Knuckle Buster 1939

Two Blue Pans Popped Up!

2012-02-01T13:04:00.001-05:00

This 1950 from the East Coast (Philly Area)

This 1949 from the West Coast (North West)

Sweet 49ism....a blank shroud and nipples!

Two blue Pans popped out of obscurity within the same week...each on a different side of the country. Both under wraps for decades. They are still out there...
The 49 must have had the same painter as my "Dirty Nine"...all blue frame, oil tank, sheet metal, etc.
It's funny I popped a blue '50 pan up a couple years ago...popular color I guess...

White Rose MC Antique Meet 1978 (Hillclimb program Larry Franz Sr. Collection)

2012-01-30T21:14:00.000-05:00

As promised...more White Rose MC Hillclimb program pictures. This is the 1978 Antique Meet at the White Rose MC grounds in Jefferson PA featured in the 1979 Hillclimb program... great stuff!

AMCA Mag Cover Pic 1981

2012-01-30T17:38:00.001-05:00

Found this in the box...

XMAS SPECIAL Mailer Dec 1987 - 45 Parts

2012-01-29T17:17:00.001-05:00

I found this mailer today in a box of old Swap meet fliers and various old paperwork. It was mailed to me in December of 1987...check those prices!!!! You can be sure I didn't miss this sale! (I still haven't figured out what to do with all those 45 cylinders though...as hard as I try I just can't wear out the ones I'm runnin'!)

Some of you Jersey guys may recognize this and the man behind the flier...he's still out there peddling Harley 45 parts to this very day...(the price and availability has changed).
Man it used to be cheap to build a 45!!!!!

White Rose Hillclimb Program 1977 - more from Larry Franz Sr Collection

2012-01-26T17:46:00.000-05:00

I love this picture!

I had the privilege to know Red Wolverton in the early 1980's

Larry Franz Sr is in both pictures (with son Jerry Franz in 1977)

These White Rose Hillclimb programs are chock full of great photos. This is the same 1977 program as the previous post. It's great to see Red Wolverton in the program. He was a staple at the AMCA meets in the early 80's and an incredible part of Motorcycling history...dealer, racer, Hillclimber, etc.

White Rose Antique Meet 1977

2012-01-25T08:47:00.001-05:00

See Herm above on the Zebra Chief

More from the Larry Franz Sr Collection. As mentioned previously the WRMC hosted Antique Meets in the 70's and featured them in their Hillclimb programs. Above are shots from the 1977 Antique meet.
Hey... there's Herm on the yellow and black Zebra Chief...cool.

GKM 5th Birthday Bash on the Jersey Side!!!

2012-01-24T17:44:00.001-05:00

Yes it's in New Jersey!!!!!!

Greasy Kulture Magazine is featuring an East Coast bike on the cover of the 5th birthday issue (#25) so Walter from Kickstart Cycle is throwing a party! Get more info on the link here ... party .
Rebar in Lodi NEW JERSEY on Friday February 3rd!!!
First 50 guests get a free copy of the new mag. Back issues for sale, cheap drinks and food!!!!
Stop by if you are around...

35 Years Ago Today! White Rose Hillclimb Program...

2012-01-23T18:20:00.001-05:00

Check out the date of the meet... 1/23/1977...35 years ago today!

The Markey's

What are the chances that I'm paging through a pile of the Franz family Hillclimb programs just now (literally) and happen to glance at the caption of the Annual Gold Hunt picture on page 41 of the White Rose MC Program and it turns out to be 35 years to the day???? January 23, 1977...had to post it...not to mention it was the 25th Anniversary of the White Rose Motorcycle Club! Let's see 25+35 = 60 years this year.

Anyway I have a pile of White Rose MC Hillclimb programs from the 60's, 70's, 80's. The cool thing is that the Markey family was (and still is) heavily into Indian Motorcycles and antique bikes in general. They would put on antique motorcycle meets at the White Rose Club House grounds and add the pictures to the Hillclimb programs.
The antique meets continue on today in the form of the AMCA Jefferson PA National meet.
Enjoy the pictures...more to come.

Much Love...Love Cycles Show...Feb 4,2012!!!

2012-01-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

Snow Ridin' on the 52 Servi-Car Today

2012-01-21T14:30:00.001-05:00

My riding partner

First snow in this part of PA since Halloween! Had to dig out the 52 Servi-car and hit the road. Hell, I even found a riding partner as wacko as I am...maybe more...I wouldn't trust my riding if it wasn't me doin' it...huh? Never mind. Nice ride to the tavern for lunch and beers...

KR Ice Racer - Spiked!

2012-01-21T09:56:00.004-05:00

I found this old tattered picture in a mechanic's paperwork folder from a Harley-Davidson dealership in PA. I have posted pictures and scans of stuff from this folder in the past. Most of the paperwork in the folder was from the late 50's and 60's. This picture was amongst the various notes and info, but with no explanation. The photographer was obviously focused on the bad ass spiked front wheel. Too bad I can't read the date on the AMA Safety banner hanging in the back ground.

A Hill Climber's History - Another Letter from the H-D Factory 1956

2012-01-19T18:26:00.001-05:00

A letter from the Factory dated April 30, 1956 responding to Larry's inquiry regarding Racing Models

The Pamphlet mentioned in the letter from H-D

Very cool...hand written note from the H-D Sales Department on the pamphlet regarding the lack of availability of the KHRM

The KR! (still available)

In amongst my pile of literature that came from Larry Franz Sr.'s collection are various letters and correspondence from the Harley-Davidson Factory to Larry Sr. This stuff is fantastic and tells the story of the man and his obvious interest and involvement in racing/Hillclimbing from the 1930's through the 1980's. There so much cool stuff mixed in, but my favorites are the Factory Letters. Check it out from April 30, 1956. I love the fact that the Factory Sales guy wrote a hand written note on the pamphlet. I scanned two out of four available models that were in this pamphlet. It still boggles my mind that he saved all this stuff! I mean I find letters referring to obscure things and then Bam! I find the referenced material or part is in the pile too!

Enjoy...there is more to come.

Indian Riders of Foreign Lands 1932

2012-01-18T20:03:00.000-05:00

I was digging around in the Larry Franz Sr. literature pile again. This is from a 1932 Indian News.

Tech Note:
Hopefully you have set up your blogger to get rid of the Lightbox viewing format which recently reared it's ugly head. You can find out how to get rid of it and actually enjoy the pictures again thanks to Chris K. at MC ART here http://motorcycleart.blogspot.com/2012/01/get-word-out-kill-lightbox.html
Thanks again Chris!

A couple more from "Bolt On"

2012-01-17T08:01:00.001-05:00

On his 41 UL sportin' an original Chrome German Helmet

Bolt On's 41 UL circa 1980

Brother "Bolt On" 1976

2012-01-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

My buddy Mike "Bolt On" on his 1956 Pan Chopper back in 1976. He was 16 or 17 and this was the motorcycle he learned to ride on!
So the 56 Pan was 20 years old in 1976...hmmm...that's like riding a 1992 H-D today...it just ain't the same...

41 FLTT Running for the first time...Video!

2012-01-15T22:35:00.001-05:00

I think I actually figured out how to post a video...watch out! The 41 FLTT first start ever today cold... in 18 degree weather...yeah I'm the knucklehead in the T shirt! As I mentioned in the previous post, it started right up and went down the road. It sounds kinda strange on the video but sounds just fine in real life....

Next...

The 41 FLTT Lives!!!!!

2012-01-15T16:35:00.000-05:00

And Hell Yeah! I had to get into every picture!

Well shit...it's been on the side burner for 15 years. I would do a little here, a little there, but today all those little bits added up and boom! It's runnin'! I mean it started right up. Nothin's leakin', nothin' caught fire, nothin' fell off on the maiden voyage...fuckin' great!

Those of you that follow this worthless blog have no doubt watched this thing come and go on postings. Probably thought it would never get done.

I want to thank Gareth from http://backstreetbangkok.blogspot.com/ for giving me that final kick in the ass yesterday...thanks for the push, and yes I did have my son video the entire start up and first ride. I just need to figure out how to post it!!! (Techno Peasant that I am).

Oh and for the record it was 18 degrees out today. My son was freezing his ass off in his winter coat with the camera. He said, "Aren't you cold?" I said "Fuck No! I just fired up another Knucklehead boy!"

Much progress...41 FLTT Style

2012-01-14T22:43:00.000-05:00

Washing the tanks in the kitchen sink

Clean and shinny

Re- Running the cables...dusty chassis

Trimmed and connected the timer cable

Adjusted bars, risers, cables run neatly through fork

Yikes! What happened?

Another NOS part is installed

Nothing like NOS!

No room for the lever when using the 20 Flanders risers and bars

Sooooo close!

It was one hell of a good work day on the 41 FLTT.

First, I had to wash the gas tanks. I had them stashed in my bedroom so they wouldn't get fucked up. Well, a year and a half of dust and hair spray (Kelly) made for a sticky mess! Hot soapy water and a microfiber towel made things right. The rest of the bike needs the same treatment!

Then it was running the throttle and timer cables properly. This took a bit of doing but they worked out nice. I dug up an NOS steering damper and had to take the front wheel off to install it. The bars are low with those 20 Flanders Risers so the lever for the damper wouldn't fit under them. I adjusted it to my liking and tightened everything up without the lever ( my Hillclimber is the same way). I got the bars where I like 'em and tightened all that up. Next was the fuel shut off and then mounting the tanks (for good...I hope). Gas lines installed and tight. Shifter linkage installed and adjusted ...hhhmmmm what's left....the seat, the grips, oil, gas and a battery...

Tomorrow should be the day!

41 FLTT Wiring Done and Fitting the Tanks

2012-01-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

ON/OFF Switch mounted and wired in

ON/OFF switch tucked neatly under the tanks

The minimal wiring is complete

Fitting the tanks

I finished up the wiring and permanently mounted my nifty little ON/OFF switch. I wired this bike up with no lights, etc. just power to the coil and charging for the battery. Set up for TT (but without a mag). I know after I get it running and bring it out to a couple of meets I'll be back in the shop rewiring and adding lights so it's roadable.

I need to finish fitting the tanks, install the fuel shut off, trim the advance/retard cable and hook it up, grips, seat, etc ... I'm a few hours away from getting this thing fired up...

60 Degrees in January!!!

2012-01-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

Rode the "Dirty Nine" up to the lake...60 Degrees in January... beautiful!

Flat Track Racing Weedsport NY 2006 - Revisited

2012-01-06T08:28:00.000-05:00

Me on 33 (38WLDR)

Frank and the Board Track Boys

Franky Baby!

Marv's WR

My WLDR

Motorcycle Mike's Excelsior

Marv working on his WR

John's doomed Brand X

Board Trackers and home made shade

I found a pack of pictures from the Weedsport NY Vintage Races from 2006. This race was put on by Frank Westfall. What a great time! Since Frank was in charge it was "track at will" for practice. The track was clay and sticky. My buddy Russ Paradise (RIP) warned me not to put my foot down on that sticky clay...I did, it grabbed and twisted my knee in a direction it didn't like...of course I kept racing for the rest of the day. I limped for a couple of weeks after that but it was worth it! Old 33 with Charlie Jacob's ice racing motor preformed flawlessly once again.
We had a great combination of board track era through tank shift era bikes racing on the track. Henderson, Excelsior, Indian, Harley, etc. It was broiling hot that June day and shade was scarce in the pits but it didn't seem to matter...the EMT's even got a work out that day due to Indian (Brand X) failure and the resulting tumble into the wall...everyone ended up just fine except for the Indian ...pretty twisted.
This was the first and last for me at Weedsport...I would love to see Frank bring it back!

41 FLTT Electrics and Stuff

2012-01-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

Harness loom before and after

Surplus gen post/terminal post nuts-same part number but one bag contained brass and the other not

Found this NOS spiral mixed in with other stuff

Loom with clip installed

NOS Plug wire kit

Cool on of switch I found in a drawer

Push - Pull switch

Installed in the choke lever hole in the motor mount (not usin' the lever anyway)

Well that "New Year's Resolution" stuff really works! I got out in the garage and started chippin' away at the 41 FLTT. I began to tackle what little wiring it will have. I have a bunch of NOS wire loom but its dirty and faded. I found that if I wipe it down and spray it with polyurethane it comes right up and looks new again. (see top pic and bottom pic). I dug around in some NOS military stuff and came up with some small stuff that's nice to have...screws, nuts, wires. (found an NOS spiral...cool).

I was back and forth on what type of ON/OFF switch to use since I am going with no lighting or dash. I was messing with a few ideas when I popped this little Push/ Pull switch out of a box of H-D brake light switches. It had a bracket attached and was a dark Indian Red (maroon really). I'm not sure what it came off of. I removed the bracket and checked out the bike to see where I could tuck it away...Then it hit me...perfect! The unused choke lever hole in the motor mount. I had to open up the hole just a hair and it slid right in. I gave it a quick Parkerize job. I'm going ad the plug wire clip and it will be perfect.

That's enough "Resolution" for today...

New Year's Resolutions...

2012-01-01T11:26:00.000-05:00

Finish...

Been a real slacker...

Canada Checking in...Tropical

2011-12-31T15:26:00.000-05:00

Rick from Canada checking in. For the first time in 20 years he is able to go for a ride on New Year's Eve. Global warming...Hog Wash! The VL seems to like it...
Rick writes: "The Great White North is on her way out,we are growing banana's and pineapples now."
Happy New Year!

1952 Panhead For Sale (Jersey Style)

2011-12-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

Motorcycle Mike from Jersey is selling this 1952 "Jersey" Pan. This is the style of bike that I grew up with in Jersey...Black, chrome, 21in wheel, stripped wide glide, rigid frame, solo seat...This was the shit (and still is in my book!) This '52 is almost a twin of my 57 "Jersey Pan"(except mine has Apes and no sissy bar).
He is asking $12,500. and can be reached at motorheadmike@comcast.net,

Mystery Saddle Bags...Help?

2011-12-29T18:26:00.000-05:00

I was thumbing through the latest GKM issue (24) and noticed the saddle bag on the Swedish UL Bob Job. It kinda looked familiar and I gazed across the room at a set of bags I've had for about 28 years.
I picked them up at an AMCA meet in Valley Forge Pennsylvania (Pre Oley). I just thought they were cool at the time. They were stuffed with newspaper from Minneapolis MN dated March 28 1969. The bags are obviously unused...the design and material would indicate that they are much older then the news paper used to hold their shape. It appears they would fit a smaller bike based on their size and mounting configuration...they would be great on a Bob Job with a narrow rear fender.
Can anyone one help me identify these bags??????

47 Knuck-20 years ago

2011-12-28T11:16:00.001-05:00

Found these pics of my 47 FL from 20 years ago (back in Jersey) when I changed it from the stock configuration into a Bob Job. Top one is fresh outta the basement and heading toward the Geeerage for final assembly (notice the opened Bilco doors to the right). It was always a challenge getting bikes outta the basement. The second shot is in the geeerage with the tanks on...that paint looks just as good today! Oh and there is my oldest (now 23) hamming it up for the camera. In the back ground are the white tanks from when the bike was "Un-Bobbed". The kid is sitting on my 65/59 Pan...I was T-Boned on that sucker a couple of years later...ouch... the screw in my ankle tingles just thinking about it....

Jefferson PA - Mid '90's Hillclimber line Up

2011-12-24T11:54:00.000-05:00

Hillclimber Line Up

Close Up: Motorcycle Mike Throws 'em High Wide and Handsome!

Some time between '96 and '99 at the Jefferson PA meet. Dave Minerva on his Indian Climber,Wayne on his H-D "J" Climber, Motorcycle Mike on Charlie Jacobs H-D Climber, me on Larry Franz's H-D Climber and Charlie Chihuahua on my combo Sam Kakabar/Larry Franz H-D Climber.

Wauseon 2007 - Hummer (165) Class

2011-12-23T20:01:00.001-05:00

I stumbled across this pic of when I raced my 1952 Model 165 at Wauseon Ohio in 2007. There was a professional photographer there taking and selling pics. I also raced my Hand Shift WLDR that year. The 165 "shit the bed" on the track that day and hasn't run since...Back Burner...

Christmas Eve... Eve

2011-12-23T18:52:00.001-05:00

Out on the 47 FL

Deep and Dark December

2011-12-21T19:57:00.001-05:00

December 21st. The shortest day of the year. I really hate the days leading up to this "shortest day of the year" but from here on out they are getting longer! Spring is right around the corner! My son took this picture as I headed out for a ride today. I think it was (not even) 5 PM... but seemed like midnight.

Happy for the Holidays?

2011-12-19T16:33:00.000-05:00

The youngest of "The Spawn" and my official photographer seems quite Happy for the Holidays...must be the Sponge Bob Xmas paints...or maybe the 23 degree weather...

Frosty Balls Ride 2011

2011-12-18T19:59:00.000-05:00

Heading out for the "Frosty Balls" Ride

I arrived early at Mike's shop

I headed out for the anual "Frosty Balls" ride today around noon. It was much less eventful then last year with the snow storm (see last year's post), but it was a great time. The temp was in the low 20's and there were about 40 bikes that left Mike Wells' shop this afternoon. We got up to the Wagon Wheel Tavern and after a while a few of us headed to The Raven's Nest. I headed out from there and was out riding for about 7 hours today on the old "Dirty Nine". She ran like a dream in the cold as usual!

Jersey Pan Coming Back to Life...

2011-12-18T00:18:00.001-05:00

Stagnant since 1982

55 Pan Motor in an early wishbone frame

Here is a typical early 80's style "Jersey Pan" that has been sitting since '82. It is on it's way to Resurrection.

"Bolt On's" 57 Pan Motor

2011-12-17T12:57:00.004-05:00

Stopped in at "Bolt On's" place over in Jersey yesterday and he was getting his 57 pan motor back in after a complete rebuild!

1948 Springer Fork

2011-12-16T08:31:00.003-05:00

Fork lock hole

Sverre from Norway (American Motorcycles Norway Blog) asked me to provide some dimensions on a 1948 Springer Fork to help him in repairing the one off his pan. In an effort to provide him with the details I dug one out and measured and photographed it. I figured I would share the pics.

"The Gathering"

2011-12-13T18:14:00.006-05:00

OK... so I watched "Highlander" (1986) the other night...but "The Gathering" seemed to fit since it only happens maybe once a year and they come together from near and far. The Brood (sorry a 1979 horror movie reference) is as jovial as ever! The holiday season must be upon us...

Panhead Maintenance for Winter Service

2011-12-12T08:35:00.005-05:00

Chains adjusted, clutch plate "de-oiling", linkage adjustment, primary chain oiler adjustment. All I need is a new rear tire and I'm ready for another winter riding season.

Greasy Kulture - GKM 24

2011-12-10T19:51:00.003-05:00

Cal and Joe...Father and son from Jersey

Brooklyn Invitational

If you don't subscribe, you should. Here's a taste of what's inside.

And here's where to go to get it...

http://greasykulture.bigcartel.com/category/magazines

A Hill Climbers History - Brothers Reunited

2011-12-09T11:08:00.003-05:00

I finally got around to setting these two "estranged brothers" side by side. It's been 40 years since these two have been under the same roof let alone side by side! Larry Franz Sr.'s first Harley Hillclimber and his last Harley Hillclimber reunited for the holidays and from here on out...

Christmas '93

2011-12-08T15:29:00.002-05:00

My buddy John over in Jersey used to do these life size ice sculptures every Christmas Eve. This pic was taken on Christmas Day 1993.

Winter '85 and a White '47 Knucklehead....

2011-12-07T10:02:00.007-05:00

My 47 FL winter 1985

Still have the plate

I found this picture of my 47 FL from the winter of 1985. This was my sole (soul) transportation in those days. I rode this knuckle everywhere! I always thought the plate was cool...it looked like A 1947....I ran this plate until 1988 and then went with Historic plates to avoid inspection in New Jersey. I still have the plate...it's pretty beat up and well used...

Pearl Harbor Day 2011

2011-12-07T09:11:00.003-05:00

Bumber sticker thats been on my WWII Military U sidecar rig for 20 years.

Big Smile...

2011-12-02T18:44:00.002-05:00

Got the radiator, generator and regulator back into the 51 Buick Special and took her out for a cruise. No over heating and she's chargin' up nice!

Servi-Car Wheelies...How he do dat...?

2011-12-02T09:40:00.002-05:00

That's either one powerful Sevi-Car engine or there is a trick to it...

I found these pics from 2003 of me doing wheelies on my '52 Servi-Car. This shot was actually taken on the way down from a much higher wheelie.

The trick is to go in reverse as fast as you can and jam on the rear brakes! I almost flipped it one time...good thing those fenders double as wheelie bars...It looks cool though...

Thrills and Cash for Motorcyclists!- 1932 - Larry Franz Sr Collection

2011-12-01T18:48:00.002-05:00

I found this great article from 1932 by Ted Hodgdon in my Larry Franz Sr collection. Larry pulled it out of a 1932 Modern Mechanics and Inventions magazine. Larry was about 14 years old in 1932. Ted makes it sound easy to convert your bike and win big at the Hillclimbs!

I love his "Hints on Riding the Hill Climber"! Check it out...

More Flanders - 1960 Catalog from Larry Franz Sr. Collection

2011-11-30T08:37:00.003-05:00

I found this complete 1960 Flanders Catalog in the the stuff from the Larry Franz Sr. Collection. I scanned a couple of pages for your enjoyment.

Oley PA Fall Meet Sunday 11/27/2011

2011-11-29T11:00:00.004-05:00

Got a call from Dave Minerva Saturday night alerting me to a Fall Meet at the Oley PA fairgrounds. This is the same location as the National AMCA Meet in April. I oiled up the "Dirty Nine". Kelly and I headed out for a great afternoon ride. There were a couple hundred bikes there, mostly European and Japanese but there were a few old Harleys and Indians mixed in. They had a slow race course marked out and that seemed to be the gist of the event.

This Fall Meet has moved around from place to place over the years and is not advertised much, but maybe if it stays in Oley we can get some venders and more of an Antique turnout. I know a bunch of folks that would have come out had they known about it.

The Perkiomen Chapter of the AMCA hosted the day and provided food and drinks.

It was a great time and the weather was ideal...60's and sunny!

Flanders Catalog and Order Blank 1956- Larry Franz Sr Collection

2011-11-27T16:39:00.007-05:00

No. 11 bars circled

Envelope from Flanders to Larry Franz Sr 1956

Back of envelope Larry writes his order for No. 11 bars. Apparently he ordered them and had them sent to the H-D dealer

Order Blank

Folds up into it's own envelope

The actual No. 11 Flanders Bars that Larry ordered in 1956 on my Hillclimber...

...a little worse for wear

More of the great literature and documentation that came from Jerry Franz regarding his Dad's Hillclimber.

Thanksgiving Weekend Ride

2011-11-27T10:34:00.003-05:00

Advice right on the bar at the Crossroads Tavern...take it or leave it!

Old Bi-Plane at Van Sant Airport

Beemer at Van Sant's

Apple Jack's Basement Bar

"Dirty Nine" proudly leaving it's "Carbon Footprint" at Apple Jacks

It has been a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend. The weather is perfect for riding. We took a ride over to Van Sant Airport (Bucks County PA) which is a small grass runway out in the country that attracts gliders, Bi-planes and motorcycles. We then headed down to Route 32 (River Road) and took that south into Point Pleasant PA (not to be confused with Point Pleasant NJ) and one of my favorite watering holes...Apple Jack's. This bar used to be called the Black Cat back in the 1930's and was the hangout of the Black Cat MC (who are still in existence but changed their name to the Blue Comets and moved the Club House to Skippack PA).

We did a tour around Lake Nockamixon and over to Big Daddy's Wagon Wheel before heading back home.

A great riding day!

Dual Duo-Glide Concept Vehicle Drawing found in a 50's-60's Harley Dealer Mechanic's Folder

2011-11-23T09:39:00.005-05:00

Dual Duo-Glide powered vehicle concept drawing

Many years ago I came across a bunch of paper work and memorabilia from a Pennsylvania Harley Dealership from the late 50's into the 70's.
Amongst the stuff was this Mechanic's folder with cutouts and instructions for performing his day to day job. There is a ton of cool stuff in this folder, however, the most interesting piece to me is this hand drawn dual Duo-Glide motorcycle powered vehicle that this fellow must have dreamed up after countless hours in the shop. It appears to be a sidecar body with a modified Duo-Glide attached on either side and a pivoting leaf spring suspension/steering design. Obviously in the early stage of conception ...Amazing.

Summertime and the livin' was easy...

2011-11-22T07:40:00.003-05:00

...even if I was in Jersey and had to wear a helmet.

Found this pic on Pulsating Paula's Facebook page. She took it this summer after the Colonial Chapter Road Run and Cook Out up in Northern New Jersey (from the back of Doug's bike).

Nothin' like 80 degrees as the sun goes down!

I miss it now...

Jersey Side...

2011-11-21T07:29:00.005-05:00

The representative from New Jersey now has the floor...

No, those aren't whitewalls on the "Dirty Nine"...that's Jefferson mud with staying power...

Kick start competition in the parking lot...

Headed over to Jersey for a Chapter Meeting. We got booted from the normal watering hole at the last minute and the boys had to scramble to make other accommodations. They found a spot and the meeting commenced...it was a great November day for a ride!

A Hill Climber's History - The Factory Letter 1941 and the Schebler Alchy Carb

2011-11-17T19:04:00.004-05:00

The Letter, Envelope and the actual Shebler Carb discussed in the 1941 Letter

The Envelope post marked March 19, 1941

The March 18, 1941 Letter from the Factory to Larry Franz Sr.

Larry Franz Sr. busting the tape at Muskegon Mich. in 1941 (He placed 2nd)

Notice the Schebler Carb with the modified air scoop! Yes that is the same carb! This was the year he bought this bike from A.W. French and is the bike I have owned for about 20 years...

More hidden treasure in the boxes of stuff I acquired from Jerry Franz this summer! This was a real mind blower for me. It was amazing that I got the original Schebler Alchy carb that was on my Climber when Larry bought it from A.W. French in 1941. But, as I dug through the boxes of paper work I came across a picture of the bike from that year where the carb and modified air scoop are clearly visible...and then I found this letter from the Engineering Department at the Harley-Davidson Factory dated March 18, 1941. I read the letter and when I got to the last paragraph I realized that I was holding the actual Schebler carb that was being discussed in that 1941 letter...Un Friggin' Real! All of this from 1941 the year Larry bought the bike from A.W. French!

Every time I sift through this pile I am amazed at what was saved and the history it represents!

Still diggin'....

A Hill Climber's History - A.W. French and the OHV Letter

2011-11-15T17:38:00.005-05:00

Q&A by Uncle Frank held a treasure!

The receipt for the OHV Hillclimb Motor 1953
"Paid in Full Willard Bryan" (Famous Champion Hillclimber partner at AD Farrows H-D)

The letter from A.W. French AKA Frenchy to Larry Franz Sr.

A.W. French 1949 with the OHV engine in his bike!

(Thanks to his son Tom French for the photo)

Treasure! I was thumbing through a copy of Q&A by Uncle Frank that I got with all the stuff I acquired from Jerry Franz recently. There were various papers in the book and a letter. It turns out that the letter was from A.W. French to Larry Franz giving him pointers on setting up the OHV engine Larry had recently (Jan 1953) bought from Willard Bryan at A.D. Farrows H-D in Columbus Ohio. These three names are synonymous with Championship Hillclimbing in the 30's 40's and 50's.

Now if you read my previous posts on Hillclimers you'll see that one of my bikes belonged to Larry and before that Frenchy, who both won National Championships on it, so this letter has special meaning to me. The clincher was finding the receipt for the motor from 1953 Signed "Paid in Full -Willard Bryan"!

I love the instructions Frenchy gives to Larry and the diagrams he draws of where to cut the frame. Even throwing an after thought on the back of the envelope! COOL!

There is a bunch of other cool notes and info mixed in the pages of this book that I need to study...gear ratios, etc.

I love this stuff...

1951 Buick Fixin's

2011-11-12T12:40:00.002-05:00

Time me!

Radiator - Before

Generator - Before

After...

After 15 Minutes...tops

What a pleasure to work on! Literally 15 minutes and the radiator (two hose clamps and six bolts) and generator (three bolts, two nuts and a screw) were out and on the ground!

Shit I even took my time.

The old Buick has been over heating and not charging so it was time for a little maintenance...

Veteran's Day! Part 2

2011-11-11T15:59:00.001-05:00

All of the above from the same Oct-Nov 1945 Enthusiast Magazine as my previous post.

Thanks Vets!

Veteran's Day!

2011-11-11T08:33:00.008-05:00

My good friend, WWII Veteran (now deceased) and H-D dealer in Bound Brook NJ Otto Williams.

Otto helped me out immensely when I was a kid building my first Knucklehead...

This pic is from the Oct-Nov 1945 Enthusiast Magazine.

Thanks Otto and all the Vets!

Hudson Valley NY Chapter - Tribute Story Part 2

2011-11-08T10:05:00.005-05:00

Here is part 2 of the article from the Hudson Valley Chapter AMCA news letter on Drag racing in the 50s. I pulled a few bits on on choppers and posted them earlier.

Enjoy...

Same bike Same kid 20 years later...

2011-11-07T09:13:00.003-05:00

My middle son came home from college this weekend and we were looking through old pictures. I had him take a picture with the '47 FL 20 years after the first one was taken.

How to Chop a Panhead (and Flathead) March 1954!

2011-11-05T09:18:00.005-04:00

These instructions are dated March of 1954 and is the earliest reference I have found using the term "Choppers". In this case it is used to describe the people doing the "chopping". This is possibly the coolest thing I've seen!
March 1954 Cycle Magazine reprinted in the Hudson Valley News Letter "Rusty Rides".
The letter from Jim McCauly (who I have met and is a good friend and mentor to my friend Dan Henke) is also priceless and uses the term Chopped cycles...
Hey these are all East Coasters!!!

Vargo Dragstrip Mid 60's - More footage!

2011-11-03T20:37:00.001-04:00

Vargo Dragstrip Perkasie, Pennsylvania 1966 Home Movies

2011-11-03T20:26:00.001-04:00

Devil's Angels 1967

2011-11-03T14:20:00.003-04:00

I was popping through the cable box "On Demand" Free Movies the other night and noticed they added 4 old biker movies. Devils Angels was one. Great bikes, basic plot. Roll into small town, sheriff and towns people, silly local girl goes back to the camp, thrown out of town, come back en mass mayhem ensues...Like I said, great bikes!

VARGO Dragstrip Reunion! This Saturday!

2011-11-02T07:32:00.004-04:00

This years show is Saturday 11/5/11
8:00am - 4:00pm

It's been over 40 Years Since it Closed!
If it ran at Vargo, it gets a special spot... bring it!

AGA Farms 1333 Elephant Road Perkasie, PA 18944

The site of the old Vargo Dragstrip which is still there! This is out in the middle of farm land in Bucks County PA.

Check out my previous posts on Vargo for pics from Nov 2009 it will also be the two year anniversary of when I got nailed by a hit and run driver down the road from Vargo...good times!

Check out the link below...

http://www.vargodragway.com/

Krazy Kevin Chopper Show (Thanks Ernie and Mary)

2011-11-01T16:06:00.004-04:00

Email and pictures from Ernie and Mary Barkman:

"The Long Island Krazy Kevin Bike show was a great turnout, with around 70 bikes in the tribute. Even though we had around 1 inch of snow on Saturday, we had good weather with temps around 50 degrees and sunshine on Sunday. Around 300 cars, food vendors, a band, car and motorcycle parts vendors too. "

I'm sorry I missed it!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:30:00.002-04:00

October 29th??????

2011-10-30T21:44:00.005-04:00

Saturday Night

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning

Unfriggin' Real!!! A massive snow storm in October. The whole Northeast got hammered. I just got my power back from yesterday afternoon, but there are plenty of folks still without it. Trees are down everywhere. I fired up the '52 Servi-Car Saturday around 5 pm and me and Kelly went for a spin. It was snowing like a bastard out there. We hit a couple of local taverns that were operating on candle and lantern light. Everyone was in great spirits. It was a great time and the Servi performed flawlessly as usual. Man I love this bike!!!!

Hudson Valley NY Chapter - Tribute Story Part 1

2011-10-28T18:25:00.002-04:00

Here is a great series of articles from The Hudson Valley Chapter News Letter. Check out Part 1. Part 2 is scanned and ready to post soon. We'll all have to wait for the rest!

Check it out...

57 Pan History

2011-10-26T09:14:00.003-04:00

"Hen Shit" in all his splendor! (mid 80's)

Pic by Pulsating Paula

Makes a nice profile...

Pic by Pulsating Paula

Kenny after a few changes (late 80's)

Pic by Pulsating Paula

Current configuration as it appeared in GKM issue 15

Pure Gold! To me anyway. I stumbled across these pictures on the internet that Pulsating Paula took back in the 80's. I never thought I would find a picture of "Hen Shit" on the 57 Pan!

Reader's Digest Version: I assisted my friend Kenny in the purchase of this 57 Pan from another friend of mine"Hen Shit" in the Mid to late 80's. I then loaned him parts and helped in the reconfiguration to a Fatbob Ape Hanger style. Panhead Ed did the motor and other work in the late 80's early 90's. Kenny road the piss out of this Pan for many years and then it sat in a shed for many years. I got it (and my parts) back in 2006. I changed a few things like the rear fender, seats, speedo, etc. and have (along with my sons) been riding it for the past 5 years.

You can read the story in GKM Issue 15 if the mag is still available. Guy is on issue 23 currently.

There are previous posts on the Blog giving details about the bike and the stuff I did to it over the past few years.
The Pictures of "Hen Shit" are priceless! I have not seen or heard from him in 20 years...He was one of a kind.

No particular reason...

2011-10-24T15:57:00.001-04:00

What are they teaching these kids!

2011-10-22T18:22:00.004-04:00

My daughter is up from Jersey with me this weekend. She's a junior in High school. She was doing her home work so I looked over her shoulder and to my surprise I see a Danny Lyons picture of an Outlaw crossing the Louisville Bridge! (side note: my mother sent me a post card with that same picture when I was a teenager).

Was this a photography class? No, it was history. The author of the book used this picture to show an example of a typical Juvenile Delinquent of the period...

Period Correct...

Feeling Nostalgic...

2011-10-21T20:06:00.003-04:00

My first Knuckle (47FL) on a ride to NY State in '84

I built it from scratch in '83 just before I turned 20.

My tanks from my first Knuckle

My fenders and wheels from my first Knuckle

A few more do dads were added over the years

Hey! Even my handlebars from my first Knuckle!

I was feeling nostalgic looking at pictures of my first knucklehead which I built in 1983 just before I turned 20 in the summer of that year...Ah, those were the days...wait a minute...they still are!!!

The motor and trans are in my Red&White Bob Job that I still ride all the time. I started looking around and realized that I still had all the parts from that first Knuckle with the original white paint from 1983 when I built it! They were scattered around but I dug up most of them. Then I got to thinking...I have a freshly rebuilt (fancied up) 47 Hot Rod Knuckle Motor that would go right into the Bob Job...What if I took my original Knuckle motor and trans and reunited them with the rest of the parts from that bike!

Who says you can't go home again!

Big George and "Brand X"...Happy Birthday!

2011-10-17T19:55:00.004-04:00

The day started off great at breakfast

Cotter pin gone...near death experience...

Mechanics wire...problem solved...or so we thought

I always liked Red Heads...

2011-10-13T20:20:00.003-04:00

I always wanted a Knucklehead chopper with red heads and cylinders...I can't remember why...I think I saw one when I was a kid...
I really should finish something before I start something else...aaaahhh fuck it...

GKM 23 is in!

2011-10-12T17:58:00.001-04:00

I always loved "Broken Nose Girl"...

http://greasykulture.bigcartel.com/category/magazines

Labels...

2011-10-11T13:53:00.003-04:00

After a few years of Blogging I finally figured out what "Labels" are...slow learner... I started labeling posts in categories to make it easier for me to find. I only got two done, AMCA Meets and Hillclimber. They are over to the right just above Blog Archive...

Why?

2011-10-09T18:00:00.006-04:00

Why not...put a Nitro burning heavily modified former-Pro Hillclimb Harley in the living room? I want to stare at it for a while...

At this point he kids don't even "bat an eye" they just help guide them through the kitchen...

Knuckleday

2011-10-08T18:47:00.002-04:00

After a ride on each

Running throttle cable

Found an appropriate overhead oil line

I spent the day working on Knuckles. First was the 41 FLTT, finishing up the carb linkage, throttle control, cable, etc. Made sure the tank fit properly with the cable routing...getting close. Then I was distracted by my Red&White 47FL which had a dead battery...Fixed.

Then it was off to the 46FL to replace the overhead oiler line that had cracked and another dead battery...Fixed.

These Harley 6 Volt batteries have been giving me some problems lately!

Oh yeah I also got on the 47 and 46 for some quality time as well.

Great Day!

I realized when I looked at the top picture that my youngest kids '95 Chevy S10 is newer then my Ford van ('94)...for that matter all three of my kids cars are newer then my van...get a new one...nope, runs like new!

KRAZY KEVIN CHOPPER SHOW - Long Island NY Oct 30, 2011

2011-10-08T12:55:00.001-04:00

Long Island NY October 30 2011. Be there if you can!!!

Mary & Ernie will be there...Mary will bring her 1952 Harley Bobber, Ernie will bring his 1947 Harley Dragbike.

Rhinebeck 2011 Memories

2011-10-07T13:32:00.003-04:00

A slight scuffing...but none the worse for wear...

Arno and Company

Krazy Kevin Chopper Show Trophies

Thanks to Ernie and Mary for sending me these pics from Rhinebeck this year.

Salty Knuckle

2011-10-06T10:38:00.001-04:00

Duo - Slides...

2011-10-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

Jefferson 2011 - Mud and Remembrance

2011-10-04T09:22:00.012-04:00

The Hill

Remembering Steve Ciccalone

Dave Minerva's original paint 36 EL...They don't get any better!

A restored 36 EL

I love this Forty...

Mike's barn fresh Duo-Glide (For Sale)

Rick's 30 VL (For Sale)

That Forty again...sold...

An NOS 41-46 WL gas tank I scored!

Me old "Dirty Nine" living up to it's name...

Jefferson 2011's theme was 75 years of Knuckleheads and Knuckleheads came out of the woodwork! One of the most notable was Dave Minerva's original paint 36 EL. I have known this bike for decades and it was great to see it out again! There were tons of cool parts, great people, great bikes, adult beverages and food (I ate at least a dozen oyster sandwiches!). The area is great for riding old bikes and there is a state park right up the road. It's also about 15 miles from the Harley-Davidson Factory in York PA (where they were having an opened house last weekend).

The meet had somewhat of a solemn tone due to the passing of Steve Ciccalone just two weeks prior. Steve ran this meet flawlessly for many years and was sorely missed by all. The folks from the Chesapeake Chapter that inherited the task of pulling the meet together at the last minute did a great job...my hat is off to them all.

As has been the case for the last few years, the mud was abundant and proved challenging for some and pure enjoyment for others. The club backhoe was working non-stop pulling out vehicles and spreading stone. The mud was from the previous rainfall and the weather was actually great and the sun was out Thursday and Friday.

Jefferson remains one of my favorite AMCA meets of the year!

Serious Dude - Cool Pipes

2011-10-03T12:46:00.001-04:00

And how about those trousers!

Jefferson 2011 - Marty's 1950 Pan TT

2011-10-02T19:09:00.007-04:00

Front mounted mag, shaved cylinders with bolt on reinforcements

TT Oil side tank

Spaced up Trans

Marty brought out the 50 Pan TT he's been working on for the past year. Check out the abundance of cool shit that makes up this machine. Pay close attention to the cylinders and the reinforcements around the shaved bases. Other notables include the trans spaced up 1 1/4 for clearance, the front mounted chain drive mag the right side oil tank, etc. etc.
Man this thing runs strong!
Much more Jefferson 2011 to come...

Nicely Trimmed Down...

2011-10-02T09:39:00.003-04:00

Thanks for the pic Rick.

A Taste of Jefferson 2011 - Knuckleheads!

2011-10-01T20:03:00.004-04:00

Just returned from the Jefferson PA Meet. Lotsa mud, lotsa good times and lotsa Knuckleheads!! The theme was 75 years of Knuckleheads.

Above are pics of the most bazaar knuckle motor at the meet. A 1940 with some kind of aircraft(?) cylinders ...wild!

I have more Jefferson pics to blog later...taking the 50 Pan out for a cold rainy ride tonight...

41 FLTT - Screws and Cables

2011-09-29T07:43:00.002-04:00

Four special screws to hold the Military deflector

Cable fishing

I'm getting really close with this one. Some pics from the other day. I'm just about ready to bolt the tanks on for good and fill 'em with fuel...just about...

Knuckle Tappet Guides

2011-09-28T07:35:00.003-04:00

Early on the left...late on the right (beveled).

I am not sure when exactly the transition was made or why, but I've narrowed it down. I checked out a nice original 40 motor and it had the early style. I saw a restored 42 on Matt Olsen's blog with the late style (beveled). I have two 41's and one has the late and one has the early. I am sure that Matt Olsen could clear this up for me.
I originally figured they changed when the pushrod tubes changed in 1940 but that does not appear to be the case.

Job Hunting...

2011-09-27T08:57:00.000-04:00

Kids...

"Dirty Nine" To The Rescue...kinda...

2011-09-25T16:28:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful Fall Day today. I took a ride out through the country on the Old "Dirty Nine". I was cruising along a back road and came upon a car in a ditch with a long haired kid and the home owner standing around looking puzzled. The kid had seen a stereo and speaker out by the road and pulled in for a closer look. He backed right into the ditch. His rear wheel completely off the ground. He said he called his friend to come pull him out. To make a long story short the friend turned out to be a good friend of my youngest son and they all new each other. I hung around and helped get him out and continued on my way. It was a great weather day in PA and the "Dirty Nine" ran like a dream!

Military Air Cleaner/Carb Connection

2011-09-23T12:04:00.004-04:00

This seems to work and in this position clears the Choke Lever.

Lappin' it... The needle and seat that is...

2011-09-21T22:07:00.004-04:00

Valve Grinding Compound and a Rubber Ducky Float

Lapped and ready for assembly

Now I'm getting somewhere. I lapped the needle and seat with valve grinding compound and assembled/installed the Linkert on my 41 FLTT. I used an old style Flathead thumb choke lever. It looks cool, works great and eliminates the cross over stuff. Now I just have to figure out a period "Bird Deflector" that will work with it....

Brooklyn Invitational 2011

2011-09-18T09:53:00.010-04:00

Guy (Greasy Kulture) Bolton and I

Capt. Cal and father Joe

Max's Knuckle

A LOVE Machine...

Just in case

Well Kelly and I hit the Brooklyn Invitational again this year. I got a chance to meet folks I've only corresponded with through this box. It was great to finally meet Guy Bolton of Greasy Kulture. We have known each other for years through the mag, email, blog ...but never face to face. I also got a chance to meet Jeremiah of LOVE cycles Phoenix AZ, Capt. Cal (Jersey)and his dad Joe who I knew in the early 80's.

It took forever to get outta Brooklyn last night but we finally made it back to PA.

Oh yeah, I forgot my friggin' camera so I had to use my cell phone. Of course that was set wrong so all the pics are small...oops...

Steve Ciccalone - Rest In Peace my friend...

2011-09-16T20:23:00.009-04:00

I stole this pic from http://hendersonkj.com/

I can't believe what I heard on the phone tonight...

I got some very bad news tonight. My good friend Steve Ciccalone passed away today. I don't have any more info then that. Steve was the absolute best. I just talked to him last week and he was looking forward to enjoying a "Life Giving Lager" with me at Jefferson in a couple of weeks...

Steve served as the National Meet Coordinator for the AMCA until a few years ago and was the smiling face you would see first when entering the gate at the Jefferson PA meet.

I have never met a nicer person then Steve. What a loss...

Fond Fairwell...

2011-09-16T14:39:00.003-04:00

It was time to send my old dead 6 volt batteries to the scrap yard (and one 12 Volt tractor battery that came in a 72 Shovelhead)... 20 in all.

I have saved these batteries forever. I even moved them to PA from Jersey! There are six Wisco batteries in the bunch that I bought NOS when I was 20!

I did save one old 60's Harley-Davidson Battery for the hell of it...just couldn't let it go...

Stanley Miller and his 36 EL

2011-09-15T19:27:00.003-04:00

I was perusing Matt Olsen's Blog and saw the update he did on Stanley Miller's accident and condition (struck by a deer). I see Stanley every year at Wauseon but do not know him well. I snapped this pic of him on his 36 EL at Wauseon this year. He rides that 36 Knuckle in from Texas!
Get well soon!

41 FLTT Exhausted

2011-09-12T16:38:00.002-04:00

A simple two into one with a Slash Cut Straight pipe.

A Knucklehead with a bad motor?

2011-09-12T06:59:00.003-04:00

I joke around about a UL being a Knucklehead with a bad motor, but I actually love these things...had this 47 U since I was a teenager. If you notice...there is no rear brake drum. I stole it for my 47 FL this past weekend. Now I'll have to put another rear brake set up together for the U.