Born Free 4 Part 2 Some Ride In Bikes

Here's a few from the Ride-In-Field.

I rode in with Ironhead Ron and his 1958 XLCH. It was just completed a couple of days before the show. This bike is way more custom than a first glance might reveal. You could spend a lot of time pouring over it's many subtle details. I just may have to do a feature on it.


A nice (rode in), Pan. You can't go wrong keeping within this traditional style.


It takes some luck to find a knuck... like this. The story I was told: The guy just picked it up days before the show at a yard sale for $4k, got it running, and blew his friends minds when he showed up unannounced.


Nice potential, fun to ride as is.


This style kept getting my attention.


Very tidy. The paint alone made you come in for a look. Look how clean the bars are. Internal control with no signs of evidence. Handlebar grips for pegs is a different touch. The bike features an electric starter, so where's the battery?


This appeared to be a well kept survivor and yes, thats a Dick Allen springer.


Bob Jobs may just be my favorite all around style.


When I glanced this knice knuck out of the corner of my eye, it took a second to realize it was Love Cycles Jeri's.


Mr. Fugles wild ride. Sorry I missed meeting him. I never even saw his booth. There was just too much to catch it all!

More to come!

Case Closed

Here's an update on the post below.

I sent the punk a cease and desist letter and while doing so I had already received the following email from the offending party:

"Hello, Let me start by explaining I found your image on ffffound.com. (a link to your blog was not attached) I used your bike as a template basically drew over it creating a whole new image, shape by shape. I was not aware this was new work. I thought it was an old 70's drawing. nor did I do my research. My apologies if you feel I have stolen your work. For your information I did not make any money off of this poster. Now that I know where the original inspiration comes from I can give you credit".

FFFound.com is an image sharing site and have terms and conditions regarding copyright infringement. It is not a free use site.

"A whole new image?... original inspiration"?

A source of inspiration should not be so evident. Artist and designers all use reference materials so, I truly wouldn't have minded him using the image if he had at least made an honest attempt to make some changes to my art for the basis of his design.

After receiving the cease and desist he then wrote:

"Dont have a cow man. Its just a poster of a motorcycle. I did not print any of these. This was not commissioned. I have removed the image from facebook. This image was not reproduced or printed".

Sincerely, Copyleft. "all wrongs reserved"

"It's just a motorcycle poster." Maybe, but it shows how ignorant he is. If he had any real sense or creativity he wouldn't be so totally dismissive of the hours of my work that was the basis of his poster.


He attached this copyleft symbol to the email which is sort of a free use symbol. Even if you subscribe to the practice, you must grant the rights first.

I will not waste my time responding to his baited reply. Hopefully one day he will learn the error of his ways.

Sometimes It's a Bear

A reader brought this to my attention. Found on Facebook.

Since Removed

The guy is very proud of his poster. Said he worked on it all day. I can't leave a comment since I don't do Facebook.

It gets real old seeing your art hijacked. Not a bad idea, but did he have to so directly use my art as a template? Shucks, some of my original line work is still in tact. Somehow the C.Kallas MCart part got left off.

Am I a hypocrite? I admit I've tweaked a few Roth decals for the blog, but never to make money on or pass as my own art.

For Joe

While out of town in May, I made a point of capturing this.

I've driven this road many times, but for some reason it never clicked.


For those new to the blog, this was Joe Hurst's White Bear. Somehow this photo never got posted.


This may help you place the road's location.

Born Free 4 Part 1 The Invite Bikes

It was CRAZY! The show was so big I really didn't get the chance to photograph or check out every bike I would have liked to. I took 117 photographs (many were duplicates), but had to trash about 30 of them because they were just plain blurry. Partly due to having to get a quick shot before someone stepped in front of a bike. Those that tried to take photos will know what I mean.

I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get to meet or chat with many people too. Being asked to judge "Best Shovelhead" forced me to spend quite a bit of the day scouting out every Shovel that had potential.

Now some words about the Invited Builder's Bikes. Sorry I missed a few. They were all pretty impressive and I respect all of the builders talents even if I don't completely agree with their execution or tastes.

Some of the bikes would probably have come off better if they hadn't been so closely surrounded by so many other intense machines. I understand why, but also think putting the bikes right in front of the stage probably wasn't the best way to display them. That said, I know it's very hard to imagine the effect of the crowds before the gates opened.

About Judging and the results. If your invited a builder, you're already a winner. The show is all about fun so, Mike and Grant like to keep it pretty informal and except for best in show, put their trust in those they asked to make the choices.

One more thing before the pix. It's a vintage chopper show, but the two top winners weren't choppers! Some might bark.


Matt Olsen's highly modified 1947 Knucklehead took "Best of Show" and it might be a hard case to argue otherwise. The stance, tanks, taillight, and cut of the fender makes me think Crockerized Knucklehead.


Why did this bike win? The tanks and dash panel do some of the explaining.


Due to the crowds this was the best shot (not a very good one), I got of Max Schaaf's pan. I could tell it was his bike even before I read the show info stand. While many times black bikes get overlooked, I found the tank relief flames and gold striping very tasteful.


Once again Caleb of Cro Customs fetched the very high honor of "Builders' Choice" from his peers. I really like his choice of an opaque solid color (no pearl or flake). Caleb's is a smart guy and therefore knows it's a good idea to put your bike on a stand. From seeing bikes in the back of trucks to on lifts in shops, I've noticed how most bikes look even better when raised more towards eye level. Also, Note how good Max's bike looks (background) in this photo.


This wild Knucklehead built by Michael Barragan of Evil Spiritwas was the first bike to catch my eye as I approached the Invited Builders area. It reminded me of the extreme bikes I drew when I was a kid. If the show bikes were judged strictly on being choppers, it might very well have deserved top honors. I believe it won "Best Knucklehead". Strangely, it was one of three bikes featuring rigid forks. What were the odds of that?


A very nice '48 Flatty by Joe Lingley.


Jeff Leighton's latest is a clean and sanitary chopped 1965 Panhead. Somehow I knew he wouldn't win "Best Paint".


The other half of the Wretched Hive, Dave Polgreen entered the only digger in the bunch. It's has a light and jewel like look. I love the highly polished drive train.


Speed Metal's entry. The crowd made it very difficult to get the whole length of these long bikes in frame.


Andy Carter/Pangea Speed. While not normally what I go for, I was surprised how well this mix of styles came off. Probably due to good integration of details and finishes. I wish I got a shot of the turbo charger with it's very cool exhaust casting. Does anybody know what the (metal sprayed?), finish is that was used throughout?


You could also tell this was Rene Astengo's (of Dago's Speed Shop), bike. He always builds them clean and uncluttered.


Brandon Casquillo of Mullins Chain Drive got my choice for "Best Shovelhead". While I usually prefer an older style, the details of fabrication, use of 12 point fasteners, and his choices of metal finishes, really came off nicely. The photo doesn't do it justice.


If this bike by Todd Asin didn't get "Best Triumph", it should have. Tight and light is the way I like 'em.


This ShoVeL by Shawn Donahue just keeps growing on me. Love the color.


Bacon brought out this long bike and wowed everybody with it's detailed and polished water cooled Drake Knucklehead. It was probably the longest of the long bikes.


Wil Thomas' Sportsters featured a very unusual spaced out alien girl paint job. The stance is accented by the pipes and the Sugar Bear forks.


Steve Buchanan's very nice Panhead usually had a crowd around it so I hopped up on stage to get a clear shot. I'm told the interesting risers are from an antique exercise machine.

Hat's off to Mike and Grant for once again throwing the mother of all shows. The next day I could only think one thing... NOW WHAT?!!!

This Month's Header...

is a combination of the last two Julys.

I really liked the way these both came out and thought it's a shame to never use them again.

2010's Header showed the 4 categories of bikes I like to feature but, needed some tweaks and the fireworks of last year's to spruce it up.

Ironhead Ron's Born (Free) Again XLCH

This story is much like the tale of the mythical Phoenix and it's ability to be reborn from its own ashes.


Ron pays tribute to his new incentive. A fitting coincidence since the colors of the bike match the Born-Free logo.

Ironhead Ron built this '58 XLCH several years ago (in this basic form), but dumped it while goofing around off road. Later, he took it's heart, and around it built a rigid frame blaster that ended it's riding days in a much worst fate. The kind of episode in which one wakes up in a hospital with many months of rehabilitation to look forward to.

Not your typical Harley's set of bars. Ron has no qualms about borrowing from other sources.

Once well enough to turn a wrench, Ron returned to building 3 of his other bikes. He hated the reminder, so the wrecked '58 rigid sat at one side of the garage under a blanket for about 3 years. The original damaged swing arm roller sat at the other side.


Maybe we should call him Socket Head Ron. He definitely has a thing for Allen head bolts

Since three other projects were in the works, he figured one day he would throw the engine back into swinger and sell it to help fund the other projects. Then, two things happened. 1. Ron can't just throw a bike back together without a ton of additional mods. 2. Born-Free 4 became a great incentive to get it done.


It's hammer time!


Cool oil filter (pun intended). Did I mention Ron likes Socket Heads?


Ron likes to file, shave and detail every inch of his machines. Note the socket head axle and drilled axle spacer.


It's an easy bet scenes like this are taking place in numerous garages (in the wee hours of the night), right up to show time.


The Mythical Phoenix

For Ron, Born Free 4 represents a double rebirth. Sort of a coming out celebration of man and machine, since both haven't seen the wind for 3 years.

Chopping Then and Now

Lance sent this picture of his uncle from the glory days of chop 'in.

It's a really nice home grown chop and swing arm chops are harder to do. Note the lowered shock mount on the swing arm. All work including the paint was done by his Uncle. Lance says it from the late 60's but from the looks of several things (like the bobbed shirt), I d guess it's more likely from around 1970-72.


I guess it's in the family blood. Lance has his own plans and says he'll build a Buzzard/David Mann inspired bike with this recent find.

This Month's Header Born-Free 4

For many of us M/C types, the month of JUNE has come to mean one thing above all else, BORN-FREE!

Born-Free math: 2+2=4. Since 2 69'ers (1 stock and 1 chopped), are to be given away, this seemed appropriate.

If for some freaking reason you have no idea what I'm talking about, click here: http://bornfreeshow.blogspot.com

The reason for this latest of late all time headers: I was out of town the entire month of May and the first part of June. I kept the blog going by posting a few ready made drafts from a remote location but, could not create a new header for June until now.

Black Bear Now

Here's how Black Bear sits today. It's had various dodads added since the time Joe owned it. It really just needs some TLC and tweeks to get back on the road. Needs some of those dodads removed too.

Could use a better fitting seat.


That tank panel has to go!

In the Pink 1972

Crowned, Americas Best Chopper (I believe at the Oakland Roadster Show 1972). The bike pretty well somes up the early 70's chopper ideal with features not all that common today. Stuff like pull backs and very long forks. In this case, rigid forks. Forks were getting so long and raked that many decided front suspension didn't work well anyway. Small brakeless 16 and 17 inch front wheels were the craze. No self respecting chopper didn't feature a molded frame. You had to have as much chrome as possible which sometimes (like here), included touches of gold. Pinks, magentas, and violets were much more common than on bikes seen now. Riding 2 up seemed a lot more common too. Oh yeah... rider and passenger in slick dress.

The Big Bang

Anyone who's been into the custom H-D scene for a long of time will certainly know the name Gary Bang. As a matter of fact, there was a time (in SoCal), if you walked into any Harley dealer or custom bike shop, practically the only aftermarket parts you'd see on the walls were Gary's in their familar orange and yellow packaging.

Stumbling upon this box in my garage prompted this post. It's from a FL rear wheel brake cylinder purchased at Motorcycles Only in 1992. Remember them? That's where I bought my '70. I kept the box since I thought the graphic was cool. The good old days. Not only made in USA but California to boot!

The Bang family has been into motorcycles as long as long as motorcycles themselves have existed. I believe Gary's grandfather tinkered with building a motorcycle even before Mr. Harley and the Davidson brothers came up with their own first motobike.

An ad from Street Chopper circa 1972.

For many years you'd still see Gary at swapmeets (like Long Beach), selling parts from his big yellow delivery truck. Then one day I realised, you don't see him there anymore. So, about a year ago, I Googled his name and found that not only is he still around but, he and his family have operated an H-D dealer in Atascadero, CA for the last 20 or so years.

The 3 images below are enhanced photos from his website that are no longer posted.

Here's an old picture of Gary. I believe he was a distributor of these popular sissybars. I had one on my first Sportster and bought another one at the swap meet a few years back.

Some of Gary's old pals.

Some of you might recongnize this trike. It's the trike from the cover of the 2nd issue of Big Bike magazine.

The Force Was With Him

A while ago, Joe Hurst sent me some scans (magazine unknown), of one of Nez's bikes he really dug.

While diggers or Crazy Frank fenders aren't at the top of my list (I might get flak for that), this thing is pretty damn cool. Especially when you consider when it was built.


Joe likes performance so it's natural, he likes it. One thing he really liked, is the VL style ibeam forks with the dampened springs. It probably doesn't hurt that the paint job is sort of White Bearish in color and style.


This almost identical photo from the Kid Duece' collection looks like it was taken during the magazine shoot. What's up with that?

Enquiring minds want to know. The Force, obviously built after Star Wars (1977), shares a number of similarities with this bike built earlier by AEE in 1974. Digger style chassis, check... Bodywork, check... Supercharger/Blower, check... Springer, check. Now, I like Nez's bike much more but, it begs the question, was he influenced by the AEE bike?

Joe Hurst's Black Bear

Anyone who has been following the blog has seen several of the bikes that Joe built over the years. I always tell Joe, you need a program to follow what bike was what, which version, and the years to keep track of them all. As a matter of fact, between this bike and the last few versions of the chrome frame bike, there were a couple versions of his red bike which I haven't posted yet. Except for having H-D 9 spoke mags and a Sportster tank, the red bike was very similar to this black bike.


If I remember correctly this is from 1995. Joe never call it Black Bear. That's just what I think is an appropriate name for it.




It's a very purpose built bike. That purpose being function and performance. It was sold to a friend many years ago yet still exist and for the most part, is totally intact.

To see all of Joes' bikes, photos and related stories, click on the Joe Hurst label below.