Slow Progress, very slow

I took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to work on the Sporty and take some snaps...

Relocated the coil to clean up the space between the tank and the front cylinder:


Said goodbye to unsightly right side battery/oil tank area:


Notched out a '79 cover, stripped and primed for a dry fit:


Still need to make some mounting brackets and maybe do some more file work around the filler neck then paint it gloss black lacquer:


It is supposed to be in the high 50s all week so I should be able to get the last bit of electrical work done. Now, if my former employer would just send my tax forms I could get my refund and go nuts with my J&P Wishlist. Patience was never my strong suit.

Here's to the real women

Mother, wife, patriot and in the wind.

Dave Barker's SpeedMetal

Earlier this month when I was in Colorado I got a chance to visit Dave Barker's new shop in Englewood. Not only did I get an up close look at his now famous dual Linkert knucklehead (featured in both Greasy Kulture and Street Chopper) but also his panhead and various other projects, including the makings for his Born Free build. Dave is building out the space with a retail/office in front, apartment, practice space and his shop in the back. He will be a very busy guy in the next five months!













Thanks Dave, see you in March.

Southside Harley Davidson Original Store Location

On Saturday I went to the SSHD original location at 701 S. Meridian Indianapolis, IN. As noted below, this is a special promotion for the 2012 Super Bowl. I got a chance to meet Sherry Long, great grand daughter of the founder of the dealership as well as the marketing director. The display of Harley-Davidson vintage bikes and products along with her family's personal memorabilia was just amazing. She even wrote up a one sheet with the history of the dealership. I was spent over an hour there. Needless to say, I was very impressed.

Southside Harley Davidson is the oldest dealership in Indiana. It opened at the S. Meridian location in 1919 after the purchase of an existing dealership and remained there until 1997. George Schulteti, who had worked for the motor company since 1922, purchased the dealership in 1947 and was also involved in racing sponsorship. Not only was this display about the history of H-D, but also the history of a family business in Indianapolis. The pictures speak for themselves. However,they just scratch the surface. If you are in Indy for the Super Bowl don't miss this!

Street Chopper Issue Release Party LA, CA February 10th

I can't be there, but if you can make it you should.

This issue has my first contribution to Street Chopper; Paul Breese's Sportster painted by Nate Spainhower.

John Jackson, who I collaborated with on Denny Jamison's Model A tub for Rod and Custom, shot the pics and I did the writing.

If you see it on the newsstand check it out.

Roy has a band, a turntable shop and a Triumph

Video by The Wilkinson Brothers.

Southside Harley Davidson reopening their original location for the Indy Super Bowl!!!

My buddy Tommy Doyle works at SSHD. His wife Paula gave me the heads up on this very special event going on the week before the Super Bowl here in Indy. Southside is the oldest dealership in Indiana. In the mid-90s they moved out to the suburbs and a modern facility. Before that they were right downtown just a few blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium where the 2012 Super Bowl will be played.

More info here
I've driven by for years marveling at the old signs still in the window. A few months ago I shot some pics of Ichiro's 1937 flattie bobber using the storefront as a backdrop.

Im not a new bike guy but I am stoked about getting a chance to soak up some Indy motorcycle heritage!

Greasy Kulture 5th Annivarsary Party February 3rd at Kickstart Cycles!!!

Man, I wish I could be there to hang with Guy and Walter. I have been a contributor to GKM for a long time and I am still a huge fan. If you are going to be on the East Coast this will be a great time not to be missed. Please support these two top-notch cats!

Bill Ray meets The Lords...

Love songs about drugs...errr...drug songs about love?

English Don in Indy

Yesterday I got a chance to visit English Don's new shop here in Indianapolis, Intensity Cycles.

I was a bit overwhelmed and didn't snap any pictures. However, I found him to be a very charming English gentleman and the experience was a pleasure. Don took some time to show me the Babylon Taxi II under construction and expand on some of his future plans.

His shop is just one exit down the freeway from me. I look forward to hanging out with him in the future.

Funny enough, I have been friends with Chris Pfouts for years.

He was my editor when I was freelancing for International Tattoo Art. He roomed with Indian Larry in Williamsburg, Brooklyn during his tenure at Bayonet Brothers, a partnership with English Don.

Larry actually built the motor for Chris's dual Linkert '46 Indian Chief chopper around the same time. I mentioned it to Don and course he remembered the bike, right down to the unorthodox handlebars.

I feel privileged to know both guys and have them close by, neat stuff.

Johnny Suede

I got accused of answering a question like Johnny Suede today. Yeah...sure...I dunno...

Top 5 reasons why I ride motorcycles.

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