Motorcycle Toy Drive and Christmas Parade

Here is something new that has been going on in Oklahoma! This is a great idea to make sure that all kids have a special toy at Christmas. Anyone in the area is welcome to ride in or watch the parade. 

Honoring Our Vets!

Flag Flying over Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson

Taking today (and every other day) to remember those who have served and those who are serving still.

The Babe Bike Is Done!

1975 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000

This bike was a M-E-S-S when it came in! It came in with a typical complaint; "won't charge, won't run." Didn't take us long to figure out why! 

Anything and everything that had to do with the wiring was...scary. A quick peek revealed what looked to be about 17 different types of wire (including old stereo wire) spliced together to create the wiring harness. No piece of wire was longer than a few inches by itself. Yeah, it had that many splices. 

To really ensure that the bike would never run correctly, there was only one circuit breaker to handle all that "wiring". The whole bike had to be completely rewired. Every inch. 

Other Issues 

The wiring wasn't the only problem we discovered. The charging system was blown too. And the forks had NO oil in them. Here is everything we did: 

• Rewired entire bike
• Replaced charging system
• Replaced alternator
• Replaced voltage regulator
• Repaired shifting linkage
• Adjusted clutch
• Adjusted front wheel and spacers
• Repaired oil leak
• Mounted exhaust
• Added fork oil
• Rode it.

Custom mirrors

This was one of those projects that created a new issue each time an old problem was fixed. Sure was a great day when it started and an even better day when it was able to be ridden for the first time. This really is a cool, custom bike. Way too cool to not be out on the road.

Biker Photo of the Day--New Friend Found at Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson

This is why we love going to Fort Thunder. You just never know who you will meet.

Biker Funeral Traditions

Recently we were asked about funeral customs for bikers. We had very good intentions of finding the origins, history, how-to and everything about every custom.

Sadly, this wasn't an easy task. There are many different customs, and there are many different ways of performing each custom. But no one is sure how each one got started.

Biker funerals are also a combination of traditional, religious and cultural expectations. And as with any funeral, a whole lot depends on the individual's wishes.

Basically, there are no "set" rules, but here are some common traditions you may see in a biker funeral ceremony.

Riding Without Helmets

Even in states with a helmet law, it is generally considered to be a sign of respect for bikers to remove helmets during the funeral procession. A helmet is still a hat, and most law officers will overlook the indescretion so long as helmets are off only while the bikes are in the actual procession. It is not mandatory to remove helmets though if riders do not wish to do so.

An alternative to this is that all bikers remain helmeted until a designated point in the funeral service. Then they will remove their helmets at the same time.

Clothing Strips or other Possessions

This custom sees a piece of clothing torn into strips-one of which is given to each friend and loved one of the deceased. These are worn as arm-bands or tied to the bikes in the procession.

An alternative is to give other possessions, such as bandannas to close friends and relatives as a remembrance.

Ringing Out The Dead or The Last Rev

At a certain point in the funeral ceremony, those who attended on bikes will rev the bikes several times or for a designated length of time.

How or when this is done depends on individual preference, the wishes of the family, or on club rules. Sometimes there the ringing is done by all bikes at once, other times only by a certain number.

 It may be done in a certain order as well, with a leader starting the first bike, and a designated person performing the last rev before all the bikes are turned off.

Other Traditions

• The Lost Man (or Missing Man)--In the actual procession one biker, (usually a close friend or relative) will ride between the cars and the other bikers to represent the deceased. 

• 1 Spur--Some bikers will wear one spur to commemorate a fallen brother or sister. 

• 1 Passenger--at some funerals, the only bike carrying a passenger is the one carrying the widow, or other closest member of the deceased. 

• Last Ride--this one is usually reserved for those who wanted cremation. Their ashes will be carried one last time on the bike of a designated friend or relative, to the final resting place. 
•  

There are many ways to honor fallen bikers at their funerals. Or, the funerals can be traditional with a memorial ride held later. There may also be graveside rituals, such as: placing mementos atop the coffin, filling the grave by hand, speeches, gun salutes and any other ceremony the family and friends think is appropriate.


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Other Articles of Interest:

Gift Ideas for Bikers
10 Things Your Motorcycle Wants for Christmas
Must See Biker Stop--Seaba Station 
 

Motorcycle Artist--Corpses From Hell

source: bikeexif

What is cooler than a biker? How about a biker that draws bikers. And draws on bike stuff? And rebuilds his own vintage bike?

Maxwell Paternoster, also known by his alter-ego Corpses From Hell is a European artist that specializes in off-the-wall motorcycle art. As part of an ongoing art (and personal) project, he has spent several years building a custom BSA bike from scrap.

It is always cool when someone builds a bike from basically nothing. But what is even more awesome? THis guy pretty much built the bike in the back of his car. He started with a B33 engine and a frame, and ended up with an edgy masterpiece that is just as hard and gritty as his other artworks.

Visit Paternoster's site for more about this bike and other projects, as well as samples of his artwork. Warning: there are shocking photos of naked motorcycles!

Corpses From Hell Blog

Biker Tee Shirts Gift Ideas

The holidays are coming up, and there is nothing that bikers like better for holiday gifts than:

1. Something that goes on their bike
2. Something that goes in their house to remind them of their bike
3. Something to fix their bike
4. Something to wear when they are on or off of their bike
5. Another bike

Basically, if it has something to do with bikes, you are on the right track to The Perfect Gift For A Biker. If you can't figure out how to fit a whole motorcycle in the Christmas stocking, or if you are sure they will guess what one is if it is wrapped and under the tree, you can always be clever and try for a tee shirt instead. 

Most bikers have an extensive collection of motorcycle themed tee shirts, and are often on the lookout for more. The following tee-shirts are a good place to start. 

seen on popscreen

Seen on cafe press

seen on shirtmandude

see on zazzle

seen on irielion

Seen on novelty tshirts.com

seen on buycoolshirts.com

seen on hotleathers

seen on marcet.com

Of course, that is just a small sampling of all the cool tees you can find. Honestly, you can't have too many. 

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.)

Biker Photo of the Day--Motorcycle Shop Art

It isn't what you have, it is how you put it together so you can ride.

Chrome--What It Is and How To Care For It

You Know You Like Chrome...But Do You Know What It Is? 

Almost everyone likes something shiny. Especially on motorcycles and other vehicles. So what is all the shiny stuff?

Chrome is actually a slang term for the element "chromium". But not all that is shiny is chrome. Or chromium. In fact, a lot of stuff that is marketed as chrome is actually polished aluminum.

Real chromium is a soft metal. It is the 24th most abundant element and is highly magnetic. It begins as chromatic ore, which is mined primarily in Africa and Turkey. Millions of tons are mined every year.

How Chrome is Turned Into Bike Parts

Since chrome is soft, it isn't used by itself. You won't find a solid chrome bike part. Instead, you will see chrome plating.

The most common metal to be chrome plated is steel, but other metals, such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel or brass can be chrome plated. Even plastic can be chrome plated.

There are two main types of chrome plating. Hard-chrome plating is used to make working parts for different machines, gun bores, molds, etc. Hard chrome plating is is a functional coating that is almost always applied to steel.

Decorative chrome plating (nickel chrome) is the stuff you see on fancy trim-work. All chrome is applied by electroplating. It is never painted on and metal parts are never dipped in melted chrome. Non-scientifically, electroplating means that an electrical current is used to get all that chrome to stick to your bike parts.

History of Chrome

Humans have loved chrome ever since it was discovered. It has been used ever since the 3rd century B.C. to coat weapons and armor, though the technique was different than what we know today. Still, after all these years, ancient weapons that were dipped in chromium oxide show little to no signs of erosion.

Electroplating with chromium was first done in the 1800's. The ore was mined at that time mainly for the colorful pigments it could produce.

Caring For Chrome

Sadly, not all chrome is high-quality. Cheap plating jobs over nickel can lead to fast erosion. A lot of this can be prevented with routine maintenance. And for bikes, keeping the chrome out of the weather as much as possible. (it only takes a pinhole sized hole in the chrome barrier to allow moisture to access the metal core.)

So what are the recommended ways to clean and care for chrome? There as many ways as there are people with chrome. Here are some top techniques for keeping chrome shiny without compromising the plated surface or making really ugly gouge marks.

1. Don't let chrome get nasty to start with. Clean it everything it starts to look dull or dusty.

2. When the dirt isn't bad, soap and water may be all you need. You can buff the water spots off with a soft cloth for high-shine results.

3. Use a product for cleaning chrome. This isn't necessary, but if you want to spend the extra money, some of the commercial stuff will help hold the shine a little longer. Turtle Wax brand Chrome Polish is a very popular choice. Bar Keeper's Friend, used most commonly for cleaning stainless sinks and bathtubs is also recommended. Always use a light touch with products like this, since chrome scratches easily.

4. Carnuba Wax--A lot of people like this product because it is very heat resistant. Meaning it can be used to polish the exhaust on a bike. Other say that it has to be a certain blend or else it melts and creates gunks.

5. Diet Coke and Tin Foil--This is for rusty chrome. Use a crumpled piece of foil dipped in any diet cola. Scrub rust spots lightly with the foil.

6. Diluted Vinegar solution or Glass Cleaner

Some people also swear by using steel wool on rust spots, but there is a lot of evidence that this only removed the symptom. The metal will continue to rust. Clear-coating is also a way to protect chrome.

In the shop, we have used Nevr-Dull, S100, wax, window cleaner, and of course, plain soap and water. In most cases, it all comes down to how stuck-on the bugs are when we start cleaning!

Other Information On Chrome 

Check out some of these sites for more about chrome types, production techniques and maintenance: 

•  Difference Between Hard and Decorative Chrome Plating
• Facts on Metal and Chrome Care
• The Art of Harley Polishin'
• DIY Chrome Plating

The Chopper Is Out the Door

Back to being a safe ride

Last week we wrote about the '06 Chopper that came to the shop. The initial complaint was that the battery wasn't doing what a battery should be doing. There was also a noise that needed inspection.

Well, we replaced the battery, and adjusted the clutch. Then the front wheel fell off. That is when we found some other fun stuff that needed to be addressed too.

Here is what we did while it was in the shop'

• Replaced the battery 
• Checked the charging system
• Removed and cleaned carbeurator  
• Took front end apart and put new bearings in neck
• Re-packed bearings in front wheel
• Replaced wheel
• Tightened secondary belt

We also employed a liberal amount of Loctite and helped the guy put his new license plate on.

Almost there....

Nope. One more thing...

Okay. Job well done. 

The Biker Wave--Rules??

graphic via clker.com

What's Up With This? 

Before we even get started on this one, let's just make one thing perfectly clear. There ARE no hard, fast rules about the biker wave. EVERYTHING under the sun comes into play when deciding who waves, who gets waved at and what wave is used.

The wave is probably one of the hottest and most debated topics among bikers (and non-bikers), with everyone having their own opinion about what it means and who does it.

Here are some thoughts that people online have about the biker wave:

• Bikers only wave at bikers riding the same style of bike
• Bikers only wave at people on bikes
• Bikers only wave at the same brand of bike
• Harley riders don't wave. 
• Yamaha riders don't wave. 
• Honda riders don't wave. 
• Sport's bike riders don't wave. 
• Bikers only wave at people wearing or not wearing the same type of gear. 
• Bikers don't wave at anyone riding a better bike
• Bikers don't wave at someone riding a worse bike
• Bikers don't wave at anyone wearing lesser gear. Or better gear. 
• Bikers don't wave at the opposite sex. 
• Bikers don't wave at certain colors of bikes. 
• Bikers only wave at people they know. 
• Bikers only wave when they are in a good mood. 

Wow! Now that is a lot to remember. Obviously, anytime a biker doesn't wave at you, that means that it is because of the bike he rides or the gear he is wearing. If these rules were true, there wouldn't be a whole lot of waving going on in the world.

Yet, here in Oklahoma, rules seem to be a bit more relaxed. Here are what local bikers say about greetings of the road:

• Bikers wave if it is safe to do so. 
• Bikers wave at anything on two wheels, unless those two wheels are doing something really stupid and dangerous
• Bikers wave at people they know if they aren't on bikes
• Bikers wave at three and sometimes four wheels too

Hmmm...maybe it is geographical. Or maybe, like some conspiracy theorists (who had their own wave ignored one time) believe...waves are all a form of secret communication between bikers planning to take over the world and rid it of all bikes that they don't like. In which case, it helps to throw people off guard by waving at them even if they are riding the wrong color of bike.

About The Wave

Greetings between bikers didn't just magically appear one day. They gradually crept into culture. Over time, they have meant different things. Back when there were very few bikers on the roads of America, the greeting was an acknowledgement of a fellow free spirit and enthusiast. Today, it is a tradition.

According to legend, the men behind HD motorcycles started the whole thing. Arthur Davidson and William Harley met each other on the road and waved one day. Someone took that to mean that it was a secret code among bikers.

Whether or not that is true we may never know. We also can't know why one guy on a bike will wave when another won't. Maybe he just didn't see you, or maybe he has had the bike for less than ten minutes and is afraid of letting go of the handlebars.

What we do know is that it is just friendly to wave. But only when it is practical. Waving in the middle of rush hour to a bike that is six lanes over isn't practical.They probably can't even see you. Waving at night or during a downpour is pointless for the same reason.

How Should You Wave? 

Wouldn't you know it? No one can agree on this part either! There are endless variations, and no matter which one you use, someone is going to think it is wrong.

• Hand extended to the side and downwards, palm forward

• Hand extended down with one, two or three fingers extended as well. 

• Finger or fingers lifted from the handlebars

• Hand raised slightly from the handlebars

• Hand raised in partial wave to the side

• Full Wave (enthusiastic HI!)

• Or just a nod

• Peace Sign

• Thumbs Up

Or, if you are super-talented and have cruise control...you could do all of these at the same time.

Open To Interpretation

So now you are even less enlightened than you were when you started reading this. That is okay. We aren't sure which wave is right now either. The best solution is to just pick a salute and make it your own.

After all, who likes rules anyway?

Sharpie Art Motorcycles

Sharpie Art by Jodi Whitsell 

There is custom paint...and there is CUSTOM motorcycle art. These amazing artists are taking plain old Sharpie markers and turning bikes, cars and other vehicles into masterpieces on wheels. 

What is different about this graphic style of art over traditional motorcycle paint jobs? The variety of symbols that the artist can work into each section. If you can't decide whether you want skulls, dice, flames, hearts, or wings...why not go with something like this that combines all of it? 

Look close and you will also see that artists are putting in their own signatures, favorite movie characters, song lyrics, personal mottoes and more. 

Art by LeeRichy via Deviantart

These aren't all pros either. Some of these artists are teens and young adults working in their parent's garage. No matter how much experience you have, it takes guts to put a permanent pen to a bike and have no fear of making a fatal error. 

Art by jlctoban via DeviantArt

Sharpie Harley owned by President of Sharpie Company. 225 hours of work!

Pinstripe Chris--Master of Sharpies! 

If you like seeing amazing art on bikes and cars, you really should check out this guy's site. He has taken a marker to everything from a Harley to a Ferrari.

photo via pinstripe chris

And just for fun...look at what a Sharpie can do to a car. If you happen to have a pen laying around...and a Lamborghini...why not give it a shot? 

Photo via imgdonkey

Check out this video of an artist in action!

Funny Motorcycle Ads

Vintage bike. Runs great. Minor Cosmetic issues. 

For whatever reason, sometime a bike owner has to sell their motorcycle. Maybe they can no longer afford it, maybe they are sick, or maybe they just want a different model.

The fact that anyone has to part ways with their bike isn't really funny. Ads though, can be hilarious. Especially when typos, bad wording, high expectations, or sad lack of knowledge are displayed.

Check out some of the world's worst motorcycle ads!

Red Victory 

Nice, red bike. Tag says "Victory". Runs well, new tires. 30000000 miles.

(MILLION's of miles?)

1998 Honda Valkyrie

Must sell to pay for new bike. This vintage ride has new tires, custom chrome accessories. Recently maintenanced. 45,000 miles always been inside.

(Not always, right...surely you rode it 45,000 miles outside, right??)

Yamaha V Star

Awesome bike, completely refurnished with everything.

(Refurnished. As in...it comes with a sofa and a coffee table. Now that is style.)

2006 Buell XB 

Bought it when drunk. Bike moves faster than me. Want to sell outright or trade for HD Sportster.$4000 OBO

(Never go on Craigslist after a drinking binge.)

2006 Harley Ultra Classic

Great bike. Was slightly wrecked. Serious offers can see photos.

(Define "slightly" wrecked, please?)

2001 Road King

Help! Inherited this bike. Looks all right but I know nothing about them. Has plastic boxes, a black seat and a windshield. Email for photos.

(Boxes.)

Honda Goldwing

Black, red and cream. Will only sell to serious motorcycle lover who will maintain it like it deserves. Or will trade for Red Lobster gift cards.

(How many lobsters is a Goldwing worth?)

Yamaha VMAX 

Gets lots of compliments. $4200

(or best compliment!)

Trike

Will trade for, like, a big ATV or something.

2006 Honda Shadow

Excellent condition. Has some issues but otherwise great bike.

(Um...what issues?)

2006 Harley Dyna

For sale, '06 Harley Dyna. New exhaust system. Blue custom paint in great condition. Bike has never been laid. $8500

(Whoa! I think you mean the bike has never been laid DOWN, right?)

Lesson to be learned from these ads? Buyer Beware!

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