When traveling across the country as we have, we come across a lot of hot rod and motorcycle art and artist, which i make a point of collecting the business cards, visiting their website or Facebook pages and then proceed to thrash myself for not continuing my artist adventures as a young man! When I saw the artwork of Nick Sinclair from Sinclair Hot Rods I got motivated to pound my skull even twice as hard for not continuing my artistic studies. My passion had always been in the field of tire smoking cars (67 Chevy’s) and long strung out choppers (remember Easy Riders was just out during that time) so our pics were of big muscled bikers on cool bikes…every young adolescent’s dream! Fortunately Nick stuck to his earlier passions of drawing as they show in every drawing we’ve seen appear from his sketch pad. My fav is Super Nugget, a street scraping Rat Rod with plenty of bad attitude and cool flames. The print is a limited edition fine art print and measures 19 inches by 13 inches. Only 50 produced. Each one is signed and numbered by Nick. Yeah, ok, i want one! Nick apparently digs the deeds of Ed Roth, Coop,Williams, Hess, and Kozik, and his work spans the typical Lowbrow, High Octane hot rod portfolio of gassers, street rods, rat rods, pin-ups, and of course, monsters. If you want to find out more about Nick go to his website HERE. You’ll find some cool limited edition prints, t-shirts and much much more.
Hey, thanks for coming back! Great to see there are a few of you out there that have taste and style! Seriously, thanks for visiting. If you know of stories you think people would be interested in, shoot us a line C'ya!
Similar in purpose as “Pin-ups” in our prior post, “Door Art” in it’s own right has a purpose, image and degree of sophistication that can only come with a certain amount of “tougue-in-cheek” bravado. Or is that just “cool-ness”? Or are people just trying to promote their business? Either way, whether your sporting “Door Art” on a hearse, a semi, a rat-rod, tractor or even a show car, you’ve got a reason for showing off the name and whether it’s meaning has some deep seated and purposeful meaning to you (or the cars’ owner), guess we’ll never know. So, where is your “Door Art”?
Regardless of the motorcycle your riding currently, music can make your “2 wheel” experience not only seem shorter (or longer based on the quality of the music), but it can also engage and integrate us even more into the motorcycle riding experience. I guess you could say a more “mental” or “cerebral” experience. At least that was our experience, having taken a cross country ride a few months back from Florida to SoCal. From first hand experience there seemed to be some mental engagement with my bike as well as the surroundings as i twisted the throttle a little harder listening to The Pretenders or Arlo Guthrie sing about riding, girls and life. The benefits of having some good tunes to pass the time while on those desolate and lonely stretches we encountered (i.e. TX, NM and Nevada) can’t be discounted either. Granted, for the sake of the general publics safety we did keep our singing voice inside our helmet. Anyway, this little jaunt across the USA and using our iPod for the first time stated us thinking, “what songs have the words “motorcycle” in them?“. So, here is what we found. If you know others we haven’t identified, tell us so we can add them to our iPod. Thanks to the guys over at “Bikes in the Fast Lane” for some of these.
The motorcycle industry is fraught with “serious people“. You know the type. Those that seem to find dread, despair, conspiracy, corruption and whatever else in almost any nook and cranny they look at. Which is a good thing i guess cause it gives us balance. Balance because when we actually run across those people that see the exact opposite of those “serious types”, we readily embrace their work and them as people. Sort of a “Ying/Yang” thing i guess. And who wants to spend their days with downers anyway?! One guy we recently ran across that helps lighten the day and life in general of many, and especially in the biker community, is a guy named Rob Campbell, the mastermind creator of “Keeping Up with Jones” comic strips. Rob is a mild-mannered teacher by day, however he turns into super hero cartoon artist/rider by night! Rob’s work has found it’s way into various publications and most recently is featured in Biker101magazine as well on his own website HERE. I can tell you from flipping through his archives he not only understands the biker mindset he also lives what he writes/draws about. So yes, he’s coming from a point of “experience” when he draws. Kudo’s Rob! Anyway, check out his work and even laugh at others, and even yourself if you so choose. And remember to send Rob a “thumbs up” if you like his work or want to pick it up and use in magazine or something. We’re out’a here!
Ok, we admit we’re not the sharpest tool in the shed; the brightest bulb in the room or even have all our bricks for a full load, however we do try and make ourselves a bit smarter each and every day. We call’s it “book lerrning”. So in part of this “education” we’re undertaking we’ve tried to list the various motors HD manufactured and the years they did so. Comment if you think we got it right, or wrong. But be gentle.
Big V Twin relates to the larger sized engines used in Harley Davidson motorcycles. Models such as the Sportster come with engines ranging from 883 to 1200 cc (cubic centimeters), while most others have engines whose sizes range from 1340, 1450 and 1584cc.
Big V-twins
F-head, also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914–1929 (1000 cc), and 1922–1929 (1200 cc)
Flathead, 1930–1948 (1200 cc) and 1935–1941 (1300 cc).
Knucklehead, 1936–1947 61 cubic inch (1000 cc), and 1941–1947 74 cubic inch (1200 cc)
Panhead, 1948–1965 61 cubic inch (1000 cc), and 1948–1965, 74 cubic inch (1200 cc)
Shovelhead, 1966–1984, 74 cubic inch (1200 cc) and 80 cubic inch (1345 cc) since late 1978
Evolution (aka “Evo” and “Blockhead”), 1984–2000, 80 cubic inch (1340 cc)
Well, Zack and Scott of OneWorldStudios are at it again! Thankfully! They are just finishing up the last touches on a teaser for their new film about some wild trip they took through Europe showing those crazy Europeans some cool flicks from their archives, and how we do it here in the states. They hit fifteen cities in six weeks, so you know it wasn’t just drinkin’, riding and eating! Man, how come they get to have all the fun?! Anyway, as they mentioned in the news release; “Hopefully you dig seeing how the biker bond exists from Helsinki to Barcelona“. Sure we will guys!
In other news, they just got Wes White’s newest DVD in their store, English 102! Click HERE to watch the teaser and grab a copy. If you’ve not seen the work of Jack and Scott or Wes White, you really need to just loosen up on the wallet (or purse strings) and do it!. The quality of their productions are second to none! And you might actually learn something! Plus they are cool guys, and we need to support our industry as much as we can! With almost 4 hours of high quality content English 102 is great for the Triumph enthusiast who wants to know more about his motorcycle and how to keep it running great. Click here for teaser and details!
Part of any industries (and societies) maturation is the response of those members to the information and challenges that they face on a daily basis. And regardless of those challenges an industry is measured (i.e. judged) by the response of it’s participants to those changes/challenges. Some recent examples; the costs of healthcare and uninsured citizens, or illegal immigration or the environmental challenges facing the world. One challenge that this writer has had to face recently is the biases we as an industry/individual (hmmm, yeah, this writer) have towards women. Granted some of these were not even “recognized” as biases, as they were part of the very fabric of who i am as a red blood male and we as an industry have by history…..but biases still the same. Thus as an industry, i have to believe we haven’t been able to really “see the forest from the trees” as it relates to women, their influences and importance to the growth in our industry. In doing research for a class project (yeah, i’m trying to “educate” myself, and get my masters), I came upon some interesting information that made me seriously look at how males (and the motorcycle industry) views women and their influences/role on our industry. I then started to put fingers-t0-keyboard and write my Final Term Paper on the subject of “Diversity in the Motorcycle Industry”. I’ll be posting snippets of this paper here for you to read and comment on over the next few weeks. Oh, Betsy, thanks for such a great photo too.
“The white, male majority labor pool has historically dominated the American workforce, and especially the motorcycle industry. For a variety of complex social and economic reasons, women did not begin making inroads into the mainstream motorcycle industry (i’m not referring to riding here, but rather the industry as a whole) until the mid-late 1990s—(in comparison Carly Fiorina had already risen to the very top as CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005, computers being also strongly male dominated). Still, in most cases minorities (ie. women in this case) are still viewed as second layer castings and/or “bait” to attract the “real” target consumer-i.e. males, and few things are proactively done from the major players to embrace and accommodate them. While on a grass roots level, a number of dealerships, magazines, organizations, associations and manufactures are taking steps to “include” or address the woman consumer, there is still a lack of “leading by example” from the major motorcycle companies themselves. Which is a lost opportunity for these companies. If the motorcycle companies were to study more in-depth the habits and the “reach” of the women consumers influence, they would quickly see that women not only take the lead in the decision of consumables directly, (85% of ALL brand purchases are made by women), but are having an indirect influence on the motorcycles industries direct target market, (ie. male) in the decision on 1) whether to even purchase a motorcycle, and 2) what type (cruiser, touring, off-road, dual sport, sports, etc) or brand (Honda, BMW, Harley Davidson, Yamaha, etc) of motorcycle to purchase.
Yes, while males today make most motorcycle purchases predominantly, the industry fails to recognize the ‘veto’ power of the female in the purchase decision. For every man that owns a motorcycle there are possibly ten that want one and have not purchased because of strong opposition from the women in their lives. The motorcycle industry does nothing to directly market to these women’s objections, whether that is safety concerns or image perceptions. Browse through any motorcycle magazine, the industry still uses ‘women’ as either eye candy or in a provocative poses. Practices that have not been seen in car advertising (TV, Websites or Print) for decades. In the fear of losing its existing male market share, the motorcycle industry is stuck between being current and relevant and fixated on the mindset of “yesterday” that by nature isolates them from the current consumers. Basically a vicious struggle between “Past Habits” verses “Present Opportunities”.
Anytime a fellow motorcycle rider is hit and/or killed by a motorist we as an industry are put on “notice” as to the frailty of life, (and the stupidity of some people). Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke was hospitalized after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident shortly after attending the Easyriders show this past weekend in Pomona, CA. Gilby was struck by a motorist making a left hand turn in front of him in Los Angeles. The driver of the truck then left the scene. (Hope they find the slug!)
Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin in Guns N’ Roses in November 1991, and remained with the band for the next three years. In addition to releasing several solos albums, he’s played with Heart, Nancy Sinatra, and the reformed MC5 on the group’s 2005 European tour, as well as other artists. He’s also produced such bands as L.A. Guns, Ladyjack, and Bullets and Octane, among others. Traci Guns, guitarist for L.A. Guns and a friend of Clarke’s, in a Facebook posting said, “Gilby got nailed on his motorcycle last night (Jan. 10). His leg is broken in three places. I’m gonna try to go see him tonight – he will be ok.”
One of the regular blogs we visit is our friend Genevieve Schmitt’s place called “Women Riders Now“, as we try to keep our hand on the pulse of the women motorcycle industry. Recently she featured this news update on my favorite personal trainer, (ok, i have to admit she’s as hot as my wife!) Jillian Michaels from the “Biggest Loser” show. Seems Jillian has teamed up with H-D and National Garage Party Month to promote women ridership. Here is the full release.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with TV’s The Biggest Loser host Jillian Michaels to encourage women to gear up and get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycle. Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.
“Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women,” said Michaels who’s been empowering people through her wellness books and DVDs for years. “That’s what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I’m excited to be a part of this effort.”
Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.
During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life. To find a Garage Party near you, visit Harley-Davidson.com/womenriders.
In todays world where women are more accepted as equals (ok,it may not be in certain circles), and their riding abilities are equal to (and even surpass) some or most men, it’s easy to forget those ladies that actually forged the trail for the modern women. Especially those women that went into the all male dominated world of “Drone Riding” aka Wall of Death. Where rider and machine battle gravity and speed, and skirt death at every turn of the throttle. Case in point….Lillian LaFrance. You can find out a lot more about her life at this neat website too. Click HERE.
“It was the thrill of risking my life that made me to take to drome riding. I was the girl who flirts with death. From childhood I was inspired by wanderlust. I was always alone, dreaming of adventures– how to ride a pony out West, to follow my calling to fame. This was my secret. I shared it with no one.”–Lillian LaFrance
Yeah, yeah, we know, the heading is misleading, (especially if you were expecting to see some collection of half nude women draped over some cool bikes), buy hey how are we going to get your attention?! Anyway, what we’re really talking about here is a collection of fascinating images and stories about the lifestyle of women motorcyclists from author (and rider!) Christina Shook. This talented photojournalist and writer captured the young, the old, the beautiful and the ugly, the tough and the delicate, the wild the sensible, brave and gentle, the factory worker and the corporate leader – united in the spirit of motorcycling. Sounds pretty interesting so far? In these pages (the author notes) you’ll find insight into how these women face risk and how they thrill to speed. They find beauty amidst grease and wind. They form sisterhoods of like-minded women from outlaw style clubs to christian riders. Here you’ll hear tales of adventure and journey. You’re invited for an up close stare at the amazing women who ride. They are both ordinary and extraordinary. The author of Chicks on Bikes, tells a bit about her book in her own words:
There’s a biker saying Ride to Live, Live to Ride. I personally could say Ride to Shoot, Shoot to Ride. Chicks on Bikes has given me the opportunity to ride around on my motorcycles (I have 3) and meet amazing women. A lot of the book is shot here in the San Francisco bay area because that where I live. I’m absolutely in love with San Francisco and I’m going to say it’s the motorcycling capital of America where we ride all year on the most spectacular roads. I run a portrait photography business and sometimes show up for sessions on a motorcycle to the shock of my clients. My two little girls think motorcycles are really cool, but they haven’t been any further than the end of our quiet street.
Well if ya ask us…we just think women riders are cool (and hot)!
Is this the coolest kids’ toy ever? This Rocking Horse is a custom built bike rocker made by Felix Götze of Berlin. He noticed three year old Otto Komei staring wistfully out the window at the bike gang across the street as they spent their days souping up their choppers. After one of the gang wheelied off down the street, Felix decided to build the kid his own custom ride. And people say bikers are a rough crowd?!! The Rocking Horse is built from old German motorcycle parts — a two stroke engine, a sprung saddle and a neat headlamp. This is 100% awesome.
In an effort to bring some culture to the deranged, demented and somewhat crazy souls that frequent Sturgis during the rally, Jay Allen is announcing the addition of a fine art gallery to the Broken Spoke, Sturgis County Line, located on route 79. The Broken Spoke Saloon has been a long-time supporter of the artistic community within the motorcycling world and Jay has created a unique space in the upper portion of the main bar to display the work of some of the industries leading artists. You’ll see work from David Uhl, John Guillemette, Jeff Cochran and Colleen Swartz along with bikes from Billy Lane, Ron Finch, Samantha Morgan and the BSS Worlds Fastest Indian and two more to be announced later.
The Legends Gallery opening will be on Sunday, August 2nd at 6-9 PM following the conclusion of the Michael Lichter Ride at the Sturgis County Line. You are welcome to join the curator, Jay Allen along with the legendary artists, bike builders and iconic industry guests for a hors d’œuvres reception. The Gallery will be open throughout the Sturgis Rally from Noon until Midnight. Jay, thanks for bringing this to us at the Broken Spoke. We’re excited to see this!
Our friends over at Bikes In the Fast Lane had an update we wanted to pass along to our women readers. August 19th to the 22nd has AMA hosting International Women & Motorcycling Conference at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado. The 4 day event is meant to educate and inform women on the joys of riding a motorcycle. There will be several seminars, with topics like solo riding and touring, preparing for a ride, dealing with dealers, accident management, etc. There will be several guest speakers, one being Carla King (Motorcycle Misadventures) Regular readers of this blog know we’re big supporters of women riders (we have daughters that ride) and close female friends in the industry, but more than that we see everyday their impact on this industry. And it’s good to see supports such as Harley, Buell, BMW, Yamaha, Bell, and EagleRider stepping up to the plate and supporting.
So, what do Jesse James of “West Coast Choppers”, Kat Von D of “LA Ink” and the Los Angeles County Coroners Office have in common? Yep, a “Coffin Couch”. This SoCal company, called “Coffin Couches” believes in “Recycling”. Literally. Their niche: 18 gauge steel coffins collected from local funeral homes since health and safety laws forbid funeral homes from reselling used coffins to the general public. Rest assured though that the coffins are not used for burial due to slight cosmetic inconsistencies.
Coffin Couch reconfigures and modifies the coffins for a ”unique one of a kind coffin couch”. As as an added bonus, you get your own biohazard insignia too! Right there on the six cast iron legs are embossed the universal biohazard insignia. The reason? We’ll let them tell you. Quoted from their website: “If you are not aware, once a human body is placed in a coffin it is considered biohazard tissue. The legs have the embossed insignia for precautionary reasons in the event body fluids are exchanged on these coffins. Perhaps you would feel safe knowing that you are in designated biohazard scene!“. Funny.
So what type of uses would you have for such as fun piece of furniture. Hmm, as they suggest on the website: Retirement Parties, Game Rooms, Custom Company Logos, Small intimate hook-ups, Team Sports. Just to name a few. The price: $3500.00. “Dude, slide over will ya?! I need to rest a bit…got a slight headache and ringing in my ears.”
When traveling across the country as we have, we come across a lot of hot rod and motorcycle art and artist, which i make a point of collecting the business cards, visiting their website or Facebook pages and then proceed to thrash myself for not continuing my artist adventures as a young man! When I saw the artwork of Nick Sinclair from Sinclair Hot Rods I got motivated to pound my skull even twice as hard for not continuing my artistic studies. My passion had always been in the field of tire smoking cars (67 Chevy’s) and long strung out choppers (remember Easy Riders was just out during that time) so our pics were of big muscled bikers on cool bikes…every young adolescent’s dream! Fortunately Nick stuck to his earlier passions of drawing as they show in every drawing we’ve seen appear from his sketch pad. My fav is Super Nugget, a street scraping Rat Rod with plenty of bad attitude and cool flames. The print is a limited edition fine art print and measures 19 inches by 13 inches. Only 50 produced. Each one is signed and numbered by Nick. Yeah, ok, i want one! Nick apparently digs the deeds of Ed Roth, Coop,Williams, Hess, and Kozik, and his work spans the typical Lowbrow, High Octane hot rod portfolio of gassers, street rods, rat rods, pin-ups, and of course, monsters. If you want to find out more about Nick go to his website HERE. You’ll find some cool limited edition prints, t-shirts and much much more.
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