www.motospiritmag.com
J LEE
LIVING LIFE WITH DRIVE,HEART and A HEARTY DOSE OF ABANDON! FOR THE MOTORCYCLE LIFESTYLE
In the twIlIght of generatIon me, one may be hard pressed to find a self-made entrepreneur whose sole desire is to give to others. However, that is exactly what Efrain Lozada has set out to do.
Born to a parent who was in and out of prison and another on the streets struggling with addiction, Lozada knew too well, what kind of life it is to live where those closest to you, choose themselves over everything else. Yet, it was his aunt, a single mom of 7, who adopted Lozada as one of her own and set into motion a force to be reckon with. Lozada’s struggles early on in life ignited him to start an organization that champions on behalf of today’s youth. He has set out to teach others the true meaning of self-sacrifice, overcoming adversity, and love beyond measure; qualities encapsulated by Lozada’s adopted mother.
“If I only help one chIld overcome adversIty then I wIll have left thIs world a lIttle better than when I arrIved.”
Lozada’s challenges early on in life is just one piece of the puzzle. Now 23, Lozada has started an organization that champions on behalf of today’s youth. Lozada used his own money to start his dream of a non-profit organization called L.I.F.E., which stands for Life In Full Effect. It is a gifted organization that takes young adults between the ages of 14-19 years old and prepares them for life outside of school. The organization couples each student with a mentor to teach them life-long skills such as career and financial planning, along with character education. Lozada lights up when he speaks of his organization and his undeniable passion for helping the future generation. He is truly a gentleman with a passion to give back to kids. “If I only help one child overcome adversity then I will have left this world better.” If we make this commitment now the investment will yield benefits for generations to come. Give now at www.lifenpo.org
Editor’s Letter EDITOR-IN-CHIEF REBECCA WEST ART DIRECTOR BRITTANY GARCIA CREATIVE CONSULTANT MIKE EDWARDS JOSHUA TEIXIERA STYLING CONSULTANT PHIL KEOPHAPHONE SALES / MARKETING KEVIN LAPALME PUBLISHER LAPALME MEDIA TO SUBSCRIBE MOTOSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM FOR AD SALES SALES@MOTOSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM TO CONTRIBUTE EDITOR@MOTOSPIRITMAGAZINE.COM JOURNALISTS REBECCA WEST NOELLE TALMON KEVIN LAPALME DAWN GARCIA ISAAC STONE SIMONELLI FRED WRIGHT JR. BEN THACKER PETAR PETROV NICK MARINOFF
ON THE COVER Leather Jacket - Bohemian Society Shirt - Cadogan Pant - A. Tiziano Sunglasses - Jacques Marie Mage Bracelets - K. Diovanna Jewelry & Rob Bacon Gloves - Ritual Necklace - Turchin Boots - Pskaufman Bike - 2015 Confederate R131 Fighter Jims/Confederate counter balanced twin cam 45° radial twin; 4.3125 x 4.5” stroke, 131 cubic inches (2,146 cubic centremetres) Power: 160hp
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PHOTOGRAPHERS MIKE EDWARDS DEMETRIUS WARD BRYAN HELM DEAN CHOOCH LANDRY ALLAN GLANFIELD DAN TANENBAUM DAVID MANN ISAAC STONE SIMONELLI SUSAN MCLAUGHLIN PAUL D’ORLEANS
© 2018 MotoSpirit Magazine - All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. MotoSpirit Magazine, its officers, staff members or writers do not warrant the accuracy of or assume responsibility for any of the material contained herein. Freelance photographers are responsible for their copyrights. Editorials or editorial submissions do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Publisher and/ or magazine leadership. All letters, text and photo material received become property of MotoSpirit Magazine.
For many riders, motorcycling is a way of life. To that end, we’ve all heard or read the sentiments that best try to describe that “life,” such as how two wheels move the soul, or how there are two kinds of people: motorcycle riders and sad people. It’s about a sense of freedom that is unobtainable in any other way for a lot of us. Love is the feeling you get when you like something as much as you love your motorcycle. - Hunter S. Thompson If you’ve been riding for a number of years, chances are at one time or another — and if you’ve been riding your whole life it’s happened a lot — you’ve been questioned on your lifestyle choice and even had to defend it. The saying “If you have to ask, you wouldn’t understand” is a completely legitimate response to those that don’t “get” your love of it. I’m a member of The Church of the Never Ending Freeway — and my congregation numbers in the millions. - Wes the Mess As the number of riders worldwide continues to grow, so do the types of people who join the ranks of riders. Riding a motorcycle is no longer considered just an outlaw activity. People of all walks of life have joined the congregation: rich, poor, old, young, men, women and children of all ethnicities and creeds have taken up the motorcycle motto of “Live to ride, ride to live.” Motorcycles are like motorcycle riders, they come in all shapes and sizes That’s why we’ve created MotoSpirit. We recognize riders today are a potluck, a mixed bag of tricks, if you will. With interesting features and informative content, we hope to attract riders of all makes and models — the brand is not important, the fact that you ride is — regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman, the color of your skin, or what your political or religious affiliations might be. You can’t please all of the people all of the time We also recognize the fact that you cannot please everybody most of the time, much less all of the time. We don’t expect to. What we do expect, though, is to provide a quality magazine with a substantial amount of interesting content where you are bound to find something that appeals to you, because there’s something for everyone within our pages. I’d rather be a rider for a minute than a spectator for a lifetime. - Author unknown As time marches forward and our efforts progress, we will strive to do our best to bring our readers the types of things they want to see and read. We hope you’ll be along for the ride. -The Editor
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Har The Race of Gentlemen
SOMEWHERE IN TIME
DESTINATION DAYTONA
HD GIN
MOTORCYCLE MUSE
TOURING IN STYLE
RIDING THAILAND'S PLAIN OF JARS MOTO TECH
ALL PART OF THE SHOW THE LIFE OF A DAREDEVIL J lee : LIVING LIFE with drive, heart, And a hearty does of abandon! A place to lay your head: The iron horse hotel
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
66 72 74 80 84 88 92 95 96 104 108 110
Har Pure magic
WHISKEY REINVENTED
The u.k. 's old empire trading company Harley-Davidson Museum
LARRY PIERCE BOBBER
STANDARD MOTORCYCLE CO.
GEAR AND ACCESSORIES
TECH TIP
FIRST SONS OF SPEED WINNER BRITTNEY OLSEN HEROES MOTORS
VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL
MOTORCYCLE SEAT CANCER
THE SPIRIT OF THE MOTO RIDER “YOU DO NOT NEED A THERAPIST IF YOU OWN A MOTORCYCLE, ANY KIND OF MOTORCYCLE” - DAN AYKROYD
THE race of gentlemen WILDWOOD NEW JERSEY JUNE 8/9/10 2018
This June, instead of beachgoers tanning and frolicking in the surf, Wildwood Beach will be filled with the sounds of cars and motorcycle engines revving up. The Race of Gentlemen (TROG) is a race consisting of motorcycle and hot rods built before the 1950’s. In 2008, founder Mel Stultz and members of the reformed motorcycle club “The Oilers” conceptualized a race that celebrated the tradition of pre-1950’s racing. Over the years the event has become something of a reunion to young and old, from many different cultures and nationalities. Bringing the fastest, coolest looking bikes is not the only requirement, they are always interested in the uniqueness of the 20,000+ individuals that come to race and spectate each year. The race era is not only represented in the signage situated around the event, but even the Racers and spectators dress in gear appropriate for the time period. A TROG event is a photobook from a bygone era come to life.
THIS IS “OUR” AMERICAN HERITAGE The first day of the event, considered “Inspection Day” is an amalgamation of cars and cycles that are rusted, beat up and pieced together. This is not your typical car show. It’s the character of the vehicles which make each vehicle special. As race day commences, contestants arrive early to get their pride and joy onto the beach. The roaring engines downing out the conversation as the spectators fill the bleachers and the race day begins.
Written By: Kevin LaPalme Photos By: Dean Chooch Landry Photography And Allan Glanfield
As the sun begins to set, the crowds prepare for the nights festivities. Music, drinks and good food close out the busy and exciting day.
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SOMEWHERE IN TIME Originally from Toronto, Canada, Dan discovered his talent for creating his amazing pieces of art whilst collecting vintage timepieces. Each motorcycle is made from up to 50 watches and It takes approximately 40 to 50 hours to build each bike. Most of Dan’s creations can sell for more than $1000 each. Find out more about Dan’s hobby @watchpartsmotorcycles
Dan Tanenbaum has a unique hobby. Dan has been sculpting miniature motorcycles exclusively from vintage watch parts since 2010, and since that time his unique works have been featured in various Magazines.
Photos By Dan Tanenbaum @watchpartsmotorcycles
GETTING DOWN TO IT AT
DESTINATION DAYTONA
TALKING BIKE WEEK, FAMILY LEGACY & CONTINUAL EVOLUTION Written By: Dawn Garcia Photos By: Brittany Garcia
While Daytona may be synonymous with the NASCAR Daytona 500, it’s also home to a place anyone with a pulse and passion for riding needs to be: Destination Daytona. Imagined by the late Bruce Rossmeyer, Destination Daytona is a playground and hotspot for motorcycle enthusiasts from every walk of life. Whether you are a Harley-Davidson novice, have a passion for vintage bikes, restore or rebuild, or are just newly discovering your love for motorcycles and riding, Destination Daytona is where you want to be.
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson Dealership isn’t shying away from a more chic group of growing enthusiasts. Excited by the range of people who are finding a love for the motorcycle culture, Shelly reminds us that the people who come onto the property, those who visit the showroom, they don’t fall into one particular category. There are pros, industry manufacturers showcasing product, designers, artists, tech men and women, the family man who has fallen in love with the freedom, design, intrigue, and beauty of a well-built bike, and pretty much everyone in between.
Having the pleasure to speak to Bruce’s daughter, Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe, we got a quick education into everything this family run wonderland has to offer anyone and everyone who has a healthy curiosity about the world of motorcycles. With any one of the family members on site daily (Sandy Rossmeyer, Shelly, Mandy Rossmeyer, Will Rossmeyer, or Dean Pepe), this is a hands on, customer driven experience. It’s more than an activity or spectator sport, there are major events, courses, interactive media, restaurants and bars, condos, and even a hotel on site. All of which fall under the legacy of the Rossmeyer vision making it a one-of-a-kind destination.
Throughout the history of Harley-Davidson, what allows the brand to have the global appeal it does is that it symbolizes artisanship, craftsmanship, cutting edge design, a feeling of rebellion, monumental moments in time, freedom, curiosity, and abandon. With a space of 109,000 square feet, the Rossmeyer Showroom honors every aspect of that history with a massive vision that extends well past the showroom itself.
Built from a deep passion for Harley-Davidson and a desire to create a space that can inspire die-hard riders to a new motorcycle purveyor, Bruce’s vision extended well beyond selling parts and endearing enthusiasts. In fact, what he wanted was to create a sort of DisneyWorld for bikers and that’s precisely what he did. While his legacy is undeniable, when tragedy struck and he passed away in 2009, it was up to his family to keep his dream alive – and be open to evolving as the industry, times, and consumer trends continued to shift. Over the past nine years, they’ve done precisely that and now Destination Daytona is an immersive customer, spectator, and business epicenter. Sure, bikers still love wet tee-shirt contests, rowdy events, and leather gear, but there is a new and diverse culture of Harley-Davidson, bikers and fans that continue to change the definition of what being a biker actually means. While they host an array of events, rides, concerts, and favorite pastimes “old school,” tried and true Harley bikers love,
However that said, the newly renovated, fully staffed, bright, open showroom showcases each motorcycle in a way that allows every detail to shine. When you need something, their staff of over eighty employees are there to answer any questions, fix any broken parts, make sure your bike is outfitted with the best in technology, give you tips, teach you how to ride (if you’re new to it), all in all ensuring longevity of your bike, and support a lifelong love affair. “We’re a business that can handle anything; you can learn to ride through a riding academy, brush up on your riding skills, or even receive your motorcycle endorsement! We are continually evolving to make sure we are always changing with the culture, the times. The renovations we just did in the showroom has clean layout. We want to class it up, put in computer charging stations, catering to modern times as well as the tried and true.” Established in 2005 as an addition to Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davison Dealership, what makes Destination Daytona so special is it is a landmark in and of itself and just about every
week of the year, they have something happening. Being one of the few to have one of the largest selections of Harley-Davidson bikes, apparel, parts, courses, a service center, and more, there is never a shortage of something to discover and while the vast majority of Bikers mark this as a must-see on their journey, it’s history runs deep as does its vision for the future. Family owned and passion-filled, celebrating 25 years in the Harley-Davidson business, it’s safe to say Bruce Rossmeyer would be damn proud of his family and how they’ve brought his dreams to create something truly special to life. To learn more, visit: www.brucerossmeyer. com For those of you heading to Bike Week, here’s what you need to know: Destination Daytona hosts over 300,000 visitors during Bike Week alone. Visitors flock here to try new bikes, attend bike shows all around town, shop for parts, gear, apparel, meet new industry vendors, discover after-market motorcycle companies, check out the on-site RV dealership, and get the low down on what’s happening in the marketplace. For the avid rider, this is a lifestyle. For the newbie, this is the next adventure. During the week of March 9th through 18th this year, motorcycle novices, riders, and enthusiasts will celebrate the 77th anniversary of Bike Week. At Destination Daytona, they are among the more pristine locations catering to a vast clientele. They’ve got a lineup of events, rallies, parties, a series of races, and vendor presentations you won’t want to miss including access to the best of the best including getting a glimpse of market trends before the rest of the world sees them.
Below is a lineup of what visitors can look forward to during this year’s Bike Week: DAILY | MARCH 9th-MARCH 18th •11am-4pm | Southern Revival Concert Series By OutlawNation. com at Saints & Sinners Pub Vendors, Bars & Restaurants •5pm-Midnight | Live Music at Saints & Sinners Pub •Free Bike & Car Parking •Daily Thrills in Destination Daytona by Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death •Urias Family Globe of Steel and The Flaunt Girls •FREE Motorcycle Exhibit FRIDAY, MARCH 9th, 2018 •5-9pm | Straight Jacket Smile •9pm-1am | Barnyard Stompers SATURDAY, MARCH 10th, 2018 •8am | Powerhouse Arm Wrestling Federation - Arm Crusher 3 Weigh-In •12pm | Powerhouse Arm Wrestling Federation Matches begin •5-9pm | Bath Salt Zombies SUNDAY, MARCH 11th, 2018 •5-9pm | Golden Rule MONDAY, MARCH 12th, 2018 •10am | FREE Antique Motorcycle Club of America Bike Show Hosted by Sunshine Chapter AMCA | Show Us Yours! (No formal judging) TUESDAY, MARCH 13th, 2018 •5-9pm | Caribbean Posse WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14th, 2018 •5-9pm | New York Rockabilly Rockets THURSDAY, MARCH 15th, 2018 •5-9pm | Pop Culture Poets •Mark Brodie’s People Choice American V-Twin Custom Bike Show FRIDAY, MARCH 16th, 2018 •5-9pm | Star 69
There will be Live Music at Saints & Sinners Pub 11am-Midnight
SATURDAY, MARCH 17th, 2018 •4:30pm | St. Patrick’s Day Party in The Pavilion with FREE Razorbacks Concert at 4:30pm
Keep updated for all events at www.brucerossmeyer.com/--bikeweek
SUNDAY, MARCH 18th, 2018 •5-9pm | Golden Rule
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mmmm, HD GIN
Macho Gin Infused with Vintage Harley-Davidson Engine Parts Honors the Spirit of the Past Written by: Noelle Talmon
There’s a man from Hamburg, Germany, who became “infected” with the Harley-Davidson virus when he was a teenager. Many bikers can identify with that sentiment. The “virus” can strike when you’re young and see a motorcycle for the first time, or later in life when you finally have enough money to buy your dream bike.
For Uwe Ehinger, the sickness compelled him to search high and low—in junkyards, people’s garages, and anywhere else he could find lost motorcycles—for Harley castoffs. What others considered junk, he saw as treasure. He started collecting these “relics” and became a motorcycle archaeologist. And what did he do with these old Harley-Davidson parts that no one else wanted? He built his own bikes and custom bike shop, Ehinger Kraftrad. Then in summer 2017 he used them to make gin. And it’s not supermarket gin—it’s top-shelf liquor.
Ehinger explains on his website, www.the-archaeologist. com, “Every time I make a find of rare bikes, I wonder how to use every single part–because they deserve to be preserved. That is where the idea for ‘The Archaeologist’ emerged: preserving the spirit of the old machines in an actual spirit and make it possible to experience the taste.” Heck, yeah! He offers three kinds of gin, lovingly named The Flathead, The Knucklehead and The Panhead. The premium dry gin contains actual engine parts from Harley-Davidsons. It is safe to drink because all of the parts are washed and sealed in a tin alloy. The gin contains camshafts from a 1939 Flathead, screw-nuts from a 1947 Knucklehead, and
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rocker arms from a 1962 Panhead. Even the labels have a vintage feel—they were printed on a 1931 Heidelberg Tiegel printing press. The bottles themselves are wrapped in paper that describes the origin of the bike parts inside. Ehinger’s obsession has taken him all the way to South America and South Korea to find motorcycles that need saving. He has been hunting them down for decades. In the 1980s, he scored several 1939 Flatheads while combing through a garage that stored decommissioned bikes formerly used by the Mexican military. While traveling through Santiago, Chile, he found a rare, blue 1947 HD FL. The coolest part? It was previously owned by a German pharmacist who used it to deliver his prescriptions. In South Korea, he found a meticulously organized motorcycle graveyard filled with unwanted bikes, including a 1962 Panhead. The price of the gin is a little steep. Bottles cost between $1,000 and $1,280. The gin is so popular, the limited run sold out online within hours of its release. If you’re still interested, the company is taking advance orders for the next edition. Order yours at www.the-archaeologist.com
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MotorcyclE Muse
Artists Whose Muse is the Motorcycle Written by: Noelle Talmon Photos: David Mann www.davidmannstore.com
Jeff Decker
David Mann is one of the most iconic motorcycle graphic artists of all time. His work was featured in every centerfold of Easyriders magazine from 1973 until his death in 2004. Mann, who rode a red rigid framed Shovel/Pan with a jockey shift, launched his art career in an era when bikers were outlaws and looked upon unfavorably by the general population. He depicted bikers as viewed by the average non-rider. In one of his pieces, a family of four is stopped in a station wagon with two sons in the back seat. The young boys have their faces pressed up against the window to get a closer look at the so-called hellions in the lane next to them while their mother looks on, aghast.
Like Decker, painter David Uhl is also an HD-licensed artist. He finds joy digging into the company’s photo archives so he can recreate stunning images of vintage bikes and riders on canvas. Uhl is known for his Women of Harley-Davidson collection. One features a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) named Ruth about to ride her 1940 knucklehead bobber.
Mann also glorified the biker lifestyle, and historic and mythical figures were a big presence in his work. One print features a group of bikers riding in the Midwest flanked by ghosted images of Native Americans on horses. Still more of his work shows bikers as heroic characters. One depicts a motorcyclist as Neptune, the God of the Sea, with a trident in his hand and a mermaid as his passenger. What is art? For some, it’s a beautiful painting that makes them feel happy (Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” for example). For others, it’s a giant outdoor sculpture à la Alexander Calder that can be touched and used for shade. Still more consider their child’s first drawing a work of art (it may not be “good” art, but it’s still art in their eyes). Art comes in a variety of forms and sizes. It can be inspiring, disturbing, uplifting, or thought provoking. Whatever it is—a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a poem—it evokes an emotional response from its audience. Many artists wouldn’t be who they are without a muse that serves as their inspiration. One such muse is the motorcycle. A motorcycle represents speed and freedom. It’s a lifestyle that’s only truly understood by its own and those who document it through the lens, the brush, or whatever medium shows their love for two wheels.
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Bronze artist Jeff Decker’s work is centered on “man’s quest for speed.” He has credited Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical drawings and grotesque sketches as his biggest inspirations. Decker is predominantly known for his large-scale 15,000-pound bronze sculpture, “By the Horns,” which is displayed at Harley-Davidson’s headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The biker is riding a DAH bike and is in mid-crash while attempting a hill climb. Decker has also created several smaller-scale bronze sculptures, including one of racer Joe Petrali taken from a photograph in which he set a 136-mph record on his Harley-Davidson Streamliner in 1937. Decker finds inspiration in the physicality and motion of riding a motorcycle.
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Some of his more offbeat work includes his steampunk series, one of which features actress Kristy Swanson as Buffy the Vampire Slayer brandishing a wooden stake pistol astride her motorcycle. Uhl is absorbed by the lines (and the curves) of women and motorcycles and tells a story with each of his amazing paintings. In a time when everyone with a cell phone thinks they’re a photographer, Michael Lichter is the granddaddy of motorcycle photography. His work has been featured in Easyriders and numerous other magazines, books, and articles since he got his start in the late seventies. He still owns his first bike, a 1971 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, and curates the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Motorcycles as Art Exhibition each year. This past August the theme was “Old Iron - Young Blood: Motorcycles & The Next Gen,” featuring custom bikes by builders under the age of 36. While largely a commercial photographer, Lichter sees the motorcycle as more than a mode of transportation. It’s a way of life. Custom bike builders are mechanical artists, breathing life into the machines they modify with every engine they rebuild and tank they paint. Arlen Ness has been in the business for over 40 years. Dubbed the “King of Choppers,” he’s known for his custom builds featuring unique paint jobs and creative themes. The first bike he built was a 1947 Knucklehead called “The Untouchable” featuring an image of Elliot Ness. His bike “Ness-Stalgia” was inspired by a 1957 Chevy. The concept motorcycle “Mach Ness” runs on a jet-powered helicopter engine (which he bought on eBay) encased in aluminum. Until its dissolution in 2017, Ness collaborated with Victory motorcycles, providing style input for a factory custom motorcycle every year. Ness sees beauty beyond stock motorcycles and transforms them into incredible choppers born from a passion for two wheels.
Connecticut, cites his studies in western Zen Buddhism, martial arts doctrine and the motorcycle as the core of the inspiration for his art. Specifically, the motion created by the mechanical symphony leading up to the ride and the rolling meditation en route are a pathway to everyday Zen. Mechanics plus fluids and a rider equal rolling meditation. His artistry extends to crafting custom furniture using found and junked motorcycle parts. It usually starts with a frame from a discarded bike (not one that has been involved in an accident). “Night Train Lounger” has the frame of a 2005 Harley-Davidson Night Train. It is long and lean, taking styling cues from the original bike, and is stretched out like a ‘70s chopper. There is still an original VIN number etched on the frame so the buyer can identify it with the exact model. There are also copious amounts of found objects and rebar added to his pieces. Motorcycle art can also be wearable. Matthew Allard runs Inked Iron, an online custom motorcycle print and apparel shop for those who like expressing their passion for two-wheeled adventures. T-shirts and posters are emblazoned with motorcycle-inspired doctrine. The print “Smoke Em If You’ve Got Em” features a biker doing a burnout. Another shows a Ducati superbike with a quote by Hunter S. Thompson: “Anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing.” A third features a woman rider with a quote by C.S. Lewis: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Allard says what all bikers feel. Riding takes you to a different place, physically and spiritually. It’s an experience that only motorcyclists understand.
Artists have been paying homage to the motorcycle for generations. It’s an extension of their being and an integral part of who they are as humans. Every painting, photograph and sculpture reveals their passion for speed, the open road and the freedom riders experience each time they turn the key and make the engine purr.
There are also many lesser-known artists who see motorcycles as their muse. Fiberglass artist Steve Parker and his partner Maynard Tockish own 3D Customs in Willoughby, Ohio. Using an epoxy mud, Parker fashions sculpture on motorcycle gas tanks, creating a 3D effect. His “Spider Queen” tank features a woman surrounded by spider webs. He created “Project 343” in honor of firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The fender on the bike looks exactly like a firefighter’s helmet with the number 343 illuminated by an LED. Like Ness, Parker is unfettered by convention and turns motorcycles into mobile works of art. Sid Werthan, a metal sculptor, conceptual installation artist and longtime rider based out of New Haven,
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2016 BMW K1600GTL When luxury is freed of all ballast, it moves to a new level. At the very top of this evolution is the new K 1600 GTL – a high-class touring bike like none before it. With the most compact and efficient in-line 6-cylinder engine ever installed in a series production motorcycle. Base Price $17,000 Rent for $250 a day. www.ridingroute66.com
2012 Honda GoldWing GL1800
Truly a legend amongst touring motorcycles. And with good reason– the rider and pillion luxuriate in supreme comfort, with superb weather protection, minimal vibration and engine heat, and the best luggage capacity of any motorycle on the open road. There’s music on board, cruise control, air suspension, and an aluminium perimeter frame which provides sportbike-like handling. You honestly will not believe how well the Goldwing handles. Base Price $23,200 Rent for $150 a day. www.eaglerider.com
Touring In style
2011 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited
The luxury touring motorcycle niche is a relatively new market. We’ve taken a look at a few of the best Machines for you to hit the open road. When you are done eyeing these touring beauties, check out page 65 for some Scenic ride destinations. Written By: Kevin LaPalme
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited
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Truly a legend amongst touring motorcycles. And with good reason – the rider and pillion luxuriate in supreme comfort, with superb weather protection, minimal vibration and engine heat, and just about the best luggage capacity of any motorycle on the road. There’s music on board, cruise control, air suspension, and an aluminium perimeter frame which provides sportbike-like handling. You honestly will not believe how well the Goldwing handles. Base Price $23,200 Rent for $150 a day. www.eaglerider.com
This is a dream Ducati. 4 Bikes in 1; A sport bike, long-distance tourer, urban and road enduro are now separated by just one click. Base Price $23,800 Rent for $249 a day. www.rentaducati.com
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RIDING THAILAND’S PLAIN OF JARS THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME Written By: Isaac Stone Simonelli Photos By: Isaac Stone Simonelli
The Plain of Jars Loop is a 482-mile (775km) journey that takes you deep inside the Xiangkhouang Province, where archaeological sites comprising of enormous stone jars dating back to the Neolithic period bask in the sun and touring on a motorcycle is truly an adventure. Up until recently, it was easier to crate a motorcycle and send it to Thailand, where you could then secure a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) and drive into Laos – where you’d need another TIP. However, changes in Thai law are demanding that foreign registered motorcycles are now driven with guides present. Having spent the last five years living in Thailand, it’s hard to imagine that the law is being enforced. That said, if you’re caught in a tough spot you’ll need to be prepared to grease some palms – more commonly known in the region as “giving tea money.” The other option is to bring your bike in through Cambodia and drive to Laos. Unless you’re planning on a multi-month adventure through Southeast Asia, it’s going to be more cost-effective and relaxing to rent a bike when you land in Laos. If you do decide to rent one, your only real options are going to be 250cc dirt bikes or a Honda CRF 250L duelsport bike. The two primary rental companies operating out of Luang Prabang – base camp for the Plain of Jars Loop – are MotoLaos and KPTD. Both companies have a reputation for being fair about damage to their well-maintained fleets. That said, take pictures of any rental vehicle before taking it off the lot and be prepared to either leave a hefty deposit or your passport. Yes, I know that nobody is technically allowed to deprive you of your passport, but welcome to Southeast Asia. These bikes will cost between $50 and $70 a day, which will be significantly cheaper than shipping your baby all the way to Southeast Asia. The cost of renting the bike will be your most significant daily cost while exploring Laos, as accommodations can be secured for as little as $3 to $10 and local eats will only cost you a dollar or two per meal, which can often be shared with friendly locals. Though Laos doesn’t manage the same volume of tourists as its southern neighbor Thailand, the country isn’t new to the business, which means that it’s possible to bolt together a trip after landing at the airport in Vientiane – a dump of a capital – or Luang Prabang. That said, make sure your Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio vaccines are up to date. Some travelers to Southeast Asia also get their jabs for Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis – malaria tablets are not a bad idea, either.
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If you’re relying on a rental bike, pack light for the trip, as you’re not going to have the luxury of deep saddlebags. Bring the basics for working on whatever motorcycle you’re taking out: clothes suitable for the tropics, a heavy jacket for cool nights, an electrical adapter, earplugs, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, sandals, rain gear, and a phone that you can insert a Laos SIM into, which can be purchased at the airport. Having personally taken several international flights in full motorcycle gear – and, yes, that includes a helmet with fuzzy ears – I suggest taking advantage of rental gear. MotoLaos is capable of providing a helmet, jacket, gloves, goggles, kneepads and boots.
clear-cut lines of jungle-thick limestone ridges piling on top of one another until they cut into large cumulus clouds floating above. If you want a shorter first day, it is possible to stop at Phou Khou for the night. After catching Highway 7 in town, however, there aren’t a lot of great options for accommodations until Phonsavan.
The first day of the loop is the biggest push with 162 miles (260km) from Luang Prabang – the cultural heartland of Laos – to Phonsavan. Google Maps estimates that the drive will take six hours and twenty minutes. However, after a good cup of joe and breakfast at Saffron Coffee on the Mekong River, get an early start, as the ride could take up to eight or nine hours, especially during the rainy season (May to September) when landslides can cause long delays on the narrow mountain roads.
Pushing deeper into the drive, thick, warm jungles are suddenly replaced by groves of tall wispy eucalyptus trees standing near scatterings of pines as Highway 7 breaches the cool, subtropical climate that clings to the Plain of Jars.
South out of Luang Prabang, hug Highway 12 toward Phou Khou. Further south, riders will enjoy the sharp,
Highway 7 scribbles east, following mountain ridges as it cuts through small communities. With chickens, cattle and children constantly threatening to dart out into the road, it’s necessary to keep your speed down and be satisfied with soaking up the surrounding beauty.
The first night, stay in Phonsavan, a large town by Laos standards. Most of the guesthouses of interest are along, or just off, Highway 7 on the east side of town. For many, Sabaidee Guesthouse, which is cheap and clean, does the trick with secure parking at night. Plan to base yourself there for a couple days, so you have plenty of time for day trips down to Plain of Jars Sites 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Village of Spoons and Muang Khoun. The next morning, after coffee and a solid breakfast at Crater’s Cafe, take Highway 1D out of Phonsavan south toward the sites. Unlike in the mountains, which run amok with kids, the dominant life force outside of Phonsavan consists of docile brown cows and stocky water buffalo. Further afield, rice paddies fill the lowlands. Like rivers running green with pond scum, the paddies fill the narrow valley fingers that reach out into the steep slopes of the forested mountainsides. The Plain of Jars sites opened to the public after 2004, when Mines Advisory Group Laos cleared three archaeological sites of bombs left from American shelling during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Though the area was unsafe for visitors for decades, it is now secure and drawing more and more tourists each year. At Site 2, the jars, most of which are large enough to hide a grown man within, stand off-kilter. A few stand upright, while many more are on their sides. On a nearby hill, a banyan tree grasps onto one of the jars, splitting it in half. Though it’s not technically allowed, don’t be surprised to find locals grilling fish as part of a picnic among the ancient artifacts.
The sites are layers of culture, with the earliest archaeological evidence dating back to the Neolithic period, but more modern uses of the jars and area can be found all the way up to the 19th century. One colorful local legend claims that the jars are cups left by giants. It’s not hard to imagine super-sized humans lumbering through the plains and settling down around a grassy knoll for some shots of Laos-Laos rice whiskey, occasionally breaking their cups and then wandering off again. However, archaeological evidence mostly points toward the jars’ original use as part of burial ceremonies. The drives from one site to the next are approximately 30 minutes and can easily be found by plugging the site name into your GPS or phone. However, after visiting the first two, you’re not missing anything if you skip Site 3 and head farther south on 1D to check out the temple ruins in Muang Khoun. Military enthusiasts and history buffs can visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Visitor Center and UXO [unexploded ordinances] Survivor Visitor Center, which is run and developed by the Quality of Life Association (QLO). Both centers are across the road from Crater Cafe on Highway 7. Depending on how much time you spend there, you might want to grab lunch in town before pushing south through Cha Ho to the Spoon Village, an entrepreneurial community that melts down wartime scrap metal and turns it into spoons and other souvenirs. Baan Naphia reaches out to the world with the slogan: Make Spoons, Not War. Though there are dozens of metal smiths in the village, Mr. SomeMy and his wife are particularly friendly. Their home can be spotted through a sign that reads “Mr. SomeMy. Make Spoon,” which hangs haphazardly from an enormous rusted bomb buried in the ground next to a bamboo fence. Behind the fence is a flat yard with a tall wooden house on stilts and four posts holding a high roof over a homemade brick kiln. Squatting on a seat cushion ripped off of a scooter, Mrs. SomeMy can more often than not be found ladling molten aluminum from the kiln and pouring it into the tiny hole of a spoon mold. On one corner of the kiln is a pile of disarmed bombs. Ask politely and Mr. or Mrs. SomeMy will most likely give you a chance to pour your own spoon, which you can buy, along with other souvenirs, for about .50¢ a piece.
By day four, it’s time to get back on the loop with a 128mile (205km) jaunt to Ban That Hium, which should take about five or six hours. In Muang Kham, part ways with Highway 7 and take a left onto Highway 1C. Ban That Hium is a dusty town big enough to have a couple hotels, such as Dork Khoun Guesthouse, but still not big enough to offer much in the way of exciting dining options. There is the River View Restaurant and Coffee, which has the best coffee in town, but that’s about it. If you want to play, there are some dirt tracks in the area, otherwise push on the following day to Nong Khiaw, a pleasant 104-mile (225km) ride away. Working with a tight budget in Nong Khiaw, it’s possible to book a cheap room at Joy Restaurant and Sunrise Bungalows, which still have private balconies overlooking the Ou River. With more money, you can splurge and spend the night at the much classier Mandala Ou Resort. However, the rooms at Sunrise Bungalows boast the views for which Nong Khiaw is famous: beyond the bridge, where a few tourists can be found with their cameras, are
limestone mountain faces draped with jungle vines and a smattering of massive, gray-barked trees. Additionally, the bungalow owner is willing to lock up your motorcycle with her scooters come nightfall. Tours to the 100 Waterfalls hike leave from Nong Khiaw. However, the rice fields in the valleys you hike through are more impressive than the waterfalls themselves. The town is also the jump-off point for the backpacker haven of Muang Ngoi. There’s a small road that leads to Muang Ngoi, though most backpackers in the area claim that the traveler’s oasis can only be reached by an hour-long boat ride. If you do take the boat, the owner at Sunrise Bungalows is more than willing to store extra motorcycle gear and lock up your bike while you’re upriver. The main drag of Muang Ngoi, a sleepy town touted as the friendliest place in Laos, is a dirt/gravel road. Along the street are hand-painted wooden signs advertising bungalows, bars, restaurants, cafes and WiFi. The final day of the loop is 88 miles (141km) of easy cruising through golden hills thick with tall grass and corn. About a quarter of the way through the drive, 1C smacks into Highway 13, which whisks you straight back into Luang Prabang. Most likely you’ll be surviving on Laos-style pho and fried rice, so once you’re showered in Luang Prabang treat yourself to the Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School’s Lao specialties tasting platters. From there, the best place for a few celebratory drinks and some beach volleyball is Utopia Bar. Then, it’s off to the bowling alley – the most popular after-hours establishment in Luang Prabang. The jarringly generic look of the bowling alley, equipped with Brunswick chairs and tables, is actually hard to get your head around after everything else you’ve experienced so far. However, after 10 p.m., when most other bars close, the place is hopping. Afterwards, if you left your bike locked up at the hotel, you can grab a ride back in a bizarre little three-wheeled taxi known as a tuktuk to top off the weeklong journey before heading home.
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The author recently moved back to the United States after spending more than five years living in and touring Southeast Asia by motorcycle. Not content to stop there, he spent about six months in East Africa exploring Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar on two wheels. His latest adventure has found him in Alaska.
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MOTO TECH
1
Omaker W4N Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker Ideal for anyone who travels lite. Hangs from carabineer clip, 12 hours playtime, 2.01x 1.89x 1.89in, 3.5oz (size/weight), rubber case helps with impact. Comes with charging cord. www.eomaker.com
TravelCard Charger
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QuiqLite X Rechargeable LED Flashlight
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Super slimline smartphone charger with two charging cables that slips in your pocket or wallet. Comes in seven colors. www.travelcardcharger.com
Small but powerful clip-on LED light with adjustable arm offering 20 to 150 lumens. Available in different light combinations, includes safety flare attachment. www.quiqlite.com
Tesla Windproof Rechargeable Arc Coil Lighters
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The Dash/Dash Pro by Bragi
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GoTenna
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Sleek design, no gas or fuel required. Full charge can last up to a week or 100-300 sparks. Also available with eagle or scorpion on case. Come with USB charging cable. www.teslacoillighters.com
Pimp wireless ear buds you can ride/run/swim with featuring ambient noise filter. Bluetooth & a 32-bit processor allow streaming, answering calls, performance tracking & a music player with 4GB of storage. www.bragi.com
No Signal? No worries. goTenna turns your smartphone into an off-grid communications device, no service required. Lightweight, weatherproof, easy to use. Lifesaver if you’re separated or lost. www.gotenna.com
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THE LIFE OF A DAREDEVIL Written By: Sam Devine 36
Photos By: American Motordrome Company 37
They say it came from boardtracking, a hair-raising form of racing staged on massive wooden racetracks beginning in the early part of the 20th century. According to trick rider Charlie Ransom, that’s not how the exhibitions of impressive riding skills combined with dare devil feats came about.
almost 70 when he taught me. He was a great guy.
“Pappy’s house was near the woods where the local kids would ride mini-bikes. When their bikes broke, they’d bring ‘em by Pappy’s place. Pappy wouldn’t fix it for us, but he’d show us how to fix it. As we’d go over there he’d say, ‘Are you guys ready to try the drome? When “The show people are the ones that drove this thing, not you’re sixteen, you get a note from your mother.’ boardtrack racing or anything. They were a part of it on the scene, but show people would have done it. Despite “I turned sixteen in September, but he started teaching the boardtrack racing they would have figured it out,” me in June or July. I just took the note, put it in my Ransom explains. “From the get-go there were guys pocket and walked about half way home and decided riding bicycles around little tracks that looked like our it was better off for me to sign it. So I signed it and bank track — our start track.” walked back and gave it to him and he started teaching me how to ride.” Ransom is part of the American Motordrome Company, one of the last A risk taker from the get go? “Well, two Wall of Death touring groups I knew that way, at least I’d get it in America keeping this art form signed.” and way of life alive. When it comes down to it, “We get to go to every part Lightning’s company is an of the country and meet age-old traveling carnival every kind of person,” he show that’s basically a says. “We get to see every living time capsule. culture that exists in the United States. Sometimes “What drew me to the that can be the craziest show was the historiis just seeing the different cal aspects of it,” says ways humans engage all Reckless Reda, one of the over.” wall’s performers who rides a go-kart in the show but an At one point, this American FXR on the road. “The cool part tradition almost went extinct. “It was about our show — that’s different something that I just had to keep going. from any other show, really — we do I had to keep it alive. I kinda took it personal,” it so that it’s historically accurate. The words says Jay Lightning, owner-operator of the American that we announce, the acts, we didn’t come up with Motordrome Company. “There was like one drome left those. They’re all true to how you would’ve seen a wall touring. My old drome in California, which I started of death show when they first started here.” back in ’69 with Davey Dollars, and then Donny Daniels bought it from us and he was like the only guy left.” Why not? Lightning’s experience paired with his education from Boudreau reach back a hundred years. So Jay built his own drome in 1998. According to him, he learned from the best at the age of 15, and after 50 The traditional show is built on four riders, each with years he’s been riding the vertical wall ever since. their own act. It starts with the Speed of the Wall Test “I was born and raised in Swansea, Mass,” says Jay in his Ride done by Lightning on his ’27 Indian Scout. Next, Northeastern accent. “There’s more motordrome riders Reda performs the Flight for Life in her go-kart. Her from Swansea than there is in the rest of the world com- number is followed by rider Hobo Bill doing the Dips bined. You got Pappy Boudreau, who started riding the and Dives of Death on his SX175 Harley from the AMF wall in 1917. William Patrick “Pappy” Boudreau, he was years.
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Finally, Charlie Ransom performs the awe-inspiring “Trick Ride” segment on a 1926 Indian Scout, riding sidesaddle, hands-free and even standing up with arms stretched out as he flies around the motordrome. “The trick ride, the whole show is a buildup to that,” says Reda. “The first three acts we just show them what the machines can do and then, his act, he shows additionally what a rider can do.” The show ends with the Australian Criss Cross Pursuit Chase. It entails Reckless Reda and Hobo Bill speeding around the wooden enclosure, zig-zagging motorcycle and go-kart across each other’s path. The show mesmerizes people, some wondering how it’s done, others itching to try. Although the riders make it look effortless, the show really is incredibly dangerous. Riders get injured periodically and they regularly have close scrapes. “A lot of times you’ll get someone going, ‘Oh, I could do that! I could do that!’” says Lightning. “In years gone by, when guys would get half drunk and mouthing off, saying they could do it, they could do it, Pappy would say, ‘Well, come on down, son!’ And he’d say, ‘Here you go,’ start the bike up and give it to ‘em. He’d take about half a lap and he’d come tumbling down. Or he’d shoot right to the top of the wall and fall over and break his arm or something. “Back in those days you could just pick ‘em up, throw ‘em out the door, dust ‘em off, say, ‘See yah later, kid’ or ‘See yah later, buddy.’ Nowadays, he would own me. My insurance company would have a heart attack if I let somebody do that.” Learning the skills necessary to perform take time, even if you’ve got other experience to bring to the table. “On the wall the bike is sideways,” says Hobo Bill, who raced flat track before joining the drome. “And when I’m going through turn one on a half mile, I’m sideways. So being comfortable with the bike being sideways was the only thing I could relate to.” “I mean, that’s crazy,” he continues. “You get to ride on a 90 degree wall. It’s like nothing you’ve done in your whole life. So you go crazy the first time you get to do it. And you’re up there and all your factors surround how to get up on the wall. Nothing about how to get down.”
Besides the show’s excitement, danger and level of difficulty, it’s also nonstop work.
Dedication and a willingness to forego also come into play.
Today, Lightning’s drome goes to 20 different spots a year across the country. The constant travel, like the shows, can be grueling. The cylindrical room breaks down and packs onto one trailer. Their limited living quarters and some extra bikes are located on another.
“A lot of people say, ‘I want to do that’ or ‘I’d love to do your job,’” says Reda, “but most people can’t and won’t because they’re tied down in a certain way. Do you have kids or a house? Are you subscribed to the full-time job mentality?” “It’s more work than glory,” Hobo Bill explains, “and it’s hard to get people to work.”
Sleeping outside during events like these is not uncommon in the business. They set up and tear down at motorcycle dealerships, biker rallies, and even churches. “This is real physical labor, like hard physical labor when it’s time to do it,” says Ransom. “Even the riding. We were up in Wauseon, Ohio. We were up at that antique meet. It was hot and humid and we were on a blacktop parking lot with no shade around it. The heat radiated in the building and made it a real chore to go in and ride. And we did a show every hour.” It’s also not exactly a traveling gold mine. “If I was in it for the money,” says Hobo Bill, “I’d be severely disappointed. If I had a house, a mortgage, wife, kids, I wouldn’t be able to do it. There’s no way. Even without all that . . . if I wanted to be big and fat on money, this would not be the right thing to be in.” “We really break even a lot,” Ransom concedes. We really come close to just making it go.”
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“There’s always something to do,” adds Ransom. “You gotta get up early to get things done before other things happen.” Reda readily admits there’s a certain amount of hardship. “Most people can’t go without, the way that we do,” she reflects. “Sometimes we don’t see running water for a couple of days.”
He thinks another moment and, as if it’s just dawned on him, goes on to say, “The craziest thing with the wall of death is me committing to drive the tractor trailer. That’s a commitment. The Hobo doesn’t commit to anything. Nothing. And now I’m committed. The show’s the easy part. Getting down the road, now that takes some work.” The star of the trick ride sums up the American Motordrome Company and what they do pretty neatly: “The media for the last 15 years — in this digital age that we’re in right now — has tried to capture what we do over and over and over again,” says Ransom. “You can’t capture it, even with a picture. You gotta come out and be part of it to really know what it’s like.” If you haven’t witnessed it yourself, you’re missing out. www.americanwallofdeath.com
As a result of all this, the riders rightly take pride in their old-fashioned work ethic and DIY spirit. This attitude is something the outside world seems to have largely forgotten. It’s a crazy life to be sure. “On the wall it’s pretty crazy when you feel your right foot touch the wall,” says Bill, “because you know the next thing touching the wall is your handlebar, so you need to react fast enough. Nothing real crazy yet, but it’s only my second year.”
“IT’S A CRAZY LIFE”
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J LEE
LIVING LIFE WITH DRIVE, HEART and A HEARTY DOSE OF ABANDON! Written By: Dawn Garcia Photographer: Demetrius Ward Stylist: Phil Keophaphone Hair Makeup: Josie Napeñas Retoucher: Nigel Elliott
Jacket - Soulstar Shirt - Lamb by D. Pant - A.Tiziano Sneakers - Nike Watch - Bulova Bag - Virgil James Bike - 2006 Ducati PaulSmart 1000 LE is a retro styled motorcycle built by Ducati in 2006 to commemorate Paul Smart’s win at the Imola 200 race in 1972, a win that helped define Ducati’s future approach to racing. The PS1000LE is powered by an 992 cc 90° V-twin cylinder, 2-valves per cylinder desmodromic.
In life, if you’re lucky, you come across people who are pure sunshine. Their devotion to living a full and happy life is contagious, their drive absolutely inspiring, and their stories, well worth exploring. That is J Lee. A new motorcycle enthusiast, we had the pleasure of spending an afternoon surrounded by custom bikes and innovative design in the heart of LA with a man who can best be summarized in two words: VROOM! VROOM!
Shirt - Michael Stars Pant - Michael Stars Jacket - Heroes Motors Boots - Pskaufman Bracelets - Rob Bacon Rings - David Yurman Top Bike - 1955 Harley-Davidson KR was a 45.26 cu in (741.68 cc) displacement V-twin engine racing motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson from 1952 through 1969 for flat track racing. It was also used in road racing in the KRTT faired version. Bottom Bike - 1923 Harley Davidson Board Track Racer Big Twin Model Chicago The 1923 Harley-Davidson Model Chicago was the Panigale of its day, it was specifically designed as a racing motorcycle by Harley-Davidson and was destined to compete and board track circuits of the era. The suspension and brakes didn’t exist, and mufflers hadn’t been invented yet.
You mentioned minding your business and staying in your own lane in life. Every day we’re faced with obstacles and distractions, so what keeps you focused on being mindful? Reminding myself of what’s important to me. My mom used to always say, “focus on your mission, not your position.” We are all here for a reason. A purpose. The more we compare and complain and worry about other people and external factors, the less time we are sitting in our light and fulfilling our purpose Sure, that may be the sound he laughingly makes here. So it’s real simple. If you ever find yourself when talking about riding, it’s also his approach to distracted or feeling lost or complaining, literally just life, career, and the future on the whole. While the stop. Take a deep breath. Check in. Ask yourself, is Los Angeles weather filled the Heroes Motors Shop what I’m spending my energy on right now making with a slight chill, we sat down with J Lee to talk me happy? If it’s yes, then keep doing it. If it’s no, about riding, filming, writing, family, and taking then stop. time to enjoy every second – trying all the while not to get too distracted by his incredibly fit physique While we’re doing the photoshoot, we’re joined by and endearing smile! two of J’s best friends, Ahmed Best and Jason Kelley. The minute they arrive, the dynamic between the What was it like on your first ride? And, if you three is clear: they laugh often and have deeply procould conjure up the perfect motorcycle ride, found conversations. Whether they’re spontaneously where would you go, and, what model would you breaking out in dance to whatever song is on J’s playbe riding? list or planning the next ride, when these three are The first time I rode was one of the most exhilarat- together it’s magic. ing feelings ever. It’s freeing, fun, scary, tense and relaxing all at the same time. My two best friends You make a conscious choice of surrounding yourride and I was the only one who didn’t have a bike. self with creative, grounded people. Who would So I had to learn how to ride and get on the road you love to be in a room with that you haven’t yet with them. It is one of the best decisions I’ve made. met or worked with? As far as the perfect motorcycle ride, it just depends. It’s extremely important to me to make sure I’m My buddies and I have been planning a very big bike sharing energy with like-minded people. As well as trip for the near future. We’re currently debating people who are motivated to do better and in turn, on what kind of bikes to get for that. I’ll wind up motivate me. Luckily, I’ve been blessed to have not having a few different bikes though, for cruising and only worked with some of those people, but can call for city travel. them friends. I never thought I would be able to say it, but having been able to work with folks like If there was a soundtrack playing while you were Seth MacFarlane, Jon Favreau, Charlize Theron, and riding consisting of 5 songs from classical to mod- Marion McClinton, it has made me such a better artern genres, what would those 5 songs be? ist and person. In no particular order: As far as people I want to work with or be in a room 1. Chopin Ballad, A Flat Major with, I’m such a fan of so many people it’s almost 2. Seal, Kiss By A Rose too many to name. But here it goes: Don Cheadle. 3. Ice Cube, Today Was A Good Day Jeffry Wright. Andre Braugher. Christopher Nolan. 4. Mos Def, Ghetto Rock Alejandro Inarritu. Ava Duvernay. I wanna play 2 on 5. Fela Kuti, Water No Get Enemy 2 with President Barack Obama, LeBron James and Will Smith with David Letterman as the referee. I 45
Jacket - Soulstar Shirt - Laboratoire Pant - Paraval Sneakers - Nike Sunglasses - Gucci Socks - Sock It Up Bike - 1922 Harley-Davidson 600Cc Model Wj Sport Inspired by the British Douglas, that likewise used a horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine, the Harley-Davidson Model W would prove more popular in Europe than America, where the v-twin engine held sway.
Leather Jacket - Bohemian Society Shirt - Cadogan Pant - A. Tiziano Sunglasses - Jacques Marie Mage Bracelets - K. Diovanna Jewelry & Rob Bacon Gloves - Ritual Necklace - Turchin Boots - Pskaufman
want to race Alyson Felix in the 200-meter dash but only if I get a 170-meter head start. I want to watch Karate Kid (the original one) with Lianne LaHavas, Bryan Cranston and all of my cousins from The Lou. I want to do Karaoke with Donald Glover, Tom Hardy, Issa Rae and Anderson Paak. I want to play spades with Giancarlo Esposito, Phylicia Rashaad and George Clooney (Phylicia is my partner.) I want to watch The Little Rascals with all the kids from Stranger Things. I want to do a workout with Terry Crews, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Idris Elba and Mark Wahlberg. I want to—well, you get the point.
What scares you? Onions. Would you ever want to write an episode of The Orville? What other projects are you working on? Yes. I’ve already been talking with Seth about writing an episode(s). The thing I love about Seth is that he really is open to suggestions and ideas. Just not really terrible ones. He doesn’t like those so much. But I’m halfway through writing a new episode where my character John overcomes his fear of onions while eating an onion. All in one long, continuous shot … As far as other projects, I wrote and directed a film at the end of last year. It should be doing the festival circuit soon. I have some other feature and TV projects I’ve developed and plan on getting out at some point. Overall trying to stay busy, creative, happy and do the work.
What does liberation mean to you? Being you. Always. Everywhere. No matter what. Oh, speaking of liberation, listen to Christian Scott aTunde’s record, “Liberation over Gangsterism.” That’s a bad ass tune. I could swap out any of the previous riding music with this one and I’d still be What is one of the more memorable moments of happy. your career thus far? Most memorable moment was me making the deciWith the second season of The Orville recently sion to drive to LA and start my career. I was back in greenlit, what are you most looking forward to? St. Louis, recently graduated from Indiana University I’m just excited to be back on the ship. Back in space and down to my last $200. I went to the back, said and back making a cool show. The Orville has been a prayer, and the next thing I knew I packed a backso much fun and it’s cool to see people really respond- pack, kissed my mom on the cheek and said I’m ing to it. It’s dope because I get to work with my going to LA. And she said, “ok. Love ya.” Then I hit friends. But I’m looking forward to telling more cool the road. Boom. stories and making people laugh, think, mad, happy and sad all at the same time. When we finish talking, in true J.Lee form, a song comes on and immediately he starts moving to the Having started as a receptionist at the Family Guy groove, keeping everyone around him upbeat - the Production Office, he tells a story about how Seth smile across his face, undeniable. Like a kid in a McFarlane would step out of his office and come candy store, any time you ask him about writing or shoot the shit with J at his desk. Like a Cheers bar- riding, his face lights up and you know his wheels are tender, he became the guy everyone came to for a officially spinning. While he shops around in search good laugh, to talk through ideas - good or bad - and of the perfect bikes from Harley’s to Triumphs to eventually the guy who has gone on to voice charac- Ducates and everything in between, you can likely ters on American Dad, Family Guy, The Cleveland find him and his friends geared up in their motor’s Show, and land his first acting gig as Lieutenant best riding somewhere on the open road. They’ll be Commander John LaMarr manning the ship’s off exploring new terrain, laughing on the regular helm opposite co-stars Scott Grimes, MacFarlane, and pontificating ways to make this world a far more Adrianne Palicki, and Halston Sage on The Orville. beautiful, funny, endearing, badass, sexy place. Aside from being a classically trained pianist and the Family Guy “Bartender”, what would we be surprised to know about you? I don’t like onions. 48
Be on the lookout for Season 2 of The Orville airing on Fox.
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Top - A.Tiziano Pant - Ritual Watch - Bulova Ring - David Yurman Boots - Pakaufman Bike - 2018 Custom By Heroes Motors Los Angeles, engine S&S 93� / Baker 6 Speed, Frame T9 Zero Enginneering
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Shirt - Cadogan Pant - A. Tiziano Sunglasses - Jacques Marie Mage Bracelets - K. Diovanna Jewelry & Rob Bacon Gloves - Ritual Necklace - Turchin Boots - Pskaufman Bike - Jims/Confederate counter balanced twin cam 45° radial twin; 4.3125 x 4.5� stroke, 131 cubic inches (2,146 cubic centremetres) Power: 160hp
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Shirt - Heroes Motors Pant - A. Tiziano Holster - Ritual Sneakers - Y3 Bracelet - K. Diovanna Jewelry Messenger Bag - Virgil James Bike - 2000 Blue Chopper Hand Made By Geraldo Targinio Los Angeles, Engine Bande MONIVN 93 cu, Frame PAUGCO, Front Springer HD, Tank Throthle, transmission 3 Speed Kick Starter
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A PLACE TO LAY YOUR HEAD:
THE IRON HORSE HOTEL
Written By: Fred Wright Jr Photos Provided By: The Iron Horse Hotel
The Iron Horse is conveniently located just across the river from the Harley-Davidson Museum, making it an ideal spot for bikers. Upon arrival, the hotel entrance is set up with an over-sized canopy offering protection to riders arriving in less than perfect weather conditions (this is Wisconsin, after all). Once inside, visitors to this amazing, almost over-thetop hotel are greeted by motorcycles on display in the lobby with a number of different makes and models featured throughout the year.
After a long day of rough road and white lines, what every motorcyclist wants is a welcome place to rest roadweary bike and bones. They want a place that embraces the two-wheel lifestyle and a place that understand their needs. Built in 1907 as a warehouse, the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, WI emerged in 2008 with a distinctive motorcycle theme that includes 100 loft-style rooms and in-room amenities only bike riders can truly appreciate – boot bench, helmet rack and much, much more.
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Rooms for this upper end biker resort start at $189 (plus tax), and there are three restaurants on site, available for sit-down service or grab-and-go meals. Even if it’s out of your price range, it’s well worth the visit.
Just steps away from the entrance, sits the hotel’s bike yard, where guests can wash the road off their iron ponies. The yard draws large crowds of collectors and riders, even those not staying at the hotel, and serves as the center of socializing in decent weather. There you’ll find music, food, cold beer and a variety of vendors in a party-like atmosphere.
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EVERYTHING
OLD
IS NEW AGAIN Written By: Rebecca West Photos By: Mike Edwards
Assistant: Tane Hopu Art Director: Scot Kerr
Over the last so many years we’ve seen a huge surge in the popularity of bobbers and even old school choppers. The resurgence of the chopper scene, in particular, has been a bit of a head scratcher for some, as the age group most commonly seen riding them are young enough to be the kids — and in many cases the grandkids — of the riders that started the trend in the first place.
and raked front ends were it, until Evos came along. That doesn’t mean everybody got rid of their early bikes.
Stripping down a dresser, as they were commonly referred to before the expression bagger came into vogue, was big back in the late ‘60s continuing on throughout the ‘70s. For years, stretched frames with peanut tanks
While it may be a mind blower to the parents of these “kids,” it’s nice to see the nostalgia of this alternative biker lifestyle rise once again. Here are four examples of the current street scene and the information provided us.
Regardless, most of the people you see riding them now are in their mid to late 20s to early to mid 30s. But retro is in, and everything old is new again. Even vinyl is making a comeback, which is crazy when you consider the ease of access to music these days.
THE RESURGENCE OF THE OLD SCHOOL CHOPPER
1978 Harley Davidson Shovelhead 88 ci stroker Owner/Builder: Myles Harris Carb: S&S Frame: Modified by Dave Turner Front End: ‘70s Fury springer with 40-degree rake Seat: Myles Harris Rear Rim: 1939 aluminum star hub laced to 19” Tail Light: Iron Cross donated by Yardley from VNM
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1975 Stock Yamaha xs650 Owner/Builder: Matt Foster Carbs: Mikuni Frame: Paughco Front End: 6” over stock with 40-degree rake Paint: Richard “Horsebites” Minino at VNM Frame Powder Coat: Mike Armento at BNJ Coating
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1974 Harley Davidson Shovelhead Owner/Builder: Eric Campion Carb: Linkert Frame: Panhead with weld on hardtail Front End: Springer Tank Mural/Rocker Engraving: Elizabeth Dubois Thanks To: Eric @Empire_Of_Rust
1965 Harley Davidson XLCH Sportster Owner/Builder: Jared Agin Bike/Motor: Cams: Andrews B Carb: S&S Super E with velocity stack Frame: Modified by owner Front End: 10” over stock with 32-degree rake Paint: Bryson Lunger
“IT’S NICE TO SEE THE NOSTALGIA OF THIS ALTERNATIVE BIKER LIFESTYLE RISE ONCE AGAIN.“ 64
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MOTORCYCLE PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH THE EYE OF A 100-YEAR-OLD LENS,
PURE MAGIC
Since the dawn of the digital age, photographic imagery has been evolving at an accelerated pace. Our eyes have grown accustomed to the overload of ultra-high definition pictures and videos that clog our social media feeds daily. We scroll haphazardly through content, hardly slowing down as we only partially absorb the bright colors and global subject matter flashing across the screen, “liking” away even our briefest periods of downtime. Cameras have grown smaller, faster and better with each successive “S” series or upgrade, allowing us up-close perspectives on things we’d never have been able to see otherwise. Mounted miniature cameras, aerial drone photography and smartphoneography, showcased on an online platform, have saturated our collective minds’ eyes with so much information that we risk becoming desensitized altogether. But amidst all the HD, 4k, 3D and VR there is a growing movement among art photographers back to technology invented as early as 1850. The result is beautiful and often breathtaking —invoking what might best be described as a pre-digital sentiment, transporting the viewer back to a simpler time. Three of the most noted photographers engaged in pursuing this artistic avenue agree it’s like magic, and we were fortunate enough to talk to them about what’s involved in the process while finding out a little bit about them in the exchange.
Written By: Rebecca West and Ben Thacker Photos Provided By: Dean Landry Susan McLaughlin & Paul d’Orleans
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Susan McLaughlin and Paul d’Orleans The first two are photographers Susan McLaughlin and Paul d’Orleans, a power couple known for the striking tin-type portraits they create of antique motorcycles and the riders that are drawn to them. With a collection of cameras dating back to the 1880s, the duo is responsible for a series of images that are both moving and thought provoking. Paul, known in the industry as “the Vintagent” (also the name of his motocentric blog), is a longtime motorcycle enthusiast as well as the Custom & Style editor at Cycle World. He became interested in what’s known as wet plate or collodion photography after seeing an exhibition of the French photographer Nadar’s ambrotype work (definitely worth a google) in France several years ago. He says the stunning 8x10 glass plates depicting all the celebrities of the day (think Victor Hugo, Renoir, Monet, etc.) left a lasting impression and started him on his journey into alternative process photography. “I got really curious about doing it. I took a class on daguerrotypes at the Eastman House in Rochester,” d’Orleans says. “And then Susan invited me to sit in for a day at a wet plate class she was taking in San Francisco. Within a few months, I kitted out my sprinter van as a darkroom and we actually hired a wet plate expert to come out and give us a very in-depth tutorial on doing it in the field. “Only a handful of people in the world actually carry their darkroom with them in the field. There are more now, but in 2012 there was only a handful. We had to learn a lot. It took us a few years to nail down the process.” Paul and Susan’s process is similar to Nadar’s, though instead of glass they use a metal plate, which is the same chemistry but easier to handle and doesn’t break. This process is usually referred to as tintype photography, though different types of metal can be used. In their case, the pair use aluminum, which they say works best for their purposes. As an artist, initially Susan struggled more with the equipment, having never taken a formal photography class in her life prior to her exposure to the medium. “I’m very hands on — I liked the idea that this photography is all about chemistry,” says McLaughlin, who has a strong background in science. “Every time I watch a photo [develop] in my hand and the image starts to come in, it’s like magic. In
the old days they thought photography was alchemy, voodoo witchcraft. I love that about this kind of photography. All that combination of light, timing, all of that, you have to figure out all of that. “I had been doing it for longer than Paul and thought he’d like it. He’s a very fast learner. He’s a mechanic. He works on bikes. He was like ‘that’s so cool, I want to do that!’” The pair first documented the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run back in 2012, as Paul rode his 1933 Velocette Mk4 KTT and Susan drove the chase van/mobile darkroom. During road stops, the two would document the bikes, riders and scenery along the way using a Chamonix 4x5 field camera fitted with a c. 1900 Zeiss lens. The motorcyclists depicted in the plates sit still for lengthy exposures, etched softly into time much like the Civil War soldiers whose portraits were made with the exact same technology over a hundred years ago. As far removed as possible from the frantic gnaw of selfies and push notifications, the series has a haunting, ethereal feel that seems to fuse the bikes with their original place in time. The photos are often over or under exposed, out of focus or otherwise flawed, but that’s a big part of the appeal. And it’s little wonder when the exposure process consists of removing the lens cap and counting out “one thousands” before replacing it. The film is a piece of metal covered in emulsion, placed at the rear of a box camera on a stand, and the lens is a piece of ground glass. Some of Paul’s favorite bikes to shoot during that time were Bill Buckingham’s 1936 Knucklehead chopper, and Shinya Kimura’s 1915 Indian, among others. The photos are indeed striking, and will soon be available for public viewing in the couple’s upcoming documentary-style book chronicling three of the Cannonballs. “People who have been our subjects have died and our photos have been used as their memorial,” d’Orleans shares. “I just love the look of the images. There is something out of time about the whole process that just seems kind of permanent in a funny way, and people respond to that intuitively. It’s quite an honor, actually. Nothing I intended, but I’ve been lucky to be in the right place at the right time with some very interesting folks.”
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Dean “Chooch” Landry Another well-known lensman recognized for his use of vintage cameras for capturing arresting images of bikes and their riders is street photographer Dean “Chooch” Landry, based out of Harlem. The tool of his trade is a stock 1923 Auto Graflex large format camera complete with original lenses, the only “new” addition being a bit of duct tape. Manufactured by the Folmer & Schwing department of the Eastman Kodak Company from approximately 1908 to 1923, the Auto Graflex was patented on February 5, 1907. It came in three sizes and sold for between $74, $88 and $114, depending on size, back in 1914 — no small sum of money for the time. “I’m shooting sheet film, so it gets a bit cumbersome,” Landry explains. “I think I was carrying 27 film holders for black and white, which holds two sheets of film at a time, and a film magazine that holds 12 at a time for color. The color is four times more expensive than black and white, and the processing is a little more delicate, too. The chemicals are a lot more dangerous. “Midday I would go and change out all the film holders, take out the film I shot, put them in a light-tight box and reload all those film holders, which probably sounds easy but it’s a huge pain in the neck when you’re not in a controlled environment. “Throughout the whole weekend I’ve probably shot maybe 150 photos. The process is a lot more deliberate. You have to be a lot more careful, but I feel it’s all very worthwhile. It’s a lot of fun. I’m developing the film myself, so that’s cool, too. It’s like magic.” When asked how he got into the vintage camera aspect of shooting, the answer was simple: “I saw some photos that were, I think, 4x5 or 8x10 and I really loved the look of it, so I started learning more about these cameras.” While that’s where he got his start, he admits it’s not as easy to take photos on the fly. You’re focusing through the lens and then you have to load the film in front of what you’re focusing. With the Auto Graflex, there’s actually a mirror that flips up. “Through Auto Graflex, I’ve probably shot 3000-4000 sheets, which is incredible for something that old.” In addition to his legendary work in street photography, Landry shoots for a number of other projects.
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“I’ve shot the Congregation Show in North Carolina for Dice Magazine, which is an invitational motorcycle show that took place in an old Ford Model T plant, so the space was amazing in itself. Grind MX is an event I’m shooting for, which should be pretty cool. A little outside of what I normally do, but I’m looking forward to it. There are a couple good things coming up. We’re also working on some stuff with The Race of Gentlemen (TROG), probably in 2018, which should be cool.”
“Now that we’re not playing as much, I kind of miss it,” Landry muses, “but hanging out and being around all these people is the best.” That sentiment is the common thread between all three of these photographers, the interesting people that fall before their lenses — that, and their love for photography and the alternative processes they’ve chosen to pursue.
To view more images from these talented individuals, Gallery exhibits and a background in fine arts you can check out their work at MotoTinType.com and DeanChoochLandry.com, along with their respective “I had an art show in Osaka, which was really fun. I social media platforms. would love to get back there. I do illustrations, paintings and some photo exhibits, too. “I don’t do too much painting anymore, because I wanted to get out more. Photography lends itself to that, but I went to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and ICP (International Center of Photography), both in New York.” When asked if he rides, the answer was kind of surprising, considering a lot of his subject matter. “I don’t. I’ve been around motorsports and car racing with my dad my whole life, though. He always had cars and motorcycles, working on them, going to his friends where they were working on them. I just really loved being around it, the smell of everything. It’s something that he and I shared together, lots of great memories. The people are what it’s all about. Meeting great people, craftsmen and craftswomen, is so much fun, capturing what they do and what they’re all about.” Finally, we had to ask him the inevitable: Where did “Chooch” come from? “My dad made up that nickname for me. I don’t even know why, (laughter). He’s not Italian. He didn’t know it was bad.” “Ciuccio” is an Italian word for ass, as in donkey. In Southern Italy, it is common to shorten frequently used words, so ciuccio became ciucc, which is pronounced “chooch” in the Latin-based romance language. Landry is also working on a book of photos based on night shots set in NYC he hopes to put out soon through the help of an investor. Not one for too much downtime, he also occasionally travels with a band called Tiger Flowers.
OL’ MAJOR BACON FLAVORED ($25)
This Nashville-made whiskey lays claim as the first commercial bourbon infused with real bacon. Mmmm Bacon... It mixes vanilla and mesquite-like smoke on the palate, but the real action is in the aroma, which smells remarkably similar to raw bacon. Old Major Bacon Bourbon holds nothing back. It is not a drink for the faint of heart.
WEST OF KENTUCKY NO.1 ($60)
The red bridge is a nod to the dash of locally smoked California Cherr y wood-smoked ba rley added to the American yellow corn and rye. Aged in new, charred American oak for no less than one year, dark dulcet flavors emerge without too much smoke or sweetness. Notes of Marachino Cherry, light smoke, allspice, vanilla and sarsaparilla. This is California’s Bourbon Whiskey.
RED HANDED ($30)
W
HISKEY REINVENTED
What makes Austin’s Treaty Oak Distilling’s approach to barreling this blend of whiskeys unique is that they source their whiskey from three different distilleries in as many states--Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, Blended in new American oak casks with seasoned staves, then “aged in the hot Texas sun. For 9 months. You pick up a little red fruit on the palate with no harsh tannins or off-flavors. This is a solid little whiskey that is easy to drink neat and worth the trouble to seek it out.
NEW SOUTHERN REVIVAL— MADEIRA FINISH ($70)
Hailing from Charleston, S.C., this limited-edition bottling by High Wire Distilling is made with four local heirloom nonGMO grains and finished with Madeira, a fortified wine with deep Charleston history. It tastes a little bit like fruitcake in a bottle.
TRADITION WITH A TWIST
By: Kevin LaPalme @kevinlapalme
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Who doesn’t appreciate a good Whiskey? This is the time to be alive! The things they are doing with bourbon now are revolutionary! Flavors that push the boundaries of your palate without straying too far from the traditions. From bacon-infused to regional favorites to avante-garde touches with Madeira. We have picked six bottles that are a must enjoy with friends or just simply savoring alone by a roaring fire.
TRAILS END ($50)
The base of Trail’s End Bourbon is Kentucky straight bourbon aged for seven and eight years. Then Oregon’s Hood River Distillers aged it with staves made from Oregon oak. The aroma of Trail’s End Bourbon suggests a fairly sweet whiskey with notes of raisins and corn. There’s a lot of oak on this bourbon, which comes through as vanilla and toasted nuts, along with woody tannins.
NO. 14 ($45)
This Vermont Spirits bottling unites two American Classics, Bourbon whiskey and Vermont Maple Syrup. It’s a bridge between straight-up whiskey and a liqueur. Look for a maple-y aroma with just a flash of sweetness on the palate with a warm and lasting finish. 73
THE U.K.’S OLD EMPIRE TRADING CO.
Over the summer of 2017, we got in touch with the U.K.’s award-winning Old Empire Trading Co. about an upcoming mod they were undertaking involving a new Triumph T120 and asked co-owners Alec Sharp and Rafe Pugh to share some of the details of the project with us when they were done. Not surprisingly, it took some time. These guys are busy — I mean seriously busy. Named one of the Top 5 Custom Motorcycle Builders in Britain for 2017, when they’re not working on one of their many projects, picking up scores of trophies or exhibiting at places like London’s Harrods and the Saatchi Gallery, they’re running a top-notch website where they also sell parts, gear and apparel.
Story Assembled By: Petar Petrov
Photos Provided By: The Old Empire Trading Co.
In addition to the word “brilliant” bandied about in connection to them, their work is often described as stunning, striking and masterful. But the best way to describe it is clean, smooth, sleek and sexy. Their builds are sophisticated and streamlined without any of the excess baggage that you often see with other builds. In other words, there’s not a lot of unnecessary crap hanging off of them. Being kind enough to accommodate us after a long and hectic season, the guys who embrace the “Duo animum movent rotis” (Two wheels move the soul) philosophy were able to throw together something for us in the way of a little background info and a spec sheet for the 2017 T120 mod they recently completed after nearly three months’ work. So, settle in for a quick read and feast your eyes on one sweet ride that was worth the wait. After being inundated with enquiries following the release of our T120 collab build with Triumph last year, we decided to build a more useable and more refined motorcycle based around the aesthetics we created for that build but tamed and integrated with creature comforts…like lights.
PROJECT: 2017 TRIUMPH T120 MOD
A new T120 promptly arrived at our workshop doors and the standard process of stripping her down to her knickknacks began, but being careful and aware that the build brief was to keep mad modifications to a modicum. We achieved the ‘ line’ by dropping the front by a suitable mount and replacing the rear shocks with some uprated Fox examples. The back end was sliced and diced with a new hoop being made and machined in sections to fit in a Z flex strip with integrated rear brakes lights and indicators. A new aluminium seat pan was then hand formed and foamed to get a lower profile then covered in specially sourced brown leather and gold diamond stitched waterproof suede.
The tank was left unmolested, apart from de-badging and the removal of the kneepads, so it retains its plentiful capacity for fuel. The old exhaust system was duly binned, along with catalytic converter, and a new big bore mandrel bent stainless one was made up with internal baffling. The vacant space taken up, the new remote master cylinder bolted onto a custom made bracket, which sits under the sump. The reason of the new master cylinder is probably due to the most extreme part of the modifications, the bars and controls. We ditched the old bars and risers and replaced them with our own, running our Ultimate control sets with internal wiring to an M unit hidden under the seat and neatly wired up and spliced into the original loom. The throttle had been converted back to cable, which runs under the tank into the side panel where a neat little unit utilises the fly by wire operation to be actuated by the new cables. Two more micro buttons were needed mounted on the new aluminium radiator cowling/bash plate also for use on the instrument cluster navigation. The instruments themselves have been moved along with the ignition switch, the switch now on a bracket tucked in above the gearbox and the instruments
sat on custom mountings fabricated into the new headlight. The new headlight uses integrated indictors and led main and dip beam then mounted on our own custom fork clamps. Our classic leather grips and pegs all round tied in with the leather on the seat and a good splash of Black Shuck gloss black with gold pinstripes set the whole thing off. The final few details of a side mount curved tin number plate, brass water filler cap and changing the rubber to something a little more aggressive, along with a set of handmade thick aluminium guards, completed things. All of that and a tune up using a new power commander in the system meant she runs sweet! We have gone to some length to make as many of the parts on this build available on our web shop www.oldempiretradingco.com. Although each build we make is unique, after spending some years doing so we have realised people seem to like some of the small details we put on our builds, and we want to cater to that more and more. So, don’t worry. We’ve still got a heap of more extreme builds to chew through (thanks for your patience dear customers, you know who you are!) but we’ve learned we get as much of a kick out of one of our complete one offs as we do seeing some of our components on other people’s builds!
SPECS 2017 Triumph T120 Black Metzlers all round Shortened front end Modified top yoke Instruments remounted Ignition remounted Integrated indictors LED headlight Custom headlight clamps Custom guards front and back Custom seat pan and leather seat Custom stainless steel big bore exhausts Custom radiator cowling/bashplate Custom empire controls and leather grips Leather pegs Remote master cylinder M unit and partial rewire Integrated indicator LED strip Custom rear frame hoop Custom Fat Bars Fox piggy back shocks Custom gloss black paint and armour black ceracote
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BRITISH MADE BRITISH PRIDE
Harley-Davidson broke ground on the $75 million dollar complex with a groundbreaking ceremony that included legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track motorcycle racer, Scott Parker, breaking ground by doing a burnout with a Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster, instead of with the traditional golden shovel. Historic Harley-Davidson items that tell the company’s story and history, such as photographs, posters, advertisements, clothes, trophies, video footage of vintage and contemporary motorcycling, and interactive exhibits are spread throughout the facility. The past is brought to life within the galleries and exhibits that celebrate the esteemed history of the motorcycle giant.
HARLEY- DAVIDSON
MUSEUM Written By: Kevin LaPalme Photos Provided By: Harley-Davidson Museum
For 115 years, Harley-Davidson has embodied the ideals of American freedom. Nowhere is this sense of craftsmanship and admiration felt more than at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Opening to the public in 2008 and built in an historically industrial area of the city, the 130,000sq foot complex contains more than 450 motorcycles and hundreds of thousands of artifacts. The museum attracts over 300,000 visitors to the three building complex annually. “Serial Number One” - the oldest known Harley-Davidson in existence
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A visitor favorite is the The Harley-Davidson Journey. The journey is told via a series of interconnected galleries exhibit the Harley-Davidson’s chronological history. The galleries relate the company’s history from its origins in a 10x15-foot wooden shack to its current status as the top U.S. motorcycle manufacturer, producing more than 330,000 bikes each year. The centerpiece of the gallery is “Serial Number One”, the oldest known Harley-Davidson in existence, which is encased in glass. The glass enclosure sits within a floor-embedded, illuminated outline of the backyard shed the motor company was founded in.
“The Hill Climber” by Jeff Decker
A Knucklehead engine is displayed disassembled into several pieces within The Engine Room. There are also several interactive touch screen elements that show how Harley motors, including Panhead and Shovelhead motors work. The Clubs and Competition gallery includes displays and information about Harley-Davidson’s racing history. The gallery includes a section of a replica wooden board track, suspended in the air at a 45-degree incline. The wooden track features vintage video footage of actual board track races, and attached 1920s-era Harley-Davidson racing motorcycles; the bikes that raced on board tracks at 100 miles -per-hour. Fatalities were common, which eventually led to the banning of wooden board tracks for motorcycle racing. Formerly part of the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniersary Open Road Tour. The Gas Tank Gallery exhibit displays 100 of Harley-Davidson’s most memorable tank graphics, spanning 70 years, selected by the company’s styling department and reproduced on “Fat Bob” tanks. The Custom Culture gallery covers Har-
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ley-Davidson’s impact on American and global culture. The centerpiece of the Custom Culture Gallery is “King Kong”, a 13-foot (4.0 m)-long, two-engine Harley-Davidson motorcycle customized by Felix Predko. The exhibit also features exact replicas of the customized Harley-Davidson bikes ridden by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in the 1969 American movie, “Easy Rider”, including Fonda’s “Captain America” chopper and Hopper’s “Billy Bike”. Two of each of the two choppers were created, and one “Captain America” was destroyed in the film’s production.
The Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s corporate archives are also housed on the museum’s grounds. The archives supplied more than 85% of the items on display in the museum.[12] Since 1915, the company’s founders decided to pull one bike from the production line to be preserved in an archive. The Museum provides an app that will send you pop notifications, interesting facts and behind the scences info for whatever exhibit you’re looking at. It also has the ability to offer coupons and built-in commerce features to allow for easy purchase of items at the restaurant, gift store, and more. It can help guide you and navigate for the best experience possible at the Harley Davidson Museum. When planning your visit to the Museum, stop by the Iron Horse Hotel next door. The Iron Horse provides the perfect accomodations for bikers and non bikers alike. For more information on the Museum visit: www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum/visit/visitor-information.html
LARRY PIERCE BOBBER Written By: Rebecca West Photos By: Mike Edwards
ONE SWEET SOUTHERN RIDE
This stellar example of a bobber is a product of noted motorcycle builder Larry Pierce of Garage Co. Customs. Pierce, who passed away far too soon back in 2014, was a good ol’ boy from Alabama who had wrenched at several other garages before opening up his own custom shop near Birmingham in 2006.
The owner of this sweet southern ride is Dustin Carpenter, currently of Orlando, FL. He got it in July of 2016 from Cullen Traverso, who had owned it since 2010. This is what Dustin had to say about it.
While many people will argue that bobbers have never really gone out of style, he was far ahead of the curve when it came to renewed popularity, and his clean custom builds brought him the kind of recognition that got him and his partner Ashley invites to shows such as the Born Free builder invitational series. He was well respected and well liked within the motorcycle community, and his absence from it is sorely missed.
1975 Harley Davidson FXE Shovelhead custom built by Larry Pierce Motor: By Hoppy in Palatka Carb: S&S Front End: Narrow 35mm Tanks: 3.5s cut & slimmed to 2.8 Paint: Fat American Choppers
“When I saw it, I just couldn’t pass it up. I loved every single thing about it. Since then I’ve thought to make it more my own and change up the bike a bit, but I can’t do it. It’s too perfect, as is, to me right now. And I respect and appreciate all the work and thought that has gone into it so far to get it to where it is today. I view it more as an art piece that I get to collect yet rip around and enjoy as well. I don’t have to change We totally get how he feels as far as it being perfect just the way it is. The bike’s got a suicide hand shift with a rocker foot clutch, and custom features such as rabbit ear bars, exhaust and sissy bar. We wouldn’t change a thing, either.
art when I buy it. I don’t think I need to change this (until I have to replace something at least, lol). I’ ll keep it as is for now — even though everywhere it goes I hear ‘Hey, that’s Cullen’s bike,’ since we are both in Florida. I’m happy to ride and take care of this thing. Even if it always is “Cullen’s bike.” Him and Larry both had a great vision for what they wanted, good taste in motorcycles and put in a lot of great work.”
STANDARD MOTORCYCLE CO. A CO-OP GARAGE FOR RIDERS WHO CAN WRENCH OR WANT TO LEarn Written By: Rebecca West
Photos Provided By: Standard Motorcycle Co.
Not everyone has the knowledge to wrench on their own motorcycle. A lot of that has to do with the way bikes are built these days with so much of the internal components relying on computerization. Even if you went to MMI, that doesn’t mean you have the right tools or equipment. Some people don’t have any or even the workspace to do repairs and modifications. This leaves most riders in the predicament of having to find a shop and mechanic they can trust or taking the bike to an authorized dealer. If you do have the know how or would like to get a better grip on the subject and reside in central Florida, you now have an option, courtesy of Standard Motorcycle Co. Standard is located in Orlando, and they’re Florida’s first and only membership co-op garage for bike owners to wrench on their own sleds. They supply the space, tools and even the expertise, if you’re willing to get your hands dirty. This is a radical departure from the traditional bike shop setup where they want to rack up the mechanic hours or their insurance won’t allow the public behind the scenes. Of course, if you’ve got a buddy or a relative with a garage lined with Snap-On toolboxes and equipment out the ying-yang or maybe a shop of their own, you can probably get your foot in the door during off hours or on weekends, but not everybody’s got that kind of magic going for them.
Builder, correlating with your needs and skillsets. Pricing varies accordingly. This is no rat shop where you spend more time looking for the right tools than you do on wrenching. It’s nice not having to dig for 20 minutes only to find (if you do) what you were looking for broken, rusted out or in serious need of Gunk. The place is clean, well equipped and the tools are in good repair. To top it off, they’ve got a pimp “lounge” with seating and access to wi-fi and a number of vintage books in their library for reference or inspiration, along with a dream coffee station so you can stay cranked without having to bring a thermos or hitting Dunkin Donuts or Micky D’s on the way there. If you want to bone up on a subject, Standard also offers workshops you can sign up for to educate yourself. They cover a number of topics and are conducted by guys who actually know their shit, which is always a plus. There’s nothing worse when you’ve got a problem with your bike than somebody telling you they know how to fix it when they really don’t — especially after buying the parts. In addition to allowing members access to pretty much everything they need but don’t have themselves, Standard Motorcycle Co. The brainchild of owner/operator Jason Paul Michaels and his crew, the co-op is a fantastic idea to bring in some extra coin on the side and educate riders on their own rides — which you really should know something about if you plan on doing any touring. If you don’t venture out beyond the typical bar hopping scene, like a lot of weekend warriors in new leather, there’s always AAA or a platinum card. In a few simple sentences, this is how Standard sums the co-op side of the business up: “The shop is fully equipped with just about everything you could need. (BBQ
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grill, stainless steel beer cooler and outside shower included). Members can work on their bikes in the fully equipped workshop with everything ranging from basic hand-tools to TIG welders, metal shaping equipment, lifts and everything else in between. “Whether you’re looking to simply clean your carbs and tune your bike up or cut the back half off your Sportster and weld a TC Bros hard-tail onto it, the SMC Co-op is the place for you.” Membership comes in three levels, depending on how often you might need access to the facilities. They range from The Lurker, The Worker and The
is also a repair and custom build shop. Their services include accessory/custom-part installation, general maintenance and in-depth repair work by factory trained and certified mechanics. If you just want to buy a cool custom bike ready to roll, they’ve got that covered, too. They pretty much do it all, including hosting events from time to time you can take part in if you live in the area or you’re just visiting Orlando. They’re getting ready to open a Long Beach, CA, location this spring. When asked, Jason had this to say: “Identifying a need to expand the Standard brand, we’re partnering up with industry veteran Jay Larossa from Lossa Engineering to bring Standard Moto and the entire co-op platform to Long Beach CA. More details can be heard at the OG Moto show in March, when we’ll be announcing an opening date.” For more information on the Florida location, you can hit them up through their contact information listed below. Standard Motorcycle Co. 2545 Industrial Blvd Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 675-4500 Standardmoto.com
GEAR + ACCESSORIES
ONE Voice Audio Beanie Rock out to your favorite tunes while keeping your head warm with the 1 Voice knit beanie, a Bluetooth enabled hat with headphones built-in that streams music from your portable devices. Comes in a variety of colors & styles. http://www.1voicenyc.com/home/
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TWO Torch Universal Coat Heater Torch is a battery-operated heater you can use between multiple coats and jackets for added warmth. Runs up to five hours on a single charge with four heat settings to choose from. https://torchcoatheater.com/
THREE Birksun Solar Backpacks
Stow your gear while charging your mobile devices with these rugged, waterproof backpacks from BirkSun that feature a built-in solar panel for battery power. Comes in multiple sizes, styles & colors. https://www.birksun.com/
FOUR
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you can’t shower. Mother Dirt is a line of all-natural cleansing products designed for use without water. Perfect for road trips/camping. https://motherdirt.com/
less steel biker jewelry for both men and women featuring new and classic designs, including skulls, bike chains & more.
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Sanity Jewelry Impact Vest by SCOTTeVEST Hoodie with Mother Dirt Products Hidden Cargo Pockets Stay squeaky clean even when Beautiful yet durable stain- In&Motion Soft, zip-front hoodie with ribknit cuffs features 21 pockets and a channel for headphone wires so you can stay connected to a device tucked securely inside. Five colors. XS-XXXL https://www.scottevest.com/
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Worn under jackets, this impact protection vest works like an airbag for your core. Intelligent protection technology tested on Moto GP riders that could save your bacon. https://www.inemotion.com/ moto/
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{TECH TIP}
DISCONNECT OIL INJECTION SYSTEM Written by: Isaac Stone Simonelli You’re not going to find many 2-strokes on the road in the U.S., and most of those you do find, such as the Yamaha YZ125 and YZ250, no longer use an oil-injection system. However, there are still some members of the DT series that have been grandfathered onto the roads in North America. And, more importantly, if you’re picking up a bike for an adventure in Africa or South America, a familiarity with the system is essential. In Nairobi, the DT125s and DT175s have a reputation for being bomb proof – unless your oil pump gives out on you. The market is full of older models of the bike, and the Toyota Yamaha dealership there continues to sell new models, so it’s not hard to track one down.
Once the cover is off, it’s possible to remove the entire pump and disconnect the line leading to the 2T oil tank on the same side of the bike. If you don’t want to remove the pump, it’s also fine to simply remove the oil line. A little putty should be applied to the hole in the cover from where the oil line entered to prevent moisture and dirt from getting in – maybe the next person who owns the motorcycle will want to reinstall the pump. Also, make sure you cap the outflow point on the oil tank. Of course, now that the system is disconnected, it’s necessary to begin pre-mixing your fuel before filling up, which is less of a pain in the neck than the alternatives.
The oil-injection pumps, which are controlled by an extra throttle cable, are designed to adjust the amount of oil being added to the system based on the engine’s RPM, making them more efficient. The adjustments to the amount of oil being used lead to less carbon deposit on the muffler, better spark plug care, and savings by using less oil.
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Women’s Leather Hair Glove
Women’s Clip On Pouch
Keep your ponytail or braid from getting beat with this beautiful 8” black leather hair glove decorated with rhinestones, purple flowers & turquoise butterflies.
Fashionable clip-on pouch made of richly dyed ostrich skin & soft, buttery leather with front snap holds your keys, cellphone & other essentials. Purple & black.
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TEN Harley Davidson Decanter Set
Can’t get enough when it comes to HD accessories? Consider this Harley Davidson official liquor decanter set to add to your already burgeoning collection of all-things Harley. Decanter and tumblers included. Available through Harley Davidson.
ELEVEN French Girl Tinted Lip Balms Keep your lips soft & kissable with French Girl, a lustrous balm and emollient mineral lip tint in one. Made with organic & wild-crafted waxes, butters, and oils to leave lips moisturized while adding a subtle pop of color. Nine shades. www.frenchgirlorganics.com
If you do get your hands on one of these little beauties, disconnecting the oil-injection system should be a priority of the first order, because when the pump goes there aren’t a lot of indications that you’re about to tear apart a piston head. Of course, if you consider pushing your bike for hours through the mud more entertaining than riding, well, knock yourself out. To disconnect the system on a Yamaha DT, remove the three screws holding the pump cover in place on the right-hand side of the bike.
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while back, I got a chance to sit down with first Sons of Speed winner Brittney Olsen and play a round of 20 Questions. We first met back in 2014 when we were both on the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run from Daytona Beach to Tacoma. I’d met her talented husband Matt a few years earlier in Sturgis through his father Carl, of Carl’s Cycle Supplies. Carl is pretty much the premiere knucklehead go-to guy in the U.S. Fortunately for me, Matt and Brittney were willing to schlep my gear across country while I rode taking footage of the event. For that, I couldn’t have been more grateful. The only reason the two of them weren’t riding that year is because they’d just welcomed their son, Lock, into the world a little over two months earlier and they were driving chase truck for Carl with the baby in tow. Miss Brittney, as family and friends refer to her, is quite an amazing woman with enough energy and enthusiasm for six people, and her success in life is not based on being just a pretty face on the racing circuit or from family connections. She is a fiercely dedicated racer whose success comes from hard work, ambition, endless research into a sport she’s passionate about and her competitive nature.
first Sons of Speed Winner Brittney Olsen:
Talks Track, Competing & Juggling Motherhood with Racing Written By: Rebecca West Photo By: Bryan Helm
For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, the Sons of Speed is an old school racing event put on by custom bike builder Billy Lane. Inspired by early 20th century velodrome board-track racing, the hair-raising sport got its name from the wooden tracks racers used to fly around at breakneck speeds, often with disastrous results. In fact, the short-lived sport was and still is considered to be the deadliest form of racing in the history of motorsports, due in large part to the oil slicked tracks from the total loss engines on bareboned bikes with no brakes. Lane’s first-ever event took place during Daytona Bike Week 2017 at the New Smyrna Speedway, and it was, by all accounts, an immediate success. Now, let’s get down to that round of questions. First off, tell me about your bike, the one you ran in the Sons of Speed event. I raced my 1923 Harley Davidson J Model board tracker. I also race a 1938 Indian Sport Scout. It’s a different bike, but it’s more versatile, so I can race it on short track, half mile, road racing, on the beach, in the dirt. It’s just a weapon of a bike, as well as my ’23 board tracker. How long have you been riding your ’23? I’ve been racing my 1923 since 2013.
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Did you and Matt put it together, or did you find it in a certain condition, or what? We built it from scratch around the motor. Matt gave me the motor as an engagement gift, and it was in very rough condition when we got it. It wasn’t super rough, but it needed to be completely rebuilt. Most old boardtrack racers that you see competing are like that. They’re all typically built from the ground up for the purpose of racing. When you were in Daytona, did you have an opportunity to get any track time in before the event? Not necessarily, no. I went in on Friday, that was the allotted practice day, and I did about five laps. Just got a really good feel for the track, a really good feel for being out there with other riders. Tuned my bike, tuned my carburetor, you know. Made sure that the bike really felt good on the track. Then I went out Saturday and did the couple practices that we did the day of the race, the heat, then went on to win. When we spoke earlier, you said something about having to leave and fly back and forth between Daytona and South Dakota during all this due to the fact your son broke his leg while you were gone. That must have been stressful. How did you deal with that? Yeah, right. Well, while working with American Flat Track (AFT), promoting the pro flat-track racers, they had sent me out end of February, so I was in Daytona since beginning of March. When he broke his leg it was the end of that first week working for AFT promoting the TT, which was a huge inaugural race. I had to fly back for about four days after that. Lock’s accident was just one of those things that happen when you’re planning and living life. You know, it was such a historical year for AFT, because of Indian getting back involved in flat-track racing, which is something flat track fans haven’t seen in probably — well, some of them ever in their lifetime. So, to be able to help them, you know, that was our first goal. Our second goal was to go out and win the Sons of Speed. So, I flew back to Daytona to continue to help AFT and then go into the racing. It was crazy how it happened, because the pros raced on Thursday and our practice was Friday morning at 11:00. I didn’t even get out there ‘til 2:00, because we were changing my sprocket and tuning my carburetor. And then there are certain things you just can’t do until
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you’re actually out on the track riding and training with your bike and seeing what your bike likes and if your bike is jibing with the track, jibing with the heat and temperature. And it performed beautifully. It was amazing. I felt really lucky, but we prepare very, very hard for races. We put in a lot of work beforehand, so that when we do get to the races the bike is ready. Your response actually touches on my next question. Do you plan on making any changes in the future to your bike or maybe in your approach to racing? Yeah. One really big thing that I’m excited about is the talk of a bigger displacement class for the SoS. Right now it’s topped at 61 CI, and you know everybody is going to figure out how to make their bikes faster and bigger. Bigger is not necessarily always better, but it certainly opens the door for a lot of dirt-track racers. We’ve been racing board trackers for decades now, so to be able to open up engine restraints, I think with that bigger displacement class you’re going to see a lot of bigger, faster bikes come out, more participants, and it’s just going to add to the show. I can’t necessarily say exactly what we’re planning and what we’re building, but it is definitely in the works. That last part of your answer also touches on my next question. Are the growth expectations for boardtrack racing heading towards larger tracks with larger crowds, especially considering the success of the Sons of Speed event? The bigger the tracks the faster the speeds. If we get a mile track, whether it’s dirt or pavement, we’ll be able to sustain 90-95, 100 mph bikes. The smaller the tracks, obviously the slower we go. Seeing as how there are no brakes, no clutch, no transmission and they’re all direct drive, so these bikes will push easily over 100, if we have the space, the bigger the tracks the funner they are. The smaller the tracks it starts to get me concerned. My bike is specifically built for half mile dirt tracks, and to see it on a half mile oval and make the minor adjustments like the sprocket and such to run on this track — it was a great track, but the smaller the track is somewhat concerning, because it eliminates participation and participants. I think the larger the track the faster it will be and the more entertaining for the crowds. Speaking of concerns, did you have any safety concerns regarding the event?
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You know, yes, I did. I did initially. On practice day — and I’ve been to track practices where you have one guy on one corner and one guy on the other corner and you just hope that no one gets hurt — I was 90% not going to race the SoS due to safety concerns. I feel that safety is everything, and I normally race on dirt. At the races that I race there are specific tech people, there are specific corner flagmen and there is a specific organization for the race.
Wauseon in 2013, would you have been happy just to finish? You know, before, when I was thinking about not competing, I didn’t really care. But once I decided I was going for it, because I didn’t want to let all of my supporters down, yeah, I absolutely wanted to win. I planned on it after that.
Going out and competing with a lot of new bikes and newer racers to the bikes, it’s concerning as another racer. But I also know that I was there at one time and that everybody’s got to start somewhere. Everybody was in really good spirits and raced really well, but I think safety-wise there are a lot of things that have to be looked at.
Since, you won, I imagine you’re pretty happy with the outcome of your performance. Do you have any thoughts on constructive changes to events like these that might enhance the races for both the racers and the crowds? Yes, I’d like to see full-face helmets for the riders for the sake of safety. As I said before, safety is everything to me. As far as for the fans, I think it would be great if these events incorporated more of a nostalgic feel to them like TROG (The Race of Gentlemen). You know, like everybody dressing up in period gear and maybe having tents set up for them to hang out in. I think that would be great.
And I know with first-year events everybody is, (1) excited, (2) they’re testing and getting used to their machines. I know as the years go on and as Sons of Speed builds it’s going to be a fabulous race. You know, when you go racing there’s a specific mannerism that you have to have. Safety is always #1, and then #2 is you need to run a good, clean race. You’ve got to qualify, and if you don’t qualify you can’t get hurt about it. You just have to kind of move on. There’s a typical racing structure that not very many people totally get. I knew there was some of that going on, and that will make or break a new event. And I think that going from 90% not going to race was because my family and my team weren’t there. But my interim family and team had sponsors that really came out and supported me, like the local Antique Motorcycle Club of America members. So, I was fortunate, and it really gave me the confidence I needed. I also feel that my experience on the dirt made my racing experience on the asphalt so much better. It was almost easier. So, were there any tech inspections everybody had to go through? No, not really. Everybody had a really good idea of who was bringing what and what they needed to bring, so really no inspections. I feel that in these coming years and with more practice it will be evident that tech inspections will take place. But right now there’s only one class with limited racers, so a tech inspection wasn’t really necessary. Shifting gears a little bit, did you expect to do as well as you did, or were you like Bill Rodencal who, as he said, wasn’t in it to win it as much as he was in it to ride? Like your run in
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So, what did you think of the asphalt track in Daytona as to how it would compare to the original tracks? I got this great movie called Glory Days that was done by the AMA, and it was amazing to hear what these old time board trackers had to say. I mean, like, slivers that were 14 inches long piercing through wool and leather. So, I don’t really think we can experience what it was like to race on the boards, and I don’t think it’s anything close to racing at New Smyrna. Those guys were going up on high base tracks at speeds that we can’t even imagine, so I guess I can’t relate it to racing now. At New Smyrna, it was awesome. We were able to have traction, which we don’t normally have on the dirt, and we were able to get going up there really fast. I think the boards were just a whole different phenomenon. They were probably a bit shakier to ride on, too. I can imagine when they started going to dirt it probably wasn’t as thrilling, but it’s an honor to still be able to race it.
We’ve actually been denied on some tracks to ride because — like in Sturgis when people have gone and they’ve researched board track they’ve become aware that board track is one of the most dangerous forms of motorcycle racing of all time. While they enjoyed it immensely, some of the people that were at the first event have said that they thought the feel of it was more like a demonstration or a re-enactment, or maybe an exhibition is a better word for it, than an actual race. How do you feel about that? I have to think about that. I guess whenever I put on an exhibition — it depends on how many people are on the track, but we all put on a show. That’s the difference between an exhibition and an actual race.
If we were putting on an exhibition, the guy that would have been behind me, I’d have dogged it a little bit. I would have let him pass me and then I’d have passed him right away and then I’d have slowed back up so he could pass me again. There would have been anywhere between five to 10 lane changes to put on a good show. A re-enactment — you know, that goes back to people saying, ‘Well, she’s got a weight advantage, no wonder she’s flying,’ or, ‘no wonder nobody has passed her,’ or, ‘no wonder why she’s so far ahead of everyone.’ I’ve gotten that or that I’ve got a twin cam in there. Well, it looks like I have a twin cam because of my cam cover, but it’s just a single cam.
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But lots of bikes that were out there racing last year, a lot of them it was their first year racing. When it comes down to motors, we’ve been formulating my motor for the last five years; building, rebuilding it, blowing it up, rebuilding it, blowing it up, etc. So, doing that so many times, every time you figure out you can do this and it will increase horsepower or do that and it will increase horsepower. Each time you get in there you realize this is why this time it seized. Maybe if we put a little bit of two-stroke oil in, so we can keep the valves oiled, maybe that will help it. It’s those little things that all add up, and after a while the clearances and tolerances that you need to set up your motor with, you just sort of become one. And then also as you’re doing this, your riding skills get better and better and better. It really shows, too, the technology from the teens to the technology from the ‘20s. Once we start seeing these guys with these 1920’s Indians — they’re built like Swiss watches — they’re really, really hard to keep up with. That’s what I’m really excited for. In the open practice the guys that brought these Indians and the 74-inch JDs, it’s seeing those guys come out with those bikes, it’s going to be a real race. To me, I feel like it’s a real race.
I train a lot on dirt bikes, on mini bikes, on big bikes. A lot of people don’t realize that. I’m constantly trying to better myself as a rider doing classes, trying to make as many races as I can go to, watching the pros and how they ride and applying that to my board track and my Sport Scout. It’s helped me so much. I’m sure a lot of people don’t know that. They’d rather chalk it up solely to weight advantage. Now, let’s talk about your early years growing up. When you were a kid, did you ever envision yourself being where you are today? You know, yes and no. I always had an interest in racing, so whether it was cars, or motorcycles, or whatever, yeah, I always knew this was something I wanted to do and that I was going to pursue it in some fashion. It’s just something that’s always been a part of me. Whether it was specifically motorcycles or not was another thing. So, what would you say to young girls or women with an interest in racing? Any advice to them? Absolutely. I’d tell them to pursue it and to learn everything about it that they could. Like I said earlier, I do everything I can in an effort to learn about my sport. I follow racing, I take classes, I watch the pros, and I just
try and learn from all of it. But, yeah, I definitely think they should pursue it, if they have an interest in it. Just go for it. Ok. Winding down now, what’s your biggest strength, in your opinion? I’d have to say confidence, my drive for success, my love for competition, my family and my faith. Before we wrap it up, I want to take the opportunity to thank all my sponsors for their continued support: Indian Motorcycles Sturgis, Daily Direct’s Haul Bikes, Avon Tyres, Carl’s Cycle Supply, Jerry Greer’s Engineering, Lightshoe, Doc & Maria Batsleer, Mike Weesner, Motorcycle Service Company, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney and Talking Motorcycles with Barry Boone. ************** Besides being a spokesperson or ambassador for American Flat Track, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, the AIME expo Custom Culture and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, Brittney formed her own team, 20th Century Racing. If you’re interested in following their progress, they’ve got a blog on WordPress and their website is 20thcenturyracing.com, where you can find all the latest news.
I could imagine, yes, seeing some of the slower bikes, the bikes not performing as well, going 55 mph, I could understand that being a re-enactment. But if you have someone out there with a full-face helmet, full racing leathers, full gear on going wide open right out of every turn, turns 4 and turns 2, that’s a real race to me. You basically just answered my next question, because a lot of people have brought up what, in their minds, is a weight advantage. Do you think it had any influence on your win? When you get out there and you have a weapon of a bike like mine — it’s a real deal race bike. It’s a weapon. If I don’t ride it wide open I’m going to do more damage to my motor by lugging it. And you have to ride it skillfully, otherwise you tend to hurt yourself real bad, if you don’t. It’s a little bit of everything. I work really, really hard to train to keep my physique strong, to keep my endurance strong, and
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What first prompted your interest in design? I have always been interested in aesthetics. I like how simple shapes, lines and texture can create the beautiful design of an object. Early on I realized how important looks and beauty were in our societies. People create beautiful things while others can enjoy just looking at them. I love the idea that design is part of the process of everything we build. This is how we have beautiful cars and motorcycles on our streets, but also clothes, furniture, everything ... Everyone can just look and enjoy, and it’s free. At least for now! Haha! When imagining the Heroes Shop, what was the inspiration behind it?
Written By: Dawn Garcia Photos Provided By: Heroes Motors @heroesmotors
In a world where aesthetics and beauty are dominant, there is no greater display of that than in art and design. Among the many creations that embody that ideal is the intricacy of a motorcycle. With sleek design, attention to detail, custom handmade parts, a beautiful bike can be as delicate and seductive as the curves of a woman and, in Los Angeles, there is one man whose vision to showcase that seduction is ever apparent: Serge Bueno. With a hugely successful career as a designer, Serge’s love affair with the art of design transcended the moment he laid his eyes on a 1920’s Indian Boardtrack Racer. That is what inevitably led him to opening one of the most beautiful motorcycle shops I’ve seen: Heroes Motorcycle Shop in the heart of LA. The moment you enter, rich tones of black leather greet you with vintage inspiration that begins somewhere between 1920’s extending into the 1970’s. It’s an homage to the days of ole when petrol stations greeted you with a man in coveralls and life seemed more like a song than a hardship. From the art hanging on the walls to the gorgeous display of motorcycles lining them, Serge and his team spend their days immersed in the art of design and restoration. Whether you come here to shop, restore, or simply sit and take in the vibe of the place, it’s somewhere you can easily feel transported. I had the pleasure of interviewing Serge to get an education in how it all came to be …
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I wanted to create something special and unique, a place where people can enjoy beautiful motorbikes, accessories and pieces of art, but also feel comfortable. I used to keep my most beautiful bikes in my living room when I lived in Paris, a couple of rare Indian and HD board track racers. I loved the atmosphere that it created and most people really enjoyed it as well. I guess the idea spurred from there. I started to imagine a place decorated with nice wooden furniture, leather sofas, good lighting, and with enough space so that people could enjoy what is displayed in the showroom. We started to create that atmosphere in our show-
room in La Brea, and now we have a new bigger showroom on Melrose and we have been getting very nice feedback from our customers. So far, the place is exceeding our expectations so I am very happy and grateful. Did you curate the art in the shop? Yes, I have selected all the pieces of art in the shop and also designed some of the sculptures myself. I also created some of the paintings and posters. I guess I have been developing these skills after many years of acquiring art for myself or for friends. I also was managing decoration projects for corporate offices back in France for about 10 years. This was the main motivation for me to graduate from the “École des Beaux Arts” in Paris, I wanted to specialize in art. I would say now, and without sounding too arrogant, that my goal today is to develop and bring new art to the world of motorcycles. What is the most unique motorcycle you’ve worked on/ restored? It has to be the Majestic. This motorcycle is like no other. The fact that the engine, drivetrains, fork and suspensions are all supported by the body panels makes it very unique from a conception standpoint, and yet it retains the look of a beautiful and very luxurious motorcycle at the time.
What is one of the most interesting aspects of your day?
from the speakers.
It’s when I arrive at the workshop in La Brea, I usually go there before I go to the showroom on Melrose. I like to organize the space, take the bikes out, talk to the team, discuss how we will organize the day. There will always be something exciting, whether it will be some good news or something unexpected or even challenging that will lift my day, and I am always looking forward to that moment on my way to work.
When you came across that beautifully restored Indian board track racer from the 1920s, aside from the minimalistic lines and shape, was there a specific part of the bike that really excited you?
At the end of the day, at the shop, if you could play one song to wrap it up, what song would you play? A song from Michael McDonald. You have an incredible team working with you at Heroes. If you guys could work on any type of bike from any era, what bike would you love to work on?
Oh yes, the engine really intrigued me. When you look at a 1000cc engine on a modern bike it’s big and complex, and has several cylinders. These engines where amazing, barely any cooling fins, small in volume, simple in conception and yet quite powerful for their time. And - the rider had to constantly adjust everything to get the most of it, fueling, timing, oil level. It is so different from the experience of riding a bike today. You had to feel that engine running and play with it as if it was an extended part of your body.
When you were a kid, what was your favorite thing to do?
It would be the Vincent Black Shadow, arguably the most iconic motorcycle in the world. The Vincents in gener- I loved to ride off-road with my older brother who was a al were regarded as the finest motorcycles of their time motocross racer. My first bike when I was 14 was a Yamaha and the Black Shadow was considered the ultimate one. TY50. I loved it and would have kept it in my bedroom if I could. I must have done 6000 miles on it during the 1st year or so, which, at a 40mph top speed is a lot of time Do you have a regular ride you do in LA? on that tiny seat. Then I got a Suzuki RM80 MX bike and that was a really big deal for me. I could now tackle the real I like to ride up the canyon roads from Malibu to the stuff on motocross tracks and impress my brother and his PCH. It reminds me of the roads we have in Europe. If I friends! am by myself and want to have a bit of fun I will take my Ducati Paul Smart Replica. Otherwise the Street Glide is awesome for a relaxed ride, two up with the music blasting
How old are your four kids? Does your wife go riding with you? I have 3 boys, 8, 18, 21 and my little princess who is 14. They all love to ride on the back of a motorcycle and my oldest is a good rider now. They also all learned to ride motocross bikes when they were kids. My wife enjoys ridding with me, but she will go for comfort over look so I better be careful which bike I choose! Is there a ride you’d love to do back in France? And if on the countryside, what draws you to it? I love, like most people in Europe, the road across the Alpes. Going from France to Italy or to Switzerland through the mountain passes offers some of the most amazing scenic views in the world, especially in the summertime. Plus the roads are in great condition with good grip if you want to get some thrills out of a few hundred corners. What would we be surprised to know about you? I used to do motorcycle raids and raced rallies in Africa, following in my brother’s footsteps - Eric did the Dakar rally 3 times. So I did the Optic 2000 Rally in Tunisia with him. This was part of the Cross-Country World Rally Championship, a sort of a mini Dakar rally. It was only one week but those guys were really fast and it was tough riding through the desert 10 hours a day alongside those star racers, but it was an amazing experience.
Tell me a bit about the apparel line. Did you create the designs? Yes, I created all the designs for the tee shirts and hats, I really enjoy doing that actually. I love doing drawings and I could spend hours, even days working on new logos and graphics. Also we now have the new collection of Heroes leather jackets for men and women. The design of each model is also original. I created these designs after spending a lot of time looking at what was available in the marketplace, following trends and also I have been advised by professionals. The result is exactly what I wanted, something I hope people will like. Beautiful leather jackets with a high quality of finish, using good quality leathers with some elegant, functional detail. All branded with the Heroes Motorcycle logo of course! At the end of the day, what Serge and his team have created is an artistic space that lends to the creativity and love that vintage bikes inspire. To visit the shop or learn more about Heroes Motors, visit www.heroesmotors.com Heroes Motors Store. 8611 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069 Heroes Motors Workshop. 1210 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90019
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Custom Wall Shelf (as seen in Guy Fieri’s Time Square restaurant)
Manhattan Shelf
VINTAGE Industrial
Faceted Console in White
Lattice Work Ellis Console
Curated By: Kevin LaPalme Photos Provided By: Vintage Industrial, LLC
Build furniture with a design and materials that can last centuries so it can be passed down from one generation to the next. These are the words of Greg and Sim Hankerson, owners of Vintage Industrial. A company started in a garage as a passionate hobby and soon bloomed into something much more. The two owners run the company with a conscience, like a nurturing family, and treat employees and clients like we want to be treated. Be ambitious, do things very differently than corporate America, it’s not about
getting rich. It’s about waking up everyday, doing something you are passionate about, and improving yourself and the world a little. Each piece is meticulously crafted, using a mix of old world craftsmanship and modern technology. The company plants at least ten trees for every one they are responsible for cutting down to make their products. Steel scraps and sawdust are recycled or reused avoiding the landfill. Don’t follow the trends, set them. www.retro.net
108 Digital Hure Conference Table Custom Walnut Tetra Shelf
Custom Walnut Tetra Shelf
Compressor Table
Motorcycle SEAT CANCEr
Motorcycle Seat Shields: How A Little Processed Material Could Save You from Cancer Written by: Nick Marinoff
So, you’re hitting the open road and the most pressing matter you have on your mind is leaving is all behind you, e.g., town, traffic, work, whoever’s driving you the craziest at the moment. The last thing you’re thinking of is whether or not your nads or ovaries are being blasted with gamma rays from the very machine that helps transport you to your happy place. Unfortunately, you may need to start thinking about that, depending on how often you ride. For a lot of people, their motorcycle is their sole source of transportation. Consider developing nations where, due to their economic feasibility, motorcycles are the primary mode of transport. While weekend warriors may not have as much to worry about, if you ride, period, there’s something you should be aware of. Now, it seems, there are hidden risks that come with motorcycling that don’t arrive in the form of road rash. That’s because new developments have emerged that suggest motorcycle riding makes one vulnerable to certain cancers, and it’s important to plan ahead if, like the rest of us, you’re not ready to give up riding on two wheels anytime soon, if ever. Award-winning author Randall Dale Chipkar laid out the truth in his 2007 manuscript “The Motorcycle Cancer Book”, otherwise known as Motorcycle Cancer. Throughout its pages, Chipkar describes the magnetic radiation, invisible to the naked eye, which rises from beneath mo-
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torcycle seats into the lower regions of motorcyclists’ groins and torsos. This radiation can potentially infiltrate the vital organs of riders, making them prone to certain types of cancers and hazardous growths. “Various types of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) radiations are linked to health disorders, including cancer,” Chipkar explains on his website motorcyclecancer.com. “Millions of motorcycles generate excessive ELF EMF magnetic radiation up through the seat, penetrating directly into the rider… The prostate is of major concern, as it is one of the closest delicate glands invaded by the radiation. The colon and neighboring organs are also at risk.” Chipkar’s discovery came several years ago, when he stepped into a motorcycle shop to buy what he calls a “dream bike.” Chipkar placed a low-frequency radiation meter (designed to sense and measure electromagnetic fields) over the seat, and was shocked by the dangerously high levels the instrument picked up. Since then, Chipkar has devoted his life to motorcycle safety, and strives to inform bikers everywhere about the hazards they face every time they take their favorite mode of transportation out for a drive. “I became a man on a mission,” he’s stated with confidence and pride. The safety advocate is hoping that the news will stir a change in the motorcycle industry and make manufacturers work harder to protect consumers.
Electromagnetic fields were the subject of a recent USA Today study, which concluded that EMFs are amongst the largest environmental concerns in North America. The study explained that they are often linked to leukemia, breast cancer, and other illnesses consistent with the world’s deadliest disease. They are known to cause Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in children and spontaneous abortions in women.
One of the major problems regarding EMFs is that they can penetrate the toughest surfaces, including steel and lead. That’s some hard-core radiation right there! It doesn’t matter if they’re sitting on a hunk of metal; riders are still in the line of fire. Chipkar’s invention, however, uses only processed alloy, so any cancer-causing agents are blocked from penetrating a rider’s lower regions.
Former Executive Secretary of the New York Power Lines Project Dr. David Carpenter now serves as the Dean of the State of New York School of Public Health. He feels EMFs are extremely dangerous, and educates students and the public alike about what they can do to keep themselves protected.
The RideSaver works as an internal accessory that’s placed inside a motorcycle seat, so when EMFs are given off by an engine, the rider stays protected. Chipkar has already garnered trademark certification from several nations, including Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and he trusts patent protection will allow him to market the product on a more aggressive scale, so he can reach consumers and motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere.
“I am convinced that EMFs pose a health hazard,” Carpenter says. “There is a statistical association between magnetic fields and cancer that goes beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt. I think there is clear evidence that exposure to EMFs increase the risk for cancer. This is most clear with leukemia and brain tumors, but in the residential studies statistical significance increased for all kinds of cancers, and we’re just beginning to have a whole new body of evidence that reproductive cancers are also increased by exposure.” Motorcycles contain “oscillating current” electrical systems that can generate up to 70,000 volts of electricity while the engines are running. This inherently leads to the production of EMFs under the seats. No doubt, it’s a hard bit of dialogue to hear – one goes out for a Sunday putt looking to enjoy one’s self only to find out that, 20 years later, they’re dealing with a serious illness that can put serious dampers on their plans for life. The good news is that one isn’t required to turn their backs on the motorcycle life and culture completely, and an answer may be right around the corner. Motorcycling is like alcohol consumption, in many ways. It’s fine so long as you take the necessary precautions, and Chipkar’s latest invention does just that – it defends you, the rider, from ever experiencing the negative consequences of enjoying your motorcycle. The U.K. has granted Chipkar a patent for his invention the ELF EMF shielding motorcycle seat. Known as the RideSaver, this innovative product blocks riders from their motorcycles’ magnetic field radiation, securing their health and well-being in the process. “I am grateful to the United Kingdom for sharing my vision, and I appreciate their recognition of this serious health concern for motorcyclists,” Chipkar announced. “This is a major step in my quest to protect riders worldwide.”
“Safety is the priority,” he mentions. The plan is not without its snags. The alloy included in the shield isn’t readily available to most manufacturers, which means industry leaders have yet to include it in their building processes. Additionally, competitors have been slow to purchase and/or build their own shields. A little Internet research shows that Chipkar is practically the only man taking these threats seriously. The inventor and author attributes this to an attitude of “everything is fine” amongst most worldwide organizations and websites, as they don’t want to risk losing sales or arousing consumer panic, but he believes the truth needs to be told, no matter how dark it may be. “There is ‘proof’ and there is ‘politics,’” he explains. “Organizations and politics are designed to protect the government to not create public panic. I feel that a ‘tiger by the tail’ situation exists between government and industries where electromagnetic-related products and services are involved.” As the founder of the Motorcycle Cancer Risk Worldwide Petition and the Electromagnetic Pro-Ionization Principle, Chipkar is now hoping to attract the attention of the World Health Organization and motorcycle companies across the globe, and encourage them to heighten their safety standards and ensure all consumers are aware of the facts. EMF limitations have been consistently suggested throughout the years, though very few have ever been acted upon. Among these suggestions include reduced radiation levels in both schools and offices to 10mG (milligauss) from the National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) in 1995. For more information, you can visit www.motorcyclecancer.com.
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