29 December 2011

2011 Recap

Just like for some, 2011 had it's ups and downs.  We lost a family friend to cancer, while another family member fought and beat cancer.  The boy started flag football (Joseph the Machine) and hopped on his first motorcycle ride by himself (Honda 50).  Our youngest daughter started pre-school, and our oldest daughter competed all the way to the New England Regionals for cheerleading.  A good friend suffered a stroke and overcame it with surgery.  The wife and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary.  I hesitantly sold one of my bikes, the 75 xlch (and still looking for another bike to replace it).  We bought a vacation place, and look forward to hanging with friends.
Life is about ups and downs.  I'm thankful for everything I have (health, family, friends).  I don't have any New Year resolutions.  I'll just say that I'm looking forward to riding more, learning to wrench more, spending more time with loved ones, sipping icy cold PBRs, and enjoying it all.

14 December 2011

Kickstart Karma



Walk to the bike, fingers crossed, say a prayer.
Ensure all the normal leaks are present.
Look for gearbox seal oil spot on the ground to ensure it has fluid.
Turn on the choke.
Kick the bike over a few times with the switch off to get it primed.
Spin it through until you get compression.
Turn the switch on.
Kick until you have to wipe the snot from your face.
Take a break to catch your breath, count the number of people who gathered around, try to look like this is standard procedure.
Realize you are now in middle of the street, roll the bike back onto the curb, that explains the horns blowing.
Try to act as if you don't notice the crowd snickering.
Think, must be flooded.
Turn off the choke.
Hold the throttle wide open.
Kick..kick...kick...
Notice new paint spots on the tank and realize your nose is bleeding.
Wipe the tears/snot/sweat/nose bleed combo from your face.
Swear.... at this point the word Shit is ok to use
Kick some more.
Swear....at this point the word Bitch is fine
Ignore the old man who says......you know, back in the day.......
Kick until you hear horns blowing again.
Swear.... at this point the word Fucker may be used
Don't even wipe, just swallow the combo.
Check the points.
Turn on the choke.
Hold the throttle WFO, kick until the neighbours wife says.......you don't look so good.
Wipe/swallow/swear
Check the plugs.
Turn off the choke.
Notice you never turned the gas on.
Swear.... you may now use the phrase 'Come on you C&#%'
Turn gas on.
Turn choke on.
Prime engine.
Threaten motorcycle.
KICK !!
Pick yourself up from the ground in front of motorcycle.
Put out the fire in the air cleaner.
Remember to retard the timing this go-around.
Turn on the ignition.
Kick.
Engine starts.......dies.
swallow.
Kick.....success
Check gas in tank, realize there is only about a quart, meaning you will have to go through this again in about 10 minutes.
straddle bike, look both ways for traffic, realize you are in the middle of the street again.
Ride away thinking........ screw those electric start pansies......I'm the real deal.

12 December 2011

Last minute Christmas list for...

...someone who's been good this year.  If you know someone like this, go out and make them happy.  Coincidentally, it looks just like my list.

Led Sled Custom's BELT TO CHAIN CONVERSION











Old Gold Garage's two-up version Cobra King Seat.
Patiently waiting for the 2005 fit.

























Stuff from the following places they want to support:
Death Machine Corpse
Show Class Magazine
Backstreet Buckets
Lowbrow Customs
Born Loser

Another helpful holiday guide from your friend, Evil, at The Rathskeller.

07 December 2011

Snap on, snap off, face protection


 Bubble Shields and Goggles found HERE




THESE ARE NEW, OLD STOCK! GOGGLES COME IN ORIGINAL BOX FROM 1950!

$20 EACH OR ANY TWO FOR $35.

WILL SHIP ANYWHERE.

04 December 2011

San Berdoo 1965

Photo montage of Bill Ray's photos taken on assignment for Life Magazine in 1965.  The Hells Angels of San Berdoo.