Weekend Bike Blogging

Cigars? Maybe next week.

Right now, it's BIKES! More from Big Creek Motorsports:

Update: Thanks to Dave, who managed to fix these pictures so they looked normal again.


























Don't know how or why the pictures got that blue tint. Guess that's what I get for using the phone. =/ My camera was set to "Glow". No idea how it got there, but I suspect children were involved....

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Highlight of the Weekend - Bikes!

(Alternate title: It's getting to be that time again.)

Saturday was the grand opening of a new bike shop in the area, Big Creek SuckerPunch, a shop specializing in Suckerpunch Sally's old school choppers.

I took pics, of course. There were lots of nice bikes:

Some mean and scary bikers:

Live entertainment:



I love me some springers:


And then there's this. Can you say "One of these things is not like the other?"


More pics this weekend, NSFW tank art included!

Apologies for the blue tint of the photos. Took them with my phone.

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Three Reported Missing After Animal Rights Activists Take "War on Leather" to Motorcycle Rally

via email:

Johnstown, PA: Local and state police scoured the hills outside rural Johnstown, Pennsylvania, after reports of three animal rights activists going missing after attempting to protest the wearing of leather at a large motorcycle rally this weekend. Two others, previously reported missing, were discovered by fast food workers "duct taped inside several fast food restaurant dumpsters," according to police officials.

"Something just went wrong," said a still visibly shaken organizer of the protest. "Something just went horribly, horribly, wrong."

The organizer said a group of concerned animal rights activist groups, "growing tired of throwing fake blood and shouting profanities at older women wearing leather or fur coats," decided to protest the annual motorcycle club event "in a hope to show them our outrage at their wanton use of leather in their clothing and motor bike seats." "In fact," said the organizer. "Motorcycle gangs are one of the biggest abusers of wearing leather, and we decided it was high time that we let them know that we disagree with them using it... Ergo, they should stop."

According to witnesses, protesters arrived at the event in a vintage 1960's era Volkswagen van and began to pelt the gang members with balloons filled with red colored water, simulating blood, and shouting "you're murderers" to passers by. This, evidently, is when the brouhaha began.

"They peed on me!!!" charged one activist. "They grabbed me, said I looked like I was French, started calling me 'La Trene', and duct taped me to a tree so they could pee on me all day!"

"I... I was trying to show my outrage at a man with a heavy leather jacket. And, he... he didn't even care. I called him a murderer, and all he said was, 'You can't prove that.' Next thing I know is he forced me to ride on the back of his motorcycle all day, and not let me off, because his girl friend was out of town and I was almost a woman."

Still others claimed they were forced to eat hamburgers and hot dogs under duress. Those who resisted were allegedly held down while several bikers "farted on their heads."

Police officials declined comments on any leads or arrests due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, however, organizers for the motorcycle club rally expressed "surprise" at the allegations.

"That's preposterous," said on high ranking member of the biker organizing committee. "We were having a party, and these people showed up and were very rude to us. They threw things at us, called us names, and tried to ruin the entire event. So, what did we do? We invited them to the party! What could be more friendly than that? You know, just because we are all members of motorcycle clubs does not mean we do not care about inclusiveness. Personally, I think it shows a lack of character for them to be saying such nasty things about us after we bent over backwards to make them feel welcome."

When confronted with the allegations of force feeding the activists meat, using them as ad hoc latrines, leaving them incapacitated in fast food restaurant dumpsters, and 'farting on their heads,' the organizer declined to comment in detail. "That's just our secret handshake," assured the organizer.

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Motorcycle Riding

Much more comfortable when it's 55 degrees outside, as opposed to 95.

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Compare & Contrast

Exhibit A:



Exhibit B:




Any questions?


Via email. Continue Reading

Bikers for McCain

Via email:

Dear Fellow Riders,

After being greeted by the roar of 50,000 motorcycles at the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota, we are thrilled to announce the John McCain Campaign's latest coalition, Bikers for McCain. Through this coalition, we will rally riders behind Senator McCain, a man ready to lead our nation from day one and who will always put the country's interest before party, politics, or self.

As a veteran, John McCain has an unwavering commitment to duty, honor and country. He first swore an oath to serve his country as a young Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. He served in uniform for twenty-two years, including five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

This coalition is intended to reach out to a group of people who embody the sense of American spirit and resolve that has made our country great. As motorcyclists, we all share in a love of our Nation and all that she has come to represent. We encourage you to become involved with Bikers for McCain and to show your support for a man who has spent his lifetime passionately defending the freedoms we hold so dear.

In the coming weeks it is our goal to organize a group of events in a family-friendly atmosphere so bikers from across the country can ride in support of Senator McCain. For more information and to receive invitations to our upcoming events, please follow the link below. If you are interested in leadership opportunities or have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail at Bikers@JohnMcCain.com.

Please click here to Join Bikers for McCain.

Cool.

I wonder how Barack Born to be Wild Obama will counter this. Vespa riders for Obama? Continue Reading

Weekend Bikeblogging

I'm a fan of most bikes, but I have a special place in my heart for the Indian Chief:


The thing is, these are 2009 Indians.



Yep, they're trying to resurrect the Indian name (again)



Let's hope they're successful:



While the purist in me disagrees with this last one (note the fenders), I have to admit, it still looks nice:


If you want to see more, go here, and bring a drool mop.

And your wallet, if you want one. A big, fat wallet. Continue Reading

Weekend Bikeblogging

Here's one I saw on TV the other day. I'm not sure if I love it or hate it:

Victory Vision

This one is the "Street" version.



Definitely big enough.

This is the "Tour" version:

Sure looks comfy.


I just don't know. I mean, I'd take this over a Gold Wing, but I'd take almost anything over a Gold Wing. Gold Wing riders are weenies*.

With features like heated seats and a power windshield (WTF?), I'm not sure if the caveman in me could tolerate it.

On the other hand, it could be the best thing on two wheels. I'd have to see one up close to get a better idea, I guess.

* Valkyrie riders, however, are cool as can be.

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Weekend Bikeblogging

I was over at the Yamaha dealer earlier this week, getting a new tire put on, and noticed, thse Star Motorcycles are pretty nice!

I could see myself on this:

The headlight on this one was unusual. I wish I could've found a petter picture of it.

This one looks much better in person:

Here's the venerable V-Max. Discontinued on '07, it's been redone and re-released. It was, at one time, the fastest thing on the road:

Not bad, not bad at all.

Just when I got over my urge to get a new one, these have to come along....

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Flat on a Motorcycle

Not a good thing, especially going down Highway 51 at 55 - 60 mph. Lucky for me, it was my back tire, and it didn't blow. It just went flat quickly.

I was just down the road from one of those Mega-Churches the South is so famous for. It had cars coming and going, but did one stop to see if I needed help? Nope. Only some guy in a beat-up Civic. I had a can of fix-a-flat on the way, so no worries, but still....

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Weekend Bikeblogging

If I were to pony up the big bucks to buy a Harley, this one is on the short list.

The 2008 Harley Crossbones:







Old school ,just the way I like it.

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Weekend Bikeblogging

These are from right up the road in Dyersburg, TN.

Boss Hoss Motorcycles

Boss Hoss Cycles, Inc. was established in 1990 when Monte Warne, the founder and president of Boss Hoss Cycles, Inc., created his first Chevy V-8 powered motorcycle in his 5000 square foot shop in Dyersburg, TN. Monte, a commercial aircraft pilot and degreed Aviation Airframe and Power plant technician, was the first to design a V-8 powered motorcycle that has a traditional cruiser motorcycle style, look and feel.

This is on my "to ride" list.

I like the paint on this one:


Ummmmm....


Nothing runs like a Deere. Would this be a Boss Deere?



Of course, being bikers, they can't leave well enough alone:

The Boss Hoss brand is all about excess taken to the most excessive excess possible, so hot cams are available, as well as tons of other high-performance engine mods. Most Hoss dealers are eager to help every Boss owner with mods, and many are prepared to install nitrous kits and other equipment designed to make grown men cry. I've heard of one bike putting out around 1,000 hp. Cry? That's the kind of power that can make a man sob uncontrollably. That kind of power can be a religious experience.

That, or it might turn your hair grey all at once.

I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that JayG talked about these last year. Continue Reading

Saturday Bikeblogging

Found this while surfing the other day:

Is that some wild stuff, or what?

If that's not wild enough, then turn it sideways, dammit!

I'd hate to brush up against that set of pipes....

It does give me some more ideas for future bikeblogging.

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Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder makes the news:

For 21 years now, Rolling Thunder has led a "Ride for Freedom" along the National Mall during Memorial Day weekend, a full-throttle demonstration in support of soldiers held captive or missing in action. On Sunday, riders began at the Pentagon, rode across the Memorial Bridge and gathered at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

I've ridden in local events with these folks. Good people, for sure.

The President had some nice words:

"You've done a lot for the country, and the troops appreciate you, and the veterans appreciate you, and your president appreciates you," Bush told the group.

Looking at our current set of heirs apparent, I wonder which of them would meet with a bunch of bikers and say things like that?

Here's a hint: There wouldn't be a "D" involved. Continue Reading

Weekend Bikeblogging

This one belongs to Keith, who comes over with his wonderful family from time to time. They allow me to expiriment on their taste buds with my grilling. No one has been sent to the hospital as a result.

True motorcycles should have a springer front end. The softail look is fine, but the springer makes the bike stand out. Love me some springer.

Screamin' Eagle 110. 'Nuff said.

Oh, to have this view on the way to work every day. There are few views I'd like more, but that has nothing to do with bikes.

Tank art:


With matching tail art:




I keep hoping he'll come over forget the bike one day.

I really like springer front ends. Did I mention that?.

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Weekend Bikeblogging

Here is another local bike. This one used to belong to Rick, fellow PGR member and former Marine, presented without further comment:

Ok, maybe one comment. If you click on only one of these pictures, make it the one below:






Sweet, or what?

I'm gonna get me a Harley when I grow up. Continue Reading

Weekend Bikeblogging

These are the original "Rice Rockets", early Japanese high performance bikes that held no pretense of "cruising". These were 2-stroke beasts that offered speed over... just about everything else.

Here's the first one, the Yamaha RD 350:



Here's one in "cafe racer" configuration.




Here's another couple of street burners, the Kawasaki Mach III and IV:

"It's a pity this site doesn't have sound, because there's nothing quite like the shriek of a Kawasaki two-stroke triple being given some stick. If Hannibal Lecter practised dentistry, this is the sort of noise that would be coming from his surgery"!

On a personal note, I rode a 500 once. I cracked the throttle open about halfway and thought I was gonna come off the back of the bike. 2-strokes have an abrupt power delivery, to say the least.





Here's the 750. After riding the 500, I can't imagine riding this beast. Once site I read while researching said this bike still holds the stock 750 cc speed record - 170 mph. I wonder how fast it got there?







Of course, 2-stroke engines were pretty high on emissions, burning a fuel-oil mixture kinda like your weed eater does now. They were doomed once we figured out we were poisoning ourselves with air pollution.

But, all was far from lost, keeping ahead of the game, Kawasaki produced the 900 cc 4-stroke Z-1 in 1973. And the rest, as they say, is history:





Oh, and do you see that funny looking thing on the side of the engine? That's what we used to call a "kickstarter", and was a good way to determine whether you were big enough to ride the bike. If you couldn't kick it, you had no business riding it. Continue Reading