Fridge of Ages:

The most pedigreed artifact in the

Motocross America exhibit

(10/31/2005)

 

While conducting research for the Motocross America exhibit about two years ago, I paid visits to several of the manufacturers in California in search of pedigreed motorcycles and artifacts. Kawasaki's Norm Bigelow was especially helpful, giving me a tour of the race shop and showing me the historical championship-winning bikes the company has retained. I ended up selecting three bikes -- ridden by Jimmy Weinert, Jeff Ward, and James Stewart –- from the collection, plus some very nice artifacts. On our way to lunch, I noticed a derelict refrigerator covered with stickers (pictured below), and asked Norm about it. He explained that it had been in the race shop for about thrity years, and was on its way to the dump.

 

It occurred to me that this would be a nice artifact for the exhibit. We were planning a section on motorcycle technology that would look like a shop or garage, and I thought it might fit right in. I figured the hands of many great champions and champion-making technicians had tugged on its door handle, and the stickers alone provided a kind of motorcycle industry archeology. I begged Norm not to send it to the landfill, but to ship it to Ohio with the motorcycles for the exhibit. He probably thought I was crazy, but politely did not reveal such feelings.

 

As it turns out, it is one of the most popular artifacts in the exhibit. It triggers all kinds of nostalgic memories in visitors, and they immediately begin to talk about the history behind the brands and products depicted by the stickers. Furthermore, countless amateur and vintage racers have a similar sticker-covered refrigerator in their own shop or garage, and their remarks about this fact have validated my suspicion that it would be an appropriate fixture in our replica shop.

 

On dedication day for Motocross America, I had an opportunity to tour the exhibit with Davey Coombs and former Kawasaki factory rider and three-times national champion Jeff Emig (pictured below). Jeff was transfixed by the refrigerator. He stood before it and smiled, and began to relate fond memories of his championship career and hanging around the Kawasaki racing department. He also marveled at the number of great riders, not just in motocross but in road racing as well, who had tugged on that handle to get a cold drink or a snack. This nostalgic moment made it into a story that Coombs wrote for the November 2005 issue of Racer X Illustrated.

 

That story prompted a wonderful response from Tim Smith, who was Kawasaki Racing Manager from 1972 through 1978, revealing that the refrigerator is much older and has a far more colorful history than we realized. It would appear that this marvelous artifact was already a cast-out orphan even before it arrived at Kawasaki. I hope you will enjoy Tim's story, published below:

 

It's great whenever an old warhorse gets the recognition it deserves; in this case there is some personal satisfaction.

 

I started working with Kawasaki Racing in l972, prompting a move from Glendale, California to Laguna Beach, California, to be closer to the R & D Race Shop in Santa Ana. The house we bought came with a refrigerator already in place; it was over 20 years old then.

 

“That eyesore is not staying in this house,” said my wife, Gilda. Eyesore? “I know just what to do with it,” said I.

The next morning Mr. Refer was rolled into the shop. “OK guys, we have our own refrigerator, just keep it stocked.” Keep it they did and stocked they did, for the next 30 some years, until the current Manager decided it was an “eyesore."

 

To keep Mr. Refer full of the proper beverages, team personnel sold used tires after the races. This worked so well, we set up a bank account. Probably the only refrigerator in the world to have its own bank account, titled simply “ Kawasaki Racing-Beer Fund.” The keeper of the account was world-renowned road race tuner/builder, Randy Hall, Kawasaki Road Race Manager.  The race shop at that time included Road Race, Motocross, Off Road, and any special event that came along, (I.S.D.E., 24 hour World Records, Baja 1000 for example).

 

So, Jeff Emig was right on with his guess as to those noted individuals who availed themselves of the fridge's resources, plus many more big names of each era.  Mr. Refer was the center piece of many a holiday party, ping pong tournaments, and indoor mini bike races, attended by executives, managers, racers, mechanics, secretaries, media, you name it, the refrigerator was in the middle of it.

 

With Kawasaki 's move to Irvine, California, the refrigerator remained with Team Kawasaki Motorcross, under the care of Norm Bigelow and Racing Manager Roy Turner; until it had to go, deemed an “eyesore."

 

Kawasaki Racing History? You bet! U.S. Motocross History? You bet! Mr. Refer in the Hall of Fame? You bet, thanks Ed Youngblood.  I'm sure much more can be revealed that occurred in and around this old fridge. Plug it in, I bet it still runs.

 

Tim Smith,

Manager Kawasaki Racing '72-'78, now retired and living in Santee, CA with my wife Gilda

 

Working from his rich memory, Smith also sent us a list of names of great riders and other noteworthy individuals who have foraged through the old fridge. They include Al Baker, John DeSoto, Art Bauman, Malcolm Smith, Barry Higgins, Mick Grant, Brad Lackey, Mickey Thompson, Bruce Jenner, Mike Goodwin, Cliff Carr, Mike Patrick, Dan Gurney, Paul Smart, Don Vesco, Peter Lamppu, Eric Jensen, Pierre Karsmakers, Erv Kanemoto, Ron Bishop, Gary Nixon, Ron Muto, Gary Semics, Ron Pierce, Gaylon Mosier, Steve Hurd, Goat Brecker, Steve Stackable, Gregg Hansford, Steve Wise, Jerry Grant, Stig Pettersen, Jim Cooke, Terry Clark, Jim Evans, Torlief Hansen, Jim Hunter, Walt Axthelm, Jim Pomeroy, Walt Fulton, Jim Weinert, and Yvon DuHamel.

 

This astonishing list is from the mid-1970s alone. How many more great contributors to motorcycle history might have touched this fine old refrigerator? Thank you so much, Tim, for adding to our understanding and appreciation of this wonderful artifact.

 

DVD of exhibit tour now available

My tour of the Motocross America exhibit with Jeff Emig referred to above was captured on video by Mike Bulda Productions. A one-hour DVD is available through the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. For more information, call 614-856-2222.

 

 

Motohistory Quiz 17

(10/31/2005)

 

What is it? Here are a few hints. It's not an auto and not a cycle, but maybe both. It hoped to be a good soldier, but got shot down five times. It rolled like a cannon and sold like a bomb.  And some information about size might help.  This is no small part.  It is about three and a half feet long.

 

If you think you know what brand of vehicle this part came from, send your answer to Ed@motohistory.net. The first person with the correct answer will win a Motohistory cap and two tickets to the Legends of the Motorcycle International Concours d'Elegance, which will take place May 6, 2006 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, California .

 

And speaking of which, the deadline to submit entries for the concours is fast approaching. Entries will close on December 31, 2005. The selection committee is searching for the finest accurately restored and original condition motorcycles manufactured prior to 1976. All class winners will receive a bronze statue created by acclaimed sculptor Jeff Decker. For entry forms and more information, click here, or call 415-673-7980. For more about Jeff Decker, see Motohistory News & Views 3/16/2004.

 

Von Dutch is "best of show"

(10/30/2005)

The fascination with iconic hot rod painter Von Dutch continues.  Among creations by the likes of Arlen Ness, Donnie Smith, Paul Yaffe, Eddie Trotta, Chris Cruz, Indian Larry, and others, Von Dutch's 1958 Triumph Thunderbird has been chosen the favorite in an informal poll conducted by the staff of the Columbus College of Art and Design among visitors to the Wheelz exhibit, showing through December 11, 2005 at the Canzani Center in Columbus, Ohio.  Not only was the Von Dutch bike named favorite among the two dozen custom motorcycles on display, but it also topped automobiles representing the designs of George and Sam Barris, Ken "Posies" Fenical, Boyd Coddington, and Jimmy "Shine" Falschlehner.

The Triumph, built, painted, and ridden by Von Dutch when he worked for Bud Ekins during the 1960s, is original and unrestored.  It is currently owned by John Parham and on loan to the Wheelz exhibit from the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.  Other stories about the Wheelz exhibit can be found in Motohistory News & Views 9/5/2005, 9/22/2005, 10/5/2005, and 10/9/2005.  A story about the National Motorcycle Museum appeared in Motohistory News & Views 8/29/2005.  For more information on the Columbus College of Art and Design, click here.  For more about the National Motorcycle Museum, click here.  

Von Dutch Triumph photo by Rick Kocks

 

 

Vintage rider, vintage scooter, vintage victory

(10/29/2005)

 

Sixty-one year old Roland Henry has won the 2005 season championship in the stock class of the Eastern Scooter Racing Association aboard a 1966 Lambretta, despite missing point-paying rounds when he broke his shoulder in practice prior to the first race of the season! Henry did not start his scooter racing career until 2003, at which time he falsified his age on his license application. Unlike many champions who lied their age upward to get an early start on a racing career, Henry did the opposite, He explains, “ I have 51 listed on my racing license because I was afraid that if my competition knew how old I really was, they would try that much harder to keep from being beaten by a geezer.” This, of course, raises the anthropological question, at what point between 51 and 61 does geezerdom begin?

 

After his 2005 championship season finale, Henry recalls, “My shoulders were so sore on Sunday morning that I could hardly get out of bed. As I was standing in the shower, I thought seriously about hanging up my leathers for good; but by the time I got home, all I could think about was next season. I think I may build a racing moped over the winter.”  Henry is the senior member of a youthful team –- Stuart Werner, 36 and Bret Reichley, 28 -- both of whom finished third in their classes.

Photos provided by Roland Henry

 

 

Chicagoland Legends to meet

(10/28/2005)

 

Neil Keen will be a special guest at the annual Legends of Chicagoland Motorcycle Racing Brunch which will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hillside Holiday Inn in Hillside Illinois, on Sunday, November 27, 2005. Participants are encouraged to bring their scrapbooks, photos, and memorabilia. However, space is limited, so those wishing to display special vintage racing motorcycles should call in advance for permission. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door. Because tickets are limited, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. For more information, call Jim Viverito at 773-282-2176 or Dan Schmitt at 773-725-2115.

 

 

The world's fastest Whizzer

(10/27/2005)

 

You never know where the Internet will lead you. Case in point: Tustin, California collector/vintage trials rider Roger Brophy and Dawson Springs, Kentucky Whizzer tuner extraordinaire Kenny Thomas have never met, but that did not get in the way of a cyber-collaboration that earned Brophy a land speed record aboard a twin-engine Whizzer. Having discovered their mutual interest in vintage Whizzer motorbikes through an exchange of E-mail, Brophy took charge of the chassis and Thomas built the engines for a spindly speedster (pictured here) that they named Double Vision.

 

Double Vision's powertrain consists of two 138cc Model J Whizzer engines with high-compression heads, Carter carbs, Weber cams, and one-inch valves, coupled together with a V-belt primary drive and chain drive to the 26-inch rear wheel and Cheng Shin 195 x 26 mountain bike tire. The chassis is a single loop of mild steel tubing with a 60 inch wheel base and Peugeot moped front forks.

 

After a shakedown at El Mirage dry lake, Brophy took the bike to the AMA and FIM-sanctioned speed trials at Bonneville in September to set a new land speed class record of 61.506 miles per hour. Brophy ran a similar machine at Bonneville in 1991, running 52 miles per hour. About the Thomas-tuned engines Brophy reports, “The bike has more potential, but since the 60 year old engines had to run flat out for ten miles in Bonneville's 100 degree heat, we backed off the tune a little bit in favor of reliability.”

 

Clearly, among the do-or-die teams spending serous money to seek records above 300 miles per hour, Brophy, Thomas, and their little Double Vision are just having fun. Thomas says, “Having the world's fastest Whizzer is kind of like being the world's tallest midget.” Brophy responds, “Hey, its not the fish, it's the fishing. We did this with a couple of boxes of 60 year old parts, some bicycle components, and a little back yard ingenuity.”

Photo provided by Roger Brophy

 

 

Invercargill hosts New Zealand premier of

“The World's Fastest Indian.”

(10/25/2005)

 

In mid-October, the city of Invercargill rolled out the red carpet for the cast, crew, and special guests attending the New Zealand premier of Roger Donaldson's motion picture “The World's Fastest Indian,” starring Sir Anthony Hopkins (pictured below) as Kiwi speedster Burt Munro. Munro (1899 – 1978), who lived in Invercarhill when he was not racing in America, devoted 50 years of his life to the development of his beloved 1920 Indian Munro Special in search of land speed records. Director Donaldson states, “It wasn't just Burt Munro's thirst for speed as a motorcyclist or his ability as a backyard mechanic to constantly rebuild a bike that was already a masterpiece, but it was Burt's dream of going faster and faster at an age when most folk are supposed to be slowing down that made him the legend he is.”

 

During the 1960s, Munro made frequent trips to America's Bonneville Salt Flats, and in 1967, at the age of 67, set a record of 183.586 miles per hour. Sandra Perry, who lived in Invercargill and later became executive secretary of the New Zealand national motorcycle federation, recalls, “For me, as a teenager living near Burt on Bainfield Road, he was the eccentric, likeable old guy who sometimes slept in his grotty old garage full of junk and started his motorcycles when the rest of us were trying to go to sleep. How was I to know how famous he would become?” In addition to his famous Indian streamliner, Munro also campaigned a 1937 Velocette.

 

Munro set the following records in New Zealand:

*January 27, 1940: Flying Half-mile Road , Unlimited Class, 99.45 mph, Munro Indian Special.

*January 27, 1948: Flying Half-mile Road , Open Class, 120.8 mph, Munro Indian Special.

*April 13, 1957: Flying Half-mile Road , 750cc Class, 143.6 mph, Munro Indian Special.

*February 9, 1957: Flying Half-mile Beach , Open Calss, 131.38 mph, Munro Indian Special.

*December 16, 1961: Flying Half-mile Beach , 750cc Class, 129.978 mph, Velocette.

*March 25, 1962: Standing Quarter-mile Open Class, 12.31 seconds, Velocette.

*May 1, 1971: Flying Half-mile Beach , 750cc Class, 132.35 mph, Velocette.

 

Munro set the following records in the United States :

*August 20, 1962: Flying One Mile, Class S/A 883cc, 178.971 mph, Munro Indian Special.

*August 22, 1966: Flying One Mile, Class S/A 1000cc, 168.066 mph, Munro Indian Special.

*August 26, 1967: Flying One Mile, Class S/A 1000cc, 183.586 mph, Munro Indian Special.

 

For previous stories on “The World's Fastest Indian,” refer to Motohistory News & Views 7/12/2005, 8/23/2005, and 9/11/200.  For the official "World's Fastest Indian" website, click here.

Photo courtesy of www.nzfilm.co.nz

 

(10/23/2005)

 

Images from LaDucati

Once a year, the California city of LaHonda renames itself LaDucati to welcome enthusiasts of that venerable Italian marque. Superbikeplanet.com has provided some great photos from this year's rally. To view them, click here.

 

Give us the works

Terry Good, who has the most impressive collection of pedigreed works motocrossers in America, has created a website to share his treasures, plus a lot of great history and historical photos. To check it out, click here.

 

 

Pearl Hoel honored again

(10/20/2005)

 

Sturgis rally matriarch Pearl Hoel, who was recently inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame (See Motohistory News & Views 10/1/2005), will be honored again on November 10 with an open house at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum on the occasion of what would have been her 100th birthday. “The Board of Directors was looking for a way to celebrate the life of this incredible woman,” says Pepper Massey-Swan, the museum's director.  “While we miss her, we didn't want her birthday to be a sad occasion.  We wanted to remind people how much this gentle soul impacted our community and motorcycling, allowing them to learn more about something Pearl was passionate about, and the legacy she helped create.”

Massey-Swann reports that when the facility opened in 2001, Pearl Hoel was one of the first to loan much of her vast collection of memorabilia and historical photos.  The Museum is open year round, seven days a week.  For more information call  605-347-2001 or click here.

Pearl Hoel photo provided by Carl Edeburn

 

We have a winner!

(10/15/2005)

Tom McIntyre, of Peoria, Illinois has correctly identified our mystery scooter as an IWL Berlin, manufactured in the Deutsche Democratic Republic. These scooters, of good quality construction, provided basic utility and transportation in the sluggish economy of post-war Central Europe. IWL (IndustrieWerke Ludwigsfelde) manufactured scooters from 1955 through 1964, and also built the Campi trailer, designed to pull behind its scooters to improve carrying capacity. The Berlin was powered by an MZ engine.  For more information on IWL, click here. Congratulations, Tom, your prize is on the way.

 

Motohistory Quiz 16

(10/14/2005)

After more than 48 hours, we still have no winner of our Motohistory Quiz dated 10/12/2005.  In fact, we haven't even had anyone make a guess.  This is unusual, since I usually have a winner within 24 hours.  So, we're going to give you another picture, offer a different prize option, and give you a hint.  Here's a different angle, offering a little better view of the front end of the scooter in question.  Our prize options included a signed copy of my book "Heroes of Harley-Davidson" or a DVD of the curator's tour of the Heroes of Harley-Davidson exhibit.  Mike Bulda, producer of that video, has just finished a curator's tour of the Motocross America exhibit, currently showing at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  In this one-hour video, I tour the exhibit with Jeff Emig, who, as a champion, offers an interesting and very different historical perspective.  This DVD will be the additional prize option.  Finally, here's the hint: It isn't Italian.  Just give me the brand name and country of origin to win the prize.  Send your answer to Ed@motohistory.net.

 

Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducts class of 2005

(10/12/2005)

 

Scores of pre-1975 motorcycles – some original and some expertly restored – were brought to the circular drive outside the doors of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on the American Motorcyclist Association campus in Pickerington, Ohio October 8 to vie for class awards, best of show, and a new Motor Music Award, offered by event sponsor XM Satellite Radio.

 

A wide range of bikes was displayed in the serene setting, representing many manufacturers from all eras of motorcycle history. However, the atmosphere turned electric at 2 p.m. when owners were invited to fire up their motorcycles to compete for the best-sounding motorcycle award, based on a combination of appearance and sound. The winner was a 1965 Ducati Monza custom, featuring an open exhaust that splits from its header into two pipes that sweep up under the seat and tail section. This motorcycle, owned by Dave Hartleip of Hartland, Wisconsin, took best of show at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in July.

 

The Jim Davis Best of Show Award went to a rare and superbly restored 1957 Honda Benly owned by Ron Mousouris of Santa Barbara, California. This motorcycle (pictured above), born from a painstaking three-year restoration, also scored at Vintage Motorcycle Days, earning best in its class. For more about the 2005 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d'Elegance, including more photos, click here

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony followed, honoring nine individuals that included Ralph Berndt, tuner for four-times AMA Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber; Jerry Branch, master of engine air flow technology who took many brands of racing engines – and especially Harley-Davidsons – to their full potential; Tom Cates, racer, early Honda representative, BSA National Sales Manager, and manager of K&N Engineering; Bill Johnson, America's first importer of Triumph and Ariel motorcycles who established many of the practices of distribution and dealer relations still used today: Doug Henry, four times AMA motocross and supercross national champion and 1998 Pro Athlete of the Year; Nick Nicholson, Greeves importer, multi-time Catalina Grand Prix winner, and Catalina sponsor; Scott Russell, five-times Daytona 200 winner; four-times AMA road racing national champion, and 1993 World Superbike Champion (pictured above with his family and entourage after the Hall of Fame ceremony); Gavin Trippe, legendary promoter whose achievements included promotion of the U.S. Motocross Grand Prix, co-promotion of the Trans-Atlantic Match Races, and inventor of the Superbikers, a made-for-television event that was precursor to supermoto; and T.C. Christensen, who achieved rock star status in drag racing with his Norton twin-engine “Hog Slayer (pictured here, still in rock star style).

 

For more information on the 2005 class of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, including full biographies and more photographs, click here.

 

 

Motohistory Quiz 16

(10/12/2005)

 

Okay, kids, it is time again to rush to your keyboards to vie for valuable prizes. The first person to tell me the brand and nation of origin of the scooter pictured here will get his or her choice of an autographed copy of my book, “Heroes of Harley-Davidson,” or a DVD of my curator's tour of the Heroes of Harley-Davidson exhibit. Send your answers to Ed@Motohistory.net. And, no, Harley-Davidson is not the correct answer.

 

A Husky with pedals

(10/11/2005)

Jim Felt, who turned the wrenches for eight national title-winning pro motocrossers, now makes his living on the cutting edge of the bicycle business.  In collaboration with Vintage Iron, he has created a cruiser bicycle that commemorates the world-beating Husqvarna motocross machines of the 1970s.  For a picture of the bike, click here.  And spend some time in the rest of Felt's site.  His designs are brilliant!

 

Renewing the Newsies

(10/11/2005)

The Charity Newsies, which ran at the Columbus, Ohio fairgrounds from 1939 to 1980, was one of the great fixtures on the AMA dirt track circuit during its best years.  Greg Pearson, a motohistorian from Culloden, West Virginia is compiling a history of the famous event.  If you have programs, clipping, photos, or memories, call 304-743-0344 or E-mail him at gtammyp89@cs.com.

 

Will the real James Stewart . . .

(10/10/2005)

 

Motojournalist and photographer Rick Kocks, who has Photoshop, a very odd sense of humor, and clearly too much time on his hands, submits this photo to Motohistory, capturing that historic moment when the late movie star James (Jimmy) Stewart posed with his namesake motocrosser James (Bubba) Stewart at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. For more information on James Stewart the Elder, click here. For more about the early career of James Stewart the Younger, click here.

Jimmy and Bubba photo by Rick Kocks and mad science.

 

 

Pentons galore

(10/10/2005)

 

On August 21, KTM held its annual dealer convention in Columbus, Ohio, and took advantage of its proximity to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum to host a day for its dealers to tour the new Motocross America Exhibit, officially opened on July 14. To celebrate KTM's great tradition, rooted in the American-designed Penton motorcycle, the Penton Owners Group hosted a bike show on the grounds, calling on its members to bring out their motorcycles, in any condition from barn fresh to expertly restored. Many Pentons, representing practically every year and model, were on display. To see a slide show of these machines, recently installed on the Penton Owners Group website, click here .  Penton arrived on the American off-road scene in the spring of 1968, assembled to John Penton's specifications by KTM in Austria. The Penton became so successful, both in North America and Europe, that KTM bought out the business in 1977, reintroducing the product line in 1978 under its own brand.  Continuing growth and competition success has followed.

 

 

More images from Wheelz

(10/9/2005)

 

During the setup of the Wheelz exhibit, opened October 1 at the Columbus College of Art and Design, photographer Rick Kocks cruised the gallery, capturing images of a number of the motorcycles in the exhibit. These include:

 

Crazyhorse, an innovative Indian-powered bobber created by Tom Langton's Rumble Customs, based in Delta, Ontario. From choppers to bobbers to café racers to beautifully-shaped body bikes, Langton employs traditional techniques with high-tech materials to create custom machines often well out of the main stream. Recognition of his ability includes the title of Easyriders magazine 2003 Builder of the Year. Langton states that Crazyhorse was inspired by the early California dry lake racers of the 1940s, assembled for speed from whatever parts might have been available around the shop. The footboards on this machine are cast aluminum “Mooneyes” gas pedals. Crazyhorse is on loan from Fort Lauderdale motorcycle dealer and collector Rick Case.  For more information and photos of other bikes created by Rumble Customs, click here.

 

The Hirohata 1951 Mecury, as seen from the front wheel of Tank Ewsichek's Hard Body body bike. The Hirohata is perhaps the most imitated styling treatment in the history of American custom car design. Built in 1953 for Bob Hirohata by Sam and George Barris, this car was the penultimate “lead sled,” built for cruising beauty rather than speed. This example is actually a Hirohata replica, accurately reconstructed by Jack Walker and Doug Thompson in 1983. At the time of its construction, it was believed that the original Hirohata had been lost or destroyed. However, the original has turned up and is currently being restored.  For more about George and Sam Barris, click here.

Hard Body is a superb example of the style of custom motorcycle known as a Body Bike, emphasizing expanses of curvaceous sheet metal. Perhaps the most famous of the genre is Arlen Ness' Nestalgia, reminiscent of a 1957 Chevy. About the inspiration for his 12-foot beauty, Ewsichek explains that he always wanted a 1950 Merc, and this is his two-wheeled tribute to that legendary design. Appropriate, then, that it should be displayed near the Hirohata . Unlike many builders who send their bikes out to specialist painters, Ewsichek does all of his own painting, including the pin striping. Hard Body is on loan from Ewsichek's company, Tuff Cycles of Aurora, Ohio.  Another photo of this machine appeared in Motohistory News & Views 10/5/2005. 

 

The Honda T4 concept bike, pictured here, is built on the power train of the Honda Valkyrie, introduced in 1996. With the successful launch of the Valkyrie, the forward-thinking corporation asked, “What's next?” Under the supervision of Honda R&D America's executive designer Martin Manchester, in 2001 the company initiated four styling projects code named “T1” through “T4.” T1 and T2 were undertaken in-house, but T3 and T4 were commissioned to outside designers. Intended to examine new design processes and production technologies that went beyond the company's normal way of doing things, the full-scale mock-ups for these concept motorcycles were put before consumer focus groups. T2 strongly influenced the Honda Rune, which went into production in 2004. T4 was designed by Mike McCluskey, who is well known for his restorations of Cobra sports cars and vintage aircraft. Its length, low profile, and wide, slick rear tire clearly reveal a drag racing influence. The Honda T4 is on loan from American Honda.  For more about the Honda T4 and other concept bikes in the series, click here.

 

Indian Larry's Grease Monkey old-school chopper is pictured here with a 1970s show chopper in the background. Indian Larry became a cult hero among custom motorcycle enthusiasts as a proponent of simple authenticity in an era when lesser builders have been packaged and marketed as folk heroes for cable television. His rigid-framed machines used basic Harley-Davidson V-twin engines ranging from 88 to 96 cubic inches, rather than the oversized clones carved from billet that are favored by many current designers. High technology, sophisticated rear suspension, and computer-machined parts are not consistent with Indian Larry's work. In true “old school” style, his Choppers were simple and straightforward, adorned with metalflake paint reminiscent of the era of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. The Grease Monkey, Indian Larry's personal motorcycle, is on loan from Indian Larry Legacy of Brooklyn, New York.  For more about Indian Larry, click here.

 

Stripped of its factory fairing for the risky and vigorous environment of the inner-city, the Fighter motorcycle is one of the latest trends in motorcycle customizing. Consistent with the post-apocalyptic vision depicted in motion pictures like “Mad Max” and the “Road Warrior,” a well-executed Fighter turns machinery and edgy styling into a kind of raw urban beauty. Emerging essentially from crashed and rebuilt motorcycles, Streetfighters and Stuntfighters often combine parts from various brands and aftermarket suppliers. A.J. Fulgado's 1986 Suzuki GSX-R, shown here, has a Ducati tail section mounted on a modified sub-frame. Other modifications include forward and rear lighting, a custom-mounted Kerker exhaust, motocross handlebars, matte black paint, and a nitrous oxide bottle for increased power and quick acceleration. Fighter customizing began in England in the 1980s and has developed an international following. This example is on loan from the builder, owner of XPO Streetfighters in Long Island, New York.  For more on XPO Streetfighters, click here.

 

Hobo, created by Dan Cheeseman of the Klock Werks team, defies categorization, featuring an unusual combination of old school design and high-tech components. For example, note its rigid frame and brakeless front wheel, yet it has a disc rear brake integral with the drive sprocket. Other curious aspects include the bicycle-type foot pegs and the headlight mounted low on the left side of the frame. An early hotrodder theme brings the machine together, including its Mooneyes dragster-type fuel tank, its towering Rat Fink-inspired shift lever, and short, upturned exhaust stacks of its 88 cubic inch RevTech Pandemonium engine, reminiscent of the pipes on an early rail dragster. Indeed, its spindly frame is rail-like, and its thin, tiny seat seems suitable only for short runs. Hobo is on loan from Klock Werks of Mitchell, South Dakota.  For more about Klock Werks, click here.

For more information on the Wheelz exhibit, click here.

All photos by Rick Kocks

 

 

(10/8/2005)

 

Off-road collector and Motohistory reader Hugh MacDonald has created a personal website designed to share his enthusiasm for vintage motorcycling with others. He has a remarkable collection, including examples of little-known brands Tyran, Aspes, and Alouette. To explore his site, Click here.

 

Nesco meet set

(10/7/2005)

 

The Nesco Vintage Bike Show and Swap Meet will take place at Nesco, New Jersey November 6. Both vintage dirt and street bikes are welcome. For more information, click here.

 

Brit bike calendar on sale now

(10/6/2005)

 

BritBike's 2006 calendars are now available. For more information, and to order on-line, click here.

 

Wheelz Openz

(10/5/2005)

 

Wheelz: The Art and Design of the Customized Ride opened October 1 at the Columbus College of Art and Design. With perfect weather greeting the outdoor features that included a cruise-in and painting, pinstriping, and metal working demonstrations (pictured below), more than a thousand visitors toured the exhibit, setting a record for attendance for a CCAD opening.

Wheelz exhibits customized cars and motorcycles from the bobbers and roadsters of the late-1930s to the latest tuner and streetfighter styles. The exhibit includes ten cars, 26 motorcycles, and rare artifacts, including original painting by Von Dutch and drawings by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth.

 

Wheelz will run through December 11, 2005. For a gallery schedule and directions to the Canzani Center on the CCAD campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, click here.  Previous stories about Wheelz have appeared in Motohistory News & Views 8/20/2005, 9/5/2005, and 9/22/2005.

Images of Wheelz

Wheelz opens with Jeff Decker's stunning 1937 Crocker retro bobber.  Even those who do not know the history of the Crocker immediately recognize that this is a very special motorcycle.  Decker's impeccable workmanship in brushed stainless steel and velvet black paint provides a subtle package for the purposeful-looking Crocker engine.  Next to Decker's Crocker is Bill Rodencal's 1939 Harley-Davidson sidevalve bobber, which has repeatedly taken top honors in the Period Modified class at Antique Motorcycle Club of America meets during 2005. Both are pictured above.

That style of custom featuring vast expanses of metal known as the "body bike" is well represented by Tank Ewsichek's "Hard Body," done in cream and purple.  The curvaceous shape of the machine is neither fiber glass nor aluminum, but steel!  Ewsichek says, "Only wimps work in aluminum."  The photo here belies the incredible length of the motorcycle, with bodywork extending more than three feet behind the rear wheel.

Among the motorcycles in the exhibit are designs by Paul Yaffe, Arlen Ness, Donnie Smith, Jesse James, Bruce Mullins, Eddie Trotta, Tom Langton, and Indian Larry.  The grouping shown here includes "Panhandler" by Mullins, "Blue Star Chopper" by Donnie Smith, and "Diamondback" by Paul Yaffe.  Pictured to the left, the late Indian Larry gives his regards on the primary belt of his personal rider, "Grease Monkey," on loan from Indian Larry Legacy. 

Customizing through extravigant paint work is depicted on two motorcycles in the exhibit.  One is an Eddie Trotta-built Honda Valkyrie owned by collector Rick Case, featuring a samurai warrior theme executed by Greg of Akron.  The other, shown here, is a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softtail owned by Brian Elliott, who commissioned painter extraordinaire Chris Cruz to commemorate his father's service as a World War II B17 bomber pilot who completed 24 missions.  Both sides of the fuel tank feature nose art from WWII aircraft, and images of fighters, bombers, and air combat are depicted on other surfaces of the motorcycle over a cloudy sky background.  On the top of the tank is a ghostly image of Elliott's father, Arden.

One of the true gems of the exhibit is a 1958 Triumph owned, painted, and ridden by Von Dutch, in unrestored and original condition.  From the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, the famous painter and pin striper worked at the shop of legendary motorcycle racer Bud Ekins in Sherman Oaks, California. Von Dutch's unorthodox vision can be seen in the ocean kelp-like paint job, which he called “Seaweed Flames.” Most flame jobs of the era were done in hot colors of orange and red. This very rare and historic example of early California hot rod culture is owned by John Parham and on loan from the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa.  Hanging above the motorcycle is a hand-painted sign from Von Dutch's shop in Tempe, Arizona.

Among the automobiles in the exhibit are Ken "Posies" Fenical's Art Deco Extremeliner, completed in 1999, and a 1937 Ford Cabriolet -- built by Barry Lobeck -- which was a 2003 winner of the Detroit Autorama (both pictured here).  Others include an accurate clone of the 1951 Hirohata Mercury, built originally by the Barris brothers, and two Boyd Coddington creations.

For more about the Wheelz exhibit, including more photos, check out the AMADirectlink coverage by clicking here.  

Von Dutch Triumph photo by Rick Kocks

B17 bike and Indian Larry belt photos by Ruben Youngblood 

 

The Art outside of Wheelz

Among the impromptu outdoor exhibits at opening day of the Wheelz exhibition was Greg Phelps' art car, encrusted with thousands of toys, doll parts, dinosaurs, and miscellaneous doodads silicone glued to a Mazda Miata. Phelps has been working on the car for six years, naming it “That Car” because that's what everyone calls it. He takes pride in the fact that he has never purchased a single toy to glue to the vehicle. They are all brought to him by children in the neighborhood who delight in contributing to the zany project. Phelps says, “I love it when a new line of toys shows up at McDonalds or Burger King, because I know within a few days the kids are going to be bringing them to me to glue to the car.”

 

What does one do with a vehicle like this when it finally gives up and won't run any longer? Phelps says, “I am going to construct a huge swing set frame in my back yard and suspend it like a swing. Then the kids and I can get in it and still enjoy it.”

 

“Rider Rituals” threatened at upcoming pop culture conference
(10/4/2005)

Suzanne Ferriss and Gary Kieffner, co-chairs for the Motorcycling Culture and Myth area of the PCA/ACA pop culture conference, have reminded us that November 1 is the deadline for the submission of abstracts for papers to be considered for inclusion in the conference. For more information about the event, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia April 12 through 16, 2006, click here.

For those of you who think a scholarly conference is dull, consider the fact that there will be a “poker walk,” modeled after a motorcycle poker run wherein attendees will travel by foot to a number of “appropriate establishments” (whatever that means) on their way to a destination where they will imbibe various beverages, dance, or participate in “other rider ritual activities.” The organizers state, “We will travel in one pack. No minors, guns, or critters.”  Personally, I find it a bit terrifying to picture a pack of unarmed academics prowling the streets of Atlanta, and I doubt that I really want to know what they mean by “rider ritual activities.”

In addition, artist Matthew Linton, whose work is currently showcased in the International Journal of Motorcycle Studies (ijms.nova.edu), will present more of his paintings at the PCA conference.  For a preview, click here.

 

"Rights" History to be explored

(10/4/2005)

I will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural conference of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada to be held in Toronto October 21 through 23.  My remarks will be entitled "A Meeting of the Minds: A brief history of motorcycle advocacy in North America and Europe."  For more information on the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, click here.

 

New Vintage Motorcycle Organization formed.

(10/3/2005)

 

John DeBeck, a former member of the board of directors of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, has announced the formation of a new North American organization called the Vintage Japanese and European Motorcycle Club (VJEMC). About the inclusion of both Japanese and European brands, DeBeck claims that many vintage Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts also own or have an interest in European marques, and points out that the early post-war Japanese models were often rooted in European design. The VJEMC will define “vintage” as motorcycles 15 years old or older.

 

DeBeck reports that plans include a national rally, service through a network of local and regional representatives, favorable insurance coverage, and possibly the creation of a vintage motorcycle certification service that will help members better determine the correctness of price and quality when buying and selling vintage motorcycles. In addition, a relationship has been established with Krause Publications whereby its Vintage Motorcycle Price Guide (announced in Motohistory News & Views 4/4/2005) will become the official magazine of the VJEMC.

 

Annual membership dues will be $20 per year, which includes the magazine, and for a limited time a two-year membership will be offered for $35. A website has not yet been set up, but those interested in learning more about the VJEMC can reach DeBeck at 800-787-3265, ext. 130.

 

 

Stellican looking to build Indians again

(10/2/2005)

 

Stellican Ltd., which acquired the rights and assets of the Indian Motorcycle Company in the summer of 2004 (See Motohistory News & Views 8/3/2004) with the intention of resurrecting the brand, has announced it is looking for a facility in the southeastern United States to resume production by the end of 2006. Stellican, a British company, also owns Chris Craft and specializes in resurrecting prestigious and classic brands through limited production and a slow, measured growth strategy. For more on the story, click here. For a recent Stellican Indian year-end report, click here ..

 

 

Pearl Hoel inducted into South Dakota Hall of Fame

(10/1/2005)

 

Historian Carl Edeburn reports that Pearl Hoel, one of the driving forces behind the early development of the Sturgis Rally and Races, was inducted posthumously into the South Dakota Hall of Fame on September 17th. Her son, Jack, accepted the medallion. Hoel was the wife of J.C. "Pappy" Hoel, an Indian dealer who collaborated with the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club to organize races that eventually grew into one of the largest annual motorcycle rallies in the world. Edeburn has chronicled its history in “Sturgis, The Story of the Rally,” published in 2003. For information on how to acquire the book, click here.