March Issue 182

Rolling In to Spring

5

8-9

12-15

16

18

20-21

By Dennis Reynolds

By Wesley Reyneke

Cover Photography By Grange Simons Lucas III

Edited Cover

By Nicole CGW, Editor-in-Chief

I love shots of people riding! And I thought this was a fun picture. With Spring, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter kicking off in March, a burst of color on the cover would only be fitting! Smile for the camera, you never know….

On The Cover

Photography By Grange Simons Lucas III

Let me introduce myself if y'all aren't familiar with either myself or my work , my name is Grange Simons Lucas 111 , my family has lived in the Low Country of South Carolina from 1680's onward, it's been my pleasure to have covered events over the years for major news networks from local , national , political in my capacity as a Photo - Journalist, also as aMarine & Industrial Surveyor, for clients a Producer Consultant for clients advertising accounts. Over the last many years I've had the pleasure of covering events in the South East from Charity's Clay Shoots , Poker & Memorial Runs , Bikers Against Bullies & Child Abuse, Shriners Outings, ABATE of Ga & South Carolina , Golf Tournaments Jr & Pro Ams Events, Law Enforcement Runs Events to also Reunions Military (Retired & Active), weddings only if I am paid up front

& the mother of the bride is medicated or heavily drinking.

For myself & Carolina Chrome Magazine, in my capacity have become friends with those whom I can say are the finest group of individuals in the riding community that I've had the pleasure to have been associated with & known, my goal is , via photography, to show the positives contabution that riders & those who contributed to those events give to their individual communities which is overlooked, giving back more than they as a whole receive. As always, if there is a situation where my Photographic Services could be needed please, feel free to reach out to me via Facebook P M, Email: gslucas3@ gmail.com, or just give a call 843-714-5816 .

Sincerely,

Grange Simons Lucas 111 Photo Journalist

Original Photo

Grange Simons Lucas III

Bike

Photography

Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III

Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III

A Visit To A New Museum In Greer, Sc!

Article & Photos By Wally Wersching

I had been riding a 1983 Harley FXRT for fifteen years with no real issues. Then the transmission main shaft broke twice, and I knew I needed a more reliable bike. I wanted a new Harley but there was a long wait, and no choice of color when it did come in. I decided to buy a BMW, went to Touring Sport in Greenville, and bought a blue R1100R off the showroom floor. I rode the heck out of that bike, and enjoyed every minute. During that time I acquired many BMW sales brochures, and had them stored in a box in my closet.

Last weekend, I met a biker who told me about a relatively new museum in Greer that specialized in BMW’s. It is sponsored by the BMW Car Club of America Foundation. He said that now they had a motorcycle exhibit until the end of the year. It is called the Ultimate Driving Museum. The motorcycle exhibit is called BMW Motorcycles a Century of Innovation. I decided to go there, and donate my box of my BMW stuff.

Last Wednesday, I left home at a little after noon heading south to I85. I exited at Rt 101, and went north. I was told there were signs to guide me. I saw a sign on the right, turned right, and drove up the road for a while but didn’t see any more signs. I drove around the back roads for a while until I ended up on Rt 80 north of the BMW plant and everything else. I drove back to the road that I turned on, and read the sign. It didn’t really say anything special just the name of the museum and an arrow. I drove slowly in the direction of the arrow looking on both sides of the road. Then I saw another sign on the left, and turned left. The Museum was a short way up the road.

I started taking pictures of all the bikes that interested me – not the new ones though. I can go to a dealership to see those.

After WWI, the peace treaty of Versailles stopped BMW from making any more airplanes so they had to decide what to make to stay in business. They decided on motorcycles for a start. The first bike rolled out the assembly line in 1923 – the R32. The Ultimate Driving Museum has a 1926 R32 – one of the latest versions of the R32. It is a very interesting motorcycle. The rear brake has a brake shoe on the outside of a metal ring. It is shaft drive with a boxer twin flathead engine producing 8.5 HP.

As I took pictures and read the info cards, I realized that many of the bikes came from only a few owners. One was Bob Henig from Bob’s BMW in Jessup, Maryland. He has a BMW Museum there. Another place to lend the museum their bikes was BMW NA Classic in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Most of the rest of the bikes on display were from private collectors.

I walked in the front door with my box of BMW stuff and met Christine, the Operations Director. I showed her what was inside the box, and she was overjoyed. Then she led me into the museum. I didn’t have to pay the $12.00 entrance fee.

Inside the museum, I was surprised to see so many BMW Motorcycles. There were a couple cars too but mostly bikes from the 1920’s to new ones. Every bike had an info card alongside it with all kinds of information like the bike’s specs, who owns the bike, and for how long.

One caught my eye. “Ugly Helga” is a 1981 R80 G/S that was ridden around the world twice by Dr. Gregory Frazier from 1997 to 2000. He even loaned his riding gear to the museum. The bike looked like it could go on another round the world trip. It was very interesting to look at. There were many decals and stickers on the windshield and saddlebags from the different countries it visited.

Another interesting BMW was the Bob Chopper owned and built by Bob’s BMW. It started as a R1200C but heavily modified. I rode a R1200C back in the day but I didn’t like it. It was clunky, and not as smooth as my R1100R. I was told that it was built to get the Harley riders on a BMW; but it didn’t happen.

I walked around the museum a few times, and every time I did, I saw something that I missed the time before. I really could spend the entire day in there looking at all those interesting BMW motorcycles, and I’d still miss something.

Bob Chopper

Page Photos by Wally Wersching

Current SC Motorcycle Related Information

Legislative issues for the Second half of the Session starting in January 2024:

Do Pass H 3394 “SC Hands Free Act”

Distracted driving is our #1 priority. Passage of this would make driving with a cell phone in your hand illegal. Representative Bill Taylor introduced this bill, and it currently sits in the House Judiciary committee.

Members who are current co-sponsors:

-Representatives West, Chapman and Pope added their names as co-sponsors on January 10th.

-Representative M.M. Smith and Davis added their names as co-sponsors on February 1st.

-Representative Thayer added her name as co-sponsor on February 2nd.

-Representatives Bernstein, Wheeler and Bauer added their names as co-sponsors on February 21st.

-Representative Elliott added his name as co-sponsor on March 8th.

-Representative Robbins added his name as co-sponsor on March 29th.

-Representative Sandifer and Hartnett added their names as co-sponsors on April 4th.

-Representative McCabe added his name as co-sponsor on April 26th.

-Representative White added his name as co-sponsor on May 16th.

Do Pass S 375 “Increase Fines Reckless Driving”

Passage of this would increase the fines and time served for reckless vehicular homicide. Senator Massey sponsored this bill, and it is no in the Senate Judiciary committee.

Do Pass S 385 “Hazard Lights Move Over”

Passage of this would require the driver of a vehicle to move over if possible and slow down when approaching a stopped vehicle that has its hazard lights on the side of a road. This would make it a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $500. Senator Grooms sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the Senate in February with a vote of 41 ayes and 0 nays and is now in the House Judiciary committee.

Do Pass H 3168 “Antique Motorcycles Use at Night”

Passage of this would allow antique motorcycles to ride at night for certain purposes if they are equipped with working headlights and rear lights. Representative Chumley sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the House of Representatives in April with a vote of 100 ayes and 0 nays and is now in the Senate Transportation committee.

Do Pass H 3962 “Large Debris Falling from Vehicles”

Passage of this would make it illegal for large 2’ polyethylene pieces to fall from a vehicle in the roadways. Representative Trantham sponsored this bill, and it is now in the House Education and Public Works committee.

Do Pass H4712 “Yard Debris in Roadway”

Passage of this would make it illegal to willfully sweep, blow, move, place of otherwise deposit yard debris. Representative Ott sponsored this bill and it is now in the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs committee.

Monitor S 852 “DUI VIP Panel and Interlock” Passage of this would add more requirements for VIP Panel and does not change the motorcycle interlock exclusion. Senator Hutto sponsored this bill and it is now in the Senate Judiciary committee.

Do NOT Pass H4627 “Excessive Noise from Vehicles”

Passage of this would make a person may be charged for violating a noise ordinance. Representative Bernstein sponsored this bill and it is now in the House Education and Public Works committee.

Do Not Pass any legislation that may amend our current helmet law 56-5-3660

What is ABATE of South Carolina and what is our purpose?

We are a state motorcycle rights organization (SMRO). The purpose of ABATE of South Carolina is to form a not-for-profit association at the state level to protect the rights and liberties of motorcyclists and promote motorcycle awareness and voluntary motorcycle rider training.

What does ABATE stand for?

ABATE is an acronym that stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. The word “Totalitarian” as defined by Webster’s Dictionary: “Exercising control over the will or thought of others; authoritarian; autocratic”.

Do I need to be a Harley owner?

NO, ABATE is an advocate for the rights of all motorcyclists, regardless of what they ride.

Do I need to own a motorcycle to be a member?

NO, ABATE consists of all advocates of motorcyclists and motorcycling. The rights of which may be supported by anyone who wants to become a member.

Is ABATE a motorcycle club?

NO, ABATE of South Carolina,Inc. is classified as a 501c7 state motorcycle rights organization.

Is ABATE just about helmets laws?

NO, ABATE monitors all bills, laws, and regulations that impact motorcycling, including manufacturing, operation, training, environment, and awareness education.

Do I have to live in South Carolina?

NO, ABATE has many nonresident members. ABATE does not believe the rights of motorcyclists stop at the borderline. ABATE works with other state and national Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MRO’s) like the Motorcycle Riders Foundation to protect the rights and liberties of all motorcyclists.

Which chapter can I belong to?

You can belong to any chapter you want. You can join other chapters but can only vote in the chapter that is listed on your membership card.

If you prefer to not belong to a chapter, you can join as an “At Large” member but you will have no voting rights.

We also have a virtual chapter that you can join and attend meetings through your phone or computer.

Submitted eventS 2024 Submitted eventS 2024

SUNDAY, MARCH 2ND

11th Annual Spitfire Smoke Out & Red Carpet Roll Out 11am-3pm event by Myrtle Beach H-D. Debuting some of Harley-Davidson’s gorgeous new 2024 models. Enjoy free food from Mission BBQ, free giveaways, and pay a visit to the tents we’ll have set up throughout the event! That includes Grand Strand Humane Society, who we’re partnering with to collect donations, do a 50/50 raffle, and they’ll even have some furry friends on site that you can adopt! 100% FREE Event!

SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH

3rd Annul Wolf Pack MC's Freezin' For A Reason Polar Plunge 1pm @ The Blue Hole, Calhoun Falls, SC. Music, Food, Vendors, Auctions and much more! Proceeds for children in need.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH

16th Annual Greenwood Sc

Blessing Of The Bikes

Leave the Greenwood S.C. Hobby Lobby parking lot at 2pm SHARP for the ride to First Mt Moriah Baptist Church, 1477 Mathis Rd, Greenwood, SC!

RAIN DATE MARCH 24th!!!

SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD

LOLA'S JOURNEY RIDE

Sign Up 11am-noon. LBI 1pm

Lola Leigh Smith has always helped others, let’s come together to help her. ALL vehicles welcome! @Bubba’s Pub-N-Grub 2544 S. Lake Dr. Lexington SC.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD

Ride for the Soul Motorcycle Benefit Ride

Reg@ 11am. KSU @ Noon. LBI @ 5pm. This event will be a hi/lo number pull using bingo ball, with 5 stops. Final stop will include door prizes, 50/50 raffle, winner announcements, food, special vendors, music/DJ by Teknisounds Media, and of course a good time. Stops include: Start at Beavers Den. Ride to Coates Billiards of Kershaw, Bull's-eye Bar of Camden, Saints and Sinners of Lugoff Ends at Beavers Den We will also be taking item donations to be collected at Beavers Den for Food for the Soul.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD

Rivertown Riders RC 3rd Annual Memorial Ride

Reg at The H-D Shop at the Beach 4002 Hwy 17 MB, SC@ 10am. KSU @ 11:45am. Raising money for our rubber side foundation to help bikers that have gone down and are in need. Will include door prizes, raffle at after party!

SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH

Greenville ABATE of SC Blessing of the Bikes 1pm-5pm @ 119 Beverly Rd, Greenville, SC. As part of a tradition, blessing of the motorcyclists and their bikes blessed by Pastor Glen Taylor with the hope that it will guard y'all from peril in the coming season.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH

Dice Run to Benefit Lynn & Howard Rogers Registration Thunder Tower HD @10:30am. KSU @Noon. LBI @5pm. ALL vehicles welcome! Lynn Rogers has spinal cord injuries. She has had surgery,

been in a rehab facility, and is now at home being taken care of by her husband Howard Rogers. She can not walk and does not have much use of her arms and hands so she has to have care 24 hrs a day. Howard has not worked since the accident. You can't possibly plan for all that life throws at you especially medical bills, rehab facility bills, medical equipment needed to function daily, medical supplies, and the list goes on. They have always been a big part of the motorcycle community/ family when it comes to benefits and helping someone when they are down and out. We are now asking for everyone's prayers most of all and for everyone's help in making this benefit a huge success like we have so many before. FMI Fran Rogers

803-243-2654

SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH

35th Annual Bub Lollis Whitten Center Ride

Spring Bub Lollis Whitten Center Ride coming up. Noon-3:30pm. Sponsor or FMI 864-993-3718.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

11th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cause Benefiting Victory Junction Ride

Police escorted country ride, no highway riding! Registration starts at 10:30am. KSU at 12:15 sharp, ride thru Victory Junction Camp with campers cheering us on, and return around 2:45pm to Rixsters Grill. $20/Bike, $10 Passenger. Rixster Grill, 3815 Tinsley Dr. High Point, NC. No bike, No problem! Come cheer us on when we leave! Rixster Grill has awesome food and drinks!

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

Wolf Pack MC's Different Abilities Ride

Benefitting The Champions Center for Special Children. Reg at Boneyard Cycles @ 10am. FBO 11am LBI 4pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

Anthony's 1st Annual Car Show to Benefit The Burn Foundation of America

11am-5pm. Cars, Trucks, Jeeps, Motorcycles & Special Interest (bicycles, tractors, etc). 1121 Calks Ferry Rd., Lexington SC. 100% of proceeds go to The Burn Foundation of America.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

3rd Annual Doolin Dalton Awareness Ride for Parkinsons Norton Thompson Park, 226 Main Street Seneca, SC starting @ 11AM. 100% of funds raised will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.

5 stops- 3 prizes!

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

Helping Hands for The Boys Farm Starts & Ends @ Bubba's Sign up @11am. KSU @1pm. LBI @6pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

Carolina Honda Motorcycle Safety Fair

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

13th Annual Meltdown Vintage Motorcycle Show

Noon-4PM @ Hendersonville Airport 1232 Shepherd St, Hendersonville, NC. Ton Up Highlands and the Southern Appalachian Brewery are teaming up and will the regions largest gathering of vintage motorcycles. Bikes 35 years and older are eligible trophies in 10 classes , swap meet area, food and beer vendors and live bands.

FRI & SATURDAY, MAY 3RD-4TH

Black Cats MC's 51st Bike and Car Show Greenwood, SC

SATURDAY, MAY 11TH

Faith Fest! Christian Bike Night 9530 Augusta Rd, Pelzer, SC. Join us for a Spirit filled Bike Night. Live music, food, fellowship, vendors, and much more. Come out for a family friendly event, where everyone is welcome.

I NEED SOME POWER!

Devotional By Dennis Reynolds

In 1997, it was my privilege to ride with a group to Washington DC for the largest gathering of Christian men in the history of the United States.

The “Stand in the Gap” Promise Keepers Rally was held on the National Mall that year, and my friends and I were part of thousands of motorcyclists who converged on the nation’s capital.

My brother “Big Dave” was with me.

Now, Dave is a heavy guy who probably weighed 350 pounds. I have told him for years that he looks, talks, and acts like a cross between Jackie Gleason and Fred Flintstone. Also, Dave is from Connecticut, so he has a thick northern accent. I love to hear him say, “Hey Bruddah.”

RFK Stadium was our designated parking area, and when our kickstands hit the pavement, we still had a 3 mile walk to get to the rally. When we finally made it to the National Mall, because more than a million men were in attendance, we found there was no place to sit. We were all weary, and Big Dave looked especially uncomfortable as we continued our trek.

The National Mall is a two and a half mile stretch of grass and memorials between the U.S. Capital and the Lincoln Memorial.

Finally, as we neared the Lincoln Memorial, we found a place no one else wanted to sit!

The six of us sat down on the ground and leaned back against four of the 200 plus portable toilets

Promise Keepers had provided for the rally. Now keep in mind, these toilets were in use all day by a million or so of our closest friends, so they were nearly full. Also, it was extremely hot, so the toilets smelled pretty bad by the time we were seated. We didn't care about the smell! After riding 2 days, walking three miles to the rally, and another two miles looking for a place to sit, we were beat! Big Dave plopped down next to me and in a matter of minutes he was napping… and snoring! A big burly biker guy sleeping against a smelly portable toilet; only in America!

Pastor Tony Evans was the final speaker of the day and when he finished, we stood up to make the trek back to the motorcycles. That was when we ran into a problem.

I was prepared for a LONG hike back to our bikes, but Big Dave announced in that Jackie Gleason voice of his, “No way am I walking! We’re gettin’ a cab!”

I asked what was wrong and he refused to tell me. He just made a beeline for the nearest cab stand. We didn’t have a lot of money, and a DC cab was

expensive, but Big Dave was adamant, “I ain’t walking, I’ll pay whatever!”

I continued asking him what was wrong, and he just kept walking. So, here is this 350-pound man who is attempting to ignore me while he is heading for the cab stand. He must have gotten tired of my questions, so he finally stopped and turned to me.

"Ya wanna know? Ok, I'm fat!!"

Well, that wasn't news to me... Again, I asked what was wrong.

“I need some powder!”

I asked, “Brother, what are you talking about?” “I’m a big guy!” he replied. I been walkin’ and sweatin’ all day and I’m chaffed!”

Sweating and walking in black denim jeans all day had rubbed the skin raw between his legs. Then without warning, Dave broke into a jog. “Why are you running Dave?” I asked. "There’s only one cab left,” Dave answered, “and those old ladies on the walkers are trying to beat me to it!"

Sure enough, there was only one cab remaining and there were a couple of older ladies looking at it like they wanted it too! He just could not allow that! I was hoping that he was not going to tackle them or shove them out of the way because he was a man on a mission.

Dave succeeded in making it to the cab first, and he dove into the front seat. He slapped a fifty in the driver’s hand and leaned back panting and moaning like a man in pain. The rest of our small group piled in as well and we rode to the stadium where we climbed back onto our motorcycles. Looking over at my friend, I asked, “Where are we going, Dave?”

He screamed back at me as he was strapping his helmet on, “Wal-Mart! Keep up if you can, I’m going to get me some powder!”

We rode like the wind looking for the first Wal-Mart we could find. Then, when we saw the sign, Big Dave hit the 35mph beltway exit doing every bit of 70mph! He threw that Goldwing around like a minibike and came to a halt in the first parking space he could find!

Then, without a word, he just sat there. Finally, I asked him why he wasn't moving... "I can't! It hurts too bad. Someone, please go to the store for me. And get the biggest container you can find!!"

Since Dave was too sore to move, our friend Mike walked into the Walmart for him and came out with

what resembled a gallon jug of Johnson's baby powder!

Then I asked, “Where you gonna put it on Dave? Are we going to the hotel?"

Keep in mind we were all standing in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Dave said, “Right here Bruddah, I can’t take it another minute.”

We all gathered around Dave, held up our sleeping bags and blankets, so this tough-looking 350-pound biker could powder himself. As we stood around Dave, we could see big puffs of white powder resembling something on fire rising over us, and we all busted out laughing!

From inside the blankets also came the sounds of sweet relief, "Awwwww! Thank you, sweet Jesus!!!"

When Dave finished powdering himself, he hopped back on his bike and a big puff of white powder came up from his black jeans.

On the pavement, we saw two perfect black footprints surrounded by white powder. We could tell exactly where he had been standing. Being able to tell where people stand is sometimes difficult.

Can people always tell where we stand as Christians? Without knowing us, can people tell where we stand just by our actions? What do our actions tell people about our character? Are we walking the walk? Do people see Jesus when they look at us?

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV Now I want to call your attention to two things mentioned in that verse.

First, we who are Christians are supposed to reflect Jesus. In other words, when people see us, they should be able to see Jesus in us, both in what we say, and what we do.

Second, with each passing day we ought to become more like Jesus. People should see the change in our words and actions.

Today, is it obvious to people you are a servant of God, or would people be surprised if you announced it to the world? If Jesus looked like you and took your place at work or in your home for a week, would people notice a difference?

No matter where you go or what you do, people are watching. Make sure your actions reflect the Savior you represent. Remember, your actions speak much louder than your words!

Prayer: "Dear God, please give us the ability to reflect your goodness to others, remind us that we are your representatives, and give us strength to carry your love and words to others. Amen!"

Ride on and stay safe,

Dennis Reynolds

Mideast National Elder Bikers for Christ M/M

Bikers For Trump Event @ honkeytonk Saloon, Ladson, SC

Dr. Dilligaf,

A young lady asked me; "How do you know that you can ride a motorcycle, you know; like in the beginning?" Hell, I don't know, I don't even remember. I just replied; "You just do!" How would you have responded?

Thnaks, Nicole

Nicole,

When I read your question a hundred different things popped into my head regarding what my response would be. I can remember a few of them, and I will list them here in no particular order of importance or priority.

I should state however that there exists in large numbers, people who ignored many of the signs indicating that they should stick to three or more wheels or even the passenger seat. Seventy five percent of motorcyclists involved in serious crashes do not have a motorcycle endorsement on their licenses.

The list will begin with the things that you don't do that suggests that riding is possibly in your future.

You don't burn the calf of your right leg. You don't forget to put your feet down when you stop. You don't pop a wheelie and fall of the back. (If you do pop a wheelie and you don't fall off, your chances are good).

You don't confuse the clutch with the front brake and go over the bars.

You don't blow the horn every time you signal a left turn. Your butt cheeks don't eat your underwear from being terrified. You don't have any paperwork from the ER.

You don't have to fulfill promises to God that you made when your life flashed in front of your eyes.

Now here are a few dos that suggests riding may be for you.

You do have a smile of your face. You do look forward to the next time that you get to ride.

You do knowingly look back at the motorcycle as you walk away.

You do talk to your friends about what ways you would customize a motorcycle to make it your own.

You do question the legitimacy of your relationship if your significant other doesn't understand why you are talking about putting your "knees in the breeze".

You do have a sudden interest in boots.

You do suddenly notice that there are motorcycles everywhere.

Please pass these tips on to your friend so that they know for certain whether or not they can ride a motorcycle.

Helpfully yours, Dr. Dilligaf

Dr. Dilligaf, New safety technology is coming out for bikers, and I've read a few articles on different products. I was recently intrigued by a story about the new "Airbag Jeans". I understand that there is other airbag clothing/ garments that can be purchased as well. Would you wear any of them?

Cotton

Cotton,

Have we never met? My friends tell me that all of my clothing is airbag clothing and that I've been wearing it for many years. I am not exactly sure about what they mean by that. Seriously though, when I think of airbag jeans, I can't help but remember the first time that I saw jeans with butt enhancement pads in them. They were on a man no less and I can't unsee that.

I am aware of the new technologies that have been and are being developed to enhance the survivability and recovery of motorcyclists involved in crashes.

There will be a place for it in situational riding but for it to ever catch on and gain a universal application it will have to be stylish and affordable. Maybe they will make it free with the purchase of a new motorcycle and meanwhile let's cover the entire bike in an air bag and let's all become airheads.

If you haven't figured it out yet. I won't be wearing airbag jeans, Air Jordan's, wearing air pods, motorcycling to an Airbnb, or air frying chicken. Peace Out, WORD to your mom n dem.

~Dr. Dillgaf

Page Photos by Cl i nt Watts

THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP: A HARLEY PANHEAD WITH A MERLIN HANDCRANK STARTER

By Wesley Reyneke

AN INVITATION TO build a custom bike for the annual Born Free show in the US is a massive accolade. But the honor is typically reserved for custom builders that are well established within the scene—and that’s where the Biltwell People’s Champ competition comes in.

“Biltwell’s goal for the annual, democratic People’s Champ bike building competition has been the same since day one,” says the company’s founder, Bill Bryant. “Give grassroots builders an opportunity to showcase their talents, earn some money, and gain recognition in the custom motorcycle building world.”

In the months running up to Born Free, Biltwell scours every corner of the scene to unearth 12 prospective custom builders. That number gets whittled down by half through public voting, before the finalists gather at the legendary Cook’s Corner bar in So Cal on the eve of Born Free. The winner takes home a cash prize of $10,000 and a coveted spot with the invited bikes at the show.

Last year’s trophy went to Sean Jackson for his incredible 1948 Harley Panhead. As to what exactly it is that he built; that’s hard to say. Part chopper, part steampunk fantasy, it’s a highly imaginative build that shows the skills of Sean, and the crew that helped him build it.

Based in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, Sean’s day job involves working with vintage motorcycles and motorcycle parts as part of Competition Distributing. Most of the bikes that he deals with are even older than this Panhead—so even though he knocked it out of the park, he was way outside his comfort zone on this project.

The bike started as an ex-Florida 1948 Panhead that had suffered the effects of living so close to the ocean. Sean yanked the motor out and handed it over to George Banks and Gary Ellis, who spent six months rebuilding it and cleaning it up. Gone are all signs of the pitting that littered the casings when Sean got the bike.

The engine is pretty much the only Harley Panhead part left. Just about everything else, save for the wheels, tires, and brakes, was fabricated from scratch.

That includes the eye-popping modular frame, which, despite appearances, mostly conforms to the original Panhead geometry. Sean designed it using the 3D CAD software SolidWorks, then manufactured it from 1/4”-thick laser-cut stainless steel plates. The rigid ‘swingarm’ was built the same way, with the axle plates raised to lower the overall ride height.

All of the chassis plates are held together by countless handmade aluminum spacers, with black oxide-coated stainless steel hardware. As for the plates themselves, Sean painstakingly polished those by hand.

The front end is custom too, but it follows a radically different design ethos. Taking inspiration from the 1930s Harley-Davidson DAH hill climber, Sean and co. fabricated a set of crossover leading link forks and buckhorn-style handlebars. (The way the front springs extend beyond the handlebar risers is a direct nod to the DAH.)

Moving to the wheels, Sean ordered a set of Invaders from Led Sled Customs, wrapping them in W&W Cycles Bates Baja rubber. There’s no front brake, but he’s made up for it by installing two Brembo calipers on the single rear disc, bolted to a custom-made caliper mount. It sounds silly, but there’s method to his madness.

One of the master cylinders is activated via a mechanical linkage attached to the foot brake, while the other is hooked up to a special twist grip on the left side of the bars. The Panhead uses a foot clutch and hand shifter, so Sean uses this second caliper as a hill hold. And since it and the throttle run internal cables, the cockpit is as sparse as it gets.

A pair of handmade split fuel tanks sit up top, with the bike’s only switches carefully mounted between them. They wear a gorgeous scalloped paint job, laid down by Brian O’Neal. (Sean also credits Kevin O’Neal and Tom Banks for their assistance and support.)

There are numerous other details to take in, from the twisted shaft on the hand shifter to the way Sean has neatly stacked the two rear brake master cylinders next to each other. A Linkert M74B carb sits on each side of the Panhead donk, connected via 3D-printed aluminum manifolds, while twin exhaust headers feed an intriguing underslung muffler. And if you flip up the bike’s leather saddle, you’ll be able to access the crank handle for its post-war era starter.

Yes, you read right. This Panhead fires up courtesy of the starter from a V12 Rolls-Royce Merlin airplane engine—the same engine that was used in the legendary Supermarine Spitfire. Cranking it by hand engages a spool drive on the left-hand side of the bike, revving the engine up to around 300 rpm.

You can always avoid all that effort and use the Panhead’s OEM kickstart lever to wake it up instead, but why be boring?

There’s no question that it takes a huge imagination and a healthy skillset to build a machine like this—especially when it has to be rideable, too. “To ensure the bikes are actually ‘go’ bikes and not just ‘show’ bikes,” explains Bill, “they have to be ridden over Ortega Highway, which is notoriously twisty and sketchy, for a total of about 50 miles to the venue. If a bike can’t make it to Cook’s under its own power (no trailer queens here) it can still go on the platform for partiers to admire—but it won’t be eligible to claim the title of the People’s Champ.”

Needless to say, Sean’s Panhead aced the ride—even if he does admit that he was initially skeptical about how well it would perform.

Sean Jackson Instagram

Pappy's Ridin'

Article &Page Photos By Pappy

I have been out of the navy for 6 months now and since I own 6 bikes, I decided i would open a bike shop in Seattle. I found a cool little shop to work out of, however after 6 straight weeks of rain i decided it was time to head back to Michigan. I sold everything except the 1941 Flathead, even though it's 25 years old and has 71,000 on it, after new oil, plugs, and tires she looks and runs as new.

Since the weather is supposed to be dry next week, i plan on taking the US 2 route, about 1800 miles with a nice ride of about 175 miles per tank, I should be there in 5 or 6 days. I'm looking forward to a nice trip, staying in motels (no tent this time), I load up, throw in 2 quarts of 105 Harley-Davidson motor oil (just in case) and I'm all set to take off in the morning.

Little Mo and a few brothers come to see me off, the old Flathead fires on the 3rd kick and I'm off to my first stop, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After about 350 miles, 3 gas stops at about 26.9 cents per gallon I found a nice little motel for $9.95 a night, you have to love those 1966 prices. The old girl never missed a beat and didn't use a drop of oil.

Day 2 and I'm heading north to US 2 for a beautiful ride through the mountains to my next stop; Kalispell, Montana where I find a motel for $12.95 per night including breakfast at the restaurant next door. I hit it off with a cool girl hitch hicker who was heading west, I'm heading east but we still spend the night together.

Day 3 Heading to Glasgow, Montana. Second gas stop is 180 miles, I hit reserve at 176 miles made it I to town gassed up; went to the local diner for some lunch, one of the waitress' was getting in a pissing match and asked me to get her out of there, the answer was a big no. As I was leaving a young girl came out of nowhere asking for a ride out of town again the answer was no, as I was pulling out a cop came around the corner and the girl hauled ass and so did I. Riding through the mountains was lots of fun however you really have to stay on your toes. Made it to Glasgow and that's the end of day three.

See you next month . Ride Free Ride Safe

See you at Greenville H-D!

"Some people will chop anything a 45 and a cb450"

~ Pappy