Leathers worked hard designing and hand fabricating the ultimate leather container for all the essentials you need for day tripping. And The B.O.B. is to be awarded at the Smoke Out 15 Rally for one lucky Chopper Jockey who enters the SmokeOut 15 Custom Bike Show.
“Howard is regarded as one of the finest leather artists and designers in the country and we are excited he decided to participate with SO15,” said Commander Edge, the man responsible for official SmokeOut Bling.
Howard had this to say about The B.O.B.:
“I used English bridle leather for the main body of The B.O.B. English bridle leather is tanned to be resistant to sweat and moisture. The technique and formula was developed for leather that was in direct contact with working horses. The leather I use is tanned in the United States from US cows. The lighter colored leather is hide developed to be tooled. English bridle leather cannot be tooled.
“I am using a very soft and supple cowhide as the lining. This lining will look great and wear well for generations.
“The idea of the Bug Out Bag came from friend and Powersports promoter Jeff Najar of Biker Pros. In designing The BOB, I had to take into consideration what items were to be incorporated into the bag. From rough sketch to actual life size layout the size changed and required rethinking.”
The B.O.B. accommodates:
•Bourbon
•Cigars
•HelmetLok
•Sunglasses
•Credentials
“Ideas and improvements were ever flowing during construction. We started with the basics mentioned above and expanded to tools, stash bags, and women’s panties. I plan to make another set of bags, call them revision 2. Each bag would have a shoulder strap, be an inch taller to make incorporating vertical space for cigar and tire pressure gauges. A quick disconnect system for mounting instead of the leather straps I have currently used as an option.
“I have always used industrial sewing machines for my leather business. I recently purchased a super industrial machine designed to tackle any Powersports project I may take on. This machine will sew 3/8-inch plywood should I ever have the need.
“If someone came to my shop and commissioned The B.O.B. with similar configurations and one of a kind hand tooled pattern, the cost would be $1,100.
“I really like the B.O.B. concept. Strap it to your scooter and off you go. The next revision will be even better, I’m thinking about a fitted bag to go inside my Road King hard bags. It would lift out, and I could throw over my shoulder and go anywhere. The time to create and design the B.O.B. was significant, about 50 hours including etching the Horse logo included in this bag.
“Once patterns are made and logistics are worked out the bags will be much quicker to make. One-off projects always take longer to make than most people think. I love The B.O.B. and can’t wait to make more.
Where to see Howard
“This August will mark the first time I will be showing my work in Sturgis. I have been invited to set up at the Buffalo Chip, this came about through a chance meeting in Indianapolis at the Biker Pros Ultimate Builder show with the owner of the Buffalo Chip.
“I will be returning to the Labor Day rally at the Harley-Davidson Museum. This has become a great place to meet with builders to talk about projects. There is a chance that select items will be for sale through the museum store during the rally. The museum and I are working out details on what they would like to carry as signature items.”
Bandit is a nut when it comes to products like this. He is constantly trying to come up with the coolest way to carry a handful of tools, a lock and a couple of bungie cords on his Mudflap Girl FXR. “There must be a way to carry night glasses, chap stick, and a few odds and ends and still not mess with the lines of a bare bones chopper,” Bandit said. “If you’re going to hit the road and not have a truck following, some items are required.”
You may see Howard working with Bandit and the 5-Ball Racing team on something special in the near future after we test this puppy on the winding road to the SmokeOut.
BIKERS IN NEED RUN #3
By Bandit |
Bikers In Need, aka B.I.N. an organization in Brevard County Florida started by Bear Conroy to help out bikers who were going through hard times for one reason or another.
When Bear passed away it was taken over by Mama Bear, aka Ellen Gochenauer, who continues to run it today. Ellen and the others who volunteer to keep this going are doing a helluva good job.
They manage to stock the shelves with food items and raise money to operate by producing this annual run. It is escorted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department Motorcycle Officers who do a fine job of guiding folks from one point to another.
This was the third year for this run, which started at the American Legion Post 117 in Palm Bay and ended up at Wickham Park in Melbourne Florida, where there was a after-run party and concert.
Plenty of food, a full liquor bar, vendors, leather shops, patch sewing and leather repair, motorcycle parts, tattoos, and 50/50 raffle, kept everyone busy. We had a fine time!
There are lots of runs, for all kinds of reasons. There are plenty of charities, and that’s good. But this one is direct. It’s bikers benefitting other local bikers who fell on hard times and need assistance in the form of food and basic necessities.
I believe charity begins at home, and we as bikers should give. Make this group a priority and support this organization.
For more information on B.I.N. check out their web site at http://www.bikersinneed.org/ and also Ellen Gochenauer on Facebook.
Daytona 2014
By Bandit |
Poor planning can make for bad trips. Like everyone else I’ve experienced cold, wet, boredom, exhaustion, and a variety of other unpleasant conditions, which were all preventable with more forethought. I’ve looked back and said, “If I had just made that hotel reservation before I left I would not have been riding from hotel to hotel at night, in the rain, and I wouldn’t be broke right now.”
On the flip side, there are also a bunch of trips I don’t remember very well where things were smooth and uneventful. This isn’t a bad thing really. It’s better than riding through ten miles of gravel when you are winging the route planning.
The perfect trip has a small amount of magic in the mix that makes everything work. Even bad things turn out good. This year’s ride down to Daytona was just one of those rides.
Prince Najar, as he is known to some, showed up not quite as scheduled. We rode to my son’s soccer game, which ended in a win after two overtimes and penalty kicks. Exciting stuff but this had us in the garage with his bike on a lift at one in the morning. Jeff was testing a pair of heated grips for an article and installation was fairly smooth but we just had a late start on it.
The Prince was up for an hour before I stumbled out of my bedroom, blurry eyed. I always like to get some miles down before breakfast. We had packed the bikes the night before and fifteen minutes later we were saddled up and riding into a 55 degree, grey fog. We hit rain 10 minutes in. This isn’t ideal weather but I spent the winter with an Aerostitch waxed cotton jacket. I have to say this jacket looks dashing on me by-the-way, but the real beauty is the jacket shrugs off crappy weather.
I had a full-face helmet on and I pulled my zipper up as high as it would go, I kind of sighed. Sometimes being comfortable in crappy conditions is almost ultra relaxing, not quite like reading a good book in front of a fire on a snowy day, but something very similar. Even familiar scenery looks different in the rain and we were not in any hurry.
My mind wanders on days like this. I really didn’t really remember Prince Najar is a vegetarian until we were pulling out of the nice Steakhouse were we ate lunch and got back on the highway. We were in Daytona before I knew it.
The first order of business was to hustle down to the Harley-Davidson Ride-In Show. The show started off with a Monsoon hitting the Harley pavilion in the morning.
Who didn’t care? The Canadians! I guess if you live in the Winter Vortex even gale force winds and rain feels like a relief. That being said, our brethren from the North took most of the top spots.
Bob Kay of Biker Pros was the event MC. Biker Pros also produced the trophies for the event; which were Harley-Davidson lids custom painted in the Lowbrow style. Each helmet was unique and were collectible awards prized by the winners.
Najar, a partner at Biker Pros, pulled in Atomic Bob of Atomic Dice Studio Arts to create the design. The Atomic one has a penchant for monsters, choppers and old-school Big Daddy Roth designs, so he was ideal for the project.
For more information on Atomic Bob and his artwork, please go to this article here on Bikernet.
Click Here
Click Here
Both Willie G and Bill Davidson were greeting fans and hosted the awards ceremony. Harley owners competed in eight classes, from Pre-1948 to Trike/Sidecar. They both provided a thrill for the competitors by greeting the winners and handing out the Atomic Bob designed custom lids.
Christian Rivard of Quebec, Canada took “Best of Show” honors for his stretched and slammed sled called Artisanal Chopper. The bike is built with everything in a little larger proportion. Big frame tubing, big primary and big sculpted tank frame the chromed engine.
Show Results
ANTIQUE PRE-1948
1st Place – Tommy Savage – 1941 F Knucklehead
2nd Place – John Vodde – 1912 X8A
RETRO 1948-1984
1ST Place – Gale McFarland – 1968 Sportster
2nd Place – Sheldon Corsi – 1963 Panhead
TRIKE / SIDECAR
1ST Place – Joe Osga – 2010 Trike
V-ROD
1ST Place – Arvid Hall – 2007 V-Rod
2nd Place – Edit Tasse – 2010 Night Rod
FREESTYLE / PRO-CUSTOM
1ST Place – Christian Rivard – 2010 Artisanal Chopper
2nd Place – Gus Petrakis – 1053 Sportster
CUSTOMER SPORTSTER
1ST Place – Terry English – 2006 1200 XL
CUSTOM TOURING
1ST Place – Ronald Carriere – 2006 Road Glide
2nd Place – Guy Savard – 2013 Road King
CUSTOM BIG TWIN
1st Place – Line Gilbert – 2011 Softail Deluxe
2nd Place – Ken Lipack – 2014 FID Dyna Switchback
Best of Show
Christian Rivard – 2010 Artisanal Chopper
Arvid Hall, the winner of the V-Rod class, and Tommy Savage, the winner of the Antique Pre-1948 class, donated their prize money to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is a charity Harley-Davidson has actively supported for many years and with millions of dollars.
Willie’s Tropical Tattoo bike show is the highlight of things to do in Daytona. It was as big a show as they have ever had and there were some amaze-a-zing bikes. Overnight the weather cleared and the sun was perfect.
The only shadow in a bright world was that my TC-88B engine was making a sickening dragging sound at idle. I didn’t feel great about that since the plan was to ride back to Columbia, SC the next day. I had never heard anything like it and I grabbed Bill Dodge for a listen. Bill Dodge had an incredibly clean bike in the show but he broke away and came over. Bill listened for a second and said, “Let’s run it over to the bike shop after the show and get it up on a lift for a look.”
Bill Dodge and I are good friends, although we don’t see each other much, if Bill needs something I will be there for him. A World renowned, new generation builder, Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles opened his own shop in 2005, after eight years of working as a shop foreman in Long Beach, CA. He takes pride in building solid, clean motorcycles; never compromising the performance of the bike. The bike in the show is called Pan American and is a ‘53 Panhead, with a Baker 4 speed transmission, Sandy Kosman rear flattrack wheel, the gas tank, fender and tail are made from flat sheet aluminum, and every piece was modified and created by Bill in his Bling style. The bike has won the Darren’s Choice Award. Bling Cycles
With that settled I walked back over to the booth that The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Magazine always sets up at Willie’s. Our editor, Mr. David “Englishman” Gregory; who is now actually a US citizen and technically no longer an Englishman by the way asked me if I wanted to test ride the new Indian motorcycle. I planned on a fifteen-minute test ride but the weather and bike were so fine I ended up riding around for an hour and a half.
My first comment is that it does not feel anything like a Harley. The new Indian is as smooth as a pick up line from the most interesting man in the world. By the way, he doesn’t always ride an Indian but when he does, Justin Bieber rides bitch.
Anyway I, being slightly less interesting, rode one-up but it was a fun time. Every element on the Indian is so exaggerated that any one piece, a fender, a headlight, whatever would just look ridiculous; but as a whole I think Indian Motor Co pulled it off. The bike looks different but good. The exaggerated looks work for me. It is bigger than the bikes I prefer but it handles well and has great power. It will be interesting to watch how well this new bike sells.
Shortly after returning Roadside Marty was announcing the bike show winners. I talked to Nicole Baker about Chopper Prom and then I was off to Bling’s Cycle where Bill Dodge has set up a fantastic shop. There isn’t a sign outside because Bill doesn’t need no stinking sign. The shop was easy to find from the bikes outside. You can always tell a true motor-head when you are in their shop. It is hard to fake.
I only had fifteen minutes before I had to be at a nearby theatre where they were showing the Road 2 Smoke Out documentary. Check out this movie. It truly captures our garage-builder subculture.
Anyway, I wasn’t out the door before Bill had the primary cover off and diagnosed the problem as a cracked stator. Before the movie was over Bill dropped off the bike and wouldn’t take any money from me. So, this sucky situation suddenly turns into the affirmation that the world is good. Friends that have your back are like shock absorbers for life’s potholes. It’s a great feeling.
The bike ran great as the Prince and I headed north the next afternoon. The barometer dipped again and the temps were in the high forties but we had on solid gear. I was testing a pair of Aerostich gloves and my digits were comfy. We made good time until we hit a major traffic jam. Everything was stopped on I-95. After sitting for about five minutes we decided to split lanes for two miles until we could detour to Savannah, GA. We had an incredible dinner on the Atlantic Ocean with a crazy crowd that had already started to celebrate St Patty’s day. Great time.
I have to admit it but I always have a secret desire to choke people that look at me and with a big smile suggest that I should, “turn that frown upside down.” It’s nothing personal. I just find them irritating and I imagine wrapping my hands around their throats, counting the milliseconds until they stop smiling. Still, that saying kind of came to mind as much as I hate to admit it. Daytona 2014 was a great ride.
–Edge
The Endless Highway – Part One
By Bandit |
There was a time when the pressures of everyday life seemed like an endless drone that would hold me prisoner until the final breath. Then came the dream: Screw the bills, to hell with the boss, goodbye alarm clock, forget the lawn, I should just pack the scoot and ride off into the sunset of gypsy travel and adventure.
I was not alone.
For most, this idea is probably best left as fantasy. Yet of those who dare to live this dream many will stay gone for a matter of months, a year, or maybe two before again setting in roots somewhere; for it takes a rare brand of insanity to truly embrace such a lifestyle for the long haul. Yet these cross-wired personality types do exist. For them, the highway’s great freedom and ongoing adventure can be almost as whiskey is to an alcoholic, and there are those who’ve been on the road for 10, 20, and even 30 years! Among these men (and one woman) I’ve spent many a month and, although we are few, our existence cannot be denied.
Of course, such a life requires that the nomadic motorcyclist adopt, refine, and embrace many unorthodox methods. And although these men share similarities such as high mileage, often beat-up, gypsy motorcycles generally packed to beyond capacity with the accommodations of freedom; a willingness to make camp wherever is convenient, and an attitude that allows instant adaptation to changing environments. I’ve noted that, being tenacious individualists, no two of these men use exactly the same methods. In fact, their techniques often vary widely. So it is in these next pages that I’d like to examine the different methods used by these nomadic drifter types. For I’ve known them all many years.
I think it only fitting that the first be Panhead Billy Burrows since, aside from the fact that he’s become somewhat of a living legend, Billy’s been on the road since the mid 70s.
First off, Billy’s natural disposition is probably the most relaxed of anyone I’ve ever known. More than most he lives entirely in the moment. When he eats he is completely with that food. At a concert or race he seldom, if ever, steps out early. No, for the pleasure of the moment dictates that one simply remains still for the duration of that moment before moving on to the next. Some say that God lives only in the moment. If there’s truth to this then He and Panhead Billy are destined to spend great quantities of time together. Of the qualities that Billy offers to the world this one is my favorite.
As for Billy’s road-techniques I think it safe to say that, at the age of 66, he’s still the toughest man among us. This particular road-dog enjoys the ability to throw his bed down absolutely anywhere then simply slide in and get a good night’s sleep. I swear that man could snooze through an atomic blast. For bedding he uses an average sleeping bag set onto a tarp and often thinks me a pussy for putting down a foam pad. Although he carries a tent, you seldom see him use it. Offer him a room in your house? Forget it. For, like me, he’d rather sleep in your yard or on the porch. If you ask why, Billy will simply say that he prefers to stay out with the critters where he belongs.
Among the first questions people ask is almost always, “Where do you guys get your money?” To this I always point out that none of the motorcycle drifters I know are independently wealthy. We earn money as we go. But the saving grace is that since we own very little and never see a monthly bill, there’s very little financial pressure. We’re not in the game man. Of course there’s still gas, food, etc. but it does not require a 40 hour work-week to maintain such simple needs. I personally never exceed three months of work per year—usually less. And although I’m not going to get into another man’s finances, I will say that it was from watching Panhead Billy that I first learned to work for the vendors who permeate the big motorcycle rallies across the country. This is a job that allows one to put in a hard week, get paid, and then hit the road again with pockets full of green freedom.
Billy rides a 1960 rigid framed Panhead with about 400 million miles on it and, when I ask why it doesn’t hurt his back after all these years he answers, “I don’t know”.
How does one keep a Panhead going under such conditions? Well, what I see is: The Pan has very few systems to maintain. It offers no gauges, no rubber mounting, no radio, no brake light, no high beams, no shocks, or electric starter, and not even an ignition switch. This bike is bare bones. Just an engine, transmission, and two wheels; leaving very few systems to be rebuilt when the time comes. For that is what we do: ride these bikes to their final end, rebuild them, then ride some more. Billy, as do we all, handles his own mechanical work. Another thing I’ve learned from watching this guy is that it’s possible to push a worn part into far beyond the point at which I’d previously believed was necessary to rebuild or replace it. I’ve also noted that the men who ride the most tend to mount bikes that truly show their wear.
Although stories and photos of him have seen print in so many publications over the years, Billy has no interest in publicity and therefore makes no effort to acquire it. There is however, a Facebook forum filled with the many friends who follow his movements. I do; for Panhead Billy is truly an anomaly unlike any other.
Part Two to follow soon.
The All-New Brass Balls Cycles LED Headlight
By Bandit |
This just in from Brass Balls Cycles. They recently created a custom LED headlight for the bike market.
“I wanted something containing LED technology,” said Dar Holdsworth, the boss of Brass Balls. “The light they throw out is amazing in a couple of respects. Not only does it light the road like never before, but the oncoming car visibility is enhanced yet not glaring.”
After extensive research he discovered an LED lens assembly manufactured by JW Speaker. They are a US company and this light is by far the best on the market used extensively on trucks.
“Not only does it work amazingly well compared to standard lights and other LEDs, but it looks like a glass work of art,” said Dar.
Upon further investigation Dar discovered additional skinny. It’s the same LED light bulb Harley sells for $395 for a 5-3/4-inch unit and $495 for a 7-inch bulb. “And that’s just for the bulb,” Dar said. Harley has their unit made with Harley-only mounting designed specific for them to fit a standard H-D headlight bezel. Their version can’t be purchased by any other small motorcycle manufacturers. So Dar buys the 5 3/4-inch unit JW Speaker makes for universal applications.
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“We didn’t want the H-D bezel unit anyway. We wanted to offer something unique and made completely in the USA. So we designed and tested our bezel and bracket on several bikes. It functions great. It looks great, and it is all 100 percent made in USA.”
In order to bring these to market they needed to buy and produce at least 25 units. So they are currently, for this week only, pre-selling them on their campaign site. See link below.
“As a special thanks to those who order and help us bring these to market, we are giving them a $100 discount on the complete unit,” said Dar. “So in essence, they are getting the LED bulb assembly and our machined billet aluminum bezel and bracket for the same price Harley sells just the bulb for.”
Here is the link to the pre-order campaign. There are 5 days left to reserve one.
https://campaigns.brassballscycles.com/brass-balls-cycles-led-headlight
The Brass Balls design basically picked itself, and Dar designed a special mounting bracket, and a set of Brawler Trees with the mounting bracket built in for exact headlight alignment. It is absolutely DOT approved.
“From the front it is similar to the H-D unit. H-D offers a chrome bulb ring,” said Dar. “We offer it in black to enhance the look of the bulb. Our headlight unit is billet 6061 aluminum, polished or powder coated to the owners specifications.” From the side this unit is completely custom with a billet custom bracket. It’s too cool.
BrassBallsCycles.com by Darwin Motorcycles
UNCOMPROMISING AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES
