Friday, August 29, 2014

Harley Hoarder

Noot's comment in a previous post prompted this photo
You can't see them but there's nine Harleys in this photo...  what's the space in the middle for?...  the shovelhead dresser was rolled out... and this is only about two thirds of the garage.

What's in your Garage? 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

The Chrome Frame Chronicles, Done but never Done

Here's some photos of the chrome frame bike's progress from last Jan. and Feb. I did post a shot of Joe riding it at Kern river in May but never posted these.
 Joe tries it out for size as Steve Sharp looks on.

 Listening to that V-Twin music. Note the primary pulleys.

 It ain't easy to shoot a long bike in a cramped garage.

It's now what you might call a running (and registered), mock up. It's going to go through a few modifications and fine tuning then some paint and chrome. 

I case you never quite got the connection, this is the same frame, rear fender, fuel tank, and seat pan that Dick Allen used on the Knucklehead in the post below. This bike has been through so many changes over the last 47 years. It truly lives up to the chopper motto, "Done but never Done."

Saturday, August 9, 2014

The Chrome Frame Chronicles, The Knucklehead

Here's Dick Allen's chrome frame chopper as a Knucklehead. This is the same bike as the famous picture of him standing by it when it was a Panhead. It's interesting to note that it was a Shovelhead when featured in Choppers Magazine which was before this photo was taken and it also didn't have a front brake at that time or these cool up sweep fish tails. The rear fender (only), is not flat black but is metallic dark grey which he ended up not liking. This bike changed hands (and engines), a few times and Joe Hurst has owned it a few times himself.  Joe currently has it back up and running as a Panhead but wants to change a few things before he detail's it. I've posted just about every version this bike has been through. One day I'll put them all chronologically in one post. It's a good example of how a chopper is really never done. Photo provided by Joe Hurst. 

Friday, August 1, 2014

Born-Free 6 Part 4 Some Other Bikes

Besides just choppers, there are always an interesting mix of other machines.
About as nice as they get.

Looks Crockerish.

Someone is having fun.

This original paint '63 was for sale. It's worn finish looks like it was begining to be sanded? It also has some recently applied ugly pink pinstripes to the tops of the fenders. 



Since I own a '70 I had to get a shot of this one still in original paint.

Like last year I spent much of the day hanging out with Dr. Sprocket, Craig Taylor and the guys from the Los Angeles chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Craig heads up the group and organizes the swap meet section of Born-Free.

An original paint '71 was also for sale. It has a few mods and looked a bit rougher in person. I know original paint bikes are desirable but don't think anyone is ready to shell out $15K for a cone shovel in this one's condition just yet.

The owner of this '68 thought he had an original paint bike. I hated to pop his bubble and Todd confirmed my opinion.


Other than some random shots, this will likely be the last post featuring multiple photos from Born-Free.