Sunday, May 19, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Annual Shop Party at Spitfire Motorcycles This Sunday the 19th
This Sunday the 19th, please help spread the word!
May 19, 2013
12 - 6 pm
Frosty Beverages provided by Donkey Punch Brewery.
Food provided by Bada Bing catering.
Wet tee-shirt contest
RIDE LIKE HELL in heaven English Don
The Bayonet Brothers are once again united, together forever in chopper heaven.
Yes, another one of my heroes has passed on, and I found myself thinking throughout most the day at work what I'd put down here, or try to put down rather when I got home.
The few times I talked to Don on the phone, or via the interweb we said we'd ride together, and I'm sad to say it didn't happen. That being said, I'm very grateful to say that I was able to talk with him several times since 2009 when we first connected via Facebook. He found it extremely cool that in the mid 90's when most here on the West coast were building "pro-street" bikes, this boy from Valencia California was building a rigid Evo chop, heavily inspired by the Bayonet Brothers. Soon after we connected, I sent him pix of that chop from the 90's, he said he was proud of me and I'd done a great job capturing the East Coast vibe. He then knew for certain I was serious when I said he was one of my biggest influences and heroes. Even recently he commented on my Sporty a few times saying I was keeping the East Coast spirit alive....never did say much about my bagger "Fat Elvis" though, E.D. did not like couches.
So, for the remainder of today I will continue to mourn the death of Don, but that will be it. After said time I will no longer be sad, I'll think of him fondly with a smile on my face, especially when I ride....because that's how he would want it, he'd say RIDE LIKE HELL, JOHNNY, RIDE LIKE HELL!
This hangs on the wall in my home office, it's priceless to me to say the least.
...and back on Dec 29th of 2012, I edited one of his picture's for him as a surprise. He ended up using the image in one of his last photo montages that he used to make. I'm sorry for all of the water marks, but that was one of Don's biggest peeves, people stealing his images without asking. He's the only one who had one without the marks, and it's going to stay that way. For those that may not know, the way I laid out the "Ride Like Hell" is the same as his neck tattoo he got last year, in the same lettering as well.
Don,
I'm sure you're smokin' drinkin' and high 5'n Evel and Indian Larry right now as I write this. May I ask that while you're lane splittin' the clouds, and playin' angel grab ass...please look over us down here, and keep us safe. Oh, and please say hi to my good friend Robbie Loebach, you remember him, he had a shop here on the West Coast called Gasoline Alley years before there was one on the East Coast. You won't find a better Shovel mechanic up there. He also plays guitar, and has forgotten more songs than you and I know together, so you have someone to jam with too.
Miss you already, E.D.
Love you,
JW
Yes, another one of my heroes has passed on, and I found myself thinking throughout most the day at work what I'd put down here, or try to put down rather when I got home.
The few times I talked to Don on the phone, or via the interweb we said we'd ride together, and I'm sad to say it didn't happen. That being said, I'm very grateful to say that I was able to talk with him several times since 2009 when we first connected via Facebook. He found it extremely cool that in the mid 90's when most here on the West coast were building "pro-street" bikes, this boy from Valencia California was building a rigid Evo chop, heavily inspired by the Bayonet Brothers. Soon after we connected, I sent him pix of that chop from the 90's, he said he was proud of me and I'd done a great job capturing the East Coast vibe. He then knew for certain I was serious when I said he was one of my biggest influences and heroes. Even recently he commented on my Sporty a few times saying I was keeping the East Coast spirit alive....never did say much about my bagger "Fat Elvis" though, E.D. did not like couches.
So, for the remainder of today I will continue to mourn the death of Don, but that will be it. After said time I will no longer be sad, I'll think of him fondly with a smile on my face, especially when I ride....because that's how he would want it, he'd say RIDE LIKE HELL, JOHNNY, RIDE LIKE HELL!
This hangs on the wall in my home office, it's priceless to me to say the least.
...and back on Dec 29th of 2012, I edited one of his picture's for him as a surprise. He ended up using the image in one of his last photo montages that he used to make. I'm sorry for all of the water marks, but that was one of Don's biggest peeves, people stealing his images without asking. He's the only one who had one without the marks, and it's going to stay that way. For those that may not know, the way I laid out the "Ride Like Hell" is the same as his neck tattoo he got last year, in the same lettering as well.
Don,
I'm sure you're smokin' drinkin' and high 5'n Evel and Indian Larry right now as I write this. May I ask that while you're lane splittin' the clouds, and playin' angel grab ass...please look over us down here, and keep us safe. Oh, and please say hi to my good friend Robbie Loebach, you remember him, he had a shop here on the West Coast called Gasoline Alley years before there was one on the East Coast. You won't find a better Shovel mechanic up there. He also plays guitar, and has forgotten more songs than you and I know together, so you have someone to jam with too.
Miss you already, E.D.
Love you,
JW
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
I entered the Lowbrow contest via Chop Cult for a chance to win a set of fork shrouds, and was one of the 5 chosen, clicky. Really stoked, as I never win shit.
Per Tyler's contest rules I'll be shooting some pix of them installed for him, Lisa Ballard/Chop Cult, as well as a few of the install for here. Thanks Tyler and Lisa!
Per Tyler's contest rules I'll be shooting some pix of them installed for him, Lisa Ballard/Chop Cult, as well as a few of the install for here. Thanks Tyler and Lisa!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The New Volbeat "Outlaw Gentleman & Shady Ladies" ....
...dropped today! In short, Spaghetti Western meets Metal. Yeah, it has a couple of bubble-gum tunes on it....hell, can't blame them for trying to reach out more to the commercial side of the tracks. That being said, they have some typical kick ass joints too. On a side note new guitarist/co-producer Rob Caggiano's leads have a George Lynch (Dokken/Lynch Mob) feel, win win. Volbeat never disappoints, and I think they are going to blow up here in the states.
You can listen to some samples here.
A/S recommended tracks:
4- Dead But Rising
5- Cape Of Our Hero
7- The Hangmans Body Count (BAD ASS!)
9- Lola Montez (has a "Fallen" feel to it)
10- Black Bart
13- Doc Holiday (early 90s metal meets spaghetti western)
14- Our Loved Ones (heavy slow jam, lots of guitar riffing)
You can listen to some samples here.
A/S recommended tracks:
4- Dead But Rising
5- Cape Of Our Hero
7- The Hangmans Body Count (BAD ASS!)
9- Lola Montez (has a "Fallen" feel to it)
10- Black Bart
13- Doc Holiday (early 90s metal meets spaghetti western)
14- Our Loved Ones (heavy slow jam, lots of guitar riffing)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
'97 Sportster HD Factory Service/Parts Manuals 4-Sale ***SOLD*** Thanks Ironheadcharlie
So you just scored a sweet '97 Sporty off c-list for a bag of weed and
your pet ferret.
Before ya' get to posting stupid questions in your favorite forum, and choppin' that fuckin' Sportster, get right with factory HD Service and and Parts manuals.
Before ya' get to posting stupid questions in your favorite forum, and choppin' that fuckin' Sportster, get right with factory HD Service and and Parts manuals.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
200 MPH Tape...
...for a road-side repair.
I lost the rear tank mount bolt today. First time I've ever lost anything off my bike since I've owned it, Jan '07. The front was loose too, but strange thing is I just tightened them both a bit about a month ago. I probably should have taken them all the way out and reapplied the Loc-tite. Lucky I heard the noise and pulled over, had it gone for a while it probably would have cracked the front tank mount. Thank God for 200 MPH Tape.
I lost the rear tank mount bolt today. First time I've ever lost anything off my bike since I've owned it, Jan '07. The front was loose too, but strange thing is I just tightened them both a bit about a month ago. I probably should have taken them all the way out and reapplied the Loc-tite. Lucky I heard the noise and pulled over, had it gone for a while it probably would have cracked the front tank mount. Thank God for 200 MPH Tape.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
167 HP? Hoist the B.S. flag and swab the poop deck...
I generally try to keep this place on a positive note, but when I read shit like this I'm swiftly reminded of why I hate people. 167 HP Buell X1? Yeah right. Read the nonsense for yourself here.
Just the way it's worded, it sounds like some punk ass who has no idea what he's talking about.
"full functioning hypercharger"
"no baffel in"
"With high map set it in i dyno'd 167hp at rear wheel 169 at rear sprocket. can go more"
"Its been bored, cammed, etc..between all that and clutch, gears, tranny work, power commander, etc.. it has been built and set for 1/4 mile drag"
" put it in a dyno competition with a 175 map in it and that was the hp results"
First clue "hyper charger" full functioning no less? Second clue, no head work? Making 176 HP with no flow work done to the heads? Also, any real Sportster gear head would be very VERY specific on motor mods, and parts. Nor would they use such poor teen text grammer, or say shit like "it sounds like a Harley." I'd venture to say it's a Buell with a couple bolt-ons and a power commander which does not equal anywhere near what he's claiming. He goes by the screen name "Blaze" maybe he's the Ghost Rider?
Just the way it's worded, it sounds like some punk ass who has no idea what he's talking about.
"full functioning hypercharger"
"no baffel in"
"With high map set it in i dyno'd 167hp at rear wheel 169 at rear sprocket. can go more"
"Its been bored, cammed, etc..between all that and clutch, gears, tranny work, power commander, etc.. it has been built and set for 1/4 mile drag"
" put it in a dyno competition with a 175 map in it and that was the hp results"
First clue "hyper charger" full functioning no less? Second clue, no head work? Making 176 HP with no flow work done to the heads? Also, any real Sportster gear head would be very VERY specific on motor mods, and parts. Nor would they use such poor teen text grammer, or say shit like "it sounds like a Harley." I'd venture to say it's a Buell with a couple bolt-ons and a power commander which does not equal anywhere near what he's claiming. He goes by the screen name "Blaze" maybe he's the Ghost Rider?
Monday, March 25, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Sick and Tired....
of being sick! Yep, I'm a statistic. One of those people you've heard about on the news who came down with that very nasty flu virus. It's been about 3 plus weeks since it first started, and I'm just now seeing the light at the end of the wellness tunnel. So needless to say I haven't been on any rides, or to any events etc. Sorry for the lack of updates here at the Squadron.
Moving forward, I got the mothballs, dust, and mouse shit off of Fat Elvis today. Got it insured again until December, and just need to get to the DMV and get it off "non-op" status. Spent the entire day cleaning, polishing etc, but it felt great to be outside instead of driving the couch. It's been a tough year, but it's slowly getting back to normal.
Moving forward, I got the mothballs, dust, and mouse shit off of Fat Elvis today. Got it insured again until December, and just need to get to the DMV and get it off "non-op" status. Spent the entire day cleaning, polishing etc, but it felt great to be outside instead of driving the couch. It's been a tough year, but it's slowly getting back to normal.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Rondi's Maiden Voyage On Her New (to her) Shovel
My homie Clarke's been lookin' for a shovel for some time now....very long story short he now has two, which translates to his lovely wife Rondi being the proud owner of one. Get on wit ya' bad self, Rondi!
This is basically how it looked when they took ownership, and there's already talk of switching out the wheels and pipes. Rondi has skillz, and as a cake/desert designer extraordinaire, she's very creative to say the least. So stay tuned to the A/S to see what this couple has in store for some Shovel awesomeness.
This is basically how it looked when they took ownership, and there's already talk of switching out the wheels and pipes. Rondi has skillz, and as a cake/desert designer extraordinaire, she's very creative to say the least. So stay tuned to the A/S to see what this couple has in store for some Shovel awesomeness.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
It's All In The Details / AKA- Fork Covers Peeve
So ya' just bought yourself some of those kick-ass fork covers now being offered by Lowbrow Customs. Listen up. Before you install those 39mm condoms and set yourself up for pointing and laughing behind your back from the bros, please read and look at this. I'm going to talk about my latest, but easily avoidable peeve.
As of late, I've been seeing lots of pix pop up on the interwebs: blogs, forums, and Instagrams of said fork covers installed on our beloved Sportys. Don't read into this wrong, I dig that shit outta them...IF installed properly. Hell, I plan on ordering a set for myself. 'Nuff said, just gaze at the two pix, and decide for yourself which looks better.
"How is this avoidable?" you ask. It's simple. Before you install them, take 10 minutes to hold them up to the side of your forks. Line them up at the top where they will be installed (just below the top triple clamp) and have your wife, buddy, sancha, or sancho secure them in place with some painters tape. Now step back and see where the fork slider cap ends up. Is it exposed below the bottom of the fork cover? Cool, ignore the rest of the blah-blah below, install now, and enjoy.
They're not? Shit! You probably lowered your bike, right? No biggie, measure how much would need to be removed to expose the fork cap (about even with the middle of it) as indicated in the top pic. Measure twice. READ THAT AGAIN! Then throw them up on a chop or miter saw. If they are chrome, or powder coated, a diamond blade saw will probably leave a clean cut. Now install, step back and enjoy how they look installed aesthetically correct.
If you are thinking bout ordering a set and are unsure of all the above, they offer them in raw. Or you can measure the distance from the bottom of the top clamp to the middle of your slider cup, and contact Lowbrow, they have stellar customer service.
I plan to order raw, cut, and have them powder coated black.
DISCLAIMER
The above is just my opinion. If that's your bike pictured...it's just my opinion. What do I know, I'm just another tool with a blog.
As of late, I've been seeing lots of pix pop up on the interwebs: blogs, forums, and Instagrams of said fork covers installed on our beloved Sportys. Don't read into this wrong, I dig that shit outta them...IF installed properly. Hell, I plan on ordering a set for myself. 'Nuff said, just gaze at the two pix, and decide for yourself which looks better.
"How is this avoidable?" you ask. It's simple. Before you install them, take 10 minutes to hold them up to the side of your forks. Line them up at the top where they will be installed (just below the top triple clamp) and have your wife, buddy, sancha, or sancho secure them in place with some painters tape. Now step back and see where the fork slider cap ends up. Is it exposed below the bottom of the fork cover? Cool, ignore the rest of the blah-blah below, install now, and enjoy.
They're not? Shit! You probably lowered your bike, right? No biggie, measure how much would need to be removed to expose the fork cap (about even with the middle of it) as indicated in the top pic. Measure twice. READ THAT AGAIN! Then throw them up on a chop or miter saw. If they are chrome, or powder coated, a diamond blade saw will probably leave a clean cut. Now install, step back and enjoy how they look installed aesthetically correct.
If you are thinking bout ordering a set and are unsure of all the above, they offer them in raw. Or you can measure the distance from the bottom of the top clamp to the middle of your slider cup, and contact Lowbrow, they have stellar customer service.
I plan to order raw, cut, and have them powder coated black.
DISCLAIMER
The above is just my opinion. If that's your bike pictured...it's just my opinion. What do I know, I'm just another tool with a blog.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Mild Custom Monday
I forget where I took these (if I actually took 'm)? I think it was at the GNRS show 2 years ago in the P-Lot? Anyways....Is the Sportster not the perfect customizing platform?
Trimmed rear fender, short sissy bar, aftermarket seat, frisco'd tank, custom paint, extended forks, bars, and a couple other bolt-ons = PERFECT.
Trimmed rear fender, short sissy bar, aftermarket seat, frisco'd tank, custom paint, extended forks, bars, and a couple other bolt-ons = PERFECT.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Stock Controls On a Diet & Something In The Works From Asphalt Squardon
I really dig my levers, so I'd been planning on taking off the stock controls and shaving them down, as well as re-shaping the corners of the clevis perches. Well, recently I was at my buddy Andrew Podaca's house and he was showing me a jig he was fabbin' up to trim the excess fat from fugly MoCo controls for us Sportster Choppin' Bastards who are running them. Fast forward a couple a weeks and Andrew sends me this pic:
If'n you follow my blog you're aware that I know my way around a grinder, but DAMN! those came out too rad, so I'm going to run them. Andrew is talking bout an exchange program, or if you just want yours done the lead time will be a little longer. Stay tuned as I'll be posting more about that, as well as.....
CAST FINNED MASTER CYLINDER TOPS BY YOURS TRULY! Yep, it's already in the works. It will be the first product available from Asphalt Squadron. If it flys (no pun) I have other cast product ideas on the back burner as well. STAY TUNED!
CAST FINNED MASTER CYLINDER TOPS BY YOURS TRULY! Yep, it's already in the works. It will be the first product available from Asphalt Squadron. If it flys (no pun) I have other cast product ideas on the back burner as well. STAY TUNED!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Unique Iron at the Biltwell Garage Sale
If you're a local So-Cal'r like me, then you're blessed with year round bike events, and riding. That being said, those are the only two reasons to reside in this state. The point I'm getting at is for the most part you see the same bikes at every event, or show....the Usual Suspects if you will. However, yesterday at the Biltwell Garage Sale a particular Ironhead caught my eye. Specifically the unique frame design. Unique in the fact that I've only seen that design used in conjunction with Jap motor chops. Another detail to note was the narrowed split tanks, and the use of a hood ornament in-between them. I've seen many car parts used on bikes that's not unusual, but what is, is the fact that I liked the larger tanks (I usually don't like mixing any big-twin in my Sportster)...they just seem to work. In short, this is a really sanno chop with a lot of nice details.
'nuff narrative, I'll let the pix speak for themselves.
Oh, almost forgot...if you know the owner of this ride please have them contact me asphalt_squad@yahoo.com I suggested to Lisa Ballard that she shoot pix of this bike for a Chop Cult feature and by the time we got back to where it was parked, it was gone. Get at me!
'nuff narrative, I'll let the pix speak for themselves.
Oh, almost forgot...if you know the owner of this ride please have them contact me asphalt_squad@yahoo.com I suggested to Lisa Ballard that she shoot pix of this bike for a Chop Cult feature and by the time we got back to where it was parked, it was gone. Get at me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)