Ice Tires
Hawbaker was over the other night grindin' valves . . . and he was talkin' about getting his new ice tires. It reminded me of my pattern I got from "Mr Ice" Craig Pickett about 15 years ago. This was Pickett's trick pattern for Kold Kutters on the Kenda ice tire. It works. I believe they still use basically the same thing. If you're makin' up some tires - try this for the rear. The rest is up to you.
Grizz
Let's take a moment and remember Grizz.(or someone you may know like him) I remember as a lil' shaver my dad workin' on Grizz's engine in our basement on a Sunday. It was time for supper - and mom invited Grizz to join us. I peeked out the corner of my eye to see if this bearded biker would bow his head with us during the family prayer. Sure enough he did. I could go on with another 6-7 stories of Grizz and "The Nuggets" motorcycle club for which he was a member. When your dad is a Harley mechanic during the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's (hell he's still does it) - you get a colorful array of customers. Grizz passed away much too soon. However, he will never be forgotten.
The Dungeon
You have to at least stop in for a drink. Never know who you might meet there? C'mon - It's a tradition !Oilzum
Everyone's favorite oil and one of the first motoroils that actually worked . . . and a KR with a grasshopper !Indian FOUR 1928-1943
This engine was originally designed by Ace . . . many folks don't know that . . .My 1952 Army 45
For Veteran's Day . . . I rode my Korean Army 45 around for a bit. These bikes are interesting to look at. Why Harley did some things the way they did, on 45s . . is beyond me. It runs smooth - no vibration.
Classics
For a few hundred bucks you could have a bike. For a few hundred more, you could have it custom. Photos like these just blow me away - the way it was - and never will be again. A guy I used to work with told me he had a 1946 Harley overhead valve 74. The year was 1951. It was beaten and broken. He sold it for $150 and a push mower. I'll bet we could've fixed it !
Dressers
I'm kinda startin' to get into those dressers with all the lights & fixin's . . . but, this is a little excessive.Jeff Wright
I haven't talked to Jeff for awhile. I hope he's doing alright. Jeff is fun to be around due to his infectiously positive demeanor that emulates all around to everyone in the direct vicinity of him. Did I just say that?(photo by: Noot at Yesterdays - LaCrosse, WI)
Bob's Bird
Bob will give you the bird if you want it? You want the bird? This bird is bad ass. If you want one - ask me - I know where you can get one. If you can handle it. This bird is the best !Ironheads turn to gold?
Whenever I'm in a city I haven't been to . . . I stop at the local shops and 'hang around' eventually asking if they have any old ironhead stuff to get rid of . . . Most of the time - I can pick up some parts. Cheap. Hell - not lately. The reply is, "Oh, we got some stuff - but, I think I'll hang on to it - or it's not for sale." How much you give me for it? Naw - I'll just keep it - Gettin' hard to come by . . . oh come on fucker - so is H1N1 shots . . .They'd rather let it rust than sell it to someone who'll actually do something with it. And the world goes round and round.
Fall in Iowa - Big Noot is Back !!!!
I don't know what it's like where you're from - but, it's Fall in Iowa - the leaves are almost all gone and the temps are going down. This weekend is set to be about 60 degrees (Indian Summer) so it may be one of the last for motorcycles. It's all downhill from here. Snow, cold, ice, wind . . . nasty stuff coming - always does. My dad (big Noot) is back home after his heart valve repair. I was just starting to keep up with him - now, he'll be in front of the pack again. Good deal. If you're in the area - stop over and say hello. PS. Swap meet season comin' up !
I want one of these . . .
Thinkin' about making the K Model into a rigid - KR style racer . . . hmmmmmm?
The Legends at Winfield-Watson
Hey, even that T-Bucket guy was there . . . uh, the old dude with the razor cut - Norm Grabowski - holy shit. A gathering of the true legends of paint and customizing. Barris, Hines, Watson, Spina, Winfield, Bo Huff, Mr. J, Artie . . . did I mention Hines?!?!? Hell, even Lil' Daddy Dennis found his way there.If you're somebody, you were there - if you aren't - you weren't invited. See more pics from a link at the Jalopy Journal - click on it and take a ride !
(Thanks to Uncle Bob Spina for the pics)
Mail from Uncle Bob
How many of you guys get a package of fun stuff from Bob Spina . . ? Stay tuned for pics from the big Winfield / Watson shindig !
Everybody loves Wally . . .
Wally is a good friend of mine. I've known him for years - but, the last few we've taken some short trips together. Most are about 100-200 miles with beer stops along the way. He owns 3 Triumphs, 2 Harleys, a Yamaha, and a couple minibikes. He's always wanted to go to the Springfield Mile - and this year he finally made it. The 700 mile trip was his longest. He rode his new Triumph this year - but, his other machinery is usually a little rough lookin' - however, I can't say I've ever seen him have a problem on the road. But, wouldn't you know it - when his new Triumph American got wet from the downpour - the thing would kill. Something with the kickstand switch - WTF?
Big Daddy's Trike . . .
Back when trikes were cool . . . no Training Glides, no FLHXXXs, no pussy's . . . .
It's Fall in Iowa
Morty "the official shop cat" chowed a bird this morning and wanted everyone to know it was pretty damn tasty. I just made the observation that Mort can run down a sidewalk covered with leaves and not step on a single leaf. It's gettin' colder and the 50wt oil ain't flowin real good now. It takes about 10 kicks to get the K- Model started . . .
Street Chopper Magazine - 40 years
I stood at the local grocery store last night and read the entire 40th Anniversary Issue of Street Chopper Magazine. It has a lot of the same information that's from "The History of the Chopper" with Jesse James. You know the documentary . . . the one with Irish Rich at the beginning firing up his chop. ( bought a bag of chips - and opened them and read the whole issue and paid for an empty bag of chips) It has a good history of Ness inside the issue. I think I'll go back and actually buy one today. (Temp: 40 degrees F. and sunny in Iowa)
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