Asphalt Squadron

Sneek Peek from GNRS Pomona

2012-01-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

I'll be back on Sunday to capture some more.

This one hands down is my fav thus far, but they'll be plenty more. We'll see if I change my mind.

The red tomato with the white stripe. Some of the older viewers will get that.

The Sun Always Shines Inside At GNRS...

2012-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

...well, during "load-in" anyway. I've been trying for some time to snap a picture of Rollin Bones's gas tank that captures the amazing paint. Yesterday at load in for the show I think I finally captured one.

Still workin' on new designs...

2012-01-25T23:54:00.001-08:00

Evel Tribute.

Sportster Porn

2012-01-25T08:53:00.001-08:00

Betty & The So-Cal Sunset This Evening.

2012-01-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

The German...

2012-01-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

...an amazing short film with cool digitized aerial combat scenes, some interesting facts about WWII, and a twist ending. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

The German from Nick Ryan on Vimeo.

Workin' on a logo...

2012-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

...for some sticker, tee, and hat designs I've been wanting to do for some time.

Stay tuned.

For Marshall, I had forgotten this song...

2012-01-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

...and how much I dug it as a kid.

BREAKIN' THE LAW! BREAKIN' THE LAAAW! BREAKIN' THE LAW! BREAKIN' THE LAAAW!

2012-01-20T10:07:00.001-08:00

DAMN, these are creepy! Special effects makeup artist Kevin Kirkpatrick made these prosthetic models of Beavis and Butt-Head to show what the cartoon legends would look like in real life.

"Sportsters" must be cool....

2012-01-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

...Shaggy rides one.

Tranquillo

2012-01-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

One year ago today we lost a legend.

2012-01-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Don Kirshner (April 17, 1934 – January 17, 2011), known as "The Man With the Golden Ear", was an American song publisher and rock producer who is best known for managing songwriting talent as well as successful pop groups, such as The Monkeys, The Archie's, and Kansas.
Long before MTV, to see music on TV we had to wait for every other weekend to watch Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. Each week he featured live performances of acts such as:
R.I.P Don, we miss you!

1st Place Judged Best of Show, L.A. Easyriders 2012....

2012-01-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

...goes to Rollin' Bones. Congrats to Paul and the Spitfire Motorcycles crew!

In The Black

2012-01-04T21:30:00.001-08:00

Bike Security...

2012-01-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

..."armed."

Started 2012 Off Good and Proper

2012-01-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

After takin' the Christmas decos down, and getting them packed away, I headed out to the shop to perform some long overdo P.M. on both bikes, and even got a little asphalt time in on both.

I know I'm probably preachin' to the choir here, but it still blows my mind how even just the shortest ride can relieve all the stress, and tension of everyday bullshit. I wish I could have just kept going, but I'm thankful I was able to get out....even if only for a short while.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

Nothing great in the world has ever been performed without passion. So, for the New Year, I wish you life full of passion!

44 years ago today...

2011-12-31T00:55:00.000-08:00

...December 31st 1967, Evel Knievel attempted the famous Caesars Palace Jump. Knievel used his own money to have actor/director John Derek produce a film of the Caesars' jump. To keep costs low, Derek used his then-wife Linda Evans as one of the camera operators. It was Evans who filmed Knievel's famous landing. On the morning of the jump, Knievel stopped in the casino and placed his last 100 dollars on the blackjack table (which he lost), stopped by the bar and had a shot of Wild Turkey and then headed outside where he was joined by several members of the Caesars staff, as well as two showgirls. After doing his normal pre-jump show and a few warm up approaches, Knievel began his real approach. When he hit the takeoff ramp, he felt the motorcycle unexpectedly decelerate. The sudden loss of power on the takeoff caused Knievel to come up short and land on the safety ramp which was supported by a van. This caused the handlebars to be ripped out of his hands as he tumbled over them onto the pavement where he skidded into the Dunes parking lot. As a result of the crash, Knievel suffered a crushed pelvis and femur, fractures to his hip, wrist and both ankles and a concussion that kept him in a coma for 29 days.

Slim's Fab H2 "the Haymaker"

2011-12-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Yep, that there's a fully polished Kawasaki H2 750 (now bored to about 840cc) two stroke. The frame started out as an old Indian, and the front end is a narrowed Sportster 39mm, peep those milled sliders. I've been watching Slim make slow progress of it for a couple of years now, it goes without saying that it's hard to work on your own shit, while working on everyone else's. The following pictures do this rocket in a lawn chair NO justice. When finished, it will be another Slim's Fab iconic machine for sure, mark my words.

Ironhead spy shots from the Fab Farm

2011-12-26T23:40:00.001-08:00

I took a ride out with Aaron to see my homey Slim (Slim's Fab) today, to drop off his Dyna for some more Slim goodness. This Iron was originally Slim's, he sold it and now it's back for some more mods. The frame is rumored to be a Ness, and the wheels are of the YZ 490 flavor. Gonna be bad ass when it's done.

Jingle Balls, Jingle Balls....

2011-12-23T16:35:00.000-08:00

BMIII Paint Inspiration

2011-12-19T23:43:00.001-08:00

While cruzin' the web for paint inspiration on my BMIII (same model/color as below) I came across these. This guy did an outstanding job! Here is the thread http://bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=328366
Before

During

Final Result

Golden Classics

2011-12-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

Home at Last!

2011-12-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today I retrieved my 3/8" Snap-On torque wrench 6 years after a buddy "borrowed it"...and people can't understand why I get pissy when they ask to borrow my shit. I will say however, he had Snap-On rebuild and calibrate it. He's a good friend, and is always there when I need him. All is forgiven and forgotten. I'm just stoked to have it back.

Merry Christmas and...

2011-12-10T09:24:00.001-08:00

Spitfire Motorcycles Pieces Parts Spotted In Yokohama

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Custom length Girders...

...and Sportster High-n-Tight-Turn-Out Pipes.

All the above and more can be found here. If you have questions about any of the products, or need something made for a custom application, call Paul directly at (909)322-1542

Remembering a Childhood Hero

2011-11-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

Evel Knievel
October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007
R.I.P.

Crook/Scammer Alert in New York PLEASE READ!

2011-11-22T08:01:00.001-08:00

I've been following this thread over at Chop Cult of a motor swap gone bad. Long story short, Pat in Texas with a Shovel, traded a kid (SEAN D RYAN) in NewYork for an EVO. Here is a copy of the link:
http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15022

Once Sean received the Shovel, he stopped all contact with Pat in TX. Finally, after several days of fellow CC'ers and Pat blowing up Sean's phone/e-mail with threatening messages, the kid sent the Evo on it's way to TX with tracking etc. Five days later Pat in TX received an EVO boat anchor! Now again, Sean in NY is not answering the phone, and now trying to sell the shovel motor via Craigslist and several forums.

Here is a portion of the original description for the EVO motor provided by NY Kid:
"nicely rebuilt 93 evo with delkron cases"
Here are pix of said motor:

Here's SEAN D RYAN's face. His contact information is in the original CC post link above.

Whats even more disturbing is this guy is, or was an American solider. If you know Sean D Ryan, or have a connection to any NY LEOs, or have any ideas at all please respond over at Chop Cult, or send me an e-mail at asphalt_squad@yahoo.com and I will forward it on. This ass hat needs to be stopped.

My Habitat

2011-11-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

The helmet doesn't fall far from the tree....

2011-11-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

...my 12 y/o daughter Daniella rockin' the silver flake Biltwell that Gil gave me for my b-day.

Tres Estrellas

2011-11-12T00:20:00.000-08:00

Aarón, el Mago,

...and Juanito Lobo

What is a Veteran?

2011-11-11T00:35:00.001-08:00

A "Veteran"- weather active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve- is someone who, at one point is his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for a amount of "up to, and including his life." If you are serving, or have served, thank you for your service. Thank you for protecting this great country of ours, and keeping me and my family safe.

Happy 66th Birthday To My Pops...

2011-11-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

...the man responsible for my motorcycle addiction, twice cancer survivor, my hero. Yep, he was born on Veterans Day, I missed his birthday by 4 days...guess I couldn't wait to get out and discover bikes.

Me and Pops last week at a surprise party for him, bet cha' can't tell we're related?

On his 2011 Ultra last summer on a x-country trip with his buddies.

Love you Pops, happy birthday!

Jesse vrs Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber?

2011-11-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard about this (click here) you either live under a rock, or are just not a motorcycle enthusiast...which begs the question, how did you get here?

We all have our opinions about the three parties involved, and I'm not going to discuss that here. Lets keep in mind this is about building motorcycles, not ex-wives, and girlfriends. More importantly this is about making money. First and foremost Discovery Channel making money, and the three parties involved making money. If I was in any of their shoes would I do it? In this day in age...Hell yes!

Based solely on the link above (and no surprise to me) it's obvious that this circus has become a popularity contest. A true "build-off" competition would have been to put these three in a large room, full of raw materials, tools, un assembled motors, three bike lifts, and misc parts. Wouldn't that be interesting...sadly "that" would never happen, because the Tweedle Twins would never sign off on it knowing good and well they couldn't actually "build" a ground up motorcycle.

All being said, I have to agree with Jesse...

Eye Candy For Your Monday Blues...

2011-11-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

DP Customs Grabber Blue Harley Ironhead Cafe Racer. Damn this thing is NICE, guys! Back in the 80's I had a convertible bug this color. The pix don't do the color justice, click the link below to see it better, and hear the nice 2 into 1. The killer pix were stolen from Jed Strahm.

More Spitfire Motorcycles Sporty Porn.

2011-11-04T09:07:00.001-07:00

Paul Cavallo (pictured below) and his crew at Spitfire Motorcycles, knocks another one outta the park. All fab, including: 883 to 1200 conversion, girder front end, pipes, hard tail, chain conversion, bars, risers, fender, sissy bar, and oil bag by Spitfire. Paint by Casey Johnson owner operator at Headcase Kustom Art. As cliche as it sounds, both Spitfire and Headcase can do it "Mild to Wild" to suit your taste......or ego.

Picture above is by Sean Peterson, the following are mine.

Those bell tip pipes give this Sporty the crack of a top fuel dragster...don't ride behind him, trust me I know this!

....and fun with Photo-Chop.

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

2011-11-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's a Dead Man's Party, Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

Le Pera Pleated Cherokee...

2011-10-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

...for your rubber mount Sporty. Whilst posting some pix of my custom seat in an XLForum thread, I came across Brian Brose's 48 seat. At first glance I thought it was a custom seat as well. Come to find out it's a "Pleated Cherokee" made by Le Pera. In my opinion it's the best looking aftermarket seat out there for a Sporty. It's got a nice bump stop to keep yer ass planted when lightin' up the tire off the line at a stop light, low profile, a spot for your honey bunny to pop a squat, and it's covered in a nice pleat. If your rocking a solo spring seat on your swingarm Sporty, go get one of these now...or just shoot yourself.

Thanks for the larger pix, Brian...oh, and in case you didn't notice I took the liberty of removing your reflectors for you....hahahaha!

Bicycle Drags In The 70's (San Fernando Valley)

2011-10-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Note the "Charlies Angels/Chips" style music in the background too, rad!

Happy Birthday...

2011-10-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

...to my childhood hero. Miss you Evel, R.I.P.

On my 9th birthday, I got one of these...great memories!

Have a seat

2011-10-14T21:25:00.001-07:00

One of the coolest, original ideas I've seen in a while...

...and I want one for my shop, wont be a Dodge though. Need to start hittin' the bone yards!

Sporty Part for Sale...

2011-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

...if interested, e-mail me at asphalt_squad@yahoo.com

Evo Sporty top motor mount. Pay-Pal only, $15.00 + USPS Flat Rate shipping.

Or if you are local (So-Cal, Inland Empire) you can pick them up with cash in hand. Contact me for details.

RW&B

2011-10-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

I've said it before...it's hard to pull off a red, white, and blue without looking too "Evel", or too "pro America". These are a couple of nice examples.

...plus, it's a Sporty!

Strutter Pt II

2011-10-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

I'm swapping the chrome Spitfire struts out for the black and chrome flavors. I currently have one of the original sets, since then Paul added black nylon bushings top/bottom, if you look close you can see them. I'll have the installed pix up tomorrow PM. Here's the link if your interested in a set: http://www.spitfiremotorcycles.com/products-page/suspension/spring-struts/ tell him Johnny Wolf sent cha'.

listen to the vid below whilst gazing at the pic above.

Misfits "The Devil's Rain" dropped yesterday.

2011-10-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

After disbanding in 1983, the two lynchpins of The Misfits, Jerry Only and Glenn Danzig, went on very different paths. Danzig built his own solo career, one still going strong today. Only, on the other hand, has spent his career attempting to recreate the success of the horror punk icons, putting together new lineups and dropping a slew of releases. With the last new Misfits outing being a 2009 North American tour, Only is bringing out the dead once more this October for The Devil’s Rain.

The follow-up to 2003 covers album Project 1950, The Devil’s Rain will be the first album under the current line-up of Only, Black Flag’s Dez Cadena (who has been a Misfit since 2001), and the recent addition of drummer Eric “Goat” Arce (Murphy’s Law), who is now known as Eric “Chupacabra” Arce. Produced by Ed Stasium (The Ramones’ Road to Ruin and The Misfits’ 1999 effort Famous Monsters), the record promises to be a return to the monster movie and sci-fi themes the band are famous for. The trio also decided to re-record both of their 2009 singles, “Land of the Dead” and “Twilight of the Dead”, for the album; check out the original version of “Land of the Dead” from the 2005-2010 lineup of Only, Cadena, and drummer Robo below.

Along with the new album, the band will be hitting the road for a lengthy U.S. tour that kicks off September 23rd in Pittsburgh, PA and winds down on November 20th in Pensacola, FL. After checking out “Land of the Dead”, scroll further down to peep the album’s tracklist and the entire tour schedule.

Social D, now and then, still cool.

2011-10-03T21:59:00.001-07:00

Mike's son Johnny is in the vid.

2011-09-30T17:26:00.001-07:00

Spitfire Motorcycle's "Rollin' Bones" '51 Pan in Veags NOW!

2011-09-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Paul just unveiled his latest Spitfire Motorcycles creation on the floor in Vegas at Artistry-n-Iron. Pix do NOT do this beauty justice. The wheels, frame, tank, girder front end, oil bag, bars, grips, seat, controls (and much more) are all made in-house at Spitfire by Paul, and the S/F/M crew. Paint was done by Casey at Headcase Kustom Art. Casey has the uncanny ability of when to say when while squirting paint. The paint is not overdone, nor underdone, with just the right amount of flake, details, and mix of color.

Here's a detail shot of the front end, note the covers on the shocks. Ever seen those before, I didn't think so.

Finally, the Wizard (aka "Scrotum" of DLMC) shown during some of the final assembly, adjusting the pushrods.

Best of luck to my Homie Paul, and the rest of the Spitfire Crew. Now bring that trophy/cash prize HOME!

This rod gave birth...

2011-09-26T17:31:00.001-07:00

...to Aaron's Dyna.

White Trash/Greenback Fly

2011-09-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Now go home and get ya' fuckin' shine box...

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today in 1990 one of my top five favorite films of all time premiered. The American gangster film Goodfellas. Despite six Academy Award nominations, only one person scored a win? Yep, Joe Pesci for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Welcome 2 My Nightmare, 35 years later.

2011-09-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Drops today!

Like a Wolf

2011-09-12T18:09:00.001-07:00

91111

2011-09-11T19:26:00.001-07:00

Big Wheel Racing...

2011-09-07T17:43:00.001-07:00

...sign me up!

Summer finally showed up in So-Cal, come on Fall.

2011-09-06T23:39:00.001-07:00

For me, this song congers up visions of riding across a hot desert at night. Who's up for a midnight blast?

I am in need of knees in the breeze therapy.

2011-09-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't get you in the mood to ride, you and your Prius can un-follow my blog. (Sorry for the commercial before the vid, You-Tube keeps taking this down, so I had to look elsewhere.)

Mad Max Tribute - Motorhead - Ace of Spades by JimLad800

Avenged Sevenfold's "So Far Away"...

2011-08-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

...is an emotional tribute song/video in honor of their long time childhood friend and bandmate, James "The Rev" Sullivan, that passed away way too soon on December 28, 2009. R.I.P.

Early 70's BMX Footage From Soledad Sands.

2011-08-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

I grew up not far from Soledad Sands (Acton, CA.) in the Santa Clarita Valley. This brings back great childhood memories.

Is Andrew Stockdale, Wolfmother's front man the....

2011-08-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

...bastard son of Lizzy, from 80's metal band Lizzy Borden? He's definitely got the hair and voice.

You decide....Hahahahahaha!

Narrowed the bars up 3 more inches...

2011-08-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

...and captured it with an art-c-fart-c i-Phone pic.

Beer Booters and Wompy's....

2011-08-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

...I'll be there, will you?

What's next....

2011-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

....in paint trends that is.

If you know me, and or have followed my blog at all, then you know that I've been saying 80's style graphics will be the next wave in paint...NEW WAVE, if you will.

I found another example today, but before you gaze at ryanh's Sporty pix, and steal them (as I did) I must kindly ask you to play the video below to get into the 80's graphic vibe.

By the way, I don't care what the next trend will be, it's just fun to make predictions. Hell, my bike is basic black....remember?

Hi Ho Silver!

2011-08-18T18:24:00.001-07:00

Please listen to the video below, whilst gazing at this picture.

WTF?

Represent!

2011-08-06T23:33:00.001-07:00

Get cha' one here http://quadcambastards.acmeprints.com/product/sportster-rider-hat

2011-08-04T22:13:00.001-07:00

Nightster E-bay FAIL

2011-08-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ya' know, I've really tried to keep this blog on a positive note. There is so much negativity everywhere as of late, I really strive to just post cool (or what I think is cool) shit. I was once told by one of my Sportster Choppin' Homies, "If you are pointing and laughing, there are probably 3 others pointing and laughing at you." But I can't let this one go. If this auction would of went the distance and netted 30g, I would have spent the next month gluing those little Swarovski crystals on my sporty, and sold it for....hell, I'd settle for 20g. Then I'd buy 3 more Sportys to trick out.

Just when you think you've seen it all, people never cease to amaze me.

2011-07-31T21:36:00.001-07:00

That's some Mad Max shit!

2011-07-31T20:58:00.001-07:00

Pinched from Chop Cult's Classifieds.

TODAY! Party ON.........

2011-07-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

How soon until HD...

2011-07-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

...knocks of this high dollar accessory? Ya' heard it here 1st.

Soul For Sale...

2011-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

One week from today...PARTY TIME!

2011-07-23T11:58:00.001-07:00

The latest Street Chopper issue is out. If you don't already know, Spitfire Motorcycles made the cover, and center fold. In honor of the issue, Spitfire will be hosting the official release party at there shop one week from today. See flyer below for details. Now go out and get cha' the latest copy of Street Chopper so yous can read all about the Cocaine Cowgirl Ironhead Chop.

Spotted at Bass Pro Shop's (Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.)...

2011-07-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

...parking lot. Ron Price's killer Evo Chop. I've seen pix, but they don't do it justice. This things got a shit ton of one-off trix! Nice surprise, that's something you don't see every day.

Street Chopper issue release party at Spitfire Motorcycles, July 30th!

2011-07-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

There will be LOTS of raffle giveaways, and entertainment (TBA) See you there!

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

What would Scrotum do...

2011-07-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

...pt II.

'75 Ironhead build (complete bike) with "High-n-Tight" pipes, and a "Cone" air cleaner...

2011-07-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

...gettin' ready to roll out of Spitfire, back to it's owner.

My Sportster Choppin' Brother from another mother...

2011-07-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

...Marshall in Montana brought his CL360 outside for a bath, then promptly brought it back in the house where it's stored. Ya' see, Marshall talks to all the animals on that beautiful hill in Montana, and he didn't want them spreadin' the word around town that he's holdin' gold in that house on the hill. Fucking stunning, man!

Blingity bling, wida gold toof...

2011-07-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

New bars, my specs, Spitfire Motorcycles handy work.

I removed the black powdercoat from the inspection/derby covers, and polished them to a mirror finish.

Spitfire Motorcycles "Baby Moon" a/c (designed by me) they also have 7 other flavors to choose from: https://www.spitfiremotorcycles.com/products-page/air-cleaners/ support made in the U.S.A.!!!

Spring Struts, and a chrome fuel cell, topped off with a gold toof. I'll probably use it for Rum. Both available at Spitfire Motorcycles: https://www.spitfiremotorcycles.com/products-page/spitfire-motorcycle-parts/sheet-metal/

"Auto Erotica: It's time to ban the motorcycle" WTF?!

2011-06-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Please read the following carefully, and when you're finished send the author Mr Curran an e-mail to let him know how you feel about what he's puttin' down. He included his e-mail addy at the bottom.

What if I were to tell you that the fatality rate for those of us who drive a car or truck is 14 out of every 100,000 drivers? That’s a distressing statistic but it’s far below what it once was.

Now, what if I were to tell you that there’s a vehicle on the road today that increases your chances of being killed while driving it by more than 500 percent, producing an average of 72 fatalities for every 100,000 users?

That vehicle would represent a pretty silly and dangerous way to get around, don’t you think? But wait — there’s more. What if this vehicle produced 11 percent of all driving fatalities, effectively erasing gains made from years of declining motor-vehicle deaths? Would you want to drive that vehicle? Would you want your loved ones to drive it?

Surprisingly, registrations for this vehicle increased by more than 63 percent from 1997 to 2005, with the fatalities that resulted rising at a disproportionately high rate.

Add to all that the fact that this vehicle can emit 10 to 20 times the quantity of nitrogen oxide than standard automobiles because so many of these vehicles don’t require a catalytic converter. In some states, they don’t even require insurance.

This deathtrap, of course, is the motorcycle, and it’s time for the grownups to take a stand and say enough is enough.

The above statistics come from a U.S. Department of Transportation study released in October 2007 entitled, “Action Plan To Reduce Motorcycle Fatalities.” Ironically, the welcome page is from then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, who talks about breaking her collarbone while riding one.

I’m not a motorcyclist. What, then, gives me the right to call for the end of what many millions of Americans love to do? Well, first, there is the emotional factor. A friend’s older brother — only in his early 20s — was killed in a head-on collision. Another friend’s father shattered his leg going around a curve. A few weeks ago, a friend was hit by a car and suffered a puncturedlung and a partially collapsed lung, two shattered vertebra, a broken scapula and clavicle, fivebroken ribs — some in multiple places — and has lost feeling in his lower back and left leg. He’s 23.

Then, there’s the economic impact that motorcycle crashes have on you and me. The cost to us all in terms of increased health-insurance costs — if not direct taxpayer costs — to cover those people injured in and by motorcycle accidents who can’t afford to pay. The increased cost of auto insurance from damage inflicted and received, not to mention untold billions in insurance payouts to motorcycle drivers. The court time taken up by accidents involving motorcycle drivers. The cost of accident-scene public services such as police and fire.

It’s good news that motorcycle fatalities dropped 24 percent in Florida in 2009, and yet, the Florida Department of Transportation estimates Floridians will still have to pay $190 million to cover unpaid costs associated with motorcycle crashes this year alone, as reported by WFTV News in Orlando.

Look at the above statistics again. If a certain model of car produced that kind of horrendous increase in deaths — 72 fatalities per 100,000 compared to the car and truck norm of 14 per 100,000 — the public would demand an instant halt to the production and sale of that flawed vehicle.

Driving is not a right — it’s a privilege, granted by us, the American people, to those deemed responsible enough to exercise that privilege. We are doing a disservice to our fellow Americans when we indulge their interests in an inherently unsafe vehicle. Maybe there was a time in the past when cars and trucks drove slowly enough or were small enough to allow the luxury of a vehicle that has no seat belt, no door or hood or metal around it. But no more.

Beyond the actual costs to taxpayers is the realization that we’re losing more than 4,300 motorcycle drivers a year nationally who would have been far more likely to survive with airbags and crumple zones around them.

And I won’t even mention the obvious stupidity of not legally requiring — or wanting — the wearing of helmets.

Perhaps it’s time for those people who have lost a loved one or friend in a motorcycle accident to stand up and ask that, at the very least, these vehicles be restricted to off-road areas and tracks. Friends try to keep friends from engaging in needless risks, and that’s what motorcycles are, even when operated by well-trained, responsible drivers.

(kanga573@aol.com)

Here's the original link http://www.sun-sentinel.com/citylink/sfl-auto-erotica-its-time-to-ban-the-motorcycle-20110613,0,4414821.story

Three of America's future Sportster Choppin' Bastards...

2011-06-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

...atop our Sporties at the BF-III show today.

What would Scrotum do?

2011-06-20T23:24:00.000-07:00

Larry (Scrotum) and Paul confirming a faulty charging system.

Wolf Wednesday

2011-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Bar hoppin', er....I mean swappin'

2011-06-14T10:35:00.001-07:00

Just need to have Mikey at Spitfire tig m' up (just tacked right now) so I can trim the ends and send m' out for chrome. Born Free III BOUND! FTW!

Today is Flag Day, Represent!

2011-06-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Nice '74 shovel for sale...

2011-06-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

...over at Chop Cult.

See it here

Brian Law takes 2nd at Hell on wheels...

2011-06-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

...on his 1974 Yamaha MX 250. According to his lovely wife Lori, Brian hasn't raced Moto-X since '78. Congrats Brian, way to show them us old guys can still rock!

Trying it on for size.

2011-06-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter Daniella (Nani) 12 y/o, hopped on the Rat Fink cruiser today. When it was time to leave I couldn't get her off it, and now she wants one. I remember when she couldn't even climb on it. Man, they grow up too fast!

Board Trackin' n Beverly Hills

2011-06-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Kirk the Jerk (fellow Sporty Choppin' Bastard)...

2011-05-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

...having some fun with his Homies, burnin' up the Austin asphalt, then engaging in a little verbal assault with a douche nozzle in a pea-cup.

Here's the juice according to Kirk,"The guy with the genny shovel stalled his bike out in front of that truck at the light before. While he was pushing his bike over to start it, the guy in the truck zoomed up behind him, honked, and called him an asshole..."
Fucking Priceless!

The Babylon Taxi (II) lives again!

2011-05-30T13:31:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to English Don and Steg, a perfect example of "Plan your work and work your plan." I know it exists, but other than Fritz's work on the tins and paint, I don't have the laundry list of names who helped, and donated to make this come together. Thanks to everyone, I never thought I'd see the day that the Taxi would live again, or talk personally with English Don. He (and Steg) are two of my bike building heroes...hell, you can see some of the 90's New York City influence on my Sporty.Thanks again guys, I hope I get to see it in person some day.

Let us not forget...

2011-05-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

...that Memorial day is not just a Monday off to fire up the bb-q and kick off summer, it is a day for remembrance. A day to pay our respects to those who gave their lives to keep this great nation of our free. Thank you for your service, and God Bless AMERICA!

Stolen (from Killboy's page)

2011-05-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

First, a little Quad Cam love of course.

This pic rules! Strutted with killer paint, white seat, rockin' the the apes outlaw syle kicked forward.

I gotta case of the "Monday Blues"

2011-05-23T10:06:00.001-07:00

You can wheelie your bagger, big deal...

2011-05-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

...Michael Scott can get air on his! Pic by Jared Cowan

Progress on Gil's '04 Sportster

2011-05-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Paul and the crew at Spitfire Motorcycles are makin' progress on Gil's bike, converting it to a hard tail. If you follow this blog, then you probably remember that Gil got taken out by a carload of teens in a Mercedes a few months back. I'll post more about his case when I'm legally able too.

What's new, Johnny?

2011-05-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Not much, just swapped out the Unity head light/funky mount for this smaller, updated H4 Halogen flavor. The ol' Unity spot looked cool, but the light at night (er...lack their of) sucked ass. I designed some new bars too, hope to have them done by next week, along with a couple other minor changes.

Wolf Wednesday

2011-05-18T23:07:00.000-07:00