Twice a year I make a run to Daytona and Sturgis to co-produce the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast with Marilyn Stemp, Managing Editor of Iron Trader News.

My first big decision concerning the trip was Sporty or DYNA? I chose the Sporty for the 2,000-mile roundtrip from Indianapolis. Three weeks before the event, I heard a ticking sound in the engine, so I slid it into a “new” local shop. I check with them two weeks later and the mechanic says, “I’m not sure if I can work on Sportsters.”

Huh, I’ve never heard that one before. No Sportster, so Plan B.

Plan B included my 1995 DYNA. I don’t like it as well because I don’t have the ergonomics right, but I had a plan.

I yanked the cover off the ’95 DYNA. I traded an Indian PowerPlus engine for the very used Dyna at Sin-Central Garage in Iowa. I scrambled to install a set of D&D Pipes, tighten all the bolts, run a tank full of gas through it, and start stuffing my Leatherworks INC. saddlebags with necessities.



Four days before blast off, I rolled my worn hotrod out of the shed and got it stuck in the soft grass. After fighting it for an hour, it stuck further in the mud as rain arrived in sheets. I take a break and call Atomic Bob from Ohio for advice. He gave me two words. Kitty Litter.

Kitty Litter To The Rescue – I head to Kroger’s for kitty litter. I spread it around the wheels, and in no time the bike is moving – only I can’t make the turn quick enough and run it into the 6-foot wooden fence. Even with the kitty litter, I can’t budge it backward. Stuck again.

A week before I spent $170 for AAA road service. I call them on the Bat line and they let me know they can’t help because they’re busy. “You know, it’s raining, for god’s sake.” They recommend following up the next day.

What to do? I call the new shop and they have time to come out for a rescue. They snatch the bike and haul it to the shop for an oil change. I was rapidly burning daylight.

They noticed a groove in the rear tire. I speculated that while trying to get it unstuck, my mudslinging found a sharp rock and it sliced a line in the center of the tire. SAD!

So, along with the oil, I put a new Metzeler ME888 on the back because they don’t have my Bridgestone donuts in stock and the clock was ticking violently.

And in a blink of an eye and just $376.01 dollars later, I am riding again with new hooves on the rear.



Based on previous rides, here’s my Daytona pack list:

Check weather
Check credentials
Select primary credit card
$50 cash, $100 hideout
Battery charger
Credentials in plastic
AAA membership
Smart wool t-shirt
Smart wool high-collar shirt
Smart wool socks
Venture Heat heated glove liners
Regular glove liner
Ski Gloves
Knuckle dragger wrist gloves
5 Ball Leather Shirt
Motorcycle tools
Wire
Full face helmet
Balaclava
Insulated jeans
Insulated underwear
Rain gear
CBD & Advil
Velcro bags from Aerostitch
2nd Wallet
TCX riding boots
Velcro strips
Bunge cords
(2) iPhone cords and chargers


My first stop is in Columbia, SC, to meet up with the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast social media photographer Greg “Edge” Scheuer and event volunteers George Miller and Mike Ludlow.



197 miles to a Winery – The next day we took all day to jam 197 miles to Watermelon Creek Vineyard in Georgia. That day our motto was, “Eat to ride, and ride to eat.”

Even though we have a light day of riding my back screamed, remember the ergonomics. I pull out some Delta 8 gummies and CBD capsules and pop them at our first Waffle House stop. These are water soluble natural goodness that start working in 20 minutes. They put a smile on my mug and a bounce in my throttle.

The winery proprietors, Charles and Deborah Tillman, produce 11 muscadine and blueberry wines. The wines lean to a sweet taste and a promise of adventure.



The Wine Story – Watermelon Creek Vineyard began on the banks of Watermelon Creek in 1820. Three members of the Padgett family settled there and began a legacy forging an influence on agriculture, business, and spiritual life in Tattnall County for over 150 years.

Once the site of a sawmill, grist mill, turpentine still, barrel making, general store, post office, and the Padgett home place, Watermelon Creek Vineyard flourishes as a testimony to the love, labor, and devotion that the Padgett family dedicated to this area.



Pin-up girl – Charles Tillman spoke with us about his Ohoopee Whoopee label design. “After purchasing the 1820 Padgett homeplace, various artifacts and memorabilia were uncovered during its restoration. One item that caught our attention was a calendar print Aunt Lawana had saved. It’s a 1940s illustration by Rolf Armstrong, entitled, ‘SURE ENOUGH!’ It’s our pin-up girl for our ‘Whoopee Series’. Model Jewel Flowers embodies the pure satisfaction of just being herself and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.”




We spend the night in Glennville, GA, and early Saturday morning, I’m motoring to Bruce Rossmeyer’s H-D where I meet my partner-in-crime, Marilyn Stemp. We do a walk-through and meet up with the owners’ Mandy and Shelly Rossmeyer. Their advance person, Carrie Repp, does a good job of the setting up and we were good to go for the Sunday event.


Fortunately, there were only two times during the trip I was forced to show up clean and sober. I was bright-eyed while walking the facilities at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson dealership with owners Shelly and Mandy Rossmeyer, on Saturday morning at 10AM, March 5th and Sunday, March 6th at 6:30AM to kick off the event.



Proceeds from the event teach kids to ride on 2 wheels. Last year we helped to train over 70,000 kindergartners through their P.E. department. This year we funded the Ormond Beach Elementary, the same school Mandy Rossmeyer attended when she was a little shaver.



The event went off without a hitch. We enjoyed meeting and seeing the builders, including Cory Ness, Chop Docs, Brian Klock, Rusty Wallace, and a host of others.



After setting up the online silent auction and getting the products to the winners physically at the Benefit, we ship the remaining products to the out-of-state winners.

I stuck around until Tuesday morning and at 8:00 a.m. the three amigos, Bear, Edge, and myself, headed North. We shot up 95 North and over to Columbia, SC. Bear and Edge peeled off for home, and I mistakenly stopped for lunch.


During this late lunch, I added some Delta 8 and CBD combo to take care of my back, and then jumped on the DYNA. Five minutes later the bike shut down, and I coasted across three lanes of rush-hour traffic to the shoulder of the road.

It turned out my starter stuck on, and with the combination of the throaty growl of the D&D Pipes and the earplugs, I didn’t hear it. It burned out the starter and blew a fuse.

I got on the horn and called AAA. They said I don’t have the correct membership level (WTF), but I could get a tow at commercial rates. They also suggested I could get an upgrade but would need to wait 72 hours to use the service. Which was a polite way to say, “Boy, you’re screwed.” They quoted a commercial rate of $350 (WTF). By the way, after you finish Monday and Tuesday, what you have left are the (WTF) days.

I called the local Harley Dealership: No Joy –Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson, only work on vintage bikes in the offseason. Vintage? I didn’t think a ’95 was that old. But 27 years old does make it an antique. It doesn’t look that old. You remember the story about how exotic dancers and Harleys are the same? When you stop spending money, they quit.
The dealer was polite but hemmed and hawed about when the bike would see the light of day. Maybe next off season– certainly not in a mood to help a brother out.

While I’m on the side of the road, Derek stops in his work truck, ambled up and we talked about DYNAs for 30 minutes.

Again, I was burnin’ daylight. What to do? I called Commander Edge for a rescue.

He hooked me up with Joe Licketto of Madness Motorcycle. Joe hauled my bike in and then and home because he’s sick.

Plus sick the next day. Finally, on late Thursday afternoon, Joe and the bike were good to go. And in a blink of an eye and just $475.31 dollars later, I am riding again with a new starter.


At lunch, I noticed in the reflection in the Waffle House window, my brake lights work but not my running lights. So, I keep an eye out for a dealership off the Interstate. I stop at in Tennessee at Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson and pay $10 for a $2 bulb. While I’m there, Jackson ambles up and we talked about DYNAs for 30 minutes or so.

A few miles outside of Lexington, KY, the Polar Vortex that was racing to the East Coast sweeped through the area and created a whiteout on the road. I head for the nearest exit to find The North Star Inn and Cafe.

The registration desk was in the Cafe. Only the Cafe doesn’t serve food. They have a dress shop. And the dress shop was actually a buyer’s club that is accessed on Facebook. But they do have rooms, rooms for travelers.

I’m not the only one with the idea of getting out of the cold. The only room left had a jacuzzi. Sweet Jesus! Cold to the bone, my hands felt like needles were piercing my fingers.

I parked the DYNA next to the motel door out of the elements, or so I thought. Two inches of snow found the black beast.



I like the Leatherworks saddlebags. They lock on the bike, and the bags themselves also lock. This means I can set them, forget them and unlock them and take them into the hotel. Another benefit is if I go down, these heavy 10oz leather bags take the road rash and not the painted pieces.

LINK – https://leatherworksinc.com/

The next exit up held a path to the Ark Encounter Museum.

The Inn was full not just because of the weather. The next exit up held the magnificent Ark.

The Ark Encounter is a Christian religious and Young Earth Creationist theme park. It opened in Grant County, Kentucky, in 2016. The centerpiece of the park is a large representation of Noah’s Ark based on the Genesis flood narrative contained in the Bible. It is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high.

Weird. Who goes to these things?

Turns out, people from across the world come to visit the ark. It must be a satisfying experience as each year the exhibits grow.



The next day was cold. A thin layer of ice laid dangerously under the deceiving snow. The temperature hovered around 20 degrees. I planned for sun, rain, and cold. But not 20 degrees and ice. So, I stayed the day and bought a pizza at the gas station – which gave me a mild case of food poisoning a few hours later. It was a tasty pizza with dubious origins.

Sunday morning, I’m up early, packed, and ready to go. The bike turns over a couple of times and then won’t fire. I unpack the saddlebags and locate the Battery Tender.

I roll the sled into the sun and hook up the juice. At 30-minutes past check-out, the Inn, dress shop, and Facebook promoter /owner gave me the hairy eyeball. So, I attempt another start… it almost fires. SAD!

Voodoo Hoodo – When I lived in California my hippie girlfriend nicknamed Lisa Armbong, (she had a thing for herb), took me to a Reiki class where we moved energy with our hands. So, I dusted off the instruments and laid may powerful paws on my battery.

I said a mystic incantation and then told the Della DYNA I’ll take a hammer to her tail light if she doesn’t start. I hit the power switch.

She fired right up.

Now cooked! I threw a leg over her and headed to Indy.

Event Recap – The ride was excellent. Enough things happened to make it memorable. I planned a 7-day trip, it required 12. I got to hang out with cool people and had lunch with Donnie Devito, President of KIRSH Helmets. It took 5 days to make it back to Indy—a one day run, usually.

LINK – https://rallytickets.com/2021-flying-piston-breakfast-benefit/

Mike Egan recently passed away. I worked with Mike and his wife Patty for about 40 years covering his restorations, working with him on project bikes such as the Dicey Knucklehead which I still have. Hell, I made a deal to retrieve a Panhead from a brother partially because it held a Linkert Carb rebuilt by Mike Egan. I owned a 1931 VL for 25 or so years, which was owned by Lou Kimzey, the original Publisher and Editor of Easyriders Magazine. It was restored by Mike Egan, and I was offered the matching sidecar, which I mistakenly turned down. As Mike would say, “It’s worth Big Candy.”

Mike was an original, a one-of-a-kind master of Harley-Davidson restorations and a font of knowledge around Harley and Indian history. At times an acerbic character, he surrounded him and his family with historic Harley treasures as if he was the caretaker of King Tut’s tomb. He knew minions were constantly clamoring to get at the chests of gold icons, but somehow, he was able to secure himself and his fortunes in the Santa Paula, California hills surrounded by orange groves and avocado trees.

We worked together on an historic Board track display for the Santa Paula Museum, and I wrote numerous features about his restorations for celebrities, such as Steve McQueen. Many of these stories might be captured in the new Classic Easyriders DVD volumes if they can ever reach the West Coast from China. As Mike would always say, his restorations were, “First cabin.” He was close to Budd Ekins and worked with Von Dutch and the owners of the Buena Park, California Wax Museum. At one time Mike offered me two basket case Brough Superior motorcycles. I came close but didn’t pull the trigger. Again, he wanted big candy.

At one point in Mike’s younger years, he traveled the country buying up dealership inventories of motorcycles, Harley parts, advertising materials and display antiquities. Life changed dramatically and rapidly from 1903 until just after WWII. New and modern became the order of the day and the past was considered antiquated junk and needed to be removed. Mike recognized the trends and the value of the history. Maybe he had a mentor, or perhaps he found himself being taught in the art of respecting motorcycling history.

Even as the whole Chopper lifestyle emerged Mike didn’t follow the wild radical trends but kept to the traditional and even the purely historic restoration aspects of motorcycling. Maybe he never smoked a joint and thank the chromed gods he didn’t. He stayed true to a rare code, one of pure respect for mechanical antiquity. I spoke to him and Patty shortly before he passed. His passing is like losing the key to a rare kingdom.

–Bandit

Michael F. Egan

Santa Paula – Michael F. Egan, of Santa Paula, CA, passed away in his home surrounded by family on Monday, October 18, 2021. Mike was 77 years old.

Mike is survived by his wife, Patricia Egan (née Parrott); his daughters, Candace and Catherine Egan; his grand-daughter, Evelyn Walker; his sisters, Patricia Egan Turner and Margaret Egan Barker; and his brother, Paul E. Egan, along with nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Paul F. Egan and Patricia Mangan Egan, and his brother, Christopher J. Egan.

Mike was born in Aurora, IL, on December 13, 1943, to Paul F. Egan, former two term mayor of Aurora, IL, and Patricia Mangan Egan. He attended Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL, and later moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. Mike was a natural leader and achieved the rank of Sargent. He was combat tested and was wounded during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He served in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968 and earned an honorable discharge. He then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, on the G.I. Bill and graduated with honors as a history major in 1971. He was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society.

Mike and Patricia met in Long Beach, CA, in 1973, and were married on December 19, 1974. They welcomed two daughters, Candace, in 1981, and Catherine, in 1992.

Mike was a legendary motorcycle enthusiast and internationally recognized collector and restorer of rare, antique domestic and foreign motorcycles, motorcycle parts, and memorabilia. He traveled to obscure corners of the world gathering pieces for his collection as owner of M. F. Egan’s Vintage Motorcycle and building the legacy he leaves behind today.

Mike gained notoriety as a member of the California custom motorcycle and car counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. He was a publisher of a monthly newsletter, Vintage Motorcycle Advertiser, in the early 1980s, and later published two catalogs of his own inventory in the 1980s and 1990s.

Throughout his career, he contributed as a guest writer and was also featured in various motorcycle publications, including Easyriders, Cycle World, BikeWorks, and Hot Bike magazines. Additionally, Mike curated two museum exhibitions at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula, CA: “Splinter Road” in 1994 featuring early racing motorcycles; and “Bikes and Badges” in 2001 which showcased motorcycles used by law enforcement.

When not working on motorcycles, Mike enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, and being outdoors, and spent the last decade of his life as an avocado rancher. Mike will be greatly missed, and always remembered for his rebellious spirit, tenacity, intelligence, creativity, and sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at the Egan residence at 19900 South Mountain Road, Santa Paula, CA.

ALERT, HELP IF YOU CAN

A Rig was stolen outside the Donnie Smith Show containing four motorcycles:

Below are the details and the Facebook Page for info and contact. If you can help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the shop: @Backbonebuiltbikes

https://www.facebook.com/backbonebuilt/

I’m sure there would be an award for their safe return. If you have a problem don’t hesitate to call me..

– Bandit

FROM Backbone Built Bikes:

STOLEN Trailer with custom motorcycles inside Double Tree Hotel St. Paul, MN
– Stolen between 12:30 am and 8:30 am March 28 2022
– Brand new 2022 black 24′ Lightning Trailer
– 4 custom motorcycles
– Contact St. Paul police department (651) 291-1111
and Joel at Backbone Built Bikes (920) 948-1125
with any information

 

(310) 528-9258

event: AHDRA Don “D.J.” Johnson Nitro Spring Nationals sponsored by MTC and Gainesville Harley-Davidson
when: April 1-3, 2022
where: Gainesville Raceway, Florida, USA

Only a legend like the late Don “D.J.” Johnson could bring out the Top Fuel Harley-Davidson community like what is expected at the AHDRA season opener at Gainesville Raceway. Named in honor of the man known worldwide as the “Nitro Santa,” the inaugural Don “D.J.” Johnson Nitro Spring Nationals sponsored by MTC and Gainesville Harley-Davidson will be a historic event in nitro Harley drag racing.

So defending AHDRA Top Fuel champion Ryan Peery will have his hands full at this event, and the whole year as well. The thundering, flaming, nitro Top Fuel bikes are expected to flock to AHDRA races this season like never before.

And when memorializing the legend that was D.J. headlines the event, you can expect racers from all over the world to come pay high-peed homage.

That includes Japanese H-D dealer Tak Shigematsu—famous for his record-breaking kamikaze attacks down the quarter mile aboard D.J.’s supercharged monster.

Two-time NHRA champs Randal Andras and Tii Tharpe will be there, both riding alongside their team boss Jay Turner—a multi-time, multi-sanction champion himself.

2020 AHDRA champ Rich Vreeland will be in the house, along with Bad Apple Racing’s Tracy Kile and Dr. Jimmy “Mac” McMillan.

Tim Kerrigan will have some help from legendary builder/tuner/rider Mike Romine to put his and teammate Frank Velasco’s beautiful bikes in the winners circle.

Chris Smith, Billy Jackson, and Dean Communal will be back on track, and Rebel Glover will again be on Jake Stordeur’s Knucklehead Racing bike.

So while Peery will have to be on top of his game, he proved what he can do by winning both the AHDRA and AMRA championships last year and damn near winning the NHRA title as well.

Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike champion Michael Balch got so inspired by his success last year that he bought his title-winning machine from Red Rhea, who will still be on hand in Gainesville offering his tuning wizardry.

Like Shigematsu, Tadoshi “Reggie” Saito will be making the trip from Japan to offer up some nitro respect to his mentor D.J.

Peery’s Funnybike has been rebuilt and will hit the 1320 with either Buddy Johnson or Chris Smith in the seat.

World Finals winner Armon Furr will be defending the Gainesville winners’ circle with his dry wit and confident throttle hand, and Rocky Jackson will be his usual bad self.

New Funnybike rules allow for 135 cubic inch with transmission, single throttle body, small pump, bikes to compete. “There are a lot of them still around just sitting,” said Furr. “A few of us got together and figured the rules in order to bring more to the class.”

Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel champ Preston “President” Bartlett has decided to release his grip on the class and step out of racing. That move opens the doors for others in the growing carbureted nitro class, with new builds and riders coming online in 2022.

Rocky Jackson, Sam White, Jim Martin, nitro newbie Mary Dangrow and more will be putting these machines through their paces in order to take over Bartlett’s reign.

With or without saddlebags, GMS Racing Engines Xtreme Outlaw no-bar bikes use power adders such as nitrous, turbos and superchargers to push the limits of street tires, aluminum, steel, and any fuel but nitro or propylene oxide in American-made V-Twin engines.

Former AHDRA champion Mike Motto is aiming to grab the spotlight back from record annihilator Andy Simon Sr. They’ll both have to face new players, including Charley Douglass.

Xtreme Outlaw is one of the classes running in the cross-sanction IHDRA series, as is the all-motor Horsepower Inc. Pro Outlaw Bagger class, MTC Pro Comp Outlaw, Super Stock, Top Eliminator 9.30 Index, and the stock wheelbase V-Twin Powersports Hot Rod Bagger class.

Richard Gadson will take over the seat of the Pro Outlaw Bagger championship-winning 187 Custom Cycles bike, but Victor Gotay will be on hand with a ride of his own to put up a fight—as will many others.

Conyers, Georgia-based Bagger racer Dwayne “Smokey” Gee will be defending his Gainesville MTC Pro Comp Outlaw win, while champion Greg Quinn will put on his ProCharged, bag-dragging, wheelie show and take aim on the stripe.

Tennessee plumber Shane Pendergrast will be defending the Zippers Performance Pro Modified title on his Buell dragbike. Also expect to see NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer—and recent upset round one winner over champion Matt Smith at the Gatornationals—Lance Bonham, and many more in this high performance gas-and-wheelie-bars class.

Pingel Pro Modified champion Gary Douglass will have a tough time against Jeff Workman and many more as he seeks to repeat.

Index and bracket classes form the backbone of AHDRA and there are plenty to choose from.

North Carolina HVAC man Ken Strauss will have Crosby Blair and more trying to grab his Top Eliminator 9.30 index number one plate.

Brad Reiss Jr. will be defending his Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas 9.90 championship against John Shotts, Robert Willis, Michael Best, Nathan Thayer and more.

The Super Pro 10.30 championship is Nate Carnahan’s to retain or lose. He’ll have competition from Reiss, Gary “Busey” Burkley, and more.

Instantly recognizable by his tall Mohawk, long goatee, and matching dog “Buell,” Tennessee plumber Loren Potter can also be recognized by the two number one plates on his motorcycle—for Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90 and Eliminator.

That means he’ll face a lot of competition in 2022—including Lumbee Racing stud Paul Watson, multi-time champ Donnie Huffman, Chad Rawlings, and more.

11.50 index champ Jason Leeper is one of those who’s made plans to take the nitro leap into Pro Fuel, while leaving much of his index racing to son Jordan—who’ll have to deal with challenges from Huffman and many others.

Daryl Coffin Motorsports Trophy is the perfect beginner’s class. Bring your safety equipment and race YOUR bike on the famous Gainesville quarter mile.

And one more thing—wait for it—the return of Jr. Dragbike later this season!

The off-season is over and it’s time to race! Friday night will see a special memorial celebration of the life of D.J. at the track, complete with a BBQ sponsored by Johnny Mancuso and Mancuso H-D, and live music by the Local Traffic Band. If you know anything about D.J., you know he’d want you there and telling stories about him and his dirty jokes.

Bill Rowe and his family welcome the whole AHDRA community of racers and fans back for a fast and fearless 2022 season. This one will be remembered forever and you will not want to miss it!

The AHDRA website is at http://raceahdra.com/

For more information, email AHDRA’s Bill Rowe at bcrowe92891@gmail.com

AHDRA is owned by Pulse Marketing, the motorsports promotion company run by veteran drag racer Rowe and his family.

AHDRA thanks Cox Double Eagle Harley-Davidson, Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson, Gainesville Harley-Davidson , MTC Engineering , Hawaya Racing, Pingel Enterprise, GMS Racing Engines, Zippers Performance, Horsepower Inc., Vanson Leathers , Universal Fleet & Tire, IHDRA, V-Twin Powersports, Daryl Coffin Motorsports, All-Harley World Shootout, and Racers For Christ.

Now stay updated on Motorcycle market news, tech, tips, reviews, products, deals, events & fun –
simply Subscribe to Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter – click to sign-up

Key tips for enthusiasts

No matter how old we get, we keep daydreaming. It’s these hopeful visions of what’s possible that help fuel the proliferation of the barn find trend.

So, let’s all close our eyes and ponder: What you would do if you opened that random garage door and found a 1928 first year of the Harley Flathead 45 or a racing OHV Peashooter? Where does one even start in bringing a project like that back to life?

As the venerable Tom Cotter has said any number of times on the Barn Find Hunter video series, it certainly involves more than just dropping in a fresh battery, airing up tires, and turning the key. Fortunately, it’s a lot easier to bring a bike back to life than a car.

CLICK HERE To Read this Feature Article on Bikernet.com
Now stay updated on Motorcycle market news, tech, tips, reviews, products, deals, events & fun –
simply Subscribe to Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter – click to sign-up

Vintage Motorcycle Racing at Its Best!

Photos and text by Rogue

Inspired by early 20th century board-track races the Sons Of Speed Race has motorcycles that are direct drive meaning no clutch or transmission (when the engine is running the rear wheel is turning) in what is called the 61 classes.

Early 61s are the older and slower 61 cubic inch boardtrack racers
Hot 61s are the faster 61-cubic-inch boardtrack racers
45 Shoot Out are the 45-cubic-inch flathead racers.

CLICK HERE To Read this Photo Feature Article on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more – click here to Subscribe Today

Where Does Your State Rank?

Last month the Motorcycle Riders Foundation released our first call to action of 2022. The call to action was related to H. Res 366, the anti-motorcyclist profiling resolution in the House of Representatives. Since its release, over 1,600 bikers have taken a moment to click a few buttons and have their voice heard.

One great part about this call to action is that if your lawmaker has already been supportive of the resolution, they get a thank you email. While if your member of congress has yet to act, it explains the issues and asks for support.

We’ve seen great results from this effort. Since the beginning of February, 26 new representatives have signed on as cosponsors!

If there is one thing we know about bikers, they are a competitive bunch. So, to inspire even more engagement, here’s a list of the top 5 states who’ve taken the time to answer the call.

1. Wisconsin – 176
2. Michigan 155
3. New York 136
4. Texas – 124
5. Arizona 118

The map also shows you how many bikers from each state have contacted their member of the House.

If you have already done the call to action, we thank you! But let’s keep the pressure up! You don’t need to do it again, but you can share the link below, forward this email and hit social media. Let’s get as many bikers as we can to take 2 minutes out of their day to spread the word on profiling.

If you want Washington D.C. to address the profiling of bikers click here.

As always, Ride Safe and Ride Free!

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders.
Website: https://mrf.org/

13 of 150 Spots Left To Go. Will 13 Of You Throw In?

@ Only $20 a spot

Yup, 13 more to go then we select a winner!

Nash Motorcycle Blue Collar Chopper Builders Special!! 1982’ HD XLH 1000 Ironhead Rigid Chopper Build Giveaway.

Pretty Darn Good Odds!

If you’re interested, please choose the “Friends & Family” option in payment. When we see your contact info in Venmo or PayPal, you’re in! Damon will DM you back to confirm.

Imagine a chance at getting this platform of pure potential for $20! That’s cheaper than a night’s worth of beer for many of you. There’s little reason not to go for it!

The specs:

• Complete engine- 1982’ HD XLH 1000
• Paughco frame
• 19” high shoulder front rim, 16” stock rear
• Narrow 39mm Sporty front end with very clean shaved lowers
• New 12” chrome traditional Apes, Flanders style
• Stock 4’ HD risers chrome
• Mechanical rear brake, caliper style front brake
• Old King Sporty tank (will need paint work on it) thrown in
• NO TITLE, AND PICK UP LOCAL (will meet you) OR YOU PAY TO SHIP IF OUT OF STATE. (Bike is in Oceanside, CA)

Contact

Contact Damon George if you have any questions, want to pay with a Zelle QuickPay option, or just want to confirm your successful registration
…DM @Rocco123 on Instagram
…(or) Email damon@nashmotorcycle.com

Road Map

• You will be given your unique spot #(’s) once you purchase
• Once all spots are filled, Damon will announce the giveaway day and time to watch live on Instagram.
• You will also be contacted before the giveaway goes live with the live event’s date and time to see if you have won!

WEBSITE: https://nashmotorcycle.com/

See A Video Walkaround Of The Build Here

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CLICK Here to get all motorcycle industry updates once a week – its FREE!!!

Tune In: HOFFMAN FAMILY GOLD Premieres on Discovery

THE TODDFATHER IS BACK ON DISCOVERY! TODD HOFFMAN IS READY TO STRIKE GOLD ONCE AGAIN IN ALL NEW SERIES HOFFMAN FAMILY GOLD

HOFFMAN FAMILY GOLD PREMIERES  MARCH 25, FRIDAY AT 10 P.M. ET/PT ON DISCOVERY

WATCH TRAILER HERE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When gold runs in your veins, you can’t stay away forever. Todd Hoffman started Discovery’s gold mining craze, and tonight he returns to Discovery with the premiere of HOFFMAN FAMILY GOLD at 10 p.m. ET/PT after the GOLD RUSH finale. Episodes will be available to stream the same day on discovery+, and starting Friday, April 1, new episodes will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery.

Four years after he walked away from his tumultuous mining career to focus on his family, Todd has been given an opportunity too good to pass up and is returning to Alaska for one final shot at redemption. With his father Jack and his son Hunter in tow, will the Hoffmans be able to save a struggling mine for the ultimate payday? Or have they bitten off more than they can mine?

Love him or hate him, fans of Discovery’s No. 1-rated show GOLD RUSH have watched Todd Hoffman from the very beginning when the original dreamer took to mining and launched the franchise. Todd has excavated mine after mine for a chance to strike it rich in gold. After hanging up his gold pan more than four years ago, Todd is banking his future mining career on turning around a rundown mine far off the grid 80 miles north of Nome, Alaska. With Alaska’s unforgiving weather, rookie crews and beat up equipment, the mine is struggling to keep operations going. Trying to save this mine is a big gamble for Todd, but if he is successful, he will secure the mining rights for the next decade and could build a family legacy. But Todd arrives on site with just seven weeks before winter rolls in. Will Todd, Jack and Hunter Hoffman along with their crew be able to find enough gold to get this mine in the black? Or will this be the last mining chapter for the Hoffmans?

In HOFFMAN FAMILY GOLD, Todd’s taking on this huge risk and potentially bigger reward with the team he trusts most. Todd’s father Jack and his son Hunter will be making the long trek to Alaska along with a veteran crew of gold miners including Jim Thurber, foreman Andy Spinks and bush mechanic Randy Hubler. How will the current crew react when Todd and his team arrive? Will Randy be able to fix all the failing equipment? But most importantly, will they all be able to work together to find gold?

Follow the conversation on social media with #HoffmanFamilyGold. Follow Discovery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and Todd on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

HOFFMAN FAMILY GOLD was produced by Lionsgate’s Pilgrim Media Group, with Craig Piligian, Mike Nichols and Franco Porporino Jr. as executive producers. Michael Gara is executive producer for the Discovery Channel, along with coordinating producer Greg Wolf.

No matter how old we get, we keep daydreaming. It’s these hopeful visions of what’s possible that help fuel the proliferation of the barn find trend. So, let’s all close our eyes and ponder: What you would do if you opened that random garage door and found a 1928 first year of the Harley Flathead 45 or a racing OHV Peashooter? Where does one even start in bringing a project like that back to life?

As the venerable Tom Cotter has said any number of times on the Barn Find Hunter video series, it certainly involves more than just dropping in a fresh battery, airing up tires, and turning the key. Fortunately, it’s a lot easier to bring a bike back to life than a car.

If you are fortunate to buy from the last owner and he has history with the bike, take detailed notes. Even stop the conversation to find paper and a pen. Not only will the history add value to the purchase, but might contain additional resources or even remind the owner about spare parts or trophies he might have hidden in the basement.

Set a plan and a budget

Is this a full restoration? Bare minimum to get it running and enjoyable? An attempt to simply lock in the time-capsule look and stabilize the bike for even longer storage or a custom project?

Each of these approaches comes with its own priorities and picking a goal will steer your decisions moving forward. There is no shame in admitting you bought something just because it was cool, but now that it’s home you probably need to figure out what you are actually going to do with it.

Writing out your plan and setting a budget give you guardrails on the path this project will take. You will certainly hit these guardrails, and how rigid they really are is up to you. These check-up points help keep things from rapidly spiraling to a bare frame on the floor or an empty bank account when “while I’m in there” syndrome attacks.

Start your list

The key to any successful project is organization, inspiration and passion. Now is the time to start writing down what you know, what you need, and whose brain to pick. The human brain is not an iron trap, so it has a way of letting valuable information slip away into the ether (more often than any of us would care to admit). All the details that the seller told you should be the first things you write down, so you aren’t left trying to recall exactly what they said, and what kind of work was or wasn’t done.

Start the list of parts or materials you already know you will need; at the top of that particular list should be a factory service manual.

Find what’s missing

Looking at schematics is a great way to find not only how a system works but also clearly shows if you might be missing pieces.

The battery disappeared years ago. That’s an easy one to spot.

In a perfect world, this step would have been performed before purchase, but we are being realistic by including it in the post-purchase steps; there is often a lot going on during the inspection and buying process. Long-stored cars are often pilfered for parts or half-disassembled for one reason or another. Sometimes that’s why it ended up in the barn.

Other times it was an attempt to get it out of the barn that fell short. Regardless, it’s more than likely that parts of your new treasure are no longer with it. If you are very familiar with a particular model you can spot the items that went AWOL, but most people will need a little help to find exactly what is gone and determine the importance of each missing component.

I have found that referencing assembly drawings or exploded images is a great way to accomplish this step. Finding these drawings in service manuals or parts catalogs is the best way I’ve been able to consistently get clear and accurate drawings.

Many manuals contain photos, while parts manuals contain line drawings. Between the two, you can sort out the image and the part number.

These books show me not only what each part is, but gives me part numbers and how it interacts within the system. Use these books and the internet to identify parts in the boxes that came with your barn find as well.

Take photos. Lots of photos.

All that dirt and grime holds information, believe it or not. Witness marks of what was leaking, what had been disturbed or disassembled, and what has been absolutely neglected.

Taking photos to document exactly what you brought home is good to have for the future before/after picture, but also as a reference should you need to double-check your own memory of the project’s starting point. Make references in your master list to specific photos easily by writing number on sheets of paper and putting them in the frame of the photo.

You can then easily find these by photos by saving the files to Google Photos or some other cloud service where the AI powered search can sort through hundreds or even thousands of photos and find just the one you need when you search just the number in the image.

For me, cleaning is both the most critical and least fun process in this whole adventure. Careful cleaning will do one of two things for you: reveal more problems than you ever imagined or show just how sharp you were to buy your barn find.

For my project, the process included a pressure washer, Simple Green, and a soft scrub brush to break up the caked-on grease. For something more delicate it might mean a careful hose rinse followed with a specific list of products to lift the dirt and preserve the finish underneath. (Exactly which products depends entirely on the surface material as well as the nature of the soil.)

Be careful of pressure washers. They can remove paint.

Let’s see what Kyle comes up with in his second report. The major factors in any project include desire, tools, resources and drive. There are thousands of cool project lanquishing in garages all over the country. We are so fortunate that we live in a country (maybe not California in the near future) where you can take on most any project and build an award-winning scooter.

Between, google, Jay Leno and many YouTube videos you can find anything about anything and the resources to get it done. You can ship the engine to an expert for a rebuild, while you restore the chassis. You can find a painter to make it shine again and you can take care of the final assembly. You can find a guy who has been building bikes for 50 years, like Larry Settles, who will be glad to wire your creation if wiring intimidates you.

Just don’t give up, resources, tools, vintage parts and info abound.