Tip-top Of The World

Roy has a band, a turntable shop and a Triumph

2012-01-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

Video by The Wilkinson Brothers.

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

2012-01-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2012-01-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

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...

2012-01-23T15:45:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

English Don in Indy

2012-01-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

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

Top 5 reasons why I ride motorcycles.

2012-01-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Herb Alpert

2012-01-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

I heard that the The Most Interesting Man In The World was based on this guy:

VH: That was then, this is now

2012-01-10T03:22:00.000-08:00

Rulers of the world:

Old has been bastards:

Please stop. This video makes the Van Hagar era look brilliant by comparison.

Michael Anthony was always the coolest cat of the bunch. It's probably best he got canned.

Beware the scene killers

2012-01-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

In the last year people in our scene have been ripped off by Paul Teutel, jr (Falcon), Full Throttle Saloon (Born Free) and Levi's Strauss Signature (Ardcore Choppers/Nate Spainhower). I expect a certain amount of larceny from people with big budgets and small imaginations. After all, what are we gonna do? In a way it is flattering, but also heartbreaking at the same time.

After being involved in several different music scenes over the years I have felt the glow of living through the salad days and the golden age. But things always have a way of crashing back down to earth, usually at the hands of someone seeking to exploit the passion of others for their own benefit, ie "Scene Killers".

Take for example this shirt for sale on Chop Cult by Omega Red, aka Mike French:

It seems innocent enough, the song title of an old S.O.D song reprinted on a t-shirt meant to appeal to old punks who ride v-twin suicide machines with a hint of Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Cheeky.

But dig a little further into his classifieds and you see he is selling his copy of the recent Street Chopper which featured this shirt by Loveless 68:
Not to mention the designer was giving out "Kill Yourself" stickers at Born Free 3. This isn't a faceless, greedy corporation cherry picking the ideas of a little guy. This is outright theft for personal benefit and reflected glory, cheap, dirty and low.

I hate this shit. It is what kills scenes; petty thievery leads to choosing sides and disintegration. It is the opposite of brotherhood and inspiration. There really ought to be no room for this, or maybe this is the beginning of the end. Ugh...

Born Free 4, six months and counting.

2011-12-28T00:37:00.000-08:00

The nice thing about having a blog is being able to look back and see what I thought might happen compared to the way things actually went down. Last year my trip to Born Free 3 exceeded all expectations because I had no idea what would happen. It was a blast.

In retrospect I stayed too far away and spent more on my hotel than needed due to my lack of familiarity with the area. The show was promoted as being in Silverado but is actually adjacent to Irvine Lake, about 20 minutes due east of North Tustin at Oak Canyon Ranch. I am not sure if I will be camping for BF4 or staying in a cheaper motel. The only real variable is if the DicE party will be held again at Cook's Corner at the other end of Santiago Canyon road, about 5 miles further SE.

The plan this year, at this point anyway, is to drive out with with all of the magazine stuff, easy up, chairs, cooler, etc and my bike. I totally missed riding last year. Somehow a Chevy Malibu wasn't the same experience. Born Free was the highlight of 2011 for me. I can't wait to get back.

Merry Christmas from Indiana

2011-12-25T15:56:00.001-08:00

I wanna ride...

2011-12-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

I sold my Honda in September, but the sentiment is the same.

Merry Christmas.

New Boots, a new project?

2011-12-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

My aunt gave me a pair of these boots for Christmas, brand new HD Mega Conductor engineer boots.

I actually like the style, but not all the HD gee-gaws. I was going to get some Chippewas. But now I am thinking of getting these cut down to shorties with some new buckles. It's really a money consideration; spend $100 on a cobbler to make them cool or sell them for the same amount and get some other boots. Why does everything have to turn into a protracted project with me? Why can't I be satisfied with stock and just enjoy something for what it is? It's a sickness.

Midnight Feelin' Blue

2011-12-16T13:06:00.001-08:00

Just A Heart

2011-12-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

From the land before irony.

2011-12-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

Shhhhhh...no words, behold the glory

Tony Joe White

2011-12-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

Lately I am digging the totally underappreciated and all around fantastic Tony Joe White through the magic of Spotify.

No, it's a Tear Joint

2011-12-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

GKM #24...I almost didn't make it.

2011-12-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

I wrote up Kevin Price's black 1964 Ironhead, The Penner Special, for the newest issue of GKM. I shot the pics the evening before I left for Born Free 3. I guess I was excited to be going because I didnt realize that I had smudged the lens. Everything from that session and BF3 shot in direct sun was unusable. I didn't notice it until I got home and viewed the pics on the computer screen.

Luckily some stuff was salvagable and the piece came together. Honestly, if I hadnt said anything you fair reader would be none the wiser. The truth is, this kind of stuff happens with magazines all the time and it is usually a mad rush to cobble together an issue. I am happy to leave the editing to the other guys...err Guy.

Buy it here

I promise not to hurt myself this time.

2011-12-11T13:35:00.001-08:00

Jesse James: Blacksmith

2011-12-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up early (7:30 is damn early for a Sunday) and saw this was on the History Channel. At first I thought maybe it was a biography of the famous outlaw. I checked the description and sure enough it was about the founder of WCC.

After seeing all of his specials and most episodes of Monster Garage I was confused. How could I have missed this one? Say what you will about Jesse James but this whole neo-chopper subculture never would have got going without him. Everyone that I know who has met him says he is a genuinely nice, interesting guy and insanely knowledgeable about all things choppers, motorcycles and anything related to racing.

I was staying at my parents so I quickly ran out to get some coffee since they don't drink the high octane stuff. I settled in, guarded the remote and was not bored in the slightest during the entire two hours. Not only did JJ build a chopper from a rare Drake motor, a water cooled knucklehead used in Midget cars, but he talked about his life, his successes and failures, and hand forged a set of forks from raw steel using skills learned from a master blacksmith at a kibbutz in Israel.

It was great to see two other cats featured whose work I have also admired;
the amazing sculptor Jeff Decker

and Dan "Bacon" Carr

I am hoping that this will go into heavy rotation on THC and signal a much deserved comeback.

My only observation is that the release must have been delayed due to his high profile divorce and resulting negative tabloid attention. Most of the action takes place around the closing of WCC and the opening of Austin Speed Shop. The exposure from the recent Biker Buildoff 3-way goat schtup probably had something to do with it too. Admittedly it is impossible for me to sit through anything with the Teutels. I dont regret missing that show one bit. However, a sure way to cleanse your palate is by watching a true craftsman in action. Jesse James: Blacksmith is a satisfying showcase of the talent and humanity of a guy who at one time or another has been a hero to us all.

Graham Bonnet Rising

2011-12-09T05:25:00.000-08:00

My friend Jennifer Loveless is obsessed with Graham Bonnet lately. I think she is onto something.

Princess Tiny Hands

2011-12-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

Best gal ever.

My hands look bigger in Crawfordsville

2011-12-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

There is a bar in Crawfordsville, IN named after Lew Wallace who wrote Ben Hur, was the governor of Indiana and also the Territorial Governor of New Mexico during the Lincoln County War. It is a locus of silliness.

Nashville Roadtrip

2011-12-09T04:12:00.000-08:00

Anybody got a metal detector I can borrow?

2011-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

They are tearing up the parking lot of the former Linkert Foundry. According to Jim Summit, who worked next door at Carburetor Exchange, when Linkert shut down they buried hundreds of carbs. This may be my only chance to dig for buried treasure.

I'm done with choppers. I've found a new hobby...

2011-12-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

She

2011-11-29T05:14:00.000-08:00

is all mine...

Back To What Is Right

2011-11-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Here is one of my new originals. More to come soon.

The new roots music superstar

2011-11-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

If you are an old Rockabilly scenester like me you already know how stale the genre can be. It will always be a part of who I am. But over the last 6 or 7 years I have drifted into other genres of music looking for that same identification and excitement I found in the early 90s.

So when I hear somebody as fresh as JD McPherson it is kind of a big deal. This cat has it all; great style, gear, voice and AMAZING songwriting ability. I have been listening to his album Signs And Signifiers non-stop for the last few weeks. Jimmy Sutton's production done at his Hi Style Recordings in Chicago just blows me away. Recorded on all vintage analog tube equipment with ribbon mikes in an attic it harkens back to Ricky Lee Brawn's Valvemobile/Priory recordings from the 90s.

This record has captured lightning in a bottle. It is a party record to be sure. But the spot on instrumentation and production does nothing to obscure the solid songwriting. Gentle Awakening could hold its own against other neo-R&B acts such as Adele or The Noisettes. I would not be surpised if it charts in Europe.

If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and pick us this record or listen to it on Spotify. This guy is gonna be a roots music superstar.

Full Throttle Saloon

2011-10-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you've seen the commercials for the new season of Full Throttle Saloon. But the promo clip is almost a shot for shot rip off of this clip:

I don't know why, but I am still surprised by the lack of originality from people with lots of money.

Frazetta

2011-10-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hahahahahaha!!!

2011-10-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

So right on the money...

Why I walked out on my job and what I am doing now.

2011-10-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

The wrong love I know I did choose, but there'll be no more cryin the blues

2011-10-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Nursing some gnarly chest congestion, I broke out the Tele for this one:

Hey dum-dum...

2011-10-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

I know what you are gonna do before you do it.

Half assed won't get it done

2011-10-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

Johnny One-Note

2011-10-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

I don't want to do just one thing. My mind is too restless and expansive to concentrate on a single pursuit. Most experts are dreadfully boring and lack any depth outside their areas of expertise. For instance, an amazing chicken picker I saw after a show in khaki cargo shorts and boat shoes. I actually felt embarassed for him, what a sham. I think most "brooding artist" types are actually asshole douchbags with nothing to say, but with a keen enough sense for preserving their image to stay mum. I neither want to be a charlatan nor a hollow idol. I merely want to be all I can be. The last year has been an exercise in introspection and removing self imposed limitations. But can it be done, can I pursue all the things I love at the same time with equal effort and reward? Let's just see if the universe gives me the chance to be that multi-faceted diamond I already have in my mind's eye.

RIP Shawn Farnsworth

2011-10-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Sad to hear that the rider who crashed on Sunday has passed away.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/industry-news/2011/10/11/shawn-farnsworth-1975-2011/
Dang it, I hate to hear about anybody going down on a bike. He left a wife and two kids. Sad, but he died doing what he loved. We should all be so lucky.

Hill Climb at the Devil's Staircase

2011-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

I spent a delightful Midwestern Autumn Sunday at the hill climbs just south of Dayton, Ohio. The racing was fast and furious, straight up towards the sun with dirt clods flying. Plenty of vintage bikes with some extremely interesting people watching. Lots of "salt-of-the-Earth" types, if you know what I mean.

I quit my job yesterday

2011-10-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

RIP Steve Jobs. Thanks for letting me know I made the right decision.

Sweet Mental Revenge

2011-10-04T19:19:00.001-07:00

You're So Great

2011-10-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

After The Fire Is Gone

2011-09-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

God, I hate being one of those annoying YouTube douchbags who post videos of themselves ruining classics. But in this modern age it is the easiest way to get my stuff out there. So, here I am, raw and naked, jumping without a parachute...

Dreams Dont Make Noise When They Die

2011-09-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

Saw the Quebe Sisters Band today. My God, they are amazing. This song struck a chord with me, just great stuff.

The Brooklyn Invitational and the last great weekend of the summer

2011-09-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

I took over 100 pictures in about 60 hours. Most of those were bikes, damn fine bikes made with rare traditonal parts, creativity and pure brawn. I looked at a few other blogs tonight and saw better pictures of the exact same bikes, different angles and perspectives, but the same bikes. Then it dawned on me that I went to the Brooklyn Invitational, not so much for the bikes (of course that was a huge consideration) but more for the people.

I finally got to meet Guy Bolton from Greasy Kulture after corresponding for close to 10 years. I stayed with Jeff Mowrer from The Dixons (and boy did we do a great job of getting butt ass wasted two nights in a row at every awesome bar in Brooklyn). I also met Richie Goodtimes, a very good friend of a very good friend whom we both love deeply. My traveling companions were Craig from Front Street Cycle and Davin from the Blood Falcons. I met both for the first time when I picked them up in Dayton and we got along like old chums. Good people, good times and effortless brotherhood, that is my take away from the show, and this entire summer too.

I started the summer at a crossroads. I am ending it by moving confidently in the direction that I have avoided for too long.

Goodbye Summer 2011, it was GREAT hanging out with you.

Who is ready to party in NYC?

2011-09-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

This guy.

The Best Summer Ever is winding down

2011-09-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Labor Day was amazing:

Patty and Heath

Deke's tour diary, my house starts at 6:30

Dancing with my little doll baby

Cialis, the Rockabilly Gorilla!

The greatest of great times.

September 17, 2011 NYC

2011-09-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Bikes, bro time, bands...BEE-yew-tee-ful!

Party At My Place, part deaux

2011-09-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Be here:

Score!

2011-08-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

I feel like I just got away with the crime of the century! I got these no name hikers off of eBay for $50, shipped! Best of all they will fit my wide, Fred Flintstone feet.

They are very similar to the Lone Wolfs for $625 and the Wesco Job Masters for $400 at a fraction of the price. Sorry to gloat, but I LOVE getting a bargain.

Now if I could just get some Red Wing Chukkas in black leather in my size for that price...

Happy 62nd Birthday Phil

2011-08-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

Indy Mile Cancelled

2011-08-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry to hear it, but it's true. Due to the tragedy at the Indiana State Fair Grandstand the 2011 Indy Mile has been cancelled.
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ama-flat-track-indy-mile-cancelled/

Not sure about my plans for the weekend. But I am bummed.

Horrific

2011-08-15T04:20:00.000-07:00

This is the same grandstand and stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds where the Indy Mile is held. I had a few friends present. One old friend was working as a stage hand. He was hurt, not seriously but he is very shaken up. Were it not for a family commitment my parents would have been there. All I can say is please pray for the survivors.

Boots

2011-08-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

The end of summer has me thinking about getting some new kicks, but what to buy?

Almost 20 years old...

2011-08-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

and still no other rock n' roll party record can touch it.

If you can't dig this then I'm not sure we can be friends, sorry.

Party At My Place

2011-08-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Moto GP/Hoosier Mile Weekend I am having a party on Friday night. PM me for details: tiptopdadddy@aol.com

That is all.

All I need to complete my life is at 1:35

2011-08-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hotrods And Hillbillies 2011

2011-07-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

There it is, that feeling of brotherhood and love for old bikes that I last felt at Born Free 3. This year pulled some great chops and classics out of the woodwork. But the best part was the cameraderie and seeing all my bros from Indy and Bloomington together.

Great times.

Share the rainbow, taste the rainbow.

2011-07-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's probably a good thing I'm not in marketing. My lack of self editing would lead to ads like this:

Almost done, but not quite

2011-07-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Tattoo:

Ironhead:

Pangea Speed

2011-07-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

I met Andy Carter from Pangea Speed at Born Free 3.
(Mark Kawakami photo) That is Jen and I talking to Andy in the background. He is a very low key and engaging dude who makes some great stuff and has a good time doing it.

Keith Wright used Pangea Streamliner bars on his Sporty chop that I shot and wrote up in GKM #20.

But Andy's bars merely hint at his fabrication ability. He can make just about anything it seems. Semi-isolated in Utah(like fellow Salt Laker Jeff Decker) the stuff that comes out of his shop isn't what everybody else is doing.

In this new chopper golden age (I will expand on that in another post) it does my heart good to see a guy making a contribution and remaining an individual.
After all, that's what it's all about.

Nothing good and lasting comes quick and easy.

2011-07-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

When I pulled off the primary cover I found that one of the ears where the clutch paw inserts into the outer ramp was snapped off completely.

No big whoop, I ordered a new kit and popped it in for an easy press fit.

I put the whole mess back together, adjusted the cable and NOTHING. The clutch would not move at all. I pulled the clutch out, and just as I suspected, the discs were frozen together. I thought maybe I could seperate them with some brake cleaner. But they fell apart in my hands.

What a mess.
A buddy with a loaner clutch pack couldn't put his hands on the parts. So, another weekend ends with the Sporty still on the lift. I will order a set of fiber discs on Tuesday when I get paid, $30 online. Ce la vie... I guess it will all come together when it is meant to.

In positive news, it looks like I will be selling GKM at Hotrods And Hillbillies on
July 30th and I got a bitchin new key ring.

Can't You See

2011-07-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

Bocephus owns this one:

I often blast this cut on Summer days on my way home from work.

Don't go to this. Dave says these guys are jerks.

2011-07-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Coug will be there in his buttless leather chaps.

Getting very close

2011-07-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

This week I was able to get over some major hurdles to completion. The biggest thing was that the snap ring in the rear hub kept popping out. Upon inspection I realized that there was a little less than 1/4" gap between the outer washer and the inner bearing retainer. I cut a ring out of rubber gasket material, then two more out of paper gasket material. I soaked them in silicone spray and put it all together. The snap ring stayed in place when I put the wheel back into the swing arm. What a relief.

I got the tail light mounted to the rear fender and wired after making a license plate bracket, then attached the assembly with the struts. I also covered the seat in two layers of dense foam, minimalist but it will do until I can afford to get a ribbed cover ala a Schwinn Stingray.

I put the sprocket cover back on after soaking the chain in WD-40. It was rather stiff and grimy. But it seems to be working fine now. I contemplated cutting the sprocket cover for more of a 60s Ironhead look. But time is a wasting, so I will leave that for later. After all this is just meant to be a rideable rub thru for the summer.

I put the pipes in place but haven't attached them. The rear pipe isn't quite clearing the foot peg bracket, so I will have to give it a little coercion. I need to do some minor alteration to get the generic air cleaner base to fit too. New oil lines should'nt take long. I will be happy to ditch the ugly braided crap. After that all I have left to do is to process the title work and replace the broken clutch acutator. Both require money and I am still a little broke after my West Coast trip. No matter, this summer continues hum along in awesome fashion. I am getting pretty excited. Once this bad black bitch in on the road I'm gonna ride, ride, ride!!!

Hoosiers make the Oakland to Born Free run in true form

2011-07-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

I've never met Lee Bender personally, but I met Rick Eusey briefly last summer. We are all friends on Facebook and chat occasionally. But I wish we would have hung out more when they were still living in Indy. Cool dudes for sure, and I suppose that explains why they are now living the dream in California.

Untitled from lee bender on Vimeo.

Stolen from The Boss at GKM.

Welcome to Awesometown!

2011-07-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Summer 2011 is shaping up to be the best of my life. Seriously, I never know it could be like this; rock n roll shows, country music blasting, road trips, bike shows, meeting people from around the world, spending time with my kids and family, girls, bikes, bourbon and most of all my amazing friends.

After last year it is great to be feeling like my old self. Even when I was down in the dumps I knew this day would come, and here it is at last. I feel so happy and blessed to have all of this goodness. More great stuff is coming, I can feel it.

Welcome to Awesometown!!!

Born Free 3

2011-06-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

After 5 days in Southern California all I can say is that it lived up to the hype, and then some. I have never been around so many like minded souls and righteous bikes in one place. But it wasn't just the bikes and the people, it was the location, the weather, the journey and everything coming together. The vibe created by all the disparate elements was so much more than the sum of the parts. Born Free is a truly unique event. I was completely blown away. WOW.

Thanks Guy for letting me rep GKM, and thanks Jen for everything else. I wish everyday could be like last Saturday. It was magical.

Three days until I leave for Born Free 3

2011-06-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, what can I say? I proposed the plan to Guy 4 months ago and he went for it. Though we have been friends for many years now, we have never met or even talked on the phone. He trusts me enough to represent Greasy Kulture at a very high profile event and I am flattered. I think that says a lot about the brotherhood like minded souls around the world can share.

Besides from the Born Free show I will get to meet another long time internet only friend. A year ago she was still living in SF. It worked out nicely that she moved to LA and volunteered to help me with the show. We already have a plan for some Hollywood shenanigans Thursday and Friday.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Thanks for the opportunity Guy, I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
-ejk

Jenny Lynn RULES!

2011-06-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Bikers, Hippies from Django's Ghost on Vimeo.

Thanks Jen, I've been looking for this a long time.

I hate you.

2011-06-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

For Sale: 1973 CB750 Cafe

2011-06-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

I'm selling my '73 cb750 Cafe bike, $2000, obo. Clean Indiana title, new paint, upholstery, tires, bars, signals, Lucas tail light, carb boots and grips. 836cc big bore kit, 4 into 1 exhaust and Kei Hin carbs rebuilt. It is styled after a Norton Commando, is a stong runner and handles great. The turn signals are not hooked up and all other extras (horn, etc.) have been removed. The carbs need some work getting dialed in and frankly I dont have time to mess with it. I hate to see it go, but if you are interested PM before I put it on CL. Pic is from last fall before I go the seat recovered. Thanks, -e

Love/Hate

2011-06-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Moto GP/Indy Mile, only 3 months away

2011-05-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Sophie and I got some ice cream then took a walk around downtown. As we walked past Buca Di Beppo I noticed racing jerseys painted on these statues.

What, no Team Honda???

Memorial Day Progress

2011-05-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

I had an almost full day to work in the garage today. I got the Honda put back together and fired. Miraculously the dash lights started working. Un-miraculously the carbs are STILL totally fucked. I used new boots with wide clamps. But to no avail, the motor races like it did before as if it has an air leak. Ugh, I'm about ready to sell the damn thing and let another guy have a crack at it.

The Sporty contiues to take shape nicely. I decided to try a new strategy; start at the front and work my way back.

The angle on the pinch bolt bracket wasn't working with the dual ring headlight. So, I painted the aluminum eybrow Crazy Orange style and reattached the stock set up.

I rewired the stock controls, wrapped the wires in friction tape and put on the Jack Hammer grips.

I'm pretty stoked with my progress, even if I am a little behind schedule. It's all coming together just as I had envisioned; a rideable, traditional mild custom with some Japanese influences. Right on...

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

The story of my love life...

2011-05-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

After my bike is done...

2011-05-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna re-focus on music for the summer; singing and writing with the goal of recording a new demo. I sound like this:

No shit.

This summer I wanna do as much good stuff as I possibly can.

Her fingernails are clean...

2011-05-21T10:31:00.001-07:00

One Year Ago Today

2011-05-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

RIP RJD

Motorcycles are gay.

2011-05-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

GIRLS!!! I like'em hangin' around!

2011-05-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Rocker's Reunion 2011

2011-05-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

The title work on the Ironhead won't be clear until the 20th. I switched tack and tried to resolve the ignition on the Honda to no avail. So, I made it to the show late and took osme pics. I would have liked to have seen more choppers, but I was pleasantly surprised by the volume and high quality of street bikes.

I am looking forward to a summer filled with riding, shows and my bros.

Down And Out With Flip The Frog

2011-05-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like this little guy.

Weekend Update

2011-05-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

With the wheels on the project is really taking shape.

I'd like to get it sitting lower ala Crazy Orange,

Relocating the top shock mount and cutting the fork tubes will happen at some point. But until then I will keep plugging away to have it on the road asap.

Down to ride?

2011-05-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

8 hours one way,
http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl
Who is down to ride?

Sneak Peek

2011-04-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a little hint at my recent progress on my Sporty build.

I was going to use a vintage Bargman Trail-Lite from my old camper.

But I dropped it and busted the lens.

Oh well, I will mold another out of plexi later. A cheap Sparto will do for now. I may hit it with a Scotch Brite for a cast look ala TT & Company,

much cheaper than $169.

Craig Tirey at Front Street gave me the hookup on these SS Monkee Bars...LOVE. They go great with the Biltwell SS Slimline Risers and the dual ring Sporty headlight.

I plied the Hartster with some Miller Lite to section my fender 4".

The goal is to have it on the road for Mods Vs Rockers on 5/14/11. It may still be in primer with no upholstery, but rolling in 3 weeks is totally doable.

More to come...

Welcome to Soul Town

2011-04-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

I've been in the garage or on eBay every chance I get lately. I've got 99% of my parts and I've been making great progress. A big part of the continued forward momentum has been my recent choice of music, mellow 70s soul. Sometimes it's nice to chill and wrench. It's calming, peaceful music and lets me keep my head in what I'm doing in a way other music I love doesn't. I dig it...

Parts for sale

2011-04-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

On the off chance that someone will stumble across my blog, here are some parts I am selling on eBay.

My seller ID is Tiptopdadddy.

Slow Progress

2011-04-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time for updates lately with work and kids. But I did get the Sporty stripped down. All the big twin wannabe parts are ready for ebay. Last night I got the 35mm narrow glide with dual disc brakes mocked up.

I am waiting for the 21" wheel and 2nd brake rotor. Those should materialize this weekend. Aside from bars, risers, grips and pegs I have all of my other parts gathered. That will leave only cleaning, paint, tire mounting and some minor fabrication. Next weekend I may drive over to Dayton to pick up some bars from Front Street and shoot some pics. Sectioning the rear fender 2 inches and figuring out the tail light/plate mounting will be done at Jay Hart's gay-rage as time permits.

I have an idea for some rad pipes but I will wait until I have it on the road and shaken down. After assembly is done it will be lots of general tweaking and final trouble shooting. Progress is slow, but proceeding according to plan.

Now if I can only get the Honda to cooperate and play the role of daily rider until I get the Sporty done...

So completely stupid, just go away!

2011-04-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

There's no home for you here girl, go away
There's no home for you here

I'd like to think that all of this constant interaction
Is just the kind of make you drive yourself away
Each simple gesture done by me is counteracted
And leaves me standing here with nothing else to say

Completely baffled by a backward indication
That an inspired word will come across your tongue
Hands moving upward to propel the situation
Have simply halted
And now the conversation's done

There's no home for you here girl, go away
There's no home for you here

I'm only waiting for the proper time to tell you
That it's impossible to get along with you
It's hard to look you in the face when we are talking
So it helps to have a mirror in the room

I've not been really looking forward to the performance
But there's my cue and there's a question on your face
Fortunately I have come across an answer
Which is go away
And do not leave a trace

There's no home for you here girl, go away
There's no home for you here

Waking up for breakfast
Burning matches
Talking quickly
Breaking baubles
Throwing garbage
Drinking soda
Looking happy
Taking pictures
So completely stupid
Just go away

There's no home for you here girl, go away
There's no home for you here

Some Of My Favorite Songs About Being Back In The Game

2011-04-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Biltwell BroDown

2011-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Total. Fucking. CARNAGE!!!
Can't wait for next year.

Like it, love it...Loveless 68!

2011-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Designs by my amazing friend Jennifer Loveless:

EMAIL loveless68@gmail.com for order inquiries and the like
Add on Facebook

Get it on!!!

She will be working the Greasy Kulture booth with me at Born Free 3, stop by and say hi!!!

Free Tomorrow Motorcycles-UPDATE

2011-03-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

My friend Kim gave me this sweet belt buckle for my birthday. She is originally from the Denver area. Her parents rode bikes in the 70s and frequented Free Tomorrow, but she had no other info. I love the stylized Avon Speedmaster tyre on a spoked wheel with the groovy script cast in heavy brass.

I want to use this as points cover or on a tool bag for my Sporty. But I wanted to be sure the place wasn't run by some child molester or douche lord.

The address on the back is currently the home of a medical marijuana dispensary, no joke:
4900 W 46th Ave
Denver, CO 80212

Even after searching around on the the web I wasn't able to turn up anything about the shop. So naturally I asked the Rocky Mountain Wrench himself. Irish Rich came through with the straight dope:
Eric,
I remember Free Tomorrow motorcycle shop, I used to buy parts there. It was on 45th Ave., just a couple blocks east of Sheridan Blvd., right by Lakeside Amusement Park. I knew Jack Fisher and Kenny Conway (the guys that owned it) very well. Matter of fact, I see Kenny off and on around town still. Kenny had his own shop for awhile, then managed a couple more custom shops in town.

It was around in the ‘70’s, then Jack and Kenny closed it up, and Jack went off tattooing in a school bus. I heard that somebody blew the top of his head off in the 80’s sometime, over some shady deal.

Hope this helps you out.

Regards, Rich

Righteous compadres are better than a Google search any day...

Wonder Woman

2011-03-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Waiting for this show to premiere, me?

Perish the thought!

The real fun begins Saturday

2011-03-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

My bikes, parts and tools have been spread out over 3 counties for the last few months. Last week I finally got everything into my garage. I should have the seat for the CB750 back from the unpholsterer by the weekend. I'm going to see The Greenhornes on Thursday night, then to a benefit for the widow of my former band manager Friday night in Louisville. With the extended celebration of my birthday last week I haven't had much time to tear into my projects. But that is all gonna change starting this Saturday. I have a little bit of carburetor fine tuning to do on the Honda to make it a streetable bike.

Then I am gonna tear into the Sporty.

Stance is everything when it comes to styling a bike. The image I have in my mind is an amalgamation of the HA picture a few posts back and these two bikes:

By giving myself a strict deadline of Memorial Day Weekend I will have to forego hardtailing the frame for now. But I will be cutting 2-3 inches out of the forks. With the progressive shocks and a 16" wheel shod in a Speedgrip it should make for a nicely slammed swingarm bike.

I am starting school in October so this will be my last project for a while, and it will be a good one. I Can't wait to finish and ride with my bros this summer.

Oh, FUCK YES!!!