SEPT NOV 2020 2020#93 #91
read it/watch it/ride it
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Contents
NOVEMBER ISSUE 93
AD INDEX
FEATURES
John Shope’s Dirty Bird Concepts Glam Fairy - Roscoe & Angela Ghost Biker Explorations
10 18 23
BTR Heat Up
22
BTR Bikini Babes
35
Born To Ride Group
22
Born To Ride Lifestyle
36
Born To Ride Radio
34
Boss Hogg Radio
28
Charles W. Watwood Jr.
1
DEPARTMENTS
Craig Paints
35
Cycle World Athens
17
Contents 2 Letter From The Editor Dave Nichols 4 Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Sleepy Commuter 6 Tech Tip - Oiling System 32 Born To Ride Kids 40
G.I Joe Wanted
37
H-D Fraizers
7
H-D Tifton
5
High Seas Rally
26
REPORTS
Leather Lid Inserts
37
Leather, Love & Freedom
37
Metalsport Wheels
IBC
Mid USA Motorcycle Parts
9
Motorcycle Law Group
30
ON THE COVER
Progressive Insurance
3
John Shope’s Dirty Bird Concepts Dirtytail Custom Super Surprise
ProRider Ken Anderson
6
Tom McGrath’s Law Group
30
Toys Wanted
37
Wife Swap-Now Casting
37
COLUMNS
32
Womens World - The Dragon Nefarious James - Ride Your Own Christian Motorcycle Association
Movie Review - Mini Skirt Mob Matt Danielson - GPS Spying On You
Reader’s Ride - Vicki Sanfelipo
23
AAA IFC
8 27 40
29 31
38
Photos by John Covington Model Chelsea Skinner
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888-795-5779 Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996.
ISSUE #93
BORN TO RIDE Magazine
PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509
Letter from the Editor
PUBLISHER
Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com
DAVE NICHOLS
CO PUBLISHER
Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com
EDITOR
FROM THE HELM
Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
THE RIGHTEOUS WORLD OF MOTORCYCLES
ART DIRECTOR
Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erick Runyon
ART DEPARTMENT
Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller, Beatnik Steve Werner art@borntoride.com
WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA Juan Guzman
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com
MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST Jared Hartman, Craig Miller Jasper Harris
SALES & MARKETING 888-795-5779
ROAD CREW
Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike, Mr. Clean
SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds
ON THE ROAD TEAM
The John & Heather Show
CONTRIBUTORS
JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray, James Gladstone Greg Blackwell
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller
LAW FIRM
Rubenstein Law 1-800-FL-LEGAL BORN TO RIDE OFFICE 888-795-5779
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HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
We are so blessed. Anyone who rides a motorcycle is blessed to enjoy the thrills found on two wheels and the comradery found in the brotherhood and sisterhood of being part of the biker family. Born To Ride is your one-stop shop for everything to keep you in touch with that family of gearheads and moto maniacs. This issue’s cover story tells the tale of the world’s best boss – John Shope of Dirty Bird Concepts out of Arizona. John transformed a faithful employee’s stock Softail into an amazing custom Dirtytail and then gave it to him as a Christmas Bonus. Check out the whole story right here and watch the video on Born To Ride TV.
Then join gallant lady riders as Women’s World rides the tail of the Dragon; a twisty road journey you won’t want to miss. We’ll also bring you a killer old school chopper known as the Glam Fairy built by Eric Allard and Josh Brennan of F&A Custom Cycles out of Lakeland, Florida as our lensman Erick Runyon captures this epic chop job and the lovely Angela along with Roscoe himself of Roscoe’s Chili Challenge. If that’s not enough, get a great Tech Tip from John Sullivan, Nefarious James reminds us to ride our own rides, Miranda Young of Ghost Biker Explorations shows us the paranormal side of riding (more from this Tennessee ghost hunter soon), and you’ll get a biker movie review of “The Mini Skirt Mob” by Phantom. What’s your favorite biker flick? Join the Born To Ride Group on Facebook and let us know! Become a member and share the passion of the road with over 200,000 fellow riders per week! You’ll find
events, photos, stories, trips, rides, babes and a whole lot more. Share it, watch it, be part of it with Born To Ride online.
Speaking of, have you tuned into the Born To Ride Live streaming video show on Facebook, YouTube and Choppertown? Catch Dave “Flashman” Morgan and yours truly every Tuesday night at 7pm EST for absolutely everything you love in the motorcycle world. Then catch up with Fester Jenkins, Mama Dukes, Ron and Deb Galletti on Boss Hogg Radio every Thursday night at 7pm EST. You’ll find both shows on Facebook.
Our Reader’s Ride this month belongs to Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Famer and Accident Scene Management founder Vicki “Spitfire” Sanfelipo and her 1993 Harley Fatboy named “Trigger”. Think your bike has the right stuff to be seen on these glorious pages? Send photos of you and your ride to me at editor@borntoride.com. Who knows, you might just see your smilin’ mug right here in the world’s best biker magazine (in both print and digital), Born To Ride. Check all this and more out at www.borntoride.com. Last, but far from least this month, we want to welcome our new national advertisers Mid-USA, suppliers of the best parts from A to Z for your scooter, and Metalsport Wheels, offering the amazing 3D wheels that are rocking the motorized universe. Welcome to the family. We are proud and grateful to be your connection to the lifestyle we live. WE ARE… Born To Ride!
— Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
You’re riding your motorcycle to work just after sunrise, traveling down a typical suburban street lined with car-filled driveways. As you approach one of these driveways a car begins to move and backs out directly into your path. You brake hard and come to a stop just inches away from its rear bumper. Strategy: Given the hour of day and the type of neighborhood, you could have expected to encounter at least a few drivers backing out of their driveways and heading off to work. Other clues include drivers getting into their cars as you approach, or a tell-tale puff of exhaust warning you that the car has been started and is preparing to leave. Watch for brake lights and backup lights, too. If you observe any of the above warning signs, take the following precautions: Slow your pace and prepare to stop, if necessary. Keep your eyes up and cover the front brake lever and rear brake pedal. Stabilize your speed so that if the car does begin to move out into your path, you have sufficient space to stop. If there isn’t room or time to slow to a stop, scan for an escape route to swerve into. If there is no oncoming traffic, swerve to the left; if this route isn’t available, consider swerving to the right.
For more information go to www.msf-usa.org
Women’s World RIDING THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON
Sam Nabb of Wilmington, Delaware works in bookkeeping and accounting for a FlameTech® store that her brother manages. That’s where she met Wayne who installs fireplaces. It wasn’t long before they started dating and eventually married. One weekend while on vacation in Virginia, Sam and Wayne rented scooters to ride around the town. They had a blast! Sam (short for Sandee) had never ridden a scooter or motorcycle before, and Wayne hadn’t ridden since he was a kid. Back at home, they decided to look at scooters since they’d had so much fun. They came home from the store with matching Yamaha
see a woman riding and are encouraging. Sam and Wayne love to ride and have taken several motorcycle vacations. The first was to Pennsylvania for a weekend where they saw many covered bridges. On another, they rode 10 hours to Niagara Falls. They love to ride the long, twisty backroads. When they married in Colorado in 2017, they rented a trike and toured around together. While riding on the back allowed her to enjoy the scenery and take pictures, Sam didn’t like being a passenger. Earlier
as she maneuvered the dips and angles. Leaning right, then immediately leaning left. According to TailOfTheDragon.com this road, which begins at Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, is 318 curves in an 11-mile stretch of highway US 129. It’s one of the most popular places in the country for sports cars and motorcycles. Every curve is different on this unique section of highway. The tight turns and steep ‘S” curves make it a totally thrilling ride. The Dragon has been featured in several movies including “The Fugitive” and “Two-Lane Blacktop.” “It was amazing!” Sam said. She couldn’t wait until she got home to let her brother know that she’d ridden the Tail of The
Virago 250s. From January through May they practiced riding around the neighborhood. In May they took the MFS class which was both eye-opening and fun. After putting 4,000 miles on the 250s they traded up for Harley Sportsters. A few months later she had an accident and totaled the bike, but she walked away with only bruises. Within a few months, they both got H-D Street Glide Specials. Since she’s only 5’ 2” she had hers lowered to better fit her size. Sometimes someone will comment on what a big bike that is for such a small woman. Overall people seem impressed to
this year they took a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and enjoyed riding the curvy mountain roads. Sam’s brothers both ride and one of them told her and Wayne about the Tail of the Dragon in the Smokey Mountains. The GPS said they were about twenty minutes away from the Tail of the Dragon when she saw a sign. “CAUTION MOTORCYCLES: High Crash Area next 11 miles.” She knew this was it. With hearts pumping and adrenaline racing, they started on The Dragon. “Oh, my Goodness!” Sam thought. “My God, what am I doing?” she asked herself
Dragon! “He can’t stop saying how happy he is!” she said. Happy that she and Wayne got to experience that exhilarating ride. (Maybe secretly just happy they both survived it!) Sam has two adult children. Her son rides a Sportster. Her daughter hasn’t shown any interest in riding but seems very proud of her Mom riding. Sam and Wayne plan to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary by going back to Colorado. This time rather than flying and renting bikes; they’ll ride across the country on their own motorcycles. In the meantime, they’ll enjoy riding any chance they get!
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Myra McElhaney
If you or someone you know has a unique story contact Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com.
SE I R P R U S R E P U S S E V GI S S O B T S E B S D L R O W Hot on the heels of his success at creating oneof-a-kind custom baggers at Dirty Bird Concepts in Phoenix, Arizona, motorcycle mastermind John Shope came up with the next great idea: the Dirtytail. These Softail-based customs not only look incredible, they do the one thing that no stock Softail has ever done, namely, offer decent handling. “These bikes are something I’m very proud of,” John says. “They are comfortable and handle really well.” The Dirtytails can convert the entire Softail line, From Evos to M-8’s, into the motorcycle of your dreams. And they can be designed in a variety of looks, from lowriders that are a nod to the Cholo bikes seen in East L.A., to pavement pounding racers, to wide tire moto-mavericks, even to old school chop jobs with panhead covers and spoked wheels. All marry the love of Shovelhead FLH bikes that included rear shocks rather than a Softail swingarm for a low, lean look. And did we mention they ride and handle great? With over a million Softails on the road today, John Shope has the answer for turning your tired stocker into a head-turning temptress. Any Softail can become a Dirtytail. The bike you are drooling at here was the very first Evo-powered Dirtytail that John built. But there’s more to this story. Y’see, John has an employee who has consistently gone above and beyond to help John and the company to flourish. Rob Martinez has been with John for over eight years, and chances are, if you’ve called Dirty Bird Concepts, Rob is the guy who answered the phone and got you handled. Anyway, Rob bought a 1999 Harley Heritage Softail with just 5,000 miles on the clock with the hopes of turning it into a Dirtytail someday. He even had a photo of a candy apple red paintjob that he was dreaming about. Rob bragged that he would have the stock Softail converted into a Dirtytail in just two months. Shope said it would take at least a year. “I told him that bike would look exactly the same a year later,” John recalls. “Six months later, Rob hadn’t done shit to it and I called him on it. He said that he would have the bike finished as soon as he got back from vacation.”
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PHOTOS JOHN COVINGTON
That’s when John Shope formed a plan to give his employee the world’s best Christmas Bonus. While Rob was away on vacation, John and the crew went over to Rob’s apartment and loaded up the stock Heritage right out of the parking lot. The would-be repo men took the scooter to the shop and tore it down. One look at the old Evo made John think of a name for it, “Rob’s Rusty Roach.” The Dirty Bird team had six weeks to turn the sow’s ear into a gold purse. They even toyed with the idea of presenting Rob with a fake bill for fifteen grand as payback for all their hard work. The Softail swingarm was exchanged for a Dirtytail unit with rear shocks and air ride. The neck was cut to accept a Dirtytail 26-inch neck and raked triple trees for better handling. Meanwhile, Dirty Bird’s paint wizard, Manny, created a mindblowing candy apple red paint scheme with badass graphics for the tanks, fenders and nacelle.
Guy’s Upholstery handled the sweet solo seat and the wild wheels came from SMT including that 26-incher up front. John went for an open beltdrive and upswept dual fishtail pipes for killer old school looks and internally wired apehangers to give the Dirtytail even more attitude.
When Rob got back from his vacation, John had him come straight to the shop from the airport. The world’s best boss was standing right next to the Evo Dirtytail and the conversation went like this:
John – “That’s your bike.” Rob – “No, it’s not.” John – “Dude, that is your bike!” Rob – “No, it’s not! No way!” John – “That’s your Christmas Bonus.” Rob – “For real?”
For real, Rob. That’s what happens when you have the world’s best boss. To see the entire video of how this Dirtytail came to be, check out youtu. be/L3jxGeBPjuA. For info on John Shope’s parts, products, swag and custom bikes, visit www. dirtybirdconcepts.com or call 623-465-5263. And watch John play the bad guy in the new biker film “Rough Boys”, coming next year.
— Dave Nichols
Born To Ride Magazine, real editorial content for you the reader every month
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PHOTOS JOHN COVINGTON | MODEL CHELSEA SKINNER
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PHOTOS JOHN COVINGTON | MODEL CHELSEA SKINNER
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PHOTOS JOHN COVINGTON | MODEL CHELSEA SKINNER
PHOTOS ERICK RUNYON
There are few Choppers in the Industry that are immediately recognizable and have achieved almost a cult following. That one custom build that draws a crowd at every event and keeps people talking for days, or even weeks after seeing it. One such legendary build is located deep in the heart of Lakeland, Florida. Meet the ‘Glam Fairy’, built by Eric Allard of FNA Custom Cycles and Josh Brennan of Fat American Choppers. . The origin of the ‘Glam Fairy’ goes all the way back to 2010 when Josh Kurpius posted a video called ‘Japan Does it Right’ on a blog called The Kemosabe and the Lodge. The video featured a collection of extreme Japanese Chopper Builders and riders. One of those bikes, a pink chopper built by Yellow Motorcycle grabbed Eric’s attention. After showing the video to his buddy Josh Brennan, they were inspired to take on their own new, wildly creative build. The idea all along was to build something that looked completely unrideable,but in reality has good geometry and handles well. The build is based around a 1965 Harley Davidson Ironhead power plant, but just like every detail on the bike, it’s far from a ‘stock’ motor If you look closely, you’ll notice that the motor consist of two front heads, with the rear one turned around 180 degrees to get a clean intake area to run a clean dual carb set-up. The dual carb set up, which are as equally unique as the heads, are ‘ICT34’ Weber downdraft carbs and.can be found in any Volkswagen aftermarket parts catalog. The bike’s unique paint was beautifully laid out by Travis Antonio. With an impressive profile, the chopper almost disappears when seen from from the front or back. As you see the exhaust is fitted within the frame, you’ll notice more painstaking details were taken to keep the bike compact and narrow. Throw in a rear tail light made from a vintage french-fry cutter and a kick pedal with a unicorn engraved into it and you have yourself a bike that truly sets itself apart from all others.
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MODEL: ANGELA
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Did you know that three out of every four Americans believe in ghosts and the paranormal? It’s true. Miranda Young, also known as the Ghost Biker, knows this better than most. Miranda has always been interested in the paranormal for as long as she can remember. As a child, you could find her in the library reading books about ghosts and folklore. Miranda began investigating with a ghost research team in 2013 and continued with them until 2018. Her role on the team consisted of being the photo analyst, video/ audio evidence producer and marketing specialist, as well as investigator. While fully involved with the team, she
found that in her spare time, she was traveling and exploring a great deal on her own. She would often take photos of these locations and share them on her Facebook page. These photos started to get a lot of attention and people began messaging her and asking what the stories were behind these images. This is how Ghost Biker Explorations and her Youtube channel was born. Because Miranda is out on her bike taking photos every chance she gets and doing little investigations, she thought why not chronicle these adventures through video? Miranda loves investigating the big locations, but through this project, she discovered that every little town
has a ghost story or two that the citizens have heard all their lives, or an abandoned location that they drive by every day. Her goal is to visit these towns, spotlight the areas, tell the stories and either investigate the location or explore it. Born To Ride magazine sat down with avid motorcyclist and artist Miranda Young recently to find out more on her exploits in the ghostly realm. “I started riding over 11 years ago and it had always been a dream of mine. My first bike was a 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan that I rode for 8 months. From the Vulcan, I bought the 883 Harley-Davidson Sportster that I currently ride. Miranda has been all over America, finding
the perfect ride linked with superb history in the towns that she visits, “I’ve ridden all over the country,” Miranda says. “I ride the Sportster in my web series - Ghost Biker Explorations.” Miranda does something that I have been a follower of for years – paranormal investigations! “I’ve always had an interest in the paranormal. I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and spent a lot of time with my grandmother. She and my dad instilled the importance of storytelling. My grandmother would tell me stories about ghosts that lived in the Appalachian Mountains. That intrigued me. I enjoyed spending time in the library researching the paranormal and the locations where some of these fascinating stories took place.”
Miranda has taken this passion and turned it into a well-followed and successful web series. “Ten years ago, I was approached by a guy I used to work with. My background is in photography and he had some photos that they had taken on one of their ghost-thunting adventures. He wanted me to look at the photos and try to debunk items within it. Afterwards, I was invited to attend an investigation with them. We got some great evidence! Eventually, I was invited to join the team. I was with them for eight years, photoanalyzing, creating their videos, building their brands and social media presence, etc. I would often ride my bike to the closer locations and found that when not investigating with the team, I would take off on my bike and visit locations by myself.”
Miranda got the bug to practice her paranormal research on her own. “I was taking pictures and documenting these travels on my social media pages. Several people approached me about my pictures and the posts I was putting on my social media platforms.” Miranda was encouraged to document these visits on video by a colleague that she worked with. She put together a marketing & production plan to produce these episodes and began visiting locations and telling the history of them. Her hard work paid off. Miranda explained, “The first season of Ghost Biker Explorations was a huge success! People wanted to see more of the travel and more of the motorcycle. That grew into motor vlogs and historical & paranormal travel
logs. For me, combining the two passions together created something unique and fun to do. People were able to find out about locations in their own hometown. As a biker I really enjoyed finding locations that were fun to travel to and that had some rich history to share as well. Miranda has found some really interesting places to ride as well as highlight her paranormal investigations. “We advertised this fun bike night/ride to a historic general store. The general store is located in an historic as well as beautifully scenic
“ MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD TELL ME STORIES ABOUT GHOSTS THAT LIVED IN THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS, THAT INTRIQUED ME .” area. We were hoping to get 25 bikes on the ride. When we got to the meeting location, there were over 100.” The bike night was a huge success and she got a lot of positive feedback from the event. People even asked her to come to their communities and host a haunted/historic bike ride because everyone had such a great time. “History and preservation are so important to me. We wanted to create a bike ride, coupled with a bike event to draw attention to this general store. I actually went in and mapped out a cool route with great history and dubbed it, “A Haunting Ride with Ghost Biker Explorations.”
Along with her talents as a paranormal investigator, Miranda is an outstanding artist. “I have had the opportunity to visit a lot of historic locations and I like to draw them because I feel it’s a unique way to preserve their history through art. That’s also how I fund my travels and web series. The interest in these historic drawings has led to an increase in requests for me to draw portraits as well as custom motorcycles.” Anyone interested in reaching Miranda for a custom motorcycle drawing or portrait, can contact her through her website at ghostbikerexplorations.com or by email at ghostbikerexplorations@gmail.com.
To check out more of Miranda’s paranormal videos, check out her Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/GhostBikerExplorations/ and her YouTube channel Ghost Biker Explorations. The videos are exceptional and very professionally done. Watch for more of Miranda’s adventure on Born To Ride TV. — Susan Hurst
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RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE Well, October is upon us and thank goodness for that. It means 2020 is going to come to an end soon. Not soon enough if you ask me. Along with October comes Halloween and maybe Biketoberfest. Love Halloween. This year everyone has a costume. Just don’t wear a mask. Bad joke I know, but it seems appropriate. With that said, I want to comment on the goings on I’ve been seeing lately. There are way too many accidents/ incidents involving motorcycles and even worse with fatalities. Snow birds are starting to flock our way and it’s that time of year to be hyper vigilant about their poor driving habits. Let’s keep in mind with today’s mentality of not caring for our fellow man or woman; we can’t take for granted that they are going to be paying attention to us on the road. In fact, I can almost guarantee that seeing an election sign or a palm tree will take precedent over watching for a motorcyclist. We can combine both the Halloween spirit and the snowbird mentality and all dress up for the holiday by dressing up as palm trees. Maybe they will see us then. But in all seriousness, we have to take it in our own hands to make sure
we stay safe out there. We need to look twice and not take for granted that these drivers are going to pay attention. Driving defensively is not enough. We have to take an offensive stance. I’m not saying offensive as in giving them the finger, although we do that too, but in the way of putting us in a safer
"AND REMEMBER YOU ARE ON A MOTORCYCLE, NOT DRIVING A TANK. BRake CHECKING A CAR IS ONE OF THE DUMBEST THINGS I SEE OUT THERE ON THE ROAD." position while on the road. Don’t get bunched up in traffic. Make sure you have room to maneuver and things like that. Think tactically. And no, tactically doesn’t mean you should pull your gun. In this case it means put yourself in the best position for self preservation. Your best way to survive out there is for you to pay attention more to them
than they do to you. As horrific as it is to see all those sunscreen wearing faces in plaid shorts and Hawaiian shirts, you’re going to have to muster through it. And remember, you are on a motorcycle, not driving a tank. Brake checking a car is one of the dumbest things I see out there on the road. Do you really think everyone is going to hit their brakes because you brake check them on your bike? All I can say about that is you risk spending the afterlife as a real crappy hood ornament. Keep that in mind. In this case, size matters (and when doesn’t it? Right ladies?). I guess what I’m trying to say is we, as bikers, need to take care of ourselves out there. Keep your senses sharp. Pay attention to your surroundings. Ride within your capabilities. Ride your own ride. What I mean by that is, stay in your comfort zone. More experienced riders do what they do but their skill level may be a bit better than yours due to experience. Ride your own ride. I know this sounds a bit like a sermon but it needs to be said. Be safe out there. Enjoy those motorcycles and hopefully I’ll see y’all out there NEFARIOUS JAMES AMERICAN BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 27
This month Born To Ride reviews the Mini-Skirt Mob, another in a series of horrible old biker films for your entertainment. In some cases “the older the more horrible” comes to mind when dealing with these movies. This one was produced in 1968, and rates right (down) there with the best of the worst! The plot bears more than a few similarities to Satan’s Sadists (which I have previously reviewed for BTR). In this case, it’s Shayne, the psychotic female leader of The “Mini Skirts” played by Diane McBain and her hair-do, stalking the innocent young couple along with her ‘gang’ members. It seems that “Jeff” the man she’s after used to be “her guy,” but he got wise, dumped his rodeo/biker buddies and married some hot brunette girl from the local bank. This in my opinion was a weird mix. The connection involving ‘biker’ girls and rodeo guys never seemed to materialize. It looked more like a ‘hippie’ flick than a poorly made biker film. Anyway, here’s my best
shot at explaining the plot. … Just as Jeff, was preparing apply the pork to his new bride “Connie” all his old pals and the “Mini-Skirts” arrive at his camper trailer to party. This of course leads to a major fistfight, where Jeff and his new bride suffer the worst of the melee. Later Shayne the maniacal jilted blonde (and her hair-do) convinces the other ne’er-do-wells to hang around with her, and continue to torture Jeff and Connie. As they chase them up a mountain road Jeff swerves and runs “LG” off the road crashing his motorcycle into a deep chasm. They return to find him dead, and decide to leave, but some boy scouts see all the action. The cops come later, and haul LG off. (You don’t see too much of the cops in this one oddly. ...) Later on, the gang finds Jeff and Connie camped out, and a couple of the guys rough Connie up while Jeff is out walking around. More psycho-babble from Shayne leads the gang to keep the couple trapped in the trailer with a rifle. That only works for a while, as Jeff tries to rig something up with the propane bottle, and the stove in the camper. As usual in these films one of the members turns on the other. In this case it’s Shayne’s sister, who wants to release Jeff and his bride and return to town. She knocks one of the rodeo rednecks out, and hatches a plan with Jeff and Connie. As she dons Connie’s clothes, the couple escapes while she fires at the gang from inside the trailer. The gang retaliates with Molotov cocktails, leading to one of the ubiquitous gags where a stunt man wears a fire suit and runs around the desert while flaming away. Anyhow, I’m not sure where the beer (or the empty bottles) originally came from, but the blast from the exploding propane kills Shayne’s sister. In the end two of the gang chase Jeff and Connie through the desert, and Shayne’s motorcycle slips on the edge of a ravine and crashes down several hundred feet. Shayne is holding on to the edge for dear life and begs Connie to save her. Connie grasps Shayne’s hand but well you know … she kinda lets go as Jeff approaches, and the couple watches as Shayne tumbles to her death. As typical in these old reels, most of the actors were totally unconvincing. I found myself thinking- these aren’t real bikers or rodeo dudes! These are simply bourgeois B-movie Hollywood types earning a living at ruining their future careers. I think that during most of the viewings however. Biker exploitation? No. Waste of good Mylar? Probably. You watch it and decide for yourself. I can only recommend this piece if you have a burning desire to see hot Sixties chicks in mini-skirts, go-go boots and huge hair. I did like the old Honda and Triumph motorcycles, and of course since there was Budweiser, (still not sure where it came from) it got one star. It runs 82 minutes, is available on DVD from MGM’s ‘Midnight Movies’ series, and I can only (in my right mind) give it 2 stars because there was a glaring lack of nudity. (The second star appears because I LOVE cat-fights!) So grab a Bud and some popcorn, and we’ll see ya next month!
Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: info@borntoride.com
— THE PHANTOM MOVIE REVIEWER
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 29
Your GPS May be Spying on You By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group
Beware. Your GPS may be collecting evidence against you. More and more motorcyclists today are using GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to plan trips, get directions and keep track of miles traveled. However, keep in mind that if you are in a motorcycle accident, you may be collecting evidence that could be used against you in both a criminal and civil trial. Most GPS systems allow you to keep track of your speed. As such, they can be used as evidence in court. I have come across jurisdictions which, at the scene of an accident when speed is a question, will seize a crash victim’s GPS, get a search warrant, and download the information
pertaining to speed. Such action does more than subject the crash victim to a speeding ticket. It can, if the injured party was speeding, put their ability to collect damages for their injuries at risk. That means, if the party who injures you can show that you were in some way at fault in causing the accident, then depending on which state you were injured in, your claim can be reduced, or outright denied. Keep in mind that I am in no way suggesting that you should not use a GPS on your motorcycle. I am merely suggesting that if you do, keep in mind that depending on the system and how you use it, you could be collecting evidence that could
eventually be used by a party that injures you to avoid paying for the injuries they caused. If you have any further questions or comments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a motorcyclist, please do not hesitate to contact me. Matt Danielson McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller The Motorcycle Law Group
Matt Danielson is a partner at the Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law firm whose attorneys all ride motorcycles and represent clients in GA, VA, WV, NC and SC. He also serves as a lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with motorcycle rights organizations throughout the country.
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 31
Inside the Harley Milwaukee FINALLY, A BETTER OILING SYSTEM If Harley’s Twin-Cam powered bikes had an Achilles heel, it was the motor’s oiling system. During the twenty some years that it was produced, a lot of people looked into and worked on this problem. Most of the attention was directed at the oil pump, its pressure relief valve and the mounting plate. Harley’s Screamin’ Eagle performance division, and more than a couple of aftermarket companies, developed hi-volume oil pumps and hi-flow cam plates that featured adjustable oil pressure regulator valves, other companies came up with regulator valve modification kits, some of which worked, while others didn’t. In designing the Milwaukee-8 motor, Harley took a very long look at the Twin-Cam’s oiling system and came up with three changes to improve the new motors’ oil system. The first change was moving the oil pressure regulating valve to the oil pump housing. The second change involves the pressure regulator piston; it now has a step, instead of a taper on its closed end. The outer edge of the step is of a larger diameter than the hole in the oil pump’s bypass port, which makes a much more secure closure of the bypass port. The third change is in the actual oil pump itself; like the oil pump used in Twin-Cam motors, the Milwaukee-8’s oil pump is a double gyrotor system: a pressure pump and a scavenge pump. But the new oil pump is fitted with much larger diameter gyrotor assemblies, which increases the pumps’ volume. The scavenge pump’s gyrotor is also about 50% thicker than the pressure gyrotor. This increases the volume of oil that can be removed from the crankcase.
THE THUNDERHEADER SYSTEM NOT ONLY GAVE THIS LOW RIDER S A GREAT LOOK AND SOUND, IT REALLY WOKE UP THOSE 110-INCHES OF SCREAMIN’ EAGLE V-TWIN.
So, if you want a good reason to make the switch to a Milwaukee-8 powered bike, we just gave you three. Sources: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Harley-Davidson.com
BTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM
- John Sullivan THE CAM PLATE IS SECURED WITH SIX ALLEN HEAD BOLTS AND THE OIL PUMP IS ATTACHED TO THE CAM PLATE WITH FOUR ALLEN HEAD BOLTS. THIS CAM PLATE IS PRESSURE DIE-CAST. IT FEATURES INTEGRAL BEARINGS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT. TO PULL THE CAM PLATE, YOU MUST REMOVE ALL TEN OF THESE BOLTS. THE OIL PUMPS WILL STAY MOUNTED ON THE RIGHT END OF THE CRANKSHAFT.
- 8 Big -Twin
THIS EXPOSES THE INNER CAM CHEST, THE CAMSHAFT AND THE OIL PUMPS. SO HERE’S THE BIG DIFFERENCE: THE NEW MOTORS USE A SINGLE CAMSHAFT, WHICH, IS NOW DRIVEN DIRECTLY FROM THE CRANKSHAFT BY A HYDRAULICALLY TENSIONED CHAIN.
THE MILWAUKEE-8’S OILING SYSTEM CONSISTS OF A PAIR OF GYROTOR OIL PUMPS, THE PUMP HOUSING, ITS BACK PLATE AND A PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE. THE PRESSURE SIDE OF THE OIL PUMP (SHOWN) USES A TEN-LOBE GYROTOR PUMP THAT FITS INSIDE OF THE OIL PUMP HOUSING.
THE PRESSURE REGULATOR PISTON SEALS AGAINST A PORT ON THE INSIDE OF THE OIL PUMP HOUSING. THE OIL PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE CONSISTS OF A STEEL PISTON, WHICH HAS A STEP ON ITS HEAD, A COMPRESSION SPRING AND A SPLIT PIN THAT HOLDS THEM INSIDE OF THE CAM PLATE.
THIS IS A COMPARISON OF THE PRESSURE SIDE GYROTOR ASSEMBLIES OF THE TWIN-CAM MOTOR, LEFT, AND THE MILWAUKEE-8 MOTOR, RIGHT. THE MILWAUKEE-8’S LARGER GYROTOR ASSEMBLY SHOULD ABOUT DOUBLE ITS OIL VOLUME TO THE MOTOR’S INTERNAL PARTS.
If you have a Tech Tip you would like to see, let us know at editor@borntoride.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 33
THE TANK WHISPERER MAKES YOUR OLD TANKS LAST FOREVER
The heart and soul of your bike is the fuel tank. Originally, the tank was new and clean, but over the years that all has changed. If you are tired of cleaning carburetors or think you need a new tank because yours is too rusty or it leaks, I have the solution. We clean tanks and preserve the metal – even permanently stop leaks! The highgrade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners. We have a fast turnaround time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week.
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HALL OF FAMER VICKI “SPITFIRE” SANFELIPO AND TRIGGER, HER 1993 HARLEY SOFTAIL
Accident Scene Management founder, Vicki “Spitfire” Sanfelipo, was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in August of 2020. Known as “Spitfire” by her friends, Vicki certainly lives up to that moniker. Ever since starting to ride motorcycles in the late 1980s, she’s been a bundle of energy. The single parent raised three young daughters and became a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin, finally settling in the surgery department. In 1987 Vicki bought her first motorcycle and then in 1995, she joined the Governor’s Motorcycle tours as the only female Road Captain and ride nurse. Shortly after, she attended a workshop presented by “Slider Gilmore” entitled Two Wheel Trauma. Gilmore, an EMT in Iowa, lectured on how to treat injured motorcyclists before professional help arrived.
Vicki’s every day ride is “Trigger”, her customized 1993 Harley that started life as a Fatboy. The only original parts left are the Energized by Gilmore’s presentation, and with his blessing, Vicki frame, transmission and rear wheel. The motor is an S&S 100ci authored a program she named Accident Scene Management 4x4 with a 585 cam and S&S shorty “E” carb as well as a (ASM), and along with three fellow nurses from Wausau Hospital, Crane single fire ignition. began teaching a “hands-on” class to riders in Wisconsin. The Other details include Indian Larry rotors and GMA brakes up Wisconsin Department of Transportation learned of her efforts and front, a Springer front end and LED headlight, Chubby beach supported her in presenting more classes for anyone interested. bars and a custom seat by Leather and Lead. The pipes are Her devotion to education and saving lives led Vicki to leave White Brother Porker upsweeps and Trigger’s Taildragger rear her nursing career and devote her time as a volunteer director, fender includes a Tombstone taillight and a full “real” horse tail. educator and instructor trainer for ASM. Today, with instructors The custom paint is by TS Customs and the graphic on the gas in states across the U.S. and in other countries, thousands of tanks says it all. Ride forever, Spitfire! students have been trained in roadside assistance at motorcycle — Chopper Daddy Dave crashes. BTR 38 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Send photos and information of you and your motorcycle to editor@borntoride.com
C-3PO READS IT!
RONNIE and EMILY’S
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION It’s important to remember to take a moment before a ride to make sure you have considered the anticipated challenges that can pop up. You want to call on that planning time as a way to prepare for the ride itself. Just like taking a moment to get out of bed in the morning, so should a moment be taken prior to any ride. That way you can make sure that both you and the bike are ready for an adventure. That will help you ride with confidence and excitement. Another approach, as you prepare for a ride, is to spend a few minutes alone with the bike and give it a thorough inspection. Just like reviewing the ride route, you want the bike to run well and keep you safe from a breakdown. It is amazing what potential problems can be revealed in just a few short minutes of focused examination. Such a checkup can also help point out maintenance issues before they become dangerous. I like to take time to visualize the way I want the ride to go. You can also continue that review, even after the ride is underway. Often I have found such a review will lead to a successful ride and happier fellow riders. If one is serving as the Road Captain on a particular ride, it only takes few minutes, in advance, to print out a ride plan so the riders know where
BTR 40 | BORNTORIDE.COM
to go should they be separated from the group. That form of communication is of great benefit to the riders in a group, and it removes a situation by which a rider can get lost from the others. Finally, when the ride is done, take time to think about and review how it went. What went well, and what could be improved for the next outing? Take a few moments to see how the ride was received, and if the route and scenery were pleasing. Did you hit any really bad roads, and are you going to make notes in an appropriate file? Were the vendors friendly and did they make an effort to make the riders feel welcome? Did the shops where you stopped for refreshments communicate their pleasure in serving your group and make you feel welcome to visit them again? In the Bible, in Ephesians 6:18, it says, “Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you want.” Just as we are encouraged to communicate with ourselves and others, we are challenged to hear the Spirit. One of the great benefits in praying in that way is when we receive those wonderful answers. Best of all is the fact that praying brings you closer to God and His love for you. So pray at all times with all kinds of prayers and all kinds of needs and desires. God loves you and wants the very best for you, so talk with Him today. In the Wind, Denny Dingler
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