As you know, Motorcycles inspire me. I can see a bike roll past me on a foggy street and be inspired by it’s lines, the shape of the gas tank or the angry sound of the muffler in the dark. Recently, I spotted this BSA V-Twin and was inspired first by the fact that BSA […]
English V-Twin Classics Discovered Read More »
We’ve had some fun with Sinwu over the years. Since I’m a three-tour Vietnam Veteran many brothers are massively skeptical of Chinese folks and perhaps rightfully so. I’ve been to Hong Kong three times in the ‘60s and in 2001 I hit three cities in China while traveling around the world. I’ve always found the
A Tribute to Sex and Sinwu Read More »
We started a series of stories about why we chop. They are a blast, inspirational and enlightening. This one touches on two elements of the equation. Why we chop and something about the history of the chopper. There are two partners involved in this story and bikes. Both are partners in a Shop called Johnny
Chelsea GOB from Philly Read More »
Suddenly, we have two Girls of Bikernet coming to the Cantina. So, what’s the story line. I don’t have one, but I’ll tell you my thoughts and see where it leads. First, I was determined to write another Why Chop? story about a guy who builds his first chopper for love, romance or a girl.
The Minneapolis Blonde Read More »
This is going to be good, like the party of parties before the battle for freedom and America begins. I’ll stay between the white lines as I attempt to cover the rally and my first wild experience after relocating to the Black Hills and available for action every day. The constant hum of action prevailed
STURGIS 2022 RALLY REPORT Read More »
George A. Wyman made a name for himself as a bicycle racer, but he reached legendary status when, 119 years ago, he rode a motorized two-wheeler from San Francisco to New York to become the first person to cross the North American continent aboard an engine-powered vehicle. Wait, you might ask. Doesn’t that distinction belong
Bicycle Racer to Motorcyle History Legend Read More »
This is a story about the early motorcycle industry and one of the most magnificent startups unfortunately unable to survive, because of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The California earthquake of April 18, 1906, ranks as one of the most significant earthquakes of all time. Rupturing the northernmost 296 miles (477 kilometers) of the San
THE ONE AND ONLY MAGNIFICENT NELK Read More »
Bandit dismounted from his chopper and looked it over. The outline of the rugged San Bernardino mountains sliced a jagged silhouette into the fading sun. The blistering desert temperatures would drop significantly in the next two hours. Bandit pulled on his long sleeve shirt covered elbows stretching his back muscles to relieve the stress. Julio
Bandit’s Cantina Episode 99–Raising Fun or Raising Hell Read More »
Between Covid and multiple mandates, the Cantina business model imploded. It was no longer about food and parties. It was all about survival. Every Monday morning the staff met to discuss how to get through the next week. The Chinaman still cooked with his band of Hispanic refugees who were now a part of the
Bandit’s Cantina Episode 98: Mandate Madness Read More »
Editor’s Note: I read a book recently by Scott Adams the creator of Dilbert Cartoons called, “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big. It’s sorta the Story of his life, plus positive thinking suggestions, business rules and warnings, etc. I’ve read a ton of such books over the years, but reminders never
There was a rush of excitement for Xmas. All the kids involved in the parade came over in the afternoon to gather with local bikers, truckers, longshoremen and single mothers. Bandit made a big deal out of the day for everyone including his staff. The Chinaman enjoyed cooking for the crowd and Mandy, Margaret helped
Bandit’s Cantina Episode 97: Clay’s Christmas Read More »
Bandit felt depressed as he poured another Jack on the rocks and sat in his office pondering the future. His staff meandered around the Cantina looking forlorn and without purpose. The mayor of Los Angeles lowered more Covid inspired mandates on small businesses. Bandit and his crew were being strangled by the folks they elected
Bandit’s Cantina Episode 96: Bandit Lights a Xmas Fire Read More »
It was early 1970s most of us were young vets trying to get back in a society that didn’t want us. It was the bikes we rode that brought us together. A brotherhood was formed. We rode like there was no tomorrow. Each new day brought a breath of life of unknown territory. Which we
Just Another Weekend Read More »
It’s amazing what the artists come up with regarding concepts, ideas, colors, and layouts. This particular show was in Daytona at the Broken spoke & is a perfect example of the rest of their shows. Enjoy.
THE PEREWITZ PAINT SHOW Read More »
She just needed images to help launch her career, so I was game. You never know what’s going to show up, so I took the chance. I had a few friends bring over some classic hot rods and a bagger. When she arrived, I looked her over and couldn’t wait to start shooting.
COUNTRY GIRL WANDERS INTO MY STUDIO Read More »
Each year we feel blessed that we can once again visit the mother of all motorcycle rallies, Sturgis. I’m equally lucky to participate as a freelance photographer & often work directly for the Buffalo Chip. The friends I have there are some of the best I’ve ever met.
JACK SHOOTS THE BUFFALO CHIP, STURGIS 2021 Read More »
On August 26, in 1917, Alan Bedell left Los Angeles, California on his Henderson motorcycle arriving in New York City (3,296 miles) in seven days, sixteen hours and fifteen minutes later, breaking the record set by “Cannonball” Baker on an Indian Twin. The Henderson suffered just one flat tire, went through three sets of Champion
1917 HENDERSON ARRIVES IN NEW YORK CITY from LOS ANGELES Read More »
On this date, August 29, 1885, the world’s first motorcycle, the Reitwagen (“riding car”) or Einspur (“single track”), was patented. It was essentially a wooden bicycle, with foot pedals removed and powered by a single-cylinder, Otto-cycle engine. This invention is a key milestone in automobile history, as engines up until this point had only been
The FIRST MOTORCYCLE PATENT Discovered Read More »
This WW2 fire-fighting trike is the strangest, coolest thing we’ve seen all week. –Nile Bijoux During the early 1940s, pretty much every country that had manufacturing capabilities was working hard for their respective war efforts. Some were building planes, guns and tanks while others focused on the locals. That’s where this 1941 Kurogane Model 1
WW2 fire-fighting Trike Discovered Read More »
In August of 1897 Charles Metz announced that his Waltham Manufacturing Company was in the process of building a ten-seat machine, which he cleverly named the Oriten (“Ori- ent” plus ten seats equals “Oriten”). Two months later and twelve hundred dollars lighter, the Waltham Company introduced the Oriten to the public on the Waltham racetrack
Oriten ten-seater two-wheeled machine Read More »
Cover image provided by Barry Green
FINALLY, THE DIGITAL DISCOVERY ARCHIVES ARE RE-OPENED Read More »
Bandit couldn’t wait to peel back to the Cantina. He had a ton on his mind, but the ride felt good. The bike and his mental load lifted without the yipping Melody around, but there was way more. The highway up the Grape Vine blistered with heat but contained mild traffic. He leaned through the
Bandit’s Cantina: Episode 95 Read More »
