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Cheryl served up some of her famous dish of shrimp, garlic, red pepper, angel hair pasta, olive oil and seasoning with a side of spinach with walnuts. Quite delicious. It was my birthday - so my cake was my favorite of angel food with strawberries. One of my gifts was a Franklin Mint Harley WLA Army Bike with working shifter, wheels, suspension and an extra combat helmet and goggles ! I had fun playing with it all night. Cheryl went to bed - and I stayed up and played with my toys.
I must be getting old?????
The king of custom Harley-Davidsons - Arlen Ness. However, we can give much credit to all the others - but, Ness has been an innovator with single engines, multiple engines, chassis, paint . . . everything. Just look at his career and the motorcycles he has customized. He also built an empire in the aftermarket parts business. I've also never been "snubbed" by the guy. He doesn't know me. But, if you want to talk to Arlen, he'll always take the time. When you see one of those old Ness customs, in person especially - you can stare at it for hours. Arlen Ness - THE American legend of custom motorcycles. (and I've heard he's a kickass bowler too...)
I saw a restored Norton Commando at the Rochester Show. I've always liked the look of the Norton engine. These motorcycles were manufactured in the city of Wolverhampton. Cool name for a city. Nortons were raced and set many records in their day. The Norton chassis was one of the best in racing - the featherbed. A guy by the name of Ron Wood built a Norton flat tracker and stuck a fast dude named Alex Jorgensen (Nat'l #44) on one and totally dominated Ascot - and blew away a lot of Harleys on any given weekend. Nortons are the mount of choice if you want to build a vintage cafe racer, clip ons, rear sets . . . you know the terminology? Are you a mod or a rocker? I'll give you a hint - Rockers ride Nortons, Mods ride Vespas. Long live the queen !
Jeff Wright (founding father of Church of Choppers, Des Moines, Iowa) has a partner in crime. His name is Fatty. These guys are real nice fellas, and build some way cool motorcycles - as many of you already know. This is Fatty's Sportster. It looks cool in pictures, but I like it much better in person. It's all business with hand made custom parts, hidden battery, flip up seat section, in-your-face-exhaust . . . and the tank. The tank is the shit. Everyone talks about the tank. Even if you are totally clueless about bikes - you'll have something common with that peanut fuel tank. I heard he's now workin' on a street legal dune buggy? You can check out more of their builds, art, music and lifestyle at noneother than churchofchoppers.com
Hey, there's nothing wrong with throwing on a dreamy photo every once in awhile. This one is a true classic. I'll bet she never thought she'd ever get her pic on Noot's blog? Here's one just for Marilyn.
I'll probably be heading out to the motorcycle show & swap this weekend in Rochester, MN. I've never been to this one before - so, we don't know if it's any good or not? The good meets are in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and St. Paul. The weatherman says it's gonna snow 2" to 5" tonite and through the morning. Slippery roads, blowing snow. I say take the backroads. Bring a thermos with some hot apple cider. Maybe find some parts for the flathead? Say hello to some friends. Stop at the bar for some lunch and a drink. Get back and settle in with some Templeton Rye Whiskey (made right here in Iowa) Get the fireplace going. Talk about your day. Relax. Tomorrow is Sunday. Life is good.
I robbed this off the 'net one day. A Harley 45 bob job - kinda looks like a WR with a rear brake. This scoot oozes coolness. WR pipe, bars, tank and spool up front. I dig the paint too. This thing could tear up my lil' town - no problem. Everybody's all big bore now - but, try and stay with this thing for an afternoon - through the alleys - down some dirt roads . . . you can kiss my ass bye bye - see you at the bar !
Last weekend I had some kickin' good tacos in Des Moines on Indianola Road. You need to order about 5 of them for starters (hard shells) - and use the sauce in the packets. They serve 'em up fast and hot - and they go great with the Hamms beer. It was about my 10th time at this place. I keep going back. Lots of cool motorcycle related stuff on the walls, pinstriping and the ironhead Sporty behind the bar - my kind of place !
When my dad was in business for himself, Jeff (pictured above) was his right hand man, apprentice and mechanic. Jeff did much of the service work. They both worked 2 jobs - the shop and the local tractor factory. Jeff built many motorcycles and raced everything from drags, flat track, motocross and ice. However, his most famous bike was this Prostock Sportster he built from a model XLX. The bike went through a variety of transformations. In the end it had a 96 cu.in. engine, airshifter, slipper clutch and many lightweight one-off parts. He set the AHDRA prostock national record speed at the Gateway National in St. Louis with this bike. He was known by the other racers for a couple reasons.
One: His race bike was fast and looked like a showpiece going down the strip - and Two: He didn't wear boots, just Nike wrestling shoes for better feel. Those were the good ol' days !
On television yesterday I was watching "import car drag racing." Their little 4 cylinders were tuning 11 and 12 second quarter mile times. The motors were getting 300 to 400 horsepower. One thing they all had in common - they were running nitrous systems. Then they showed all the blown motors from poor tuning, not enough fuel pressure - many different causes. Nitrous works great and can turn a good running stock motor into a race motor, for a few seconds anyway. Leave it on a little too long and - boom . . . shit starts bending and breaking.
Like connecting rods !
Morty "the Official Shop Cat" just wanted everyone to know that he'll try and get some new photos of himself up real soon . . . (and maybe even a couple of his brothers Charlie and Eli too) Morty says, "You can't have a blog with nothing but motorcycle related stuff all the time. You gotta save some space for stuff about cats." It's been a tough winter for him here in Iowa (livin' in an unheated garage), but he's still been on patrol everyday - kicking the ass of any cat that tries to cut through his turf. Morty was even on antibiotics for a couple weeks due to a claw being ripped out after a cat fight (with a tiny scrape on his nose) - If you know Mort, I'm sure it was much worse for the other cat. We hope to see you all real soon !
This guy is a farmer from Manly, Iowa who runs Top Fuel. He's fast. Alvin has put some pretty fast company on the trailer after the first round. He fell off last year at Sturgis (at least he got the crash out of the way) but, I hope that didn't slow him down too much. These bikes use about 2 1/2 gallons of nitro per run - at $25 a gallon. Hmmmmm? Not very fuel efficient. He's still a newby . . . but, his learning curve has been quick. When you have a motorcycle under you with 700 horsepower - there's not much time for mistakes !
This is an old photo of one of our best family friends, from way back - "Killer" Carter. He lived down the street next to the DQ when he was first married. He had a wicked '57 Chevy and a liking for fast ironheads. Here's a pic on his stroker Sportster with disc brakes (Hurst Airheart in '73), S&S stroker flywheels, R&M header, you name it - it probably had it. A very unique custom for the time period. Sometimes he'd have a hard time kick starting it - so, he'd call Noot, who'd walk down the block and start it for him - or Carter would just push it down to Noot's house. Cool. This motorcycle went through a variety of transformations - one of which is shown here. Carter still rides Harleys and has owned XLCRs, a Buell, dressers, stroker superglides - and lately can be seen on an FLHX. He's still in the biz.
If I'm not mistaken, the previous owner of this Sportster only owned the bike about a year or so. The motor was blown. The frame bent. It was rough. This guy apparently rode hard. Dad rebuilt it in the basement over the winter. Before . . . and After with custom seat, paint, polished rockers and covers with bobbed fender. He says it was fast too.
Dad and his motorcycle. Bates leathers and ready to hit the streets. I'm wearing the Bell Day-Glow open face (making some engine sounds too). The '55 was his work car. This motorcycle was painted to match the '68 Road Runner in the garage. Del Claussen (sometimes known as Del Star) from Star Auto Body of Mason City, Iowa shot the paint.
The early 1980s economy was rough. Dad worked at the White Farm Equipment tractor factory, and was frequently off work. His partner in his motorcycle business had been killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. He was forced to work on motorcycles at home, in the family garage. Mom could never get her car in there. It was full of Harleys.
Here's a photo of what I'm talking about. Lots of sissy bars and oil on the floor. Parts washer and engines were built in the basement. These times may be back again? (check my bicycle sissy bar)
Here is a picture I found the other day of a pinstriper at a motorcycle factory. Before they had computerized CNC machines and automated gizmos . . . the only way to get those fine lines were by hand. Image that. This guy palleted up his squirrel hair brush, and layed down the lines on all these tanks. I'll bet he got really good at it. He probably striped all the fenders too. I was looking at a factory 2009 Harley tank with stripes the other day - and the lines were all kinked and looked like shit. Some things may be best done by hand? A lost art to many motorcycle manufacturers. The tanks look as if they could be Harley or Excelsior???? Maybe Triumph? Oil tanks and fuel tanks possibly from the 1920s?
When I was in Vegas last time - I started diggin' through Spina's photo album and found some cool pics like this one with him and Buffalo Jim. Spina made him this cool sign . . back in the day - who knows when ?????
The roof ain't caved in yet . . . but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. We have plenty of snow now. Don't need no more. I've been shoveling a little path to my shed so I can still get the Arctic Cat out - if needed. It's supposed to be 32 degrees this weekend. The highest temperature in about 37 days. If you live in a warm state . . . Can you do me a favor? Go ride your motorcycle and have a beer for me. I'd appreciate the thought.
I like food - and Cheryl whips out some great eats . . . (she's really into cookin' ) and last night we had this soup stuff with cheese tortellini, spinach, red pepper, beans, and some kind of tasty broth. It was a more simple recipe - but, it sure was good. The wrap sandwich had smoked turkey, spinach, seasonings, cheese and special sauce. It really hit the spot for some reason? Maybe 'cause it's damn cold outside and it just warmed me up. Our cupboards are filled with all types of oils, herbs and spices which are the necessary ingredients to many delicious recipes. Hey, a guy can't go to Hu Hot every night !
The WLA wheels have been sand blasted, trued with the original star hub rebuilt. Painted Olive Drab. (I'm really starting to like this green stuff . . . ) I was going to customized this sucker - but, the original motorcycle needs to be saved. The last year of the WLA is 1952. This is an original 1952 with matching cases and frame. Reissued by the US government for the Korean War. You can see my original M88 Linkert in the background (also painted olive drab).
The frame is painted too. I called the Harley archives and they told me only 573 WLAs were produced in 1952.
I guess I should be able to find it in the parking lot with all the other Harleys ?????
This is the WLA "Army Bike Project" transmission restored to all it's glory. Upon initial inspection it was revealed that the case was cracked. Now it's been professionally welded. New bushings installed and honed for precise fitment. New kicker (tripper) screws. All rebuilt - works great on the bench. Painted authentic OD(Olive Drab) from Rapco Paint Co. - supplier of all the original OD colors. The cast iron gray paint is from Plastic-Coat. I like it's look. The WLA is coming along good. It should be the baddest outlaw military bike on the block !
The Ford Torino has been in the news a lot lately. I took a picture of this particular car when I was driving down the highway in Florida last fall. It's painted in the colors of the 70s television hit called Starsky and Hutch - starring David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser. Another "Torino" that's been in the news is the GT owned by Walt Kowalsky in the movie Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood. If you haven't seen Gran Torino - go see it. It's a very good movie. It will do a lot of things for you, and probably make you a better person. I won't tell you anything about the movie - but, you go see it and then leave me comments what you think. Torinos in high school weren't all that cool. Most would rather have a Mustang, Camaro, Firebird, GTO, Charger, Road Runner . . . you know what I mean. Now all the 60s and 70s cars are hot stuff - no matter what they are. The Gran Torino just got a whole lot more popular thanks to some Hmongs. Thank you to Bee Vang and all the actors who did a great job, considering they didn't have a lot of experience . . . and thanks to Ford for the Gran Torino.
Here's the plan - Des Moines Swap Meet. Stop in Colo at Willard's. Get some Hamms & Tacos at Fu. Cyclepedia, unless Dennis is having a moment. COC unless the door is locked or we see used shotgun shells on the ground. Maybe Garvis, maybe GT, maybe Sully's, maybe Marshalltown - home a little late. Don't wait up.
My dad knew Leo Payne of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He took his new Bendix down to him to have it bored oversize. Leo never bored one of those yet - he'd give it a try. I remember as a little kid, commenting about his motorcycle being in the "living room." Dad was buying from S&S before most builders knew who they were. Mostly stroker flywheels and pistons. Not many people knew how to build a stroker. However, Leo Payne is now legendary. To elaborate on his life, racing, R & D and his accomplishments, would take a book. Someone needs to write that book. Here he is at Lion's Dragway on the 57XL. There's a lot going on in this photo. He has some sort of weights on the front axle. Still running the 'H' Oil tank, jumpy cable tach, struts, XLR pipes, he's still kick starting it, dress shoes, Turnip Eater, oil leaking out the rocker nut. Notice his shifter foot. It's off the peg, ready to grab the next gear. Anyone who has an ironhead will tell you that you have to lift your foot, not just your toe. Get It On !!!!! Leavin' the line hard - tire spinning !
The legend of Leo Payne, caught in a split second. Ain't life wonderful?
Here is the front brake on my stroker Sportster. It's a Hurst-Airheart. It looks cool, but doesn't really stop that good. I want a little Performance Machine 125x2 caliper. The PM caliper can be mounted solid, and this brake has to "float." I turned down my Kayaba fork legs. I run a Borrani 19" aluminum rim on the front with an Avon 3.50-19. If you have a PM caliper like I want . . . let me know.
You know, with Chevrolet in such a bad predicament with the other American auto factories . . .my chevy may just fall into the same realm as the Studebaker, Tucker, AMC . . . and any other US automaker that ever built a respectful vehicle and then closed due to loss of market share. Maybe if they would have kept the inline 6 and made it smog resistant - they wouldn't be in this situation. This little SOB runs like a champ. Sure, I've had small blocks, big cams, big carbs and nitrous. I had it all set up to get a steel crank 327 and do it up good. Then I looked at my little inline 6. It's such a "driver." The thing gets 25 in town. I steamed the block, ported the head a little, comp cam, matched the intake, aluminum gear drive, a couple other tricks - and it's a fine running engine. I have a choke glitch - but, you can still get the parts from Car Quest. Once it revs up on the freeway - you can't even here it run - just a little wind whistle through the window. I could use a 700-R4, but the powerglide (with deep pan) works fine. See you on the boulevard !
The artist Andy Warhol once stated that everyone is famous for 15 minutes. Mine happened twice. Once at the Eagle River World's Championship Snowmobile Derby and once at the World Series of Snowmobile Racing. My dad(Noot Sr.) was a tuner for a racer named Hickle. He was fast (still is pretty good) and rode Thunderjets and Yamaha SRXs and GPXs. I'd go along to the races, and soon was entered in the Junior program. I won my first race at Grand Forks, ND. I went on to win a few classes at Eagle River over the years - and the Waldheim World Series. For some reason I was good at it. I had concentration and focus. I worked out and was physically fit to go all out the entire race. My equipment was old, but fast. I lost an engine while leading Eagle River by a full straight-a-way one year. That really sucked - but, it makes a great story (otherwise it would be just another win). Everyone should get their 15 minutes. Eagle River is this weekend Jan 16th, 17th and 18th. Wish I was there racing again. (PS. Make sure you zoom in and check out my Nike Cortez sneakers, white with a red swoosh)
This photo is from a few years back. Riding on the Little Turkey River, above the dam, Waucoma, Iowa. The Yamaha has been sold. The Bates leathers went on ebay. The helmet and boots on the garage sale. However, a friend lent me his Honda 500 this year - ready to go. I bought a new set of Fox boots. New helmet, gloves and bibs. I'll borrow a nice leather jacket. This weekend I'll try to get back in the action. I'm sure I'll be slow. The goal is to keep it on at least one wheel. I won't be first, but probably not last either - we'll see. The ice is a different ball game. The more you ride the faster you get. See you on the track !
The snow was coming down real hard, the plows were out in full force - and by the time it got dark, they were running out of places to put the snow. So, the method is - just pile it down the middle of the street. It was fun racing around between the snow piles. But, be careful, the piles are hard to see around for oncoming traffic - you can get smucked. The city has this big ass fan-type snowblower that runs right down the middle of the street. The snow is blown into a dump truck following along side and is hauled away. If you don't get snow - you may not know these things. This pic is from about 8pm, still a lot of traffic for a small town. Not much happens around here, but when it does - you got to get out and enjoy it !
I overheard an older gentleman at a swap meet ask a vendor if he could get him a new set of cases for his 1953 Harley Davidson. I asked him why? He said they were broke and someone welded them, but they were a mess.
He had owned the motorcycle for almost 40 years. It was pretty much all original. Well, to make a long story shorter, here is a pic of the completed engine after me and dad rebuilt it. It was a mess. Now it looks so sweet and it will run even sweeter. We did his transmission too. I'll probably get the rest of it eventually. There's extra work out there - just keep your ears open. She looks so purty . . . Makes a nice desktop background too.
Here's a picture of Willie G. Davidson and my dad (the original Noot) at Humboldt, Iowa - Freedom Rally. You see a lot of people who get their picture with Willie now, but this one is before he got all foo foo with the fancy HD clothing line. I guess everybody was drinking a little beer that day, and a drag bike tuned by Noot had beat Willie's buddy. WG was over for a congratulatory party break - so to speak. Currently, Willie G is still in the business designing the latest custom Harleys . . . and Noot is still in the business too - as a Service Writer at a Harley dealership (and he's helping my with my WLA project too) . . . some things never change! Just 2 legends still in the bizz . . .
Cheryl served up some of her famous dish of shrimp, garlic, red pepper, angel hair pasta, olive oil and seasoning with a side of spinach with walnuts. Quite delicious. It was my birthday - so my cake was my favorite of angel food with strawberries. One of my gifts was a Franklin Mint Harley WLA Army Bike with working shifter, wheels, suspension and an extra combat helmet and goggles ! I had fun playing with it all night. Cheryl went to bed - and I stayed up and played with my toys.
