Make That Another Latte

2019 Indian FTR1200 Scout

I am amazed by the moto-cycles coming from Indian these days.  The Chief is a tank and really doesn't push my buttons.  The Scout on the other hand....................

The Scout might pass the Chief in sales if it already has not done so.  With the much anticipated FTR 1200 I can see Indians' sales going sky high.  This bike not only performs but it looks like a motorcycle is supposed to look.

The pure race FTR has a price tag of almost $50k which puts it out of reach for most of us mere mortals.. Hopefully it will be priced below $20k so it can actually be put to its intended use.  Rode hard and put up wet !!

Kenny Howard

For the last little while I have been thinking about buying a real motorcycle.. This may not sit well with all the bikers out there, but not all bikes can be counted on for real transportation.  I mean to actually start every time and get where they are going most of the time without manual assistance ( as in pushing or hauling).  When I talk about motorcycles it is in the context of vintage or antique bikes.  Most of the new stuff doesn't click for me.  However I am waiting for the new Indian Scout to come out for 2019.

Which brings me to Moto Guzzi Motorcycles...they were built to ride and be dependable.  Yes, they do need to be built correctly but after that they do their job. Not having to adjust a chain would be ok with me.  I'm just waiting for the right one to come along.  I owned an original V7 Sport but sold it on for the mighty dollar,  The ambassador and Eldorado are beautiful in an ugly sort of way.

Royal Signals Display Team

Clyde Calvin Drennen

This is a picture of my Dad when he was in his early twenties I would guess.  

He was an interesting guy....served in the Navy during WW2 in the  Pacific, was a State Highway Patrolman in North Dakota, a tire salesman ( and just about any other kind of salesman you can think of ) , sharpened hand saws, taught school, served in the Merchant Marines, had a shoe repair shop of his own, etc.   He traveled all over the world and was a great story teller.  He could sing quite well and he played the piano with a flourish.  He rode a 1940's Indian Chief Moto-Cycle when he was fresh out of the Navy.  Just about got killed on it and was permanently crippled in a bad accident. 

It is through him that I fell head over heals for motorcycles even though he never wanted me to have one.  He was a study in contradictions.. but he was still my Dad

Kind of sorta like his Chief... the color is right

BSA A65 Drag Bike

I love the uncluttered lines of this thing....

Built by Von Dutch

Supercharged Triumph Pre-Unit

It's Better

Harley Davidson K Model Update

It's been slow progress on my K Model project.  It was originally going to be a KHK but I found a beautiful set of 1953 K cases.  The K cases and KK cases are the same so I will attempt to build a hot rod 45" motor instead.  The same seller had a really nice set of cylinders, one perfect head and a real nice kicker cover and cam cover that he was gracious enough to sell me.

I wacked the rear fender to make it more streamlined and also had the front tubes shaved removing the fender brackets.  It may not be to everyone's tastes but I picture a race bike not a street bike.

The Late Great Mike Hailwood

Triumph TR5R

This is a very rare Triumph TR5R which is basically a road race 500cc bike.  Hot cams, high compression pistons, rearward sets, etc.  Love those pipes !
This an original paint bike that came out of the San Diego area, I've seen it in person and it is flat out cool