Cycle Source Magazine- Issue 300 JUNE 2023

EDITORIAL OFFICE

The Cycle Source Magazine

118 Dellenbaugh Road Tarentum, PA 15084

For Any Questions Or Comments Please Call 724-226-2867 or e-mail cyclesourcemain@comcast.net

EDITORIAL STAFF

Christopher Callen - Editor In Chief - cyclesource69@comcast.net

Heather Callen - Managing Editor - cyclesourcemain@comcast.net

Kevin Baxter- Tech Editor - Kevin@baxtersgarage.com

Milwaukee Mike - Mid-West Editor - neanderthalneon@hotmail.com

Roadside Marty - South East Editor - roadsidemd@bellsouth.net

Keith “Bandit” Ball - News Editor - bandit@bikernet.com

STAFF WRITERS

Chris Callen, Milwaukee Mike, Jack Schit, Pat Jansen, Xavier Muriel, Charlie Weisel, Mitch Bodine, Amelia Rose, Daniel Donley, Joshua Elzey, Roadside Marty, Heather Callen, Melissa DeBord, Troy Bensinger, Matt Reel, Jason Mook

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Callen, Heather Callen, Mad Stork Ken, Twila Knight, Melissa DeBord, Deb Fitch

CONTRIBUTORS

Jason Hallman, Mark Fountain, Leah Whaley

STAFF ARTISTS

Chris Callen

ADVERTISING

Heather Callen- Sales Manager - cyclesourcemain@comcast.net

GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Chris Callen, Heather Callen

DISTRIBUTION

Comag 5230 Finch Ave. E., Ste. 1, Toronto, ON, M1S 4Z9

Cycle Source - Dealership Direct Distribution 724-226-2867

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Heather Callen - 724-226-2867

COPY EDITOR

Judy Duggan

LEGAL COUNSEL

James L. Paz Attorney at Law - Tarentum, PA - 724-226-9PAZ

For Any Subscription Questions Call 724-226-2867

The Cycle Source Magazine® (ISSN 1935-0287) is published 10 times a

Rick Bray's bikes are showstoppers but it seems like every bike Bray builds is better than the one before it. Rick continuously pushes himself to make sure that he thinks just outside of the box, all while making sure they ride as good as they look. For those reasons and more we are thrilled to have StarDust on our 300th cover.

‘23

it’s funny. I can remember the day we worked on our first issue, hell I can remember the day I worked on my first motorcycle, both like they were yesterday. Still, when I hear some of the cats on the street talk about “Back in the day” and how certain items qualify someone or something as the real deal, it makes me wonder. Maybe because the issue you hold in your hands right now marks the 300th time we have battled everything to bring our past 30-day look at the world of motorcycling to the newsstands, but my alignment of ideals starts to change how seriously that comment should be taken, the real deal. Is it relative, or is there a solid single truth that defines what is real and what is not?

Now, coming up, I was surrounded by men who were the real deal. I knew it, and as far as I can remember, they never said it. Some of them were badasses and would fight if you pushed them, but that wasn’t the thing that made them the genuine article. Others were talented in the garage and could figure out any problem with any vehicle and how to operate any tool you put in front of them, but that wasn’t a determining factor either. No, in fact, as I searched over my scattered memories about them, I was only able to identify one basic theme they all shared; they were good, honest people who worked hard, played hard, and took care o their families. Now, in the sleepy little towns around Pittsburgh, that is a

mouthful, as this has always been an area of financial depression. So to say that taking care of families and each other was ever easy, it was not. Still, they did it, and many have gone on as nameless, faceless participants in our community. Many times, their resilience when it came to day-to-day life was the very thing that gave them talents in the garage and, conversely, the ability to stand up for themselves in a fight. Yeah, this was a tough place to grow up in some ways, and I’m damn glad of it.

You see, for almost as long as there has been civilization, we have instituted tests to prepare us for life. Would we be strong enough to walk in the footsteps of our fathers? Well, it depended on those around us holding us accountable to pull our own weight. Yeah, you hear all kinds of cliche phrases today that identify these sentiments, but do you still see the actions that back them up? When you look around your circle, do you see the kind of people that you know do not quit? Those who can face diversity with a firm brow and roll up their sleeves to get things done. And please understand, I’m not talking about things like getting a build done for a show, while that is a very important part of my list of credentials, but things like jumping into action when a neighbor has a problem, their community is in need or to stand up for those who can’t do it for themselves. If not, and I wish the world we live in made this an exception, but maybe you need to either change your circle

or, in fact, need to speak up. That silent objection method has done nothing for us, and shooting your mouth off on social media is a false replacement at best. No, instead of spouting venomous opinions to gain more likes, why not step in and see what you can do to help prop your community back up or possibly enact change.

So the next time you are out with the crew, doing the things we do, take a look around and ask yourself some of these questions. It may require you to have a more profound appreciation for what is the real deal. As for Cycle Source, I learned early on, from way smarter and way stronger people than I may ever be, that nothing gives the impression of being genuine more than saying what you believe and then doing it. Well, for 300 issues now, mostly in a row other than the changes imposed by COVID, we have started out as a magazine for the people, by the people. Immune to the corporate whims of the motorcycle business and driven by the many great qualities and talents contained within this community. YOU have given us the great gift of doing this good work, and we thank you for it. Now, let’s get this one read. We are already working on 301!!!

Article By: Chris Callen Photos By: Heather & Missi

daytona is the spring kickoff for much of the American Motorcycle Culture, but this year seemed even more so. Each rally is unique in its own way, and after a long hard winter, there is nothing better than sunshine at the beach to get your blood pumping for a new year. This year seemed to be an extra heightening of the senses for some reason. When we left PA, we were knees deep in the Panhead project, so a week off from everything magazine and bike building was welcome. In true fashion, we threw everything in the van with our asses on fire. With all the event details sorted out, we arrived just in time for the gates to open at the New Smyrna Speedway. That’s where it started for us with Sons Of Speed, and this was undoubtedly the best way to kick off Bike Week. The smell of the race fuel and the heartpounding feeling of holding those bars the same way some other cat had done 100 years before was insane. But that part of the story, which is also in this issue, is another matter altogether. Once we were passed the Sons Of Speed races, Daytona was just getting started. Fortunately, our friends Gary and Annie had invited us to stay at their beautiful waterfront home close to all the action. Not only was this a far better choice than the campground, but a host of

other folks from the industry were either staying there or happened to come and go each night. Sitting in their garage at the end of every day gave us more Daytona memories than we have made during off hours in many years, and we thank them both. The

never seemed to squeeze that in, but she still reminds me.

great thing about staying so far off the beaten path was that you could hardly hear a motorcycle at night. The peace and quiet were a great platform for round table rally storytelling. The downside is Heather was cheated out of her traditional trip to Hull’s for the best seafood in town. Not sure why we

Sunday was a gathering at the Broken Spoke of vintage bikes and choppers. Warren Lane’s True Grit was off the hook and our first chance to see the big changes at the Broken Spoke. When you pulled in off the street, it used to be a sandy dirt mix, and some people always complained about that. The rest of us just dealt with it being part of “Dirty Daytona,” but that was all put to bed this year. The Spoke was covered with pavers and turf from the first parking spot the whole way to the stage. It looked like a palace. This literally set the stage for a week of incredible events. That night we were lucky enough to attend the legendary Hamster Block Party. There, in the middle of town, these cats shut down a block of the street and just hung out. Like a top-tier custom bike show with the customs that rode in for food and good conversation. Of course, my shovelhead decided to take a shit at the night’s end and had to be pushed into the host garage until it could be rescued the next day. Class act, huh? Invite a guy to your party, and his bike spends the night. Hey, that’s the story, my bike got too drunk to ride home!

Monday started early with the

Builders Breakfast at Rossmeyer’s. Yes, I’m still calling it that. I can’t remember the other guy’s name, and besides, give it a year or two to see if it sticks. Anyway, this is a killer tradition that Marilyn Stemp and Jeff Najar put on for their Flying Pistons that benefits All Kids Bike. It’s also a great way to gather industry folk and set a mark for who was there from year to year. From there, we hopped to the Speedway where our brother Pat Patterson held the Sportster Showdown. Led Sled has been the reigning King of Sportsters for years, and we are always happy to help out when they celebrate the fourcam crowd. After the mile and a half walk in and out of the Speedway, I have decided that next year Pat needs to give the best of show a golf cart. Or at least a ticket for a courtesy shuttle… Damn, that’s a big property.

Tuesday was the Cycle Source Magazine Custom Bike Show. With 105 entries, it was a big show. It still blows my mind that all these years later, we have become a Daytona staple and remain so. We are honored that you guys bring out such incredible works of art for our consideration. We had a tough time pulling off the judging, but in the end, Daniel Heman walked away with the best of show honors for his Ness inspired Digger. This kid has an old soul, man. You can see it in that bike from a mile away. You can see each and every winner on page 56 of this magazine. With prizes dolled out, we headed to the Toce camp for our second running of Tacos & Burnouts. Holy shit Batman, I, for one, never expected that kinda turnout for a shop party. The smorgasbord of food seemed to be gone in seconds, and the lot and street were full in the blink of an eye. Attendees were treated to impromptu stunt shows that shut down Beach Street for hours. These cats went at it hard. It was nothing but impressive. I’m still shocked that not one person was sent to clink during any of the three visits by Daytona’s finest. Hell, they even brought their own camera crew at one point! That’s when you know it’s one hell of a party.

The Perewitz Paint Show happens on Wednesday at the Spoke, and for the first time, we had a whole day to spend with Dave and Jody. We gathered so much content that we have made it into its own feature in this same issue. At the end of their show, Gorilla Pro signed on to do an additional top in our Strongest Biker Worlds. You can see much of this on social media, and I suggest you check it out. The cat who won was one

of the largest human beings I have ever seen. He snatched up 705 lbs. like it was a feather to take the win, and when someone asked if he wanted more weight, he simply commented, “For what, Bro? I just won!” In the women’s division, the Klock Werks team kicked ass. Both in bare feet, Vanessa and Karlee hauled the motors like pros, heaved the tires like champs, and did a great job with the deadlift, but Liz, who tends bar at the Iron Horse, reigned supreme with a show-stopping 435 lb. Lift, winning the overall.

Thursday Daytona is pretty much dead to us as it is the day set aside for Chopper Church at Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Chopper Time. It was off to an early start, and the gods were on our sides this year with zero chance of rain. After last year’s half-day deluge, I was grateful. I think another storm could have killed Willie. He puts his heart and soul into this event, and he gets wound up when the clouds roll in. Anyway, with over 150 entries filling in the lot, you could see choppers of every size, shape, and configuration. This does your heart good. Not only does it mean the chopper culture is alive and well in Daytona, but also knowing that all the proceeds from the day go to the Veterans Support Fund. Big Rick and his boys did a number in the backyard while the infamous Roadside Marty tore down young hopefuls out front. In short, it was everything you hope for in a day at Chopper Time. You can see Willie’s winners on page 44 in this issue.

The Dennis Kirk Garage Build Show has become a great way to round out the week of shows at the Broken Spoke. In year five, it has proven to be the best platform to show off the home garage builder. This year had quite a diverse offering of machines that you can check out on the Dennis Kirk Facebook page. With awards in 19 classes, it was a tough show to judge, but in the end, Jack Deagazio took home accolades for Best of Show. You can see the winners of the Garage Build Show on page 57. Other big news, or at least in some of our eyes, was the first Meeting of the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network. This started with episode #225 of ShopTalk, where a collection of friends from the aftermarket join the program. These folks included people who make their livings day in and day out from the motorcycle aftermarket. The purpose was to start a conversation about where this thing is going. With the obstacles laid out in front of us, there are many opportunities to act, but without a line of communication, little has been

done in any concentrated effort to that end. Well, some 15-20 people showed up at Giuseppe’s Wednesday Morning, and we all sat as Bob Kay illustrated some of the concerns, and then it went around the room. While the attendees were from different backgrounds, specialties, ages, and economic groups, there were a few common threads. Enough so that Kirk Willard, President of the MRF, went back to the leadership of his organization and suggested we be brought in under their umbrella. They agreed, so moving forward, we will have access to their resources as far as legislative efforts that may help our aftermarket. For now, we have erected a private FaceBook group to exchange information. We will keep you posted on where it goes from here. Anyone interested simply needs to look up “Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network” and request to be added to the group. Big thanks to JoJo from Giuseppe’s for laying out a nice spread of breakfast pizza for us and giving us space to hold this historic meeting.

Away from the mechanics of Bike Week and being there for work, we were lucky enough to see Daytona Bike Week through the eyes of a newbie. Our buddy Will, also staying at the Rapheal Roadhouse, is a tattoo artist. Heather and I took full advantage of having an inhouse tattoo shop. It’s been years since I’ve gotten any new ink, and I promised myself that if I got fast enough on the track, I’d get a Sons Of Speed tattoo… let’s just say I was fast as F#@k this year. Ha! Will was so excited about everything he got to see and do in Daytona. His energy was contagious. This reminded me of how excited I used to be to get the chance to attend this historic event, let alone have my own shows at it. It is, after all, one of the big ones.

Nearly a century ago, riders began gathering at Daytona Beach to celebrate the motorcycle and the spirit of racing. All these years later, we still have the ability to do that. And if you think it’s not what it used to be, in some ways, you might be right. In others, it’s been moving back to that original version of itself for years. With Sons of Speed, the King of Baggers, Flat Track Racing, the Swap Meet, and Willie’s Chopper Time all considered part of what you have access to, well, my friend, Daytona is a great choice and, in fact, the perfect way to start the year!

when it comes to motorcycle wiring, I can say that I have pretty much seen it all! From crimped ends, half a dozen butt connectors in ONE wire, household wire nuts, to your good ol’ twist the two wires together and throw some black tape on it. For this month’s tech article, I will show you how to PROPERLY solder an electrical connection and add a custom touch to your motorcycle wiring.

gun. These are my go-to tools for any wiring job.

These are some of the basic tools you will need to do a wire repair or wire your motorcycle from scratch: Soldering gun, solder, flux or solder paste, wire crimper/strippers, scissors, pliers, razor blade, and heat

Heat Shrink is a very important part of any proper wiring job, along with quality end terminals.

The first thing I do when I put a terminal on the end of a wire is to get rid of the colored plastic piece and throw it away. That is all it is good for!

With my wire strippers, I remove the outer sheathing that covers the wire. Then give the wires a quick twist so no stray wires are sticking out.

Take the bare wire, cut the sheathing, and dunk it in the solder paste. We are using rosin core solder. Most people will tell you that this is unnecessary, but the solder paste helps with the flow of the solder. This will make for an excellent solder joint.

wire. If you do, it can crush the wire and potentially create a breakpoint.

down on something to dig into.

Now cut a piece of heat shrink tubing approx. 1” long and slip it over the wire. Next, I install the terminal end and lightly crimp it into place. Just enough to hold it on the wire. Make sure you DO NOT over crimp the

An added benefit of using solder paste is that it lets you know when the joint is ready to accept solder by starting to “boil” or bubble. Once you see this, slowly add solder till the joint has a nice shiny silver finish. Then remove the heat from the soldering gun.

I use a heat gun to keep a controlled heat for the heat shrink tubing. Heat the tubing enough so it shrinks to a snug fit on the terminal and conforms to it. You use heat shrink tubing to keep water out of the soldered joint so it doesn’t corrode and to help support the connection from the solder joint to the wire.

I like to “tin” the end of the eyelet to give the surface that the screw bears

So now that we have installed an eyelet, I will show you how I do a butt

splice. I have seen all kinds of crazy shit here, from twisting wire and black tape to even wire nuts. Anyway, this is how I recommend doing a butt splice.

Trim back the vinyl wire coating and fray the wire apart, dunk it in the solder paste, install a heat shrink tubing, take the two frayed ends, and push them into each other. You want to take both frayed ends and twist them against each other so they interlock. Now, you want this to be a very nice and smooth interlock because if you have any sticking out, they could potentially poke through the heat shrink tube and cause an electrical short.

over the top of it. It is available in many different colors from various suppliers.

runs to your headlight. So when the front end is turned back and forth, it acts like a spring and keeps the wire out of moving pinch areas, like your fork stops.

Here are a few examples of what you can do with your wiring to add purpose and a custom touch.

There are many advantages to using quality wire, terminal ends, properly soldering them, and heat shrinking them together. Not to mention that it looks way nicer. It is also an electrical connection that you can count on.

Daniel Donley

Pandemonium Custom Choppers

FB -Pandemonium Custom Choppers

Instagram – pandemoniumc2

happydandemonium@gmail.com

pandemoniumcustomchoppers.com

I like to use cloth covered wiring because it adds a custom touch. This is your standard vinyl coated wire with the addition of the cloth covering

The coiled wire effect is achieved by wrapping your wire around an object. A large screwdriver works well here. This works great for the wire that

i’ve known Daniel Heman for about two years now, and I honestly believe he’s one of the best builders and fabricators in the scene today! If his name isn’t familiar to you now, it will be soon. The level and quality of the work coming out of his shop is next level. The bike you see on these pages is a great example of Daniel blending the customs of the past with

the technology of today. This bike started the same way many custom bikes have, with an idea and an open-minded customer. In fact, this bike actually started out as a 2017 Road King that needed some frame repairs, the owner Tyler Knotts was open to suggestions. When Daniel brought up the idea of building a frame around the M8 drivetrain, it took a little convincing, but Tyler

agreed to let Daniel and his crew make his bike lighter, faster, and, most importantly, a chopper!

Daniel started by placing the drivetrain on the fixture table and building the frame around it. He kept the geometry similar to what he likes in a chopper but just a little larger than usual to accommodate the larger M8 case design. Daniel and his friend Chase moved on to

Article By: Roadside Marty Photos By: Missi DeBord

fabricating the stepped stainless exhaust, fender support, and the T-bars that sit on a set of Indian triple trees. I personally like the high drag bars and tight mid-controls. A nice touch was the addition of a steering stabilizer and one of Daniel’s signature fork braces on the 35mm front end. Yeah, you read that right, a 35mm front end, not your usual 39mm. Most guys don’t even consider a 35mm when building a custom bike these days, but I’m gonna let most of you in on a secret. 35mm front ends not only look good, but they perform just as well as the newer front ends with a few modifications. The oil lines that run off the heads externally were relocated to the side of the engine and pass through the oil cooler

that is mounted under the license plate mount. Daniel didn’t like the size of the M8’s outer primary cover, so he made a narrower version to increase the lean angle and move the left side control more towards the engine. A new primary plug was fabricated and finished out by Daniel’s father. A mold of the plug was made, and the narrow carbon fiber primary was complete. The remainder of the engine covers followed suit, being hand laid in carbon. As

with most, if not all, newer bikes today, the M8 originally came with fuel injection, but Daniel ditched that and replaced it with a standalone ignition and an S&S Super G carburetor. The gas tank is a sectioned, flat-bottomed FXD tank that sits perfectly on the backbone. The rest of the chassis components include a few vintage parts, as well as new Performance Machine calipers, front wheel, headlight, rear brake, and modified mid controls.

With the fabrication side of the build finished, it was time for paint and coatings that Daniel’s father would handle, who painted all of the bikes that are built at Heman Fab. The wheels and smaller parts were cerakoted black and grey. The frame and tins got painted gloss black with custom faded HOK candy blue stripes. The paint

hf m8-122 Tech Sheet

Owner: Tyler Knotts

City/State: Anderson, IN

Builder: Heman Fab Co.

Year: 2022

Model: HF Custom

Value: Priceless

Time: 8 Months

ENGINE

Year: 2017

Model: Harley Davidson

Builder: Harley

Ignition: AMM-P3M8

Displacement: 107

Pistons: Harley flat top

Heads: Harley 4 valve

Carb: S&S Super G

Cam: Andrews M460

Air Cleaner: S&S Velocity Stack

Exhaust: HF Stainless

Primary: Harley With HF prototype cover

TRANSMISSION

Year: 2017

Make: Harley

Shifting: 6-Speed

FRAME

Year: 2021

Model: HF-M81019

Rake: 34*

Stretch: 1.5”

Forks

Builder: HF

Type: Telescopic

Triple Trees: Gilroy Indian - Mid Glide

Extension: 6 Over

WHEELS

Front Wheel: Performance Machine

Size: 21”

Tire: Dunlop

Front Brake: Brembo 4 Piston

Rear Wheel: Modified Solid

Size: 18”

Tire: Dunlop

Rear Brake: Ness-PM Caliper/ Ness 15”

Rotor

PAINT

Painter: Robert Heman

Color: Black/ Blue

Type: HOK Candy

Graphics: Blue Candy Scallops over White Pearl

Chroming: None

ACCESSORIES

Bars: HF

Risers: HF

Hand Controls: GMA

Foot Controls: Performance Machine

Gas Tank(s): Modified Harley

Oil Tank: Wet Sump

Front fender: HF Fork Brace

Rear Fender: Spun/ HF Fender Support

Seat: Wrapped up Interior

Headlight: Performance Machine

Tail light: Prism Supply

Speedo: None

Photographer:Missi Debord

was barely dry when it bolted to the frame, the carb conversion M8 motor was fired up for the first time. With only three days left until Warren Lane’s True Grit show in Daytona, they did a few adjustments on the lift, loaded up the bikes, and headed South. Believe it or not, the first few test miles were put on heading to

the show. Daniel said it ran and performed better than he had hoped. This bike caught our eye the minute we saw it, and we’re glad we got to feature it for our readers. We’re looking forward to seeing what Daniel comes up with next!!!

Motorcycle lighting has improved drastically over the last couple of years with the advancements in LED (light emitting diode) technology. The LEDs have made your lighting a ton brighter, and the housings be much smaller. One example of this is the Lightning Bolts family of products from Paul Yaffe Originals/Bagger Nation. I absolutely love the Lightning Bolts and use them on everything I can. They are tiny (smaller than a dime), bright as f*ck, and just look cool. Bagger Nation offers them as Lightning Bolts only, in dual intensity red, dual intensity amber, and a daytime running light with amber turn signal with “switchback” chip-on-board technology. They are available in black, chrome, and brass finishes, along with specific kits for front and rear applications. Hey, if you have to have turn signals on your bike, at least they can be cool!

We are installing a PYO Black Lightning Bullet Pro Series Kit with Daytime Running Lights on a 2014 Dyna

housings’ handlebars. We started by cutting those stock signals off and service-looping the harness inside the switch housing. These Dyna

Completion Time: 3 hours (with internal handlebar wiring)

Difficulty Level: 2 (Scale of 1-5)

Additional Parts Required:

1. Multi-Lock 3 position plug (Quantity 2)

2. Multi-Lock Female Pins (Quantity 6)

3. 3/16” Shrink Tubing

Tools & Supplies Required:

1. Weed eater line

2. Electrical Tape

3. Allen wrenches

4. Wire cutters & strippers

5. Multi-Lock Terminal

Crimping Tool

6. Dielectric grease

7. Thread locker

Article And Photos By: Jason Mook

This bike came with stock turn signals integrated into the switch

Models have an additional connector in the main harness in the frame to install turn signals and plug them in there instead of trying to solder into the hard wiring in the switch packs.

and clutch perch with the Lightning Bolts wiring routed correctly through the switch housings.

everything in with a little dielectric grease and stuffed the wiring back in the backbone of the frame.

Once we dug the wiring out from the frame backbone, we disconnected the harnesses for the handlebar switches, attached weed-eater line to the ends with electrical tape, and fed the harnesses back up through the handlebars. We prepped the wiring of the Lightning Bolts with shrink tubing and got them into their Bullet Housings. The Lightning Bolts are secured in the housings with a small set screw.

We attached the Bullet Housings to the Pro Plates using the included counter sunk bolts. The plates are held in place with the same hardware that holds the mirrors in place.

Don’t forget to final adjust your switch housings and levers back to where you like them. I recommend testing everything before buttoning everything back up.

Use a small drop of blue thread locker on the set screw when installing. We attached the wiring to the weed-eater ling and brought the handlebar switch wiring and lighting bolt wiring back through each side of the handlebar.

Down at the main harness, we cut the Lightning Bolts wiring to length and crimped the Multi-Lock Pins to the blue, red, and black wires.

You might want to throw on a set of shades before turning those Lightning Bolts on for the first time. Then go to www.BaggerNation.com and check out the entire line of Lightning Bolts! Deadwood Custom Cycles

www.DeadwoodCustomCycles.com

The blue wire is for the running light. The red wire is for the high-intensity circuit. The black wire is the ground.

Next, we reassemble the switch housings, front brake master cylinder,

After completing the installation of the multi-Lock connectors, we plugged

Tom and William Henderson began their motorcycle production in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911.

The first model Hendersons were based on ideas from the Belgianmade FN-4 and the nimble American Pierce.

The early Henderson motorcycles had a much larger displacement than the other early models. At 968cc (nearly 60 cubic inches), the Hendersons Fours were fast motorcycles preferred by riders and motorcycle police.

The Henderson Motorcycle Company was purchased in 1918 by Ignaz Schwinn and formed ExcelsiorHenderson.

In the fall of 1919, partnering with Max M. Sladkin of Haverford Cycle

Article And Photos Courtsey Of: The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Company, Henderson started Ace Motor Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The new Ace motorcycle generally resembled Henderson. It was a long four-cylinder motorcycle with a chain drive. Henderson was careful not to infringe any trademarks or patents that were owned by Excelsior at the time. Production of the Ace Four began in 1920.

On December 11, 1922, William Henderson was hit by a car while test-riding the new Ace Sporting Solo in Philadelphia. He eventually died in the Frankfort Hospital without regaining consciousness.

After William Henderson died in 1922, Arthur O. Lemon joined Ace as the Chief Engineer. Lemon had worked with Henderson as a head of engineering earlier.

The Ace Motor Corporation ceased operations in 1924.

The ownership switched hands at least two times

in the next two years. One of these owners, Michigan Motors Corporation, revived production for a short time.

Ace Motor Corporation changed hands for the very last time in 1927 when it was purchased by the Indian Motorcycle Company. Then production was moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. The motorcycle was marketed as the Indian Ace for about a year.

Unfortunately, once the designs began to be modified and worked to the Indian Motorcycle Company’s expectations, the Ace name was discontinued. Production of the fourcylinder Indian motorcycles would continue until 1942.

To see this motorcycle and many others that depict the histoty of motorcycling visit the Sturgis Museum.

FIND TEN DIFFERENT THINGS STARDUST

NO THERE ISN’T ANY REAL PRIZE, JUST SOMETHING TO DO WHILE YOU’RE IN THE CAN.

sArticle By: Killer

tuart Ellis grew up around motors and mechanics. Hotrods, motorcycles, and racing were common topics in his household. The only problem? He wasn’t really mechanically inclined, so

building was a bit out of the question. But everything changed when he started seeing his dad come back from the pinstriper with all sorts of cool designs and colors on his stuff. It was then that he became absolutely fascinated with the art surrounding motorcycles and, well? The rest is history.

Around the time he was in high school is when he really started taking his art seriously. In 2005, he started teaching himself how

to pinstripe. He wanted to be able to create something and say it

was his, not inspired by or made by anyone else. Of course, he’s had help and has been given tips along the way, but everything else is the result of Stuart’s dedication and creativity.

Being a dad of three girls, his inspiration and motivation is to create enough and leave something behind that his kids can be proud of. He wants them to be able to look back and say, “My dad made that!”

Though Stuart has been creating art professionally now for the last 10 years, it’s only been within the last two that he’s put more focus on doing fullscale paint jobs. His mediums of choice are a mix of enamels, candies, and urethanes. All standard practice for pinstripe

artists today.

Along with growing up around motorcycles, he found himself drawn to it artistically because of the freedom which brings in so many others across all backgrounds. The motorcycle industry offered Stuart the chance to build his brand and attempt to put his own small stamp on the motorcycle world as an artist.

As for where his art has taken him, Stuart is blown away. He’s constantly in awe of how far he’s come and the progress he’s been able to make just by being able to meet and experienceothers who work in the industry. He finds that they inspire him and push him to want to be betterand create more. Looking to the future, he wants to keep continuing down the path he’s on. Learn from his mistakes and grab the opportunities he’s been given.

Because of his art, he has been given the opportunity to do some incredible things, including traveling across the United States to painting a helmet for the rapper T-Pain. He’s done helmets for NASCAR drivers and MotoCross racers. Some of his art has even taken him to the WhiteHouse! He’s even painted guitars for the Monster Energy Cup Series All Star races. It’s been an insane journey thus far, and he can’t wait to see where it takes him next. It truly amazes him.

If you want to check out more of Stuart’s badass striping, you can find him on Instagram @ elliskustoms. You can also get an up close and personal look at one of his pieces at this year’s SmokeOut Rally. Stuart is one of the invited artists for our annual Tankful charity event, and we are incredibly thankful for his time and dedication to helping us raise money for Meals on Wheels.

we all knew him as worm In Memory Of a brother

do you have that one friend that’s always the first to call somebody outside? Well that was Worm. Robert Couturiaux was his name but nobody ever remembered anything but Worm.

Hell, we even tried to change his knickname to Roach for a bit and it just didn’t fit as well. He was biker bred and as real as you can get. He never promised to be anything more than what he was and sometimes

that might have been a little more than you could handle. He was the type of man who worked as hard as he played and both left him in a state of exhaustion. He lived with me for quite a few many years and from the time I met him when he came to my shop looking for a used rear tire, to the last time I had to go and reposses one of my motorcycles he borrowed at the beginning of a tear, he was and still is my brother. For all the ups and downs, I know the world is short one real MFR with Worm no longer in it. I’m sure he and Chirp are looking down on all of us now and having a good laugh. Via Condios my brother. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family!

this beautiful 1969 XLCH Sportster Chopper is what got AMCA member James Graulty started in the antique motorcycle world. Like many moto enthusiasts out there, his love began as a teenager but soon took a small break to make way for family building, running a business, etc.

Then in 1995, at 45 years old, he was finally able to get back into riding thanks to one of his clients, Tony. He had learned of James’ interest in motorcycles and began bringing a ‘69 XLCH around. He soon learned that the client’s nephew had bought it stock in 1973 and did the chopper build himself, finishing

it in 1977. When it came into his possession, Tony eventually added a few finishing touches of his own. The painter who had worked on it left his logo near the rear tip of the gas tank, which reads “Paint By Hap” with the date it was done, which is pretty rad as Hap was a wellknown local painter who did all

the cool bikes and vans back in the day. At this point, James wanted the bike BAD, and being a lifelong friend of the family, he knew the history of the bike was solid and took every chance he could to ask Tonut if he would sell it to him. The answer was always a firm “No.”

For almost 10 years, James would make his plea to buy the digger until he got a call in May 2004 asking if he was still interested in it. Tony had finally decided to sell! Graulty was thrilled until he learned that his long-time friend was terminally ill. Needless to say, James bought the bike almost immediately. Sadly, though, Tony passed just two short months later.

After finally purchasing the bike of his dreams, John discovered the Antique Motorcycle Club Of America, or AMCA, and decided

to join since he was finally the proud owner of his own antique motorcycle. Soon after, he joined the Allegheny Mountain Chapter and even got to lead one of their earliest road runs with the bike!

James pointed out some of his favorite features on this survivor, including the hardtail conversion, invader wheels, the coffin tank, and straight drag pipes! He says the girder is so rigid that the only way to get any “suspension” is to run the tires with only 20 lbs of air. Sounds like a typical chopper to me!

Over the years, Graulty has enjoyed bringing this old girl to as many shows as he can, including the 2007 AMA Vintage Days Marque to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sportster. He even got to show it off to Willie G. and Nancy. It also

dig it man Tech Sheet

Owner: Jim Graulty

City/State: Pittsburgh, PA

Builder: Leo Marnik & Tony Mattucci

Year: 1969

Model: Sportster XLCH

Value: North of $10K

Time: Between 1974 and 1977

ENGINE

Year: 1969

Model: Sportster

Builder: Tony Mattucci

Ignition: Magneto with Battery Eliminator

Displacement: 883 bored .040 over

Pistons: High dome

Heads: Iron

Carb: S & S Super E

Cam: Stock

Air Cleaner: S & S

Exhaust: Straight drag pipes

Primary: Stock w/custom chrome cover

TRANSMISSION

Year: 1969

Make: Stock Sportster

Shifting: Foot, right side

FRAME

Year: 1969

Model: Sportster converted to hard tail

Rake: 5 degrees

Stretch: unknown

FORKS

Builder: Drag Specialties

Type: Girder

Triple Trees:

Extension: Unknown

WHEELS

Front Wheel: 7 spoke Invader Mag

Size: 21”

Tire: Dunlop

Front Brake: Mini drum, just enough to pass PA State Inspection

Rear Wheel: 5 Spoke Invader Mag

Size: 16”

Tire: Dunlop white letter D401

Rear Brake: Stock Harley, Chromed

PAINT

Painter: “Hap”

Color: Black w/ gold pin striping

Type:

Graphics: Gold leaf marbleized

Chroming:

ACCESSORIES

Bars: Drag style

Risers: Tony Mattucci

Hand Controls:

Foot Controls:

Gas Tank(s): Coffin style 1.7 gallon

Oil Tank:

Front fender: Just big enough to pass PA

State Inspection

Rear Fender: Drag Specialties bobber style

Seat: Custom by Tony Mattucci

Headlight: Chopper style w/ toggle switch

Taillight: Molded into rear finder

Speedo: Drag Specialties

Photographer: chris callen

should be noted that from June 2015 to March 2017, Graulty loaned the 1969 HLCH to the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa for their “Chopper Story” exhibit.

This bike has tremendous meaning for John and lives with him in memory of the owners that came before him, as they were the ones who kickstarted his love of antique motorbikes and brought him into this incredible motofamily.

bike week chopper time winners willie’s tropical tattoo

Rev Al Award - Blake Benson

Best Knucklehead-Jeff Grabau

perewitz paint - ken macdonald

Tino’s Choice - Joe Shahady

Best Panhead - Panhead Bob

Best Flathead - George Casale

Best Shovel - Tommy Joslin

Best Rat Bike - PT Jungerman

Best Metric/Gorilla Pro - Jeff Hartley Ed Kerr’s Choice - Warren Lane

Crowd Favorite - Myles Harris

Cycle Source Choice - Garry Cutis

Willie’s Hardcore - Daniel Heman

Willie’s Choice - Mr. California

Best Antique - Billy Franklin

Bling’s Choice - Eric Allard

Best Chopper - Derek Spitsnogle

Best Bobber - Rich Ruck

Tarball Choice - Endless Phil

Best Paint - Gusher Cycles

Best Evo - John Siweckyj

Best Vintage - Mike DiPreta

Roadside’s Choice - Zach Gostelli

Best Custom - Tyler Watts

Tropical Tatto Choice - Brock Bridges

Best Sportster - Daniel Heman

The old saying: “The devil is in the details,” gets repeated all the time in the motorcycle world. While it would seem that anyone can build their own chopper (and I certainly think everyone should at least try to), not everyone has an eye for the small details. Small details can set an otherwise mundane custom apart from the usual suspects.

Last year we started to completely rebuild a customer’s Big Dog Chopper that we have had the pleasure of working on for the last twelve years. In that time, the bike’s owner grew tired of the lack of bolt-on parts available for his K9. All was good until the electrical gremlins that plague the store-built chopper’s controls began to rear their ugly heads. The bottom line is that we decided to rebuild the entire motorcycle and make it a custom chopper like no other bike out there. It isn’t only dollars that make your project stand out. It is the smaller details that make the real difference.

We removed every nut and bolt for this overhaul, and with it out came the transmission. Since we are building a custom chopper, there is no need for an odometer or neutral light. We also ditched the oil pressure indicator light. For this little project, we sourced parts from NAMZ, FNA Cycles, and Drag Specialties (respectively) to facilitate

our goal of removing unnecessary components from our Big Dog project bike. These parts are all top-shelf quality and workmanship, and while they are [ironically] all designed to eliminate functions of a stock bike, they work brilliantly in place of those parts and function flawlessly in their own right. All these parts will work on all Evolution (Big Twin) and Twin Cam engines, even in stock replacement parts when eliminating factory electrical sensors in custom applications. Note: you are eliminating the following sensors: neutral light, oil pressure light and speedometer sensor.

This part will eliminate the bulky single or dual-wire sensor that activates your green “N” light in your dash or headlamp mounted instrument cover.

Part 1: NAMZ Neutral light sensor eliminator Part#: NNSE-P01. You must remove your top cover from your transmission to use this part.

Remove the cover from the trans case, use a socket to remove the factory switch, and remove the plug from the package. The O-ring that seals the part to the top will already be in place.

I recommend using a small bit of white liquid Teflon to lubricate and seal the

Article And Photos By: Jason Hallman www.cyclestopusa.com

treads. You’ll need an Allen wrench to tighten the plug to the top, this is done from the inside of the trans top. Simply tighten the plug until it is tight, and voila’ part one is done.

pressure gauge. This is likely one of the single greatest custom motorcycle parts ever designed, engineered, and manufactured in the history of custom motorcycles. Brilliant function, stainless steel machined, and only one moving part ensure that this part will be one of those parts that will be handed down generationally.

Now you can reinstall the trans top (with a new gasket, of course) and tighten the bolts to 100-inch pounds starting with the middle two bolts and a crisscross pattern until all of the trans top bolts are done.

To install this part, you must remove the factory 1/8” NPT plastic one-wire oil sender behind the lifter block on EVOs and Shovelhead engines. (on Twin Cam engines, the oil sender is located on the front of the engine on the throttle side of the block, and you’ll need an adapter). Once the sender is removed, you’ll likely see some oil push out of the block. This is normal. You’ll need to put some liquid Teflon on the threads to prevent galling and help the threads

seal too. Once the part is installed, it is ready to function and will need no other adjustments. Once you start the engine, the indicator will “POP” up and indicate that you have adequate oil pressure. You can purchase the Pop Top oil Pressure Gauge from www. cyclestopusa.com or FNA Cycles directly at www.fnacustomcycles.co

Part 2: FNA Cycles Oil “Pop Top” oil

Part 3: Speedo Sensor Block Off Plate Part#: 2210-0029 from Drag

Specialties. This part is required to keep the transmission fluid inside the case when eliminating the factory speedometer.

As I stated before, we removed the speedometer on this bike, so there is no reason to keep an unsightly onewire sensor in the trans case. The Drag Specialties part is also chrome plated so it is basically maintenance free.

You’ll want to pop the old sensor out using a small flat screwdriver. Once the old sensor is removed, you simply pop the block off in the case and

tighten the chrome button head Allen supplied by Drag Specialties with the part. I always put a little drop of blue Loctite on the speedo sensor bolt, so I did the same with the block-off plug screw and tightened it just past “snug.”

So there you go…three inexpensive custom parts that fit and finish your project perfectly! Ride safe!Hallman

You’ll need to remove the 3/16” Allen bolt to install the speedometer sensor.

rick Bray began building StarDust, which got its name from Don Schumacher’s nostalgic funny car, in October of 2021. The owner of the bike, Richard Best, commissioned Rick to build him a one-of-a-kind piece. Richard opened the budget and gave Rick free rein to do as he pleased.

Jeff Montgomery was an invited builder for Born Free in 2021, but with the reschedule couldn’t refill

his spot in 2022, so he requested that they allow Rick to take his place in the builder’s circle. I think the guys at Born-Free made the right decision in letting that happen. Rick quite literally finished the bike the day before Born Free, in just six months. “We had to work fast; we were wide open the whole time.”

During that time, Bray had some help from a few people, but that doesn’t mean Rick didn’t handle

the majority himself. He built the entire frame, front wheel, foot controls, exhaust, primary, chain drive cover, and seat pan all from scratch. The tank is half his and half a “cheap ass Wassell peanut tank” he found. The rear wheel is an old car wheel that Bray made a hub for to adapt to the bike. StarDust is a 1947 Knucklehead, and Rick did everything to it that freaks everyone out. Back in the day, these bikes were ripped apart

and chopped up, starting the whole “chopper scene” in the first place, but now everyone wants you to keep it original. Rick disagrees. In his mind, he IS keeping it authentic by sticking to the “chopper” aspect. He cut off about $2,000 worth of stuff and customized the hell out of it. Blending all the gasket surfaces to match the covers, making it one smooth piece, and rerouting the oil returns from the rocker boxes. He added fins to the OG Knucks, so it looks like it came from Harley, but it sure didn’t. Look again. You’ll see it if you didn’t notice before. A Cam and adapted Hilborn mechanical fuel injection make this bike sound nasty in a good way.

Check out the dual chains. The Fuel pump runs off the inside of the primary. So you have the Primary chain and the fuel pump chain back to back. The Tranny is 1936, but of course, Rick cut all the “nonsense” off of it. Bill Holland, who builds these Harman Girders, had plenty to do with the front end, but not everything. With some convincing, Bill agreed to a trade. Bill got a frame he needed for one of his customers, and Rick got the unfinished forks for this build, allowing Rick to complete it how he saw fit. Rick did some welding and blending, narrowed the triple trees, and slightly changed the trail. He didn’t change much because he certainly didn’t want to take

away from Bill’s beautiful work. Just put his own personal touches on it. Jeff, “a Wizard when it comes to motors,” was still a part of the build. He helped with the engine work. Of course, a few more hands were involved in the project, including Taylor Holmes from Trigger Happy Graphics, who did a stellar job and handled it in only two weeks! When it came to the chrome work, Robert from Moreno’s Chrome stepped up. Robert bailed Rick out of so many tough spots during this build. He hustled more than any chromer should. Rick would drop off parts, and Robert would have them ready the next day. Wally’s Collision Center did the fabrication work for the molding on the bodywork, the tank, fender, and the frame. Curt

STARDUST TECH SHEET

Owner: Richard Best

City/State: Dinuba, CA

Builder: RKB Kustom Speed

Year: 2022

Model: Chopper

Value: 85K

Time: 8 Months

ENGINE

Year: 1947

Model: Knuckle

Builder: Jeff Montgomery / RKB

Ignition: Hunt Mag

Displacement: 74”

Pistons: HD

Heads: HD

Carb: Hilborn Injector

Cam: Leinweber

Air Cleaner: Velocity Stack

Exhaust: RKB

Primary: RKB Chain

TRANSMISSION

Year: 1936

Make: HD 4 Speed

Shifting: Hand

FRAME

Year: 2022

Model: RKB / Frame Up

Rake: 45°

Stretch: 6 inches or so

Forks

Builder: Bill Holland / Harmon Girder / RKB

Type: Girder

Triple Trees: -

Extension: 22”

WHEELS

Front Wheel: RKB 12 Spoke

Size: 21 x 1.60

Tire: Firestone

Front Brake: -

Rear Wheel: Rocket Racing

Size: 16 x 4.0

Tire: Firestone

Rear Brake: 1947 Drum

PAINT

Painter: Trigger Happy Graphics

Color: Teal / White

Type: Durafil Auto Tech

Graphics: Trigger Happy Graphics

Chroming: Morenos Chrome

ACCESSORIES

Bars: RKB

Risers: -

Hand Controls: RKB

Foot Controls: RKB

Gas Tank(s): RKB

Oil Tank: Moon

Front fender: -

Rear Fender: Lowbrow / RKB

Seat: Bare Bones Leather / RKB

Headlight: Spok Motor

Tail light: Exotic Choppers / RKB

Speedo:

Photographer: Twila Knight Photography

from Bare Bones Leather nailed the upholstery of the seat pan, and he didn’t mess around for a minute. Andrew from Moto Coating Company handled the cerakote on the engine parts with a crazy fast turnaround. The foot pegs, cam cover, and taillight (slightly modified, of course) were done by exotic choppers, and the headlight is by Spok Motor. Of course, Rick wants to shout out to Lowbrow Customs, who offers an order to every BornFree builder, and Prism, who gives a smoking deal on items needed for these builders.

Don’t think it all went smoothly, though. The night before leaving for Born-Free, the grips, which originally matched the turquoise of the foot pegs, suddenly split. The guys had to hustle to make the brass grips in the morning, two hours before loading up! Then that same morning, the stainless chain for the fuel pump broke! They had to pull the primary and swap it out for a new chain. Nothing ever goes smoothly, huh? Nevertheless, in typical RKB Kustom Speed fashion, Rick delivered a showstopper.

2023

bike week cycle source magazine bike show winners

Best daily rider - marc mcphail

Best chopper - jim powers

working man’s - proffessional monkey

Best shovelhead - tom doud

best classic - joe osga best derake - daniel heman best hardcore - bryan lane best fxr - nothing stock cam

Best euro - keene cooper

Best knucklehead - john bartman

best flatty - kurt klokkenga

best antique radical - xotic customs

best antique/gorilla pro - panhed bob peoples’ choice - sid

Best panhead - chris langford

Best evo - tommy joslin

2023 daytona bike week

dennis kirk garage build bike show winners

best twin cam -coty cavender

best hardcore - bruce puglia

best import - courtney russell

best m8 - john jessup

best rat - liz Noel

best bagger - Jim Wubben

best bobber - ray llanes

best sportster - lane richardson

Best radical Bagger - Greg Daw

Best Euro - Drew James

Best rat bike - Davis McCombe

Best metric - Jeff Hartley

Best chopper - John Sweckyj

Best bobber - Rich Ruck

Best sportster - Joshua DeBenedetto

Best Bagger - Wayne Tolson

Best of Show - Jack Deagazio

best daily rider - Thersa Wilson

best antique - Bill Kels

best big twin - Josh Mangan

best paint - The Deagazio’s

most original - Billy Johnson antique radical - Aiden Shahody

best performance - Ashley Grettings

best of show - daniel heman

Article By; Heather Callen Photos By: Nathan Schultz

we met thirty-nine-year-old Chris Ruggerio in 2022 at our very first custom bike show at Arizona Bike Week when he rolled in on his 1992 Dyna that he lovingly calls “Freak Show.”

It seems as though Ruggerio was born with oil coursing through his veins. Having a dad that built drag cars, jet boats, and custom choppers for a living meant that Chris was still in diapers when he started passing

tools to his old man. Unlike most seven-year-olds that wanted new toys for Christmas, Chris wanted new tools, and that’s exactly what he got. Ruggerio says that his father taught him old-school American values and a good work ethic, and because of that, he says he strives to be a perfectionist in everything he does.

Chris started riding as soon as it was legal and got himself a 1999 Yamaha R6, which he rode

the wheels off.

Chris built his first frame-up custom chopper in 2008 and took home the Best of Show trophy with that entry. While at the show, an old guy asked for his card. When Chris told him that not only did he not have a card but that it was his first build, the old timer promptly told him, “Kid, you have something here, don’t pass it by.” Words of wisdom for sure. From that day forward, Ruggerio made cards

and went to every show he could. Pretty quickly, he started getting business. In 2010 he opened High Power Choppers and never looked back. Since then, he’s built a number of frame up Dynas, FXRs, Performance Baggers, and Choppers.

When it came to building Freak Show, the only goal Chris had in mind was to make sure that it was better than the bike he had built for his girlfriend at the time. Chris used his dear friend, Dennis Baker (RIP), as his inspiration for getting it done. He knew he needed to have it complete before

he lost Dennis; fortunately for Chris… mission accomplished.

Being a one-man show at HPC means everything is done in-house, excluding paint and upholstery. Chris says it is best to leave those two things to experts in their respective fields. In this case, the paint was handled by Curly’s Custom Paint, and the seat is a Simon Designs Custom Step Up. Ruggerio handled everything else himself, including the motor upgrades, which you can check out on the tech sheet, and building his own forks.

Chris finished the bike

FREAK SHOW TECH SHEET

Owner: Chris Ruggiero

City/State: Phoenix, Arizona

Builder: Chris Ruggiero

Year: 1992

Model: Dyna Lowrider

Value: $40,000.00

Time: 6 Months

ENGINE:

Year: 1992

Model: EVO

Builder: Chris Ruggiero

Ignition: Crane Cams HI-4

Displacement: 96 cubic inches

Pistons: Wisco forged 10:1 compression

Heads: Ported / polished HD bigger valves

Carb: S and S Super G

Cam: Andrews EV72 .560 lift

Air Cleaner: High Power Choppers

Exhaust: Bassani 2 into 1 Road Rage 111

Primary: Evolution Diamond Terminator

clutch, Baker tensioner & Compensator

TRANSMISSION:

Year: 1992

Make: Harley

Shifting: 5 speed

FRAME:

Year: 1992

Make: Harley Dyna Lowrider

Rake: 32 degrees

Stretch: Stock

FORKS:

Builder: High Power Choppers

Type: 39mm

Triple Trees: Stock Harley

Extension: 2 inched over stock

WHEELS:

Front Wheel: Dyna Size: 19” X 3”

Tire: Michelin Commander 3 100/90/19

Front Brake: pm 4 piston caliper / floating 11.5” rotors

Rear Wheel: DynaSize: 16” X 3.5”

Tire: Michelin Commander 3 130/90/16

Rear Brake: pm 4 piston caliper / floating 11.5” rotors

PAINT:

Painter: Curly’s Cutom Paint

Color: Black/Orange

Type: PPG

Graphics: Stock Harley

Chroming: Stock Harley

ACCESSORIES:

Bars: 14” Wild One Psycho street fighter

Risers: Unknown

Hand Controls: Custom

Foot Controls: Harley Mid Controls

Gas Tank (s): Stock

Oil Tank: Baker plus 1.5 quart

Front Fender: Stock

Rear Fender: Stock

Seat: Simon Designs custom step up

Headlight: Drag Specialties/Modified

Tailight: Cycle Dynamics

Speedo: Stock

Photographer: nathan schultz

late on a Friday night.

The following Saturday morning, he told his girlfriend, “Let’s load her up and go take first place in the Cave Creek builders showcase.” Not surprisingly, he took home Best Of Show and happily dedicated that win to his bud Dennis.

When asked if it was a rider, Chris simply said, Of course, it’s the Shop Bike. It has

to be a rider!” He also proudly proclaims that despite being almost 31 years old with only 14,287 original miles, she attracts attention from all walks of life. We hope Chris keeps doing what he was born to do and look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

sometimes in life, you search for something to challenge yourself. Not to be a badass or feed your ego, but just to know you’re alive. It’s a very rare opportunity in this sterile homogenized world that you are afforded such a moment, and when they come, you have to grab them. That’s precisely what I did at Sons of Speed in March.

This year was even better because my brother Roadside Marty was joining me with an entry in the 45 class along with his daddy, Mr. Shelton Davis. Roadside’s dad has probably forgotten more about racing 45s in his life than most of us will ever know. It was a real kick to look over at pit row and see him sitting in line with the likes of the StevensonToce camp, Lange, Comp D Racing, Franklin Church, and the rest of the regulars. Every once in a while, we’d go over and give him reports on the bike, and he’d give some advice before going back to holding court with all the pretty girls running around in the pits. He had the perfect plan laid out,

as a matter of fact. So the other side of things at Sons this year was the addition of two new classes. One was the much anticipated Big Twin class that would make room for Knuckles and Pans, the other was the exciting Pea Shooter. I

was lucky enough to be asked by Banks Brothers to join the Antique Outlaws to race their fresh Pea, and I was fired up for it. The speed of these bikes is reported to be in the nineties. They are seriously like a ten-speed with a wicked fast motor.

The big deal for everyone was an extra day of practice. For me, it was more track time on three different bikes, and by race day, I would rack up over a hundred laps of seat time. The downside…the Banks Peashooter was having problems right off the bat. We identified the first problem to be a weak spark. Contrary to what you might believe, I wasn’t super bummed. Instead of practicing on it, I was treated to working side by side with Dave Currier and Bill Page. I learned to disassemble and rebuild an early 19th-century magneto, and although we were unable to cure the problems with that bikes engine, it is a memory I will never forget.

At the same time, Aaron Loveless was at the track with an extra Peashooter. I know, who does that? But he let me ride one of them, which he said was the fastest. It was super quick, and my lap times were fast as hell. By

Article By: Chris Callen Photos By: Ed Harringer And Heather Callen

race day, his Pea took a shit, and we nearly had to force him to take my ride back to get out on the track and get this experience. He ended up getting a trophy in the class and was glad he went out.

As for the rest of what we did there, me and Roadside’s entry in the ’45 need up winning our heat in a narrow win against Moonshiner Chuck, who passed me in turn three of the last lap. I passed him back by turn four, and it was a drag race to the checker. That was good enough for me in that class since even a podium would be outta the question when the really fast guys got on the track.

With the 1916 of Franklin Church, I won my heat and made the mains. In the third lap of the final, I was in a firm second place behind Michael Lange, who rides like a poet. All I had to do was hold on to a huge lead over the next rider, and I would have a secondplace finish for the first time at Sons. Just then, the bike coughed, it lost power, and I drifted to the apron. As I sat there and watched the rest of the field pass by, I reached for the fuel cap. No, dear god, don’t let it be this. Yup, outta gas. Ughhhhh! In the frenzy of jumping between bikes, we had let the Twin run outta gas.

Other highlights from this year’s Sons was the bike Jody Perewitz rode that was an ex-champion. We are gonna have her on ShopTalk to go over that. Northern Tool came on as a sponsor, brought an entire production team with them, and did the first ever live feed. You can watch the replay at Choppers Inc. on YouTube. There were nearly 100 racers in the field this running, and the stands had very good numbers. It was a huge success, but like all things, it had a few bumps. Both were in the form of two riders who are very close friends of the family who went down. One was Joey Orsini and the other was Moonshiner Josh. Our prayers are with both of them. They are both still in different levels of recovery.

As we sat there watching the crowd dwindle and the racers pack up, I asked Heather if she saw enough to want me to quit. We talked about life with the motorcycle and what that meant for us both. Now, I don’t think everyone will get this, and I am for sure not suggesting this is for everyone. But this side of motorcycling, whether on a motocross track, a flat track, drag racing, or hill climbs, is inherently dangerous. People have

been getting hurt doing it for as long as motorcycle racing has been a sport, but there is nothing like the thrill of being on that track just inches from another racer, feeling the motor climbing as you push yourself to do the next lap better than the last. I still remember the first time I pulled onto the track at Bonneville and stared down that famous black line in the salt. Similarly, the first time I hit that bank at Sons, knowing I was walking in the footsteps of motorcycle history… well, dear reader, that is just worth more than any risk involved.

In closing, I want to thank Billy and his whole team for grinding this out year after year to make it all possible for us. Tom Banks and Tom Keefer for giving me a ride to make these incredible memories. My brother Roadside for joining in on the fun finally, and of course, his daddy for making sure we were ready to go do it. And last but not least, Aaron Lovelss for being a selfless sweetheart and for listening to us tell him to take that ride. See you guys at the next stop!

from the editor

To say that the achievement of 300 issues is an honor is putting it entirely too lightly. 300 times we have managed to cobble together the parts and peices of the magazine, but more importantly a snapshot of our culture. That my friends is an awesome responsiblity when you consider that covers nearly three decades of motorcycling history. Through that I can say that while people have come and gone from the magazines masthead, styles have changed, friends and even family have gone from our lives, the one constant has been the pages of Cycle Source. Through the help of so many people over the years from writers and photographers, builders and advertisers, fellow publishers and members of the new influencer community, we have managed to keep Cycle Source exactly what it has always been; A mirror that reflects who we are. A simple way to look back some day and say “Damn, look how young we were” or “Dude, that was a horrible idea” and for the sake of posterity, mark down the names of those who have made an impact on our community. To that end, I am truly humbled and grateful, as I know everyone involved in this ride has been. Thank you all so much for letting us be your story tellers.

KEITH “BANDIT” BALL

Amazing, congratulations! No one in this industry or perhaps any industry has stepped up to the onslaught of technology and social media challenges like Chris, Heather and the Cycle Source Crew. It’s not so much about building wealth today but surviving to continue to do what we truly love and enjoy. It’s not just about the next party or flashy paint jobs anymore. A growing percentage of everything we do must be focused on giving back to our lifestyle, against the unsettling fight for the freedom to build and ride. The Cycle Source crew continues to stand tall at the forefront.

KEVIN TEACH BAAS

300. Damn, that’s a big number when you’re thinking about the amount of time and commitment just to get one issue ready and out to subscribers. But Cycle Source has managed to do it 300 times, and they are only getting better with every issue.  Congratulations to my friends at Cycle Source Magazine for keeping the dream alive and staying true to the motorcycle spirit.  I remember way, wayy, wayyyyyyyy back with my first card table at an event promoting my high school chopper class idea, and Chris came up with a backpack and introduced himself and the magazine he was creating. We both had respect, and after all these years, I am honored to know we are still kicking butt at what we do and not slowing down any time soon!  I can’t wait to build more memories and stories with you all as the years go by. Until then, cheers to 300!

MONDO PORRAS

Congratulations on your 300th  issue. What a great milestone. Twenty-Five Years of a magazine that has done so much for our chopper lifestyle. You have been the catalyst that keeps the country informed, so we are one chopper nation. I want to thank you  for all the great bike shows around the country as well your informative podcast on Sunday Night. Like I always say, you’re a biker first  and a great bike builder who just happens to be in the magazine business. Thanks for all you do for us, now on to 300 more great issues. Much Love and Respect.

Mondo

JAY ALLEN

A huge congrats on your 300th edition of Cycle Source Magazine. A quarter of a century! Thanks to your passion and hard work, you have evolved to be one of the massive forces pushing our culture in a positive direction and preserving the v-twin lifestyle for future riders to come. Us Baby Boomers have become part of a larger biker family that ranges from 18-80! That’s huge! Your support of the Broken Spoke Saloon and me equated to much of my success. The memories from our beginnings to this day are priceless. I believe the Lord put us here to make a difference. Chris, Heather and Cycle Source have done just that. While others fell to the wayside, you continue to forge ahead, being our advocate and bringing us riders together. We need and love you. Immense love and respect, Jay Allen.

MARILYN STEMP

“On deadline.” Those words frame life for people in the media, casting a dreaded shadow of obligation that won’t recede until its greedy demands are met. A life cycle of panic and relief.

I get it, having lived the deadline life myself; simultaneously grateful for the structure while cursing its urgency. Dennis and I met Chris when IronWorks was 8 or 9 years old. Our columnist Snakebit Sam Kanish - who knew everything about motorcycling in western Pennsylvania - suggested we meet.  That happened at an IW Ridge Run, the kind of meet-up-and-ride event poor publishers like us had. (Call to get on the list, buy your own lunch!) I think it was 1998 and the crew of readers, riders and writers were gathered for a beer at ride’s end in one of Sam’s favorite watering holes when Chris introduced himself. He was impressed by IronWorks, had tried publishing on his own and asked us what it took to have a “real magazine.” Frazzled and deadline-haunted, in unison Dennis and I said: “Don’t do it! It’ll take over your life!”

Chris didn’t listen. And the motorcycle industry is far better, in ways we never imagined, because of it.

JEN HOYER - HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Congratulations Cycle Source on your 300th issue! It was all the way back in July 2007 when I first met Chris at Harley-Davidson’s 2008 Model Launch in Baltimore, MD. From that first moment meeting him up to present day (what 16 years!!!), there is not one person I know in the industry who works harder at supporting the motorcycle industry. The passion Chris, Heather and the staff they employ all love what they do and have pure integrity for helping others along the way. You deserve so much good karma for all the good you do. Thanks for keeping at it, especially when life has thrown you lemons. You buckle down with professionalism and figure a way through it. The open, truthful dialogue in which you operate, bad and good feedback, is in my opinion what has made you so successful. Thank you for your partnership and I hope you have it in you to produce another 300 issues!!

SUGAR BEAR

Chris, When you have a passion and jump into it - minutes, hours, days, and sometimes years pass quickly. When you look back, and look at the results, you’re surprised at what you’ve achieved. Usually, it seems like you just started a few months ago! Enjoy what you’ve accomplished. But only for a couple of minutes - and get back to putting in the hours. You’ve got more publishing to do in the next few days! Congratulations on reaching 300!!! - Sugar Bear

PAT PATTERSON

Congratulations to Cycle Source Magazine on their 300th issue. I’ve known Chris Callen from back in the day when Cycle Source was a black and white and only the cover was color. Not many in the industry, are as passionate and hard-working, to preserve our culture and our community. Thank you for keeping print magazines alive and here’s to 300 more.

brian klock

EPIC! That is the word that comes to mind when I think of the work my friends Chris and Heather Callen have put forth, 300 issues of education, art, passion, information, events and most importantly the characters that make up our industry we all love.  Cycle Source Magazine truly is the hub for all the spokes (styles) of motorcycles and ways to build them we all love to see.  Do we all agree, never, that is the uniqueness that brings to life the art of motorcycles.

Chris began 26 years ago when Klock Werks was officially born as well.  It has been an honor to run alongside him and see the progress he has made as a human, an ambassador for all things motorcycle and the responsibility he takes for the future or the industry.  We have been through some tough times together and now stand tall as overnight 26-year successes, lol.  Chris loves to build, create, learn and most importantly encourage others to do the same.

As he and Heather continue to educate through social media channels alongside their traditional print medium, they are unique in their efforts.  Cycle Source continues to tell all the stories, expand their diversity and offerings and adjust to the new “normal” if anything in the motorcycle industry can fit that word.  Soon to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame in August, it’s time now to celebrate the work (300 Issues and countless shows) that got him there, Congrats Cycle Source and the Callens!  Continued success in your personal and business lives, we love you!!!

roadside marty

First, I want to congratulate Chris and Heather on reaching this milestone with issue 300. As we all know, it’s a challenge for a print magazine to remain alive and competitive in this modern day and age where your phone’s computer is stronger than the one the Space Station Challenger used. I’m sure most, if not all of you reading this, can understand the excitement of opening the magazine and seeing the pics of the parties and your friends just living life and enjoying themselves. I still get anxious when my issue comes that I actually read it from cover to cover. I first heard of Chris Callen from an Iron Works issue showcasing him and a few others from Pittsburgh. The article showed a photo of him sitting on a 4-speed swingarm frame with a cone Shovelhead with GMA billet calipers and billet wheels. I thought, “Man, that’s a cool bike. I wish I could afford stuff like that.” Well, fast forward to 2005 in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in Salisbury, NC, on the Sunday morning after the SmokeOut, I see Chris and Tattoo Duke Miller pull up on their bikes that were loaded for the road.

Even though I recognized him immediately, it took me a few minutes to work up the nerve to approach him and Duke. Hammer from The Horse had just done a review of Cycle Source, and I was excited to finally have a chance to tell him how much I enjoyed the mag and how much I liked his Shovelhead. Finally, I just introduced myself, and we clicked instantly. Chris blew me away by saying he had seen a Shovelhead that I built that was featured in The Horse (my very first feature in any magazine) and thought it was perfect. Words can’t describe how proud I felt that he dug what I was doing. I mean, here was a guy who I had the utmost respect for, and he was interested in what I was doing. We exchanged numbers and made plans to meet up in Sturgis. On that trip, Chris asked me if I wanted to write features and contribute to the magazine. I was absolutely floored. Ever since that day, we’ve grown incredibly close. I was there for him when his mother Jo passed, and he was there for me when my mother Carolyn passed.

Another link in the chain has been Mark. If you don’t know him, I guarantee you’ve seen him all over the country busting his ass to keep things running smoothly. He is definitely part of the Super Glue that holds all this together. Once Heather and Amelia joined the crew, it only seemed to get stronger. They seemed to transition into our world without much trouble.

I’m feeling so many emotions and reliving so many memories in my head that my fingers can’t seem to keep up with them to write it all down. One story I will tell is the time in Daytona when Chris and I spent the entire day running and working at one of the Cycle Source bike shows, we were absolutely exhausted, but we had plans to go to an Industry party that was being put on by a major manufacturer. We got on our bikes and headed out when the skies opened, and the bottom fell out. I mean, one of those storms you should just pull over and wait it out. Well, that’s not how we do things, so we just twisted the throttles back and blasted right up to the front doors of this establishment. Everyone there had obviously come to the party in cages, so it was laughable when we walked in looking and smelling like wet dogs. We were both starving, and we went over to the buffet and literally stuffed some food in our jackets for later. To top it off, they had a chocolate fondue fountain with strawberries and pineapple chunks that we were dipping into the fountain and tossing across the table into each other’s mouth like the restaurant scene in the original Blues Brothers movie! The looks we got from some of the biggest names in the motorcycle industry were priceless and something I’ll never forget. As we were tossed out of the party we laughed even harder, which they really didn’t understand!

Well I hope you, our readers, have enjoyed my rambling, and please join me in congratulating the hardest working couple in the motorcycle industry on this 300th issue. I truly hope I’m around for the next 300!! I’m with you till the

f3@kin wheels fall off, brother!!! Roadside Marty

tim Galbraith, the builder of the fine motorcycle on these pages, started riding in 1974 at the age of twenty-two. When I asked him how he got into motorcycles, he said that as a kid, he grew up watching all the B Grade biker movies, Hells Angels on Wheels and Chrome and Hot Leather, just to name a few. He said he always knew someday he would ride a Harley.

The problem was his dad

didn’t have the same idea when it came to motorcycles. Tim’s dad always said that as long as he lived under his parents’ roof, he would never own a motorcycle, and he was right.

Tim went out on his own, got married too young, divorced, and bought his first motorcycle in 1974, a 650 Yamaha, which he owned for about two years. He took a ride on a Super Glide in 1976, and that was all it took. It ruined him for life. He would not ride anything but a

Harley from then on. In fact, he loved Harleys so much that he made it his career. He started working at an H-D dealership in 1981, and worked at one or two until he found his way to teaching at MMI for nearly 20 years. After retiring from MMI in 2016, Tim decided it was time to finally build his dream bike, resulting in this beautiful Flathead.

That year, Tim took a trip to the Davenport swap meet and came home with the engine, transmission, frame and tanks.

The following year, he picked up the 48 offset springer front end. Galbraith spent the next three years building the bike you see here. He took his time rebuilding the engine and went through the transmission. He ended up using quite a few aftermarket parts, but he is happy with the results.

When it came time to send the bike over to Doug Weaver in Santan, AZ, for the paint, he knew what he wanted. He wanted the look of a period correct 50/60s bobber, and

as far as the color scheme goes? Well, he was inspired by a tool that he used in his early model class at MMI. The side-valve valve spring tool. It had a steel plate that was painted grey, a black rubber mat, and a beautiful red lever. He always thought the grey and red would make the perfect combo for a paint scheme. I think he made a great call on that one.

Over the years, Tim has only owned about a half dozen motorcycles, and he modified every one in some

SWEET ULA TECH SHEET

Owner: Tim Galbraith

City/State: Glendale, Arizona

Builder: Harley-Davidson, owner

Year: 1948

Model: UL

Value: 1 arm, 1 leg

Time: 3 years

ENGINE

Year: 1948

Model: UL

Builder: Harley-Davidson, Owner

Ignition: Battery / Points

Displacement: 74 Cu. in.

Pistons: OEM (one std. one +.010)

Heads: OEM, shaved

Carb: 29mm Smoothbore Mickeys by Sudco

Cam: Stock, (Intakes reground by KNS)

Air Cleaner: Nature

Exhaust: Paughco shotguns

Primary: BDL belt drive

TRANSMISSION

Year: 1950

Make: Harley-Davidson

Shifting: Hand

FRAME

Year: early 1948

Model: UL (slightly molested)

Rake: stock

Stretch: stock

Forks

Builder: Harley-Davidson

Type: Springer

Triple Trees: Vintage aftermarket upper clamp

Extension: None

WHEELS

Front Wheel: Spoke

Size: 16”

Tire: Coker Firestone ANS

Front Brake: Mechanical Drum

Rear Wheel: Spoke

Size: 16”

Tire: Coker Firestone ANS

Rear Brake: Mechanical Drum

PAINT

Painter: Doug Weaver

Color: Gray & Red

Type: Acrylic Enamel

Graphics: Oil Bag lettering by Darren McKeag

Chroming: Not Much

ACCESSORIES

Bars: Flanders Narrow Clubman

Risers: Repop Flanders style dogbones

Hand Controls: ¼ turn External cable throttle, front brake

Foot Controls: OEM rocker clutch, repop brake

Gas Tank(s): OEM UL

Oil Tank: Repop from Tedd’s

Front fender: Bobber from Tedd’s

Rear Fender: Bobber from Tedd’s

Seat: Large Corbin-Gentry solo & pillion

Headlight: aftermarket springer style

Tail light: Repop Crocker

Speedo: Repop Beck style

PHOTOGRAPHER:missi debord

way.

In 1985, while working at a dealership, Tim uncrated and prepped a brand new FXRS for a customer, and two years later, he ended up buying that bike when the guy was about to lose it in a divorce. He still has it today. Tim also owns a 2001 Road King that stays at his house in Iowa and uses it for longer rides. I asked him which bike is his favorite, and he chuckled and said it was the Flathead. It is just fun to ride.

Article By: Charlie Weisel

religion and spirituality come in many forms. Over centuries, these dedicated individuals to their faith have fought and argued over which teaching is the best. Wars have been waged, people have died, and practitioners have been ostracized from communities over nothing more than not sharing a belief system. But through all this anger, hatred and judgment lies one common theme: the search for meaning in one’s life and the idea that if we live a certain way, we will be rewarded after death. Most religious practices teach about loving thy neighbor, helping others in need, and living a virtuous life. All too often, unfortunately, the teachings are only practiced by others who feel the same way. “If you don’t believe what I believe, then I have the right to look down my nose at you” is a standard met in most common religions more often than not. The irony of this is what pushes most people away from organized religion and into other veins of spirituality because spirituality is

really what we are talking about. The idea that there is something bigger than us that we cannot and will not ever see. The idea that if we do good for others, we will, at some point, have good done to us. It’s a reward system, no different

around ancient books that may or may not hold any truth at all. The countless interpretations of these books send people down just as many different paths and towards equally as many endings. There are people, however, who don’t find spirituality in the pages of a dusty book. They find spirituality through meditation by looking inward. They find it in the woods by connecting to the earth. They find it in a handshake with a stranger or by dropping a quarter into a homeless person’s mug. We, as motorcyclists, tend to find our spiritual path out on the open road.

than doing a good job at work with the hope of getting a bonus. Furthermore, nearly all of these teachings and faiths are based

Just typing that last line felt cliche, but I know it is true, at least for myself. When we speak of spirituality and faith and of religion, we typically conjure an image of a church, mosque, or temple. But what if the whole world was our church? What if the landscape we are passing through is our altar? If you look back through time, you will find many religions, or simply “ways of living,” that put the focus on personal growth, connectedness to the earth, and being one with our environment. Some people may put a label on

it, such as enlightenment, but I like to think of it more as simply living life with an open mind, heart and eyes. Going through life with the ability to filter through the barrage of false information we are fed daily and the ability to not let someone else’s bigotry or beliefs permeate through our own skin. Are you really free if you are adopting someone else’s thoughts? Is that not going directly against the idea of freedom we all want?

So how do we do that? How do we ensure that we live our lives and not simply copy someone else? It is my belief that we can do that by traveling the country and the world while keeping an open mind. We have to teach ourselves not to immediately dismiss someone else’s ideas simply because they don’t align with ours or our friends. We must also respect the other person even if we ultimately do not agree on things. The beauty of traveling on a motorcycle is that after encountering someone we may not see eye to eye with, we can then put our helmet on and head on down the road. This is when the magic happens. This is the time we truly have to ourselves. No one is occupying your ear and trying to persuade you of something. We have the opportunity to reflect on the conversation and make sense of it, to learn and grow from it. We have the opportunity to reflect on why we disagree with the other person and decide if there is a valid reason for it or if we have simply adopted someone else’s ideology.

Motorcycling, especially when done solo, affords us the time to find ourselves and discover what defines us as an individual. We are all unique in our own way and digging deep within ourselves to find meaning and what makes sense to us can truly be a spiritual experience. In this way, I believe that riding motorcycles is a religion of sorts and encompasses so much more than simply riding a motorcycle. More than simply releasing the clutch and watching the miles click away. I ask you to reflect on this the next time you find yourself on a long and lonely stretch of highway. Take in your surroundings. Stop for a moment and take note of how the grasses bend with the wind and how the rustling of leaves creates their own music. Listen to the chorus of the birds and watch how the dust floats off the surrounding hills. Feel the cool breeze on one cheek and

the warm sun on the other. Watch a lizard shimmy across the earth to find refuge in the shadow of Saguaro cactus or the hawk circling overhead, searching patiently for its next meal. Immerse yourself in the moment, in the magic of nature, and let that be your altar. These are the moments that I find to be spiritual and where I find peace. Take the time to reflect on how big the world is and how small we are and be thankful for the opportunity to experience it. None of us are here forever, so using our precious time on earth to learn about our landscape, the many cultures and ways of living, and even ourselves is imperative. We, the wandering motorcyclists of the world, have the opportunity to not only open our own minds but to help open the minds of others. We have the opportunity to be a part of the world’s church, a place for all of us to find ourselves along with some magical places and people along the ride.

Firebrand Grand Prix 2-1 Exhaust System for H-D Softail® Models

Firebrand has been in the exhaust game for well over a decade, but the last few years they’ve really stepped up their game and the new Grand Prix two into one is a solid example of that work. Using a shorty version of their bulge end Grand Prix muffler, Firebrand has mated it to a stepped collector and a high flow stainless header. The end result is a quality system that looks the business on modern Softails. “We integrated a perforated baffle and a durable packing material into the Grand Prix 2:1 for a commanding exhaust note without the pitchiness that can come with a short system. Naturally, we made sure it saw a noticeable bump in power as well,” shares Firebrand’s Director of Marketing, Jon Montgomery. The Grand Prix two into one is available in brushed stainless as well as their durable black coating and fits most narrow wheel M8 powered Softails from 2018 to 2023 and clears bags and passenger pegs as well. Also available as a 49 state or race only version. Firebrand is Distributed exclusively through WPS/HardDrive and available at your local dealer. For more details, click on https://firebrandmotorcycle.com/collections/exhaust-systems

DRAG SPECIALTIES BRAKE/CLUTCH CONTROL KIT

The Drag Specialties Control kit comes with a brake master cylinder and hydraulic clutch control assembly. Both are made from aluminum and come in a bright chrome finish. They fit the 2015-2016 FLTRX/FLTRU models. The kit comes with a suggested retail price of $443.95. https://www.dragspecialties. com/search;q=0610-2186;r=eJyrVkrLzClJLSpWsoqOrQUAJusFKA%3D%3D

DRAG SPECIALTIES SEATS CABALLERO SEAT

Don’t settle when it comes to the comfort of the seat on your bike. The Drag Specialties Caballero Seat combines both beautiful styling and ultimate comfort. The seat is made from a combination of solar-reflective leather in the seating area to repel the damaging rays of the sun and automotive-grade vinyl on the side for durability and strength. The seat also includes a patented process to reduce the surface temperature by as much as 25° F, providing a cooler seat on those hot summer rides. Underneath the stylish cover is a molded polyurethane foam to provide you with maximum comfort on those long rides. The base of the seat is thermoformed 3/16” ABS for a perfect fit, complete with a carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers to protect your paint job. The Caballero seat fits all 2008 to 2022 FLHT, FLHR, FLTR, FLHX AND FLHTCUTG models and is 30½” long overall, the width tapering from 11” in the front to 4½” wide at the rear. This seat comes with all the mounting hardware included, and is made in the U.S.A. The Diamond stitch seat has a suggested retail price of $493.95. https://seats.dragspecialties.com/products/?productId=433613

z1r rain suit

Z1R introduces new rain suits for both men and women offered in three colorways. Redesigned and better than ever, the new rainsuits are fully waterproof and wind resistant, perfect for all weather conditions. Fully waterproof tapped seams, reflective piping for added visibility, adjustable waist and cuffs on jacket, and a generous cut to allow fitment over riding gear. Also featured are zippered pant leg openings for easy entry and exit, an elastic boot stirrup to hold pants down and a heat resistant inner knee panel for protection from exhaust. Available in women’s sizes XS-2X. Available in men’s sizes S-4X. Suggested retail $99.95.

NAMZ Indian Chief Speedometer Extension Harness

This 100% plug-n-play harness allows riders to install taller bars, taller risers or relocate their speedometers on ALL 2022-Up Indian Chief Models! Color matching wire, OEM connectors and covered with PVC extruded tubing for a “finished” look. Fits 15” longer than stock for any size handlebar. Fits 2022-Up Chief, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Super Chief, Super Chief Limited, 100% Plug-n-Play. Simple to install and made right here in Pennsylvania! www.namzccp.com

DRAG SPECIALTIES RAKE PADS

Get the reliable stopping power you need with Drag Specialties Brake Pads. These pads come in sintered and organic compounds and are OEM-type replacements. The sintered metal brake pads are proudly made in the U.S.A and are second-to-none in their stopping abilities and wear characteristics while still providing excellent reduction in noise and dust. The organic pads are made with aramid high-performance fibers that are the perfect choice for polished or chromed rotors and billet steel rotors. Both compounds are asbestos, nickel and lead free. These pads fit the 2016-2020 XG 500/750 Street models. Sintered pads MSRP $34.60 and Organic pads MSRP of $23.05. https:// www.dragspecialties.com/search;q=17 200279;r=eJyrVkrLzClJLSpWsoqOrQU AJusFKA%3D%3D

DRAG SPECIALTIES OEM-STYLE REPLACEMENT AIR FILTER FOR INDIAN

Give your engine the breath of fresh, clean air it needs with the Drag Specialties OEM-style Replacement Air Filter Element. This filter uses a high-quality paper filter medium and meets or exceeds OEM specifications while fitting in the OEM stock air filter housings. This filter fits the 2014 to 2022 Indian Chief Classic, Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Springfield, the 2020 to 2022 Indian Challenger, Dark Horse, Dark Horse Limited, the 2015 to 2021 Indian Scout, and the 2016 to 2021 Indian Scout Sixty and Scout Bobber models. MSRP $27.95. https://www.dragspecialties. com/search;q=1011-4647;r=eJyrVkrLz ClJLSpWsoqOrQUAJusFKA%3D%3D

BDL’s CC-100-S Competitor clutch

BDL’s CC-100-S Competitor clutch is a perfect upgrade for your early Harley. Designed specifically for 19361984 Big Twins it allows for quick spring tension adjustment to accommodate big horsepower engines or reducing lever pull. Big horsepower run all 9 springs and if you’re looking for a lighter lever pull go with 6. Insuring a precision yet no hassle fit, the billet hub is a soft press fit into the early basket. 100% manufactured by BDL in the USA, the updated Competitor is a welcome addition to the company’s extensive line of award winning Harley-Davidson compatible clutch and drive components. Check them out at www.beltdrives.com

Article By: Heather Callen Photos By: Missi DeBord

fifty-five-year-old Nash Montana calls Billings, MT, her home and is the brains behind this fine chopper. “The Patriot” is a 1984 Shovelhead and pays homage to the movie that changed her life, Easyriders At 8 years old, when she first saw the film, she knew that she was born to be a biker on a chopper. Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of the iconic film sparking the motorcycle fire in someone, but it was a little different for Nash. Born in Corleone, Sicily, and raised in Zurich, Switzerland, Nash didn’t have the same access to American iron as most of us. However, that didn’t stop her from having her own motorcycle, a two gear Sachs Bonanza 503, when she was

12. Montana readily admits that she quickly customized that bike to look as much like the Captain America chopper as much she could. Looks like she hasn’t strayed much over the years.

Soon after immigrating to the United States in 1995, Nash bought her first HarleyDavidson (a dream come true!), a 1981 basketcase Shovelhead that she worked on for the next few years. She still has that bike and says it’s her ride or die.

Nash is a self-proclaimed chopper lover who clearly states that the new stuff doesn’t appeal to her. She finds the most inspiration from the oldschool choppers of the 60s and 70s and doesn’t deviate. Because of her love for old iron,

THE PATRIOT TECH SHEET

Owner: Nash Montana

City State: Billings, Montana

Builder: Shannon Aikau/ Mike Dunn

Year: 1984

Model: Shovelhead

Value: Priceless

Time: Endless

ENGINE

Year: 1984

Model: Shovelhead

Builder: Harley Davidson

Ignition: Accel

Displacement: 80cubic inch

Pistons: Blackmore high dome

Heads: 2 spark plugs per cylinder h-D (rare)

Carb: S&S SuperB

Cam: (I can’t remember)

Air Cleaner: S&S honeycomb style

Exhaust: Customized Paughco fishtails,

Primary: Performance Machine, BDL

TRANSMISSION

Year: Unknown

Make: Harley Davidson

Shifting: Jockey Shift, 5 gears

FRAME

Year: Unknown

Model: Chopper style A Frame Paughco

Rake: I’m guessing 42 degrees

Stretch: Maybe around 8 inches

Forks:

Builder: Sugar Bear

Type: Springer

Triple Tree: Sugar Bear

WHEELS

Front Wheel: Custom Chrome

size: 21 inch

tire: Avon cobras

front brake: none

Rear Wheel: Custom Chrome

Size: Rear 16 inch

Tire: Avon Cobras

Rear Brake: Performance Machine

PAINT

Painter: Ryan Evans, Las Vegas, Nevada

Color: Red, Silver, Blue, gold leaf

Type: house of Kolors

Graphics: airbrushed

Chroming: Tijuana, Mexico :-)

ACCESSORIES

Bars: T-Bars, from swap meet

Risers: Built into the handlebars

Hand Controls: Harley Davidson

Foot Controls: Mike Dunn

Tank: Peanut chopper style, 2.5 gallons

Oil Tank: Unknown

Front Fender: NONE

Rear Fender: Custom built

Seat: Shannon Aikau, Las Vegas, Nevada

Headlight: bikers choice Double stacked

Tail light: Tombstone style

Speedo: LOL, what’s that?

photographer: Missi Debord

she says the biggest challenge is keeping them running. If you’ve ever owned a Shovel or a Pan, you know she’s not wrong! They require a lot of love and TLC. Nash jokingly says Shovelheads are “Just like a puppy. They both like to ride in the back of pickup trucks and leave puddles.”

Montana bought the bike you see on these pages a few years back strictly because of the paint job, which is precisely how you see it today. However, she couldn’t leave it the way she found it. Nash had to add a few personal touches. She swapped

out the exhaust to the killer fishtail upsweeps, changed the suicide shifter, and added a centrifugal clutch and the outstanding Sugar Bear 33 over front end.

Nash says she loves everything about the Shovelhead: how they feel, how they sound, and how all parts seem to know each other. You know what she’s talking about… when you hit that sweet spot rolling down the road, and the world seems to fall away with the rhythm of the engine. Nash doesn’t know what speed that happens at because,

like most chopper jockeys, she doesn’t run a speedo.

Nash wants to be sure to mention her husband, who just happens to be an excellent fabricator and mechanic and lovingly enables her chopper addiction. “The Captain” is a gorgeous bike that is a daily rider and, along with its owner, encompasses everything we love to see with a Garage Builder.

Hey, I know governments around the world are a mess including this country. Why don’t they get it? We’re living in the best of times. This is especially true for kids. Look what you can make out of life, how much education is available, travel, technology, medical, accomplishments, you name it.

I was working on my third tech around building a Knucklehead chopper and something dawned on me. I just turned 75 and look at all the cool stuff I can do this year. I can build a modern S&S Knucklehead in a modified vintage frame with an old stock XA front end, including old and new parts. Then I can build a 1913 H-D racer, because vintage shit is being manufactured all over the world. I can write another book, go to Bonneville with the Salt Torpedo, build metal art, work on my home in Sturgis, drive a ’58 Chevy, learn the history of South Dakota and write cool articles on Bikernet every day!

Think about kids today, all the stuff

they can do on their phones daily. They don’t need to chop wood to cook breakfast or hunt for something to eat. Life is incredible, all you need to do is to get out of bed and get moving. It’s all at your fingertips. Let’s hit the news.

to Prevent Internal Combustion Engine Bans - U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles.

The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035.

The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines.

The bill is important to stopping CARB’s plans to ban ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive federal preemption provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to go into effect.

Tennessee Exhaust Noise Bill Favorably AmendedRequires Your Support Don’t Delay! Please contact lawmakers to request their support for these bills: Overview: Your voices were heard, Tennessee! After receiving hundreds of letters from folks like you, lawmakers positively amended legislation (S.B. 434/H.B. 769) aiming to reform the state’s motor vehicle noise laws.

Based on SEMA’s model legislation, S.B. 434/H.B. 769 would now implement a fair and objective method for determining compliance with the law, replacing a system that relies on subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system is too loud. S.B. 434 will be heard in the Senate on March 23rd and H.B. 769 is awaiting consideration by the House.-SEMA

SEMA-Supported Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

AMA Land Speed Grand Championship At Bonneville -

It’s also known as the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, where the world’s fastest motorcycles hit breathtaking speeds on the otherworldly Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah.

Ranging from 50cc minibikes to 3,000 cc streamliners, participants of varying investments and experiences share the stage as they showcase their enthusiasm for insanely speedy travel.

After adverse conditions prevented the event from running in 2022, the championship will be back and better that ever August 26-31.

Richard Petty Offers High Performance Speed Shop -

Richard Petty is called “The King” because he’s won more races than anyone in NASCAR history, and he came by those wins with hard work, a great crew, and plenty of speed. Today that same winning spirit can be found at Petty’s Garage in Randleman, which specializes in working on high performance vehicles.

“People are holding on to their cars longer these days. In fact, the average age of a car on the road is over twelve years old,” said Chris Hussey, manager of Petty’s Garage. “We can reinvent or increase the horsepower of just about any car, and we’ve done so for regular folks as well as celebrities.”

Those satisfied celebrities include Kid Rock, Tim Tebow, and Brian Johnson, front man with AC/DC.

“Basically, Petty’s garage is for anyone who is looking for more power or to restore their car to its high performance greatness,” said Hussey. “Plus, there’s always the chance you’ll run into the King himself while you’re here at the shop.”

“I’ve been building hot rods ever since I was a little kid and my bicycle

wouldn’t go fast enough,” said Petty. “Our crew here at the garage has that same kind of drive to succeed for their customers.”

Petty’s Garage specializes in everything American muscle! Our master engine builders can upgrade stock engines to generate upwards of 1000 horsepower, develop and hand-fabricate performance parts for stock vehicles, and restore/modify old cars to the highest standard in the industry. All of these services and much more can be found online at pettysgarage.com

Let Petty’s Garage start a new project for you or upgrade your current vehicle. For more information visit www.pettysgarage.com. -Pam Cook

agenda includes a diverse set of issues that strike at the core of who we are as bikers.

Historically, the MRF has fought many battles to defend individuals and the aftermarket motorcycle businesses’ rights to customize and repair motorcycles. Our successful defense against the EPA’s “Color and Chrome” only initiative and the regulations/enforcement related to it helped define the MRF and what we stand for to this day.

The MRF has long supported the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), which would ensure that modifying motor vehicles into racing vehicles used for competition would not violate the Clean Air Act. We anticipate an updated version of the RPM Act will be introduced this Spring. The MRF and our partners will work diligently for passage of this commonsense piece of legislation. Importantly, some of these parts and technology we are looking to protect are used in the EPA allowances for one-perlifetime custom bikes and Tier 1 eligible motorcycles we fought for two decades ago.

Direct

From The Motorcycle

Riders Association--Coalitions Rejuvenated. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2023 legislative

The MRF agenda also strongly supports the desire to protect a consumer’s right to repair, and ownership of data related to their vehicles. A recently introduced bill, H.R. 906 The Repair Act, helps protect consumers ability to utilize independent repair shops and aftermarket parts to work on vehicles, including motorcycles. These issues are becoming increasingly important and drawing the attention of the aftermarket industry and bike customizers. The EPA has restarted a campaign of increased enforcement and it is threatening shops and individuals with legal action.

MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard recently appeared on Cycle Source Magazines “Shop Talk” radio

THE CYCLE SOURCE WORLD REPORT - POWERED BY BIKERNET.COM

show to discuss these issues and this week traveled to Daytona Bike Week to join independent motorcycle shop owners and others in the aftermarket industry to discuss the many issues facing this industry. The meeting was hosted by Chris Cullen of Cycle Source Magazine and moderated by industry icon Bob Kay. Hardtail had this to say about the meeting, “It was encouraging to see both the level of concern and willingness in this group to engage in our efforts and educate other players in the aftermarket industry.”

Lastly, our Master Mechanic and technical expert Dave “Dad” Dwyer is looking to schedule a meeting with the EPA in Detroit to discuss our growing concerns.

These are challenging issues, but with your continued support and the help of other likeminded advocates we will fight to defend the rights and freedoms we cherish. -MRF

Nitro Circus Brings

Motorcycle Stunt Mayhem

To Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™ Festival Ives Brothers Wall of Death Also Scheduled for Veterans Park Performances

MILWAUKEE (April 13, 2023) – Nitro Circus, the most explosive crew in action sports, will bring its non-stop, actionpacked freestyle motocross show to the Milwaukee lakefront during the HarleyDavidson® Homecoming™ Festival at Veterans Park. This daredevil circus features elite motoathletes performing insane ramp tricks and heart-racing stunts as they push themselves to their limits. Nitro Circus performances are part of an expansive exposition of music and entertainment scheduled for July 15 and 16 to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the world’s mostdesirable motorcycle brand.

Veterans Park in downtown Milwaukee will be the epicenter of family-friendly activities and musical acts Foo Fighters (Sat., July 15) and Green Day (Fri., July 14). Also slated to perform during the weekend are Cody Jinks, Social Distortion, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Phantogram, White Reaper, and KennyHoopla. The Ives Brothers Wall of Death

& Ball of Steel will also perform hair-raising stunts at the lakefront, including riding motorcycles inches apart inside a steel cage. General admission and special VIP tickets with premium benefits for Veterans Park events are on sale now at H-D. com/HomecomingTickets.

Other Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™ Festival events will take place at venues across the Milwaukee area, including the Harley-Davidson Museum where the preliminary music line-up includes headliners Hairball (July 13), The Now Band (July 14), Road Trip (July 15) and Rebel Grace (July 16). HarleyDavidson Powertrain Operations and local Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™ Festival events.

Festival ticketing options, venues, entertainment, scheduled events, parade participation, HarleyDavidson factory tours, and lodging are available at H-D.com/ Homecoming, where visitors can also sign up for instant Homecoming updates.

Dale’s Wheels Through Time Kicks Off Its Twenty First Season - Dale’s Wheels Through Time kicked off its 21st season with an action-packed weekend event. Over the first four days of their new season, the worldfamous museum, dedicated to telling the story of the American motorcycle, welcomed over 1400 guests from around the country and even a few from across the globe. All had one thing in common they wanted to experience “The Museum That Runs.” “We’ve been excited to open our door for the 2023 season,” said curator Matt Walksler. “It’s been a busy winter here at the museum, making enhancements and new exhibits, and we are eager to share them with new and returning visitors alike.”

Premier Service Team - The Harley-Davidson Premier Service Team will offer roadside assistance free of charge to all motorcycle riders in the local Milwaukee area during the Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™ Festival. The service will be available July 12-17 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Lift-equipped trucks staffed by Harley-Davidson employees will transport disabled motorcycles to the nearest of six Harley-Davidson dealerships for repair, where service experts will be on hand to provide onsite technical assistance with advanced diagnostics. Go to H-D. com/Homecoming for full details on Premier Service.

Complete details on additional Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™

One of the day’s first guests was a couple that had driven through the night from Connecticut to arrive when the gates opened. Even after an all-night trip, they spent the entire day taking in the collection at the museum. All weekend long, museum staff greeted guests, introducing them to what sets this museum apart from other similar institutions: that each bike in the collection is displayed in running condition. Every few minutes, the air was filled with the sounds and smells of mechanized history as some of the rarest and most iconic motorcycles in the collection roared to life.

The weekend also saw a visit from renowned painter David Uhl. Known for his vivid and lifelike portrayal of early twentieth-century motorcycles and their riders, Uhl brought his traveling gallery and spent the weekend sharing with visitors and demonstrating his artistic talents. Over the years, Uhl has featured many of the bikes in the museum’s collection in his remarkable paintings.

On Saturday, the museum celebrated its inaugural Founder’s

THE CYCLE SOURCE WORLD REPORT - POWERED BY BIKERNET.COM

Day, a tribute to museum Founder Dale Walksler who passed away in 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. The day featured a special live-streamed event with curator Matt Walksler sharing the history of his father, Dale, and Wheels Through Time along the way, firing up many of Dale’s favorite bikes. “Our 2023 season opening was a weekend to remember, and we were overwhelmed with the response from our visitors,” Walksler continued. “Thank you to everyone who came out to make the first weekend so special.”

As a non-profit organization, their annual raffle is the museum’s biggest fundraiser each year, and the proceeds help to build new exhibits and enhance the overall look and feel of the museum. “A principal part of the museum’s mission is to inspire and connect people to the history of vintage

motorcycles and their importance in American transportation history,” said staff member Kris Estep. “We feel there is no better way than to giveaway a classic machine to one

striped in Black, and edged in Gold.

The museum is located at 62 Vintage Lane in Maggie Valley, NC. Its 2023 operating season runs Thursday to Monday, 10 am -5 pm, through November 20th. For more information, to plan your visit, or to get your raffle tickets on the ‘37 Knucklehead, go to wheelsthroughtime.com

That’s It! If you care about motorcycling join the MRF, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, or your local motorcycle rights group and get involved and informed. If you want to follow the news more closely, slip over to Bikernet.com once a week for our news column.

Let’s ride fast and free forever! -Bandit

lucky winner each year and welcome them into the world of vintage motorcycling.” This year the bike is a 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber finished in HD custom Silver,

ADVERTISERS INDEX

5 Ball Racing Leather.............95

AMCA......................................69

Battery Outlet.........................97

BikerNet.com..........................18

Bling’s Cycles.........................28

Chop Cult................................94

Chopper Time.........................49

DB Custom Leather................94

Dennis Kirk.............................99

Denver’s Choppers................33

Donnie Smith...........................71

Drag Specialties.......................9

Drag Specialties Seats...........15

Dream Rides...........................57

Dutchman...............................97

Feuling...................................95

Hardcore Cycles.....................43

Hijinx Apparel........................95

IO Mount.................................73

Iron Horse Saloon .................37

Kiwi Indian...............................27

Law Tigers................................2

Led Sled..................................55

MC Creations..........................97

No School Choppers..............69

Pandemonium.........................17

Paughco.............................13,79

Progressive Insurance.............5

Buffalo Chip............................59

Kiwi Indian..............................27

Klock Werks...........................65

S&S Cycle.............................100

ShopTalk................................48

Sierra Madre...........................45

SmokeOut................................3

SpeedKing..............................97

Sporty Parts............................97

Spectro Oils............................25

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum..29

Tech Cycles............................27

TMMR 37

Twin Power................................4

Twisted Choppers...................19

Heard A Good One Lately ? Then Send It Along To Us At:

119 Dellenbaugh Rd. Tarentum, PA 15084 Or E-mail To cyclesourcemain@comcast.net

Ayoungman moved into a new apartment and went to the lobby to put his name on his mailbox. While there, an attractive young lady wearing a robe, came out of the apartment next to the mailboxes. The boy smiled at the young woman, and she started a conversation with him. As they talked, her robe slipped open. It was apparent that she had nothing else on. The poor kid broke into a sweat, trying to maintain eye contact. After a few minutes, she placed her hand on his arm and said, ‘Let’s go to my apartment ... I hear someone coming.’ He followed her into her apartment; she closed the door and leaned against it, allowing her robe to fall off. Now nude, she purred at him, ‘What would you say is my best feature?’ Flustered and embarrassed, he squeaked, ‘It’s got to be your ears.’ Astounded and a little hurt, she asked, ‘My ears? Look at these breasts; they are full and 100% natural. I work out every day, and my butt is firm and solid. Look at my skin - no blemishes anywhere. How can you think that my ears are the best part of my body?’ Clearing his throat, he stammered .... ‘Outside, when you said you heard someone coming.... that was me.’

Joey

Askinny little guy enters an elevator, looks up, and sees this HUGE guy standing beside him. The big guy sees the little guy staring at him, looks down, and says: “7 feet tall, 350

pounds, 20-inch private, 3-pound left testicle, 3-pound right testicle, Turner Brown.” The little man faints and falls to the floor. The big guy kneels down and brings him to, shaking him. The big guy says, “What’s wrong with you?” In a weak voice, the little guy says, “What EXACTLY did you say to me?” The big dude says, “I saw your curious look and figured I’d just give you the answers to the questions everyone always asks me. I’m 7 feet tall, weigh 350 pounds, have a 20inch private, my left testicle weighs 3 pounds, my right testicle weighs 3 pounds, and my name is Turner Brown.” The small guy says, “Turner Brown?!... Sweet Jesus, I thought you said, “Turn around”!

Camel

A61 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked ‘Is my time up?” God said, ‘No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live. Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, breast implants and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color and brighten her teeth! Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it. After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was killed by an

ambulance. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, ‘I thought you said I had another 43 years? Why didn’t you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?’ God replied: ‘I didn’t recognize you.’

Geno

Years ago, a young Navy Pilot was severely injured while ejecting from his A-4 Skyhawk due to engine failure during a catapult shot from the aircraft carrier, but due to the heroics of the rescue helicopter and the ship’s hospital staff, the only permanent injury was the loss of one ear. Since he was now physically impaired, he did not remain on flight status but eventually became an Admiral. However, during his career, he was always sensitive about his appearance. One day, the Admiral interviewed two Navy Master Chiefs and a Marine Sergeant Major for his personal staff. The first Master Chief was a Surface Navy-type, and it was a great interview. At the end of the interview, the Admiral asked him, “Do you notice anything different about me?” The Master Chief answered, “Why, yes, Admiral. I couldn’t help but notice that you’re missing your starboard ear, and I don’t know whether this impacts your hearing on that side. The Admiral got angry at this lack of tact and threw him out of his office. The next candidate, an Aviation Master Chief, when asked this same question, answered, “Well, yes, Sir. You seem to be short one ear.” The Admiral was appalled and threw him out as well. The third interview was with the Marine Sergeant Major. He was articulate, extremely sharp, and seemed to know more than the two Master Chiefs put together. The Admiral wanted this guy but went ahead with the same question. “Now, one last question: Sergeant Major, do you notice anything different about me?” To his surprise, the Sergeant Major said, “Yes, Sir. You wear contact lenses.” The Admiral was impressed and thought to himself, ‘What an incredibly tactful Marine’. “And how would you know that,” the Admiral asked. The Sergeant Major replied: “Well, Sir, it’s pretty hard to wear glasses with only one f**kin’ ear.”

Jason