Ironhead Project: Wheel Building


Me & Big Noot have been working on lacing wheels while it's snowin' & blowin' outside. If you've ever tried to spoke up big flange hub - they suck. It's takes a lil' skill. Plus, try and do it without scratching everything all to shit. You need old hand grips, tiny pieces of hose, shop towels and a peanut can - trust me. (and Peppermint Schnapps)

The calm before the storm . . .


Uncle Bob

I just got to get out to Vegas and see Bob. I've got so many deadlines, responsibilities and commitments - is it all worth it? When will it end? We all need some free time - take it when you can!

On through the Night

Hello America . . . it's all good. I liked 'em better in the early days before the craze. High 'N Dry is my favorite album.

Team Kawasaki

I see Cycle News said that former Harley-Davidson rider Springsteen and tuner Werner are teamin' up to run the Kawasaki bikes that Bill has been working with the last few seasons. Springer will be the test rider and feedback.
Should be a great team. Too bad it ain't a HD - but, these guys know how to make anything work. Look out.

Harley School

Big Noot is on the lower - second from the left.

Watch your woodburner . . .


Down the street from my house a guy's woodburner got out-of-hand last night . . .
better watch those if you have one in your shop.

From this to this . . .


This dude came to me - down & out. His poor Harley was down and broken.
Get me the parts - I think I can fix it - My dad is a TV repairman . . . he's got this awesome set o' tools.

Mystery Photo

How did this get on my camera?

Camel Pro Series

Scott Parker tucked in . . . squeezing every mph out of each straight. Back in the day when Camel pumped thousands of dollars into the GNC Series. Nowadays, Jared Mees wins the #1 Plate - and guess what? Harley drops him from the program. WTF? Hope he wins it again next year. Is Harley finally going down with the rest of them?

Jeff - 17x

"Bake" gave my dad some photos from his dirt trackin' campaign of 2009. He uses some of Big Noot's equipment to help in his race team efforts. He always has a story to tell - or the latest gossip from the racing world. Jeff builds his own equipment - which is always top notch - and races it. There's something to be said for that alone. A big highlight of his season was winning his class at the AMCA Davenport Vintage Event over Labor Day weekend. Hey, they even let him keep the checkered flag !

Mac's Garage






I like stopping by a certain garage in town since there's usually some kind of building or machining going on . . . pretty much all the time. The chopped, big block Model A sedan, the "wall-of intakes", the big slots above the cabinets, it's all part of the scene. "Mac" has built a bunch o' stuff over the years. The latest (in process) is this Flathead Ford engine for the T Project. (cold beer in the fridge too !)

1965s

Ironhead Sportster Project


My creativity "bug" has now bitten me - and I'm in full gear on the iron Sporty project. I pinstriped the newly powdercoated rims (16" rear/19" front) and I'm working on the heads, tranny, frame, tank . . . just trying to get something together that looks cool. Important decisions must be made in the early stages. The bike is a '78 - One of those truly "bastard stepchild" years for Sporties. I'm not buying any parts I don't already have - use what you got. Run what ya brung !

Morty "The Official Shop Cat"

It's my fucking blog and if I want to put Morty on it then I will.
Heck, Morty gets me in way less trouble than most of my friends . . .
and he covers up his shit.

King

Frost

I'll have a . . . ? I think I'll have a . . . ? What do I want????

Harley-Davidson Race Motor

Before the WR, before the KR, before the XLR, before the XR . . .
there was this !

Party Party

Mix one part TR, one part Kenwood, one part Bose . . . while the wife's away - cats will play.

Keino

Met Keino years ago when Larry had his booth out at the Full Throttle next to Billy Lane. I talk to him about every year. The guy is always real genuine.

Can't Touch This

Spearfish Creek

TT500

The late, great Steve Eklund gets the jump on Springsteen (Houston 1981)

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.