Noot

Stolen from VISE - Japan (a viewpoint)

Mochi (via email), Motoyan (I met in LaCrosse) and Gak (Davenport) are the only Japanese builders I've had contact with from Japan. The motorcycles (most the HD mark) are transformed by their own innovative ideas (sometimes copied, but who doesn't ?) Whenever I stumble onto a Japanese site - I'm usually quite interested in all the different things they try and do. It's hard for me not to polish parts. Not to repaint. They just bolt it on. I just can't make myself do it. They run it all - and it seems to run well. Some Americans bitch that our parts are going overseas. But, they make sacrifices to get the goods. They go without to get the parts they need. Much like the American bikers of the 60s and 70s. Respect is all I can give.

OBSERVATIONS:

Those tail-lights are too fuckin' cool !

That knuckle-single !

How does he keep those pans from leaking ?

Early Sporty mufflers (no wonder I can't find any)

No 9., 10., 11., and 16

Knucklehead Aluminum Cylinders

So the infamous Paul Holdsworth rides up on this knuckle with all kinds of trick parts on it. It's only like his 3rd or 4th ride on this thing - and he takes off from Chicago on it. It runs strong. He bought this from a real HD enthusiast who cast these cylinders (cast aluminum around steel sleeves) and then stroked this baby !
The tanks are original 3 1/2 gallons - that were custom widened for extra fuel (before the days of 5 gal tanks) This motorcycle was a "runner" back-in-the-day - and still is one. Paul is pretty sharp. Look for his articles and insight in Ironworks . . . and many other publications. Have you been HAD today?

Ariel Square Four "The Smoothest Engine"

A local Ariel enthusiast had a Square Four engine sitting on his work bench. He would somehow fire the engine and run it - on the bench. Not strapped down. It ran so smooth it just sat there. This motorcycle was an excellent example . . . ahead of their time in innovations.

Lost in . . . NE Iowa & SE Wisconsin

The people and places in my backyard . . . I just couldn't live anywhere else. The Horseshoe Bar just outside Bridgeport, Wisconsin (on Hwy 60) is a great place to stop. It's an original log cabin - in the family for over 60 years. On the Wisconsin River. Great Burgers ! Great owner ! Great patrons ! Nice to meet you all !

On my way to Yuba . . .

. . . I got to following this large motorhome. We were making good time - really bookin' along for awhile. He pulled into McGregor for fuel, and I went next door for a refreshment. (Strawberry shake). When I came out I gassed up right after he did . . wow !

Knuckle Shuffle in Yuba, Wisconsin

Awesome roads, the coolest friends, great cause for a celebration and party in the highest form of bikerdom. Motorcycles of all years and types. Refreshments, food, music - just a real damn good time !

Memorable things and people over the event:

1. Engine Give-away

2. Don Wood

3. 2nd Orange Tent on the left

4. Burnouts and wheelies . . .

5. Kevin's bulldog he's gettin' for his kids

6. JB, Pat and all the stories . . .

7. Denny showed up !

8. Reed's pan (adjusting the clutch)

9. The Vietnam Vet (my new bro)

10. The bonfire

11. Kruse, his girl and the wagon !

12. The dude with the Triumph tries too hard . . .

13. The Kardashian Award

14. Yubarittos (just a myth)
15. Milwaukee Mike
16. Paul Holdsworth
17. Kevin Baas and Jeremy Gilbert !
18. New blacktop . . .

It's only 48 hours . . .

So, you may as well go check it out. Everything else can wait.
I know it's hard to just say "What the heck."
Hop on that scoot and hit the road - bring a tent, a tarp or a Visa card . . .

Cobra Jet

A bit rough with 4 speed and big Ford motor. California plates. Perfect for Ford Fanatics !

Potential . . .

Having the ability to see beyond just "the vanity" side of something is difficult for some people. A piece of rusted metal in the tall grass is just junk to some . . . others see the potential. A old panhead leaking oil, a knuckle with dents in the fenders . . . A few of my own experiences:

1. The girl you don't remember at the class reunion.

(She's like, Hi Rick . . . uhhh ?)

2. The beat '73 Camaro with rust, blow-by and mismatched rims.

( It blew my doors off ! )

3. The plate of slop - is this guts or worms?

( Went back for sloppy 2nds . . . )