Celebrities On Motorcycles

Liz Taylor and her Custom Purple Harley

5 Celebrities and Their Love of Motorcycles

Hollywood and motorcycles go together like nuts and bolts. Usually it is the unsung heroes, the stunt guys, who really ride the bikes we see in films.

But some actors and actresses prefer to keep it real by doing their own riding, both on and off-screen. Some of them spend more time on two wheels than they do on film stages.

1. Tom Cruise 

Even requests certain scenes in his movies to be written to allow for him to ride onscreen.

Brand of Choice--Ducati

2. Brad Pitt

Well-known for collecting vintage and custom bikes of all brands and styles. No favorites, he seems to love them all equally. (he does have an impressive collection of one-of-a-kind Harley Choppers though...)

3. George Clooney

His films might suggest he would be more into sport's cars than bikes, but Clooney is seen frequently on two wheels when he is off-screen.

Bike of Choice: Harley-Davidson Road King

4. Nicolas Cage

Well-known for playing Johnny Blaze in "Ghost Rider", he is seen in many films riding a motorcycle. In real life he once had a collection of over 30 bikes.

Brand of Choice is varied, but is seen often on Moto Guzzi's

5. Harrison Ford

He can fly his own planes. And helicopters. So why shouldn't he have a motorcycle?

Harrison Ford, known for doing his own stunts in most of his blockbuster action films, owns eight or nine motorcycles. And just like his planes and helicopters, the bikes aren't just collectibles.

According to an interview with Mail Online in 2010, the actor said that he enjoys riding his BMW's, Hondas, Triumphs and Harley-Davidsons around LA, as well as through the mountains of Wyoming with groups of other bike enthusiasts.

Other Celebs That Have Been On Bikes

Who hasn't sat on a bike in Hollywood? Very few people! From Elizabeth Taylor to Sylvester Stallone, motorcycles have been more than just stage props for hundreds of celebrities. Here are four more famous people who have ridden two wheels:

• Ann-Margret--(The iconic actress admits to loving and racing motorcycles since her teens. After a bike crash in 2001, she had a custom painted Harley ordered in lavender. She is still riding today, despite many injuries.) 

• Jay Leno--(Has been grand marshal for over 20 years for Love Ride, a motorcycle charity event. At one time, Leno owned over 90 motorcycles. He  details, repairs and maintains his collection himself.) 

• Malcolm Forbes--(Known by many as the man behind Forbes magazine and one of the wealthiest men in America, Forbes might be better known in biker circles as the founder of a motorcycle club known as the Capitalist Tools. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999...and is pretty popular for giving Elizabeth Taylor a custom painted Harley.) 

• Elizabeth Taylor--(The queen of Hollywood loved more than expensive jewelry. She loved motorcycles. Friends with Malcolm Forbes, she would often ride with him and his club on motorcycle tours, and attended many rallies as well. The custom purple Harley-Davidson gifted to her by Forbes was known as The Purple Passion.)

Wizard Chopper of Almost Doom

Sometimes fixing bikes turns out to not be so fun. And definitely not very funny. Recently, a neighbor brought this '06 Wizard Chopper to us. It is a bike that is meant to be noticed, from the custom paint job to the sleek all silver frame.

The only thing the owner wanted check was the battery connection, and a clutch cable adjustment to get rid of a small noise.

As per our usual routine, once everything was adjusted--it was time for a test ride!

Killer Paint Job

Okay, maybe it was the second or so test drive. We had both taken turns driving it about an hour before the final adjustments. You, know, just to see how it sounded, and what the clutch needed.

After what we thought might be the FINAL adjustment...one of us took off for another test. Everything sounded good. The noise was gone. It isn't a bad bike.

But...

Right after we got it back into the yard to change riders, the front fork slipped off. Pretty sure you don't have to know much about bikes to know that if the wheel isn't attached to the frame, it isn't good news. Especially if you are busting down the road at...um...let's say 65 mph.

Very few things can take the fun out of riding a motorcycle. But this could have done it. A minute sooner or a minute later and either of us could been one with the pavement.

This is not a good thing to happen at any speed.

To make it even more exciting, when we lifted the wheel to slide the fork back on, we found out that the whole front end is loose. As in, it can fold up almost over the bike. Well, maybe not that much, but enough to make us realize that this guy has more serious issues with this bike than his battery.

Luckily, this was discovered before he got it back. Now we just wait for him to decide what he wants to do with it next. Until then, it won't be making anymore trips.


Bike Info:

'06 Wizard Chopper
80 cubic inch Evo motor
Open primary
6 Speed

A Little About Heritage Softails

wikimedia public domain

Since we have had two Heritage Softails in the shop this year, an '04 and a '92, we thought we would talk a little about this little piece of Harley History.

If anyone doesn't know what a Softail is, it means that the bike has special shock absorbers (springs) to make the ride less bumpy. Sometimes these are hidden so that the bike retains the more classic hardtail appearance.

The term "Softail" was actually coined by Harley-Davidson in 1984 when they introduced the FXST Softail. The term is trademarked to Harley-Davidson, but is unofficially used to refer to any motorcycle or even bicycle with a hidden rear suspension system. The term is also used for sport's bikes with visible suspension.

The first Softail model was designed in the 1970's, but Harley-Davidson wasn't interested. The inventor, Bill Davis, continued to refine his prototype, and eventually Harley-Davidson contacted him and bought the rights to the new design.

The first Heritage Softail. the FLST Heritage Softail, was introduced in 1986. Unlike the first Softails, the new design incorporated telescopic forks. This model was followed by the FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic.

In 1993 the FLSTN "Cow-Glide" was introduced, with a signature black and white design. The "Cow Glide" theme was discontinued but the base model was manufactured well into the 90's. It was replaced FLSTSC Springer Classic.

Since then, Softails have seen an updated motor, and improved rider ergonomics. Today they are still sought out for the same reason their predecessor's were--their nostalgic appearance. Oh, and the fact that they GO. And we mean GO!

Biker Photo of the Day--The "Flag" Bike

'04 Heritage Softail 

It is always nice to meet an old friend, especially one that is on the road thanks to work we did. This bike, affectionately known around these parts as The Flag Bike, for obvious reasons, joined us on Saturday's Poker Run.

When it came through our shop it was given a new stator, new voltage regulator, and some other odds and ends. Next to Ol' Blue, this is the meanest bike that has been and out of Two Wrenches. One of the reasons why our favorite part of job is the test ride at the end.

Motorcycle Photos--Fallen Heroes Ride

Had a beautiful day for riding yesterday. Except for the time when a truck made an illegal turn through a parade of motorcycles, there were no major incidents either. Luckily, all the bikes had good brakes and good riders.

Bikers lining up to register and draw their first cards.

Board members and leaders in formation and ready to ride

Board members leading the riders out

Sheriff Shannon Smith leading the ride

First stop

Wow

Valkyrie!

All the way from Mississippi to ride!

It is a rule. At every stop, you MUST walk around and admire other bikes. 

2014 CVO Road Glide seen at gas station. These were "his" and "hers" actually. This one was hers.

His

Sorting the poker hands

This place serves enormous hamburgers. Brangus Steakhouse, McAlester, OK

Seminole County Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride

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September 14!

This year marks the five year anniversary of the deaths of two of Seminole County, Oklahoma's sheriff's deputies. In July 2009, Marvin Williams and Chase Whitebird were shot and killed while serving a warrant in Seminole, Oklahoma.

That year, local citizens pulled together, along with the Sheriff's department, to host a poker run to benefit the families of the fallen heroes. Businesses donated funds for food and shirts. Local bands volunteered to play.

That first year was the most memorable, with over 300 bikes arriving in downtown Wewoka. They had barely pulled out before the rain began. Volunteers hurried to move the entire venue indoors at the civic center and the rains just kept getting heavier.

Only a few bikers made the entire circuit in the vicious thunderstorm, but all of them rode in the rain for at least awhile. Later, everyone met in the civic center, and the rest of the events went as planned. The unexpected rains had lightened the grim mood, and people were generous.

2009

2012 Bikes at Wewoka Lake

5th Annual Poker Run

Five years have seen some major progress brought about by the efforts of the Fallen Heroes Ride. A memorial park was built in town, across from the sheriff's department. Memorial markers for all local fallen heroes have been added. Today, much of the money raised goes to scholarships for local students in need of assistance.

Memorial Park in Wewoka OK 

Ride Tomorrow

First bike's are scheduled to head out tomorrow at 11 am. The last bike in should be around 4pm. Registration will be before eleven. The route is 150 miles, with five stops for poker hands and refreshments. Once the bikes have all returned there will be an auction, 50/50 tickets, door prizes, and other events.

For those who are local, we hope to see you there. For those who can't make it, we hope you will enjoy the photos soon to follow.

2012

1992 Heritage Softail Is Out The Door

Another Harley Out The Door

This one came to us needing a whole new dash rewired. We won't lie and say that was the easiest or most pleasant experience ever. But hey, when all the switches turn on the right lights, it is celebration time, right? Yeah, that's what we think too.

Check out the old-school dash assembly

While we were at it, we added new tanks and fenders. The new tanks were low-profile (different size than the stock tank) and we had to build some custom stops to prevent bumpage against  the front end.

And a few chrome covers. As well as a new taillight assembly.

Shiny!

Cool grips

This bike has some of the coolest hand grips. Tooled leather skull and crossbones! They bring the 18"ape hangers back down to earth somewhat. Did we mention the wires are inside the handlebars? It was a bit of a challenge to chase down all the bad wires.

She rolls. 

Meanwhile back in the Frankenshop...we have one on the slab.

Yes, it is aliiiiive. It is just in dire need of a transfusion.

Street Glide Raffle and Ride Against Hunger For September

Something like this...photo courtesy of  ©Harley-Davison

Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson, News 9 OK, and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma are coming together to raffle off a 2013 Street Glide in Vivid Black. Tickets are $20 and the money goes to fight childhood hunger in Oklahoma.

Entries will only be accepted until the 27th of September. 

Here are the rules. Basically, you have to have a license and insurance, and you are responsible for the cost of title, tags and transport. You can't be affiliated with any of the sponsors and if you cheat they hang you up by your thumbs. Stuff like that.

If you miss your chance at this bike, or if you tried and failed, you can try again. on September 29th you can ride in Oklahoma's Own Ride Against Hunger. This one is a bit tricky--only 200 bikes are allowed to enter, so you have to speak up pretty fast.

The ride is short, from the news station in OKC to Fort Thunder in Moore. The entry fee is $150 per bike. Just remember that money goes to a very good cause. It also covers breakfast and lunch.

There will be prizes, music and an auction after the ride. On the auction block is a Street Glide built by Covingtons Customs. The bidding is at $45,000 right now. Here is the link so you can see this amazing bike.

Thousands of kids go hungry in Oklahoma every day. Money from these events sponsor the backpack program, which ensures that OK kids have proper nutrition needed every day for their development. Here is the link to the food bank, explaining more about the program and it's benefits.

Motorcycle Poker Runs--Interesting Facts

Stopping point to draw poker hands

What Are Poker Runs? 

We've seen a lot of riders, both experienced and novice, who have yet to ride in their first poker run. Some simply haven't found the right time or opportunity. Others were not sure if they would like the experience. Their questions are pretty much the same:

"What is a poker run, anyway?"

"What do we have to do?"

"Who can ride?"

The funny thing about poker runs is that don't always come with set-in-stone rules. They can vary depending on who hosts them, what they are for, and how big they are.

Rules, etiquette, events, routes, and other factors depend on the individual run as well, but here are some basic guidelines as to what a poker run is, as well as some other facts.

So, What is a Poker Run? 

If you are a biker, a poker run is an event where motorcycle riders pay an entry fee to ride a specified route. The route has a series of stops, and at each stop a poker hand (or dice roll) is done and recorded on a score card.

There are other poker runs too, including those for boats, snowmobiles...even horses!

Poker runs are usually timed, but they are not a race. No special prize is awarded to the first bike in, unless it is specified in the rules as part of the game. For the most part, the winner is the person who ends the ride with the best poker hand. Some rides include a smaller prize for worst hand as well.

The ride is the main attraction, but most poker runs will have other events to keep riders entertained after the ride is over. Auctions, bike shows, raffles, door prizes, live music, dancing, games, and refreshments are some of the activities you might also see at a poker run.

Poker runs are often held to raise money for charity events or to benefit individuals. Others might be to raise money for organizations or clubs.

What Do Participants Have To Do? 

To ride in a poker run, a motorcyclist needs to pay an entry fee. He or she also has to listen to the rules. Depending on the ride, there may be specific instructions, such as who is supposed to lead and whether or not bikes will leave all at once or in groups. There may be an agreed upon formation, there may be certain signals, or there may be few if any rules at all about the actual riding part.

During the ride, a participant is expected to ride safely. Doing something incredibly stupid or dangerous that puts several hundred riders at risk generally won't impress anyone. Other than that, the main rule is to have fun.

Once the ride is over, riders are expected (but not obligated) to take part in other events. For new riders, this the perfect opportunity to talk with experienced bikers.

Who Can Ride?

Unless there are specific rules, anybody can ride in most poker runs. Not all players have to ride either. You can often see people following in vehicles as well. We've never seen any rules stating that you couldn't follow on mule, bicycle or hot air balloon either, if that happens to be your transportation of choice. All you have to do is pay a fee and be careful where you land the balloon.

Don't want to ride, but still want to participate? Charity poker runs usually welcome anyone who wants to just drop by and admire the bikes and talk. It is considered good etiquette to buy something or donate, even if it is a small item such as a raffle ticket.

Interesting Poker Runs

In May 2013, Realities for Children Charities ( a non-profit organization out of  Colorado) attempted to make the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest poker run ever. Realities Ride has become a Memorial Day tradition, drawing thousands of riders and spectators.

Like many rides, Realities Ride and Rally raises money for children. In this case, children who have been abused or neglected. According the the records and receipts for this year's blow-out event, Realities saw over 1,500 bikes. It took over 300 volunteers to help organize and run the two day event.

Although it has not been officially declared yet as the World's Largest Motorcycle Poker Run, Guinness has been notified. Apparently there are a lot of strict guidelines that have to be adhered to.

For instance, the only bikes counted will be those who remained in formation, made each stop, and returned to stopping point. The hosts for Realities are excited about the possibility of beating a world record, but even more excited about the positive impact the publicity will have for the children they serve.


Read More Here--Largest Motorcycle Poker Run


Other recorded blockbuster poker runs: 

Largest Ever Poker Run: 2,136 bikes. Benefited the Fallen Firefighters Survivors Foundation (2009)

Largest Singe Venue Poker Run--586 bikes. Benefited Prostate Cancer research. (2012)

Motorcycles At Bowlegs 5th Annual Fire Run

Just a few of the awesome bikes seen today after the Bowlegs Fire Department Poker Run. 

Biker Photo of the Day--Funky Trike

This is one of the most eye-catching bikes seen often around town. Don't know much about it, just that it is custom "home-made" special with a Volkswagen motor.

Two Wrenches, Hard at Work

Biker Photo of the Day--Faces Behind Two Wrenches Bike Shop

Out and about, and almost normal!

Bike Parts and Other Treasures

Just what was on the trailer. There is a lot more stacked in the corner.

We don't like to brag (everyday) but we can't help but feel a little clever, and a whole lot excited. We made the deal of the year yesterday with this load of treasure. It took two trucks and a trailer to bring home a load of goodies that we bought for at least a third of what they are worth.

We haven't undusted all the parts, or sorted all the boxes yet, but so far we have seen:

• A vintage frame
• Vintage tanks
• Saddle bags
• Hard cases
• Tires
• Wheels
• Head lamps
• Chrome accessories

Not to mention a variety of parts, tools and hardware. It may not be grand on say, the American Pickers scale, but we certainly don't feel half bad about our new treasure heap. Especially since we know there is a bike in there just begging to be built. 

You say junk? We say wait til you hear it run.

There will be more posts on this project as we sort and clean!