Motor Market October 2024 by Michels Communications Corporation

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QUALITY From

1969 GTO JUDGE

RARE DRAGSTER A DREAM TO RESTORE

Written

by Tanya Manus • Photos by Corey Gross Photography

“I had a gem in my hands,” Ennis Lund says of the rare 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III he and his team restored to better-than-new condition.

Ennis has owned Cliff Avenue Upholstery and Restoration for more than 45 years. The business specializes in high-end vehicle restorations.

The orange 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III is one of only 6,725 that were manufactured.

“There are very few survivors. Most of them that are restored are updated,” Ennis adds. “This car has the original drive train, the

original engine, and the original trunk light. Every single part of the car is original. It’s back to its original specs and exactly as it was. It’s very rare.”

This particular GTO Judge was manufactured in Arlington, Texas, and was sold by Kneip Motors in Arlington, S.D., Ennis recalls. The GTO used to run at Thunder Valley Dragway in Marion, S.D.

“I was one of the first participants in Thunder Valley in 1967 when it opened,” recalls Ennis, who raced his 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne.

“This GTO was run in 1968 or 1969,” Ennis adds. “I’m pretty sure I saw that car out there at Thunder Valley. I used to race against cars like it. I probably ran against this car and they were very hard to beat. They’d usually beat me, so I had a fondness for it.”

For the past 50 years, the 1969 GTO Judge Ram Air III has belonged to Timothy Leighton of Rutland.

“I’ve had it since 1974. I got it from a neighbor,” Tim recalls. “I had a Plymouth Satellite Sebring 1973 model. A neighbor I’d known all my life liked my car, and I liked his, and we traded.”

Though Tim was never interested in drag racing, he understood how special the car was. “I knew when I had the chance to get the GTO, I would never get rid of it because it was so rare,” Tim explains.

“For ten years, it was my family car, and after that it got parked and driven once in a while,” Tim says.

The neighbor who traded the car to Tim was frustrated because the GTO didn’t run well. Tim said he knew the car needed engine work and body work. After more than 35 years of storing the GTO in a building on his property, Tim decided to restore it to its former glory.

“I wanted to see if I could drive it and have it be reliable, and now it’s like new again. It should be able to go anywhere, anytime,” Tim adds.

Ennis’ fond memories of the GTO did not disappoint. When he traveled to Rutland to transport the car for restoration, “It was every bit as cool as I thought,” Ennis recalls.

As the Cliff Avenue Upholstery and Restoration team restored the car, they undid some damage caused by a previous owner or mechanic.

“Tim said that one of his buddies had this car and didn’t like it because he was having problems with it, so he traded it and Tim got the good end of the deal,” Ennis states.

“We did a complete, groundup restoration on it. It’s a phenomenal car,” Ennis adds. “This is one of the premier cars we’ve done. When we do a restoration, it’s better than it was (new) from the factory.”

“We found out the motor had been blown up and some backyard mechanic did his ‘magic’ on it,” Ennis explains. “I can see why Tim’s friend that owned it didn’t like it. It was because someone had rebuilt it and had not done a good job, so the car did not ever run well (after that).”

Ennis and his expert restoration team brought the GTO back to pristine condition through a painstaking process. The type of high-end restoration Ennis and his staff specialize in typically takes about a year.

“We did a complete, ground-up restoration on it. It’s a phenomenal car,” Ennis adds. “This is one of the premier cars we’ve done. When we do a restoration, it’s better than it was (new) from the factory.”

Ennis and his restoration team look for every factory-original marking in a vehicle and take thousands of photos so they can go back and see exactly how the car came from the factory when it was first manufactured.

“We know exactly how to put it back together. We are so detail-oriented because the car was only original once,” Ennis explains.

The beauty of this GTO, Ennis says, is how much of the restored car is original.

“The car has all the original panels on it, and everything is just as it was when it came from the factory. It has the original carburetor, which is very unusual. It has the original fuel pump. We put in a new gas tank and fuel lines that are an exact reproduction of what was there,” Ennis shares.

“It has the original details like a Rembrandt would. We’re pretty proud of this one,” Ennis smiles.

“Tim allowed me to do it correctly and it ended up costing a lot more than what we expected, but now it has great value to it,” Ennis adds. “Tim is so happy, it’s just unreal.”

With the exception of a bumper that needs to be re-chromed and won’t be ready until next spring, the restoration is complete.

There’s no more drag racing in this car’s future, but Tim said he plans to display the GTO at a few car shows. Once in a while, lucky motorists might see Tim cruising down the highway, just for the sheer pleasure of driving his gem of a GTO.

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TRANSPORTATION DEGREES

After spending about fifteen minutes taking pictures of Gary Parker’s 1957 Ford Custom 300 for this story, I told him he could put it back in the garage. After parking the car back in the garage and turning it off, I asked him what attracted him to a ‘57 Ford to begin with? He responded by saying, “I have to show you something so you understand,” as he turned on the car’s lights and went around behind the car and lowered the garage door while turning out the garage lights. As we stood there in the dark, Gary pointed at the tail lights while telling me his brief story about a favorite uncle who had a ‘57 Ford Fairlane in 1961 when he was five years old.

He said it was the shape of those tail lights with the small piece of chrome trim around them that he first saw at night, that burned the image of a fighter jet afterburner in his brain that he never forgot. Today, I have known Gary for over 50 years, and as far back as I have known him, he has always been a Ford guy, and maybe because of the early impression of his uncle’s car, which may have led to him becoming an auto mechanic by trade. He has always loved the challenges of figuring things out. After doing a bit of work in a similar direction earlier in my own life, I know it is a hard way to earn a living with things relating to vehicles changing every year, and forcing a constant learning curve that goes with it. But I believe when a person loves what they do, it is more enjoyable and rewarding than the work along the way. Gary got married at 42, quite a while after establishing a business of his own and now a family, that I am sure is ever grateful how life evolved for them with his chosen career. While his

focus was always taking care of family priorities first and keeping his business going, Gary didn’t have much time to think about having another older car for fun as life evolved.

Then in March of 1995, while never forgetting about that first impression of that ‘57 Ford tail light, Gary heard about and got this 1957 Ford Custom 3OO on a farm near Highmore, South Dakota. He considered it a barn yard find when he found it with its original six-cylinder engine and a stick transmission that had sat outside for many years in all the weather elements that South Dakota has. It was a compete car, but with some rust showing. Priority on the ‘57 didn’t happen right away as he already had a ‘68 Mustang to cruise around in when he had extra time while maintaining his business to keep it going. Through his business work, Gary acquired a 1977 Lincoln Versailles that he pulled a 351” engine, the C4 transmission, the steering column, and a disc brake rearend out of and reinstalled everything into the ‘57 Ford along with adding front disc brakes. Four months later, Gary drove the ‘57 to the “Back to the 50’s” event in St. Paul, Minnesota and continued to drive the car as a daily driver for a couple more years.

After driving the car for a period of time he decided he wanted to improve the outside appearance of his rusty barn yard find, so he pulled the body off the frame the first time, then sandblasted the frame and painted it. He also replaced the floors, rocker panels and lower rear quarter panels himself and new pieces for any other rusted out areas that showed itself. Then back together again and driven for a few more years.

During the time he was driving it he was searching out other pieces such as better front fenders, better doors, new trim-pieces, an interior kit and a new old stock grill. He commented that ‘57 Fords are not at all like ‘57 Chevys, where you can find parts all over. After gathering up the majority of parts needed to get the car to have a new appearance, Gary decided to pull the body off the frame one more time. But this time, installing a newer Mustang II front suspension with disc brakes, along with changing out the 351 Ford engine and C4 trans out for a 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII (4 cam engine) engine and AOD transmission. Gary was proud of this last six-year very focused transition, because everything he pulled out of the Mark VIII, from the radiator on back and installed in the ‘57, worked with the factory computer that was originally in the Mark VIII. Even the Vintage Heat and AC unit worked together with the Lincoln Mark VIII computer controls. He said if anything ever needed

fixing or replacing, a person could go to any parts store and get whatever is needed for a 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII because of the way he understood it and built it. The final part of the transition happened when Gary hooked up with a body man/ painter friend in Valley Springs when they bartered trading labor for labor. Gary helped the body man get a basket case Mustang mechanically sound again, and the body man did his thing with the body work along with painting Gary’s ‘57. All in all, I believe two guys came out with what they bargained for with good results. I had done that myself a few times in my earlier street rod building career. Gary’s ‘57 looks great painted Dresden Blue and Colonial White, along with the Mark Eight wheels, and he really enjoys driving the car any place now while getting 21 miles per gallon @ 80mph with the AC on. And the constant thumbs up given by admirers for what is now actually a rarer car than most people might admit or believe. Kudos for sticking with your project Gary and enjoy your new, old ride!!

www.greatplainsstreetrodders.com.

A farm boy from Salem, Bob’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old. After graduation from Washington High School, he attended USD where he majored in Commercial Art. A lifelong auto and art enthusiast, Bob wanted to combine his passions into a career. A self-taught mechanic, bodywork, welder and painter, he worked in the industry for seven years. He later went to work for Horner Waldorf Box Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring as Package Design Manager for Smurfit Stone Container. Bob has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything except the upholstery work. Bob started the Great Plains Street Rodders Car Club in 1985 and today the club has over 340 members. You can see more of Bob’s paintings and car features on the club’s website:

CALENDAR D L Events C R

october

COOL CARS FOR CATS CAR SHOW

OCTOBER 5, 2024 - DES MOINES, IA 4801 FRANKLIN AVE. THE PET PROJECT MIDWEST FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS/886620990176750/

BUMMERS CC TRUNK OR TREAT

OCTOBER 19, 2024 - SIOUX CITY, IA

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS/422511130011816/

DEADWEIRD

OCTOBER 25 & 26, 2024 - DEADWOOD, SD DEADWOOD MOUNTAIN GRAND EVENT CENTER DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/DEADWEIRD/

40TH ANNUAL FALL AUTO PARTS SWAP MEET

OCTOBER 13, 2024 – MONTICELLO, IA FAIRGROUNDS PARKING LOT FOR MORE INFO 319-465-5119

ALBRIGHT'S AUTO 7TH CAR SHOW

OCTOBER 6, 2024 – COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA 10:00AM-2:00PM FOR MORE INFO 712-323-4020

JAYCEES FEARGROUNDS KID'S DAY

OCTOBER 13, 2024 – SIOUX FALLS, SD 2:00PM-4:00PM W.H. LYON FAIRGROUNDS

ANNUAL CIDER RUN CAR SHOW

OCTOBER 27, 2024 – DONNELLSON, IA 11:00 AM - 4:00PM

APPLEBERRY ORCHARD FACEBOOK.COM/APPLEBERRYORCHARD

KIDWEIRD

OCTOBER 31, 2024 - DEADWOOD, SD

5:00PM-8:00PM

DEADWOOD MOUNTAIN GRAND EVENT CENTER DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/KIDWEIRD-2024/

SEMA

NOV. 5-NOV. 8, 2024 – LAS VEGAS, NV

LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER SEMASHOW.COM

DEADWOOD'S BIG WHISKEY FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER 9, 2024 – DEADWOOD, SD 4:00PM - 9:00PM

SALOON NO. 10 DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/DEADWOODSBIG-WHISKEY

32ND ANNUAL SIOUX FALLS PARADE OF LIGHTS

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 – SIOUX FALLS, SD

DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS DTSF.COM/EVENT/31ST-ANNUAL-PARADEOF-LIGHTS

HOLIDAY EXPRESS ON THE 1880 TRAIN NOV. 29 - DEC. 29, 2024 – HILL CITY, SD VARIOUS DATES AND TIMES 1800 TRAIL DEPOT 1880TRAIN.COM/HOLIDAY-EXPRESS.HTML

ISOC DEADWOOD SNOCROSS SHOWDOWN JANUARY 24-25, 2025 – DEADWOOD, SD DAYS OF '76 EVENT COMPLEX DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/PROSNOCROSS-RACES/

SOUND OF SILENCE TESLA RALLY MAY 17-19, 2025 – CUSTER, SD NO LONGER WORKS. USE THIS: FACEBOOK. COM/BHTESLARALLY

WHEEL JAM TRUCK SHOW JUNE, 2025– HURON, SD SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS WHEELJAMTRUCKSHOW.COM

14TH ANNUAL STURGIS CAMARO RALLY JUNE 18-22, 2025 – STURGIS, SD STURGISCAMARORALLY.COM

BLACK HILLS CORVETTE CLASSIC JULY, 2025 – SPEARFISH, SD TOUR THE BLACK HILLS BLACKHILLSCORVETTECLASSIC.COM

85TH ANNUAL STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY AUGUST 1-AUG. 10, 2025 – STURGIS, SD STURGIS.COM

31ST ANNUAL KOOL DEADWOOD NITES AUGUST, 2025 – DEADWOOD, SD DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/KOOLDEADWOOD-NITES

chassis building, suspension upgrade

custom headers and exhaust

engine swaps and building efi swaps

complete car wiring

hot rod MAINTENANCE

differential/axle building

cooling system

mig and tig welding

back halves, ladder bars, 4-link, roll cages

performance parts and accessories

auto restoration

by Scott Sehr

THE EXTRA MILE

Today, we as individuals, are all caught up in the cost of a product and seem to be less interested in the actual quality of the product. When it comes to building engines of today it is wise to be cautious on cutting corners to conform to a preconceived engine expense. We now desire higher horsepower and torque engine output, which is more achievable today with the availability of better-engineered engine parts and the practice of precise engine machining procedures. These parts come at a higher cost than others because of the materials and procedures used to produce them. The precision machining process needed to complete and properly fit all the parts correctly will take more time and experience to execute and that also comes at a higher cost.

When we look at proposing an engine package to our customer we consider the actual use of the engine, the power and torque requirements, what it is going to take to achieve those goals, the quality of the parts that it will take to make the engine reliable and useful for the desired distance, and all the necessary machining processes required. Next, we go over our findings and proposal with our customer and we then discuss and explain the reason for the procedures and parts that are required. We then make changes if there are any additions or concerns in the proposal. We use all of our years of experience in doing this and we

Building Engines the Best Not the Cheapest That

the parts that it will take to make reliable and useful for the desired and all the necessary machining required. Next we go over our findings proposal with our customer and discuss and explain the reason for procedures and parts that are required. then make changes if there are any or concerns in the proposal. We our years of experience in doing we don`t overlook anything, if anything overlooked or assumed then that door for a premature engine failure

Not all engine parts are created are parts that look the same but the same material and quality. Using clone engine parts will result in and can be very costly if the part is a major engine component and a annoying nuisance if it is a minor component. We only use engine are properly tested in an approved facility. These parts do cost a little than the clone parts but are more

material and quality. Using these clone engine parts will result in a failure and can be very costly if the part that fails is a major engine component and can be an annoying nuisance if it is a minor engine component. We only use engine parts that are properly tested in an approved R&D facility. These parts do cost a little more than the clone parts but are more than three times the quality. Choosing the correct part is also important, for example, if a piston is chosen for the desired compression ratio and the actual combustion chamber volume is larger than advertised and

take to make the engine for the desired distance, necessary machining processes go over our findings and customer and we then explain the reason for the parts that are required. We if there are any additions proposal. We use all of experience in doing this and anything, if anything is assumed then that opens the premature engine failure disaster. are created equal. There the same but are not of and quality. Using these will result in a failure costly if the part that fails component and can be nuisance if it is a minor engine only use engine parts that in an approved R&D do cost a little more parts but are more than three

times the quality. Choosing the correct part is also important, for example, if a piston is chosen for the desired compression ratio and the actual combustion chamber volume is larger than advertised and the head gasket is thicker than the calculated advertised piston compression ratio, the actual effective compression ratio can be much less than thought and power loss is experienced. Taking the steps to check and set up all of the parts takes time and increases the cost slightly but the increase in power and dependability is far more than the cost. The cost of not checking and doing these things can be disappointing.

Here at Sehr Performance our customer comes first. The initial “cost” of the engine is nothing compared to the “cost” of an engine failure. At the end of the day our customers experience what they desire in the engine for their hot rod because we always go the “Extra Mile” for them, always.

By Heather Jordan

Escape Into Autumn With a Fall Getaway

Where will your fall road trip take you? Take the scenic route and discover small towns, recreational spots, and breathtaking landscapes. Fall is the perfect time to explore South Dakota in full color.

While autumn forces all cooler-climate dwellers to face the reality of winter right around the corner, this change of seasons can also inspire roadsters to get outside and soak up every last ounce of warmth and color. From cruising the roadways to hiking or even wine-tasting, your autumn adventure awaits!

Plan a fall foliage road trip

STOP #1: Spearfish Canyon

When it comes to vibrant fall colors, Spearfish Canyon is one of the most sought-after South Dakota destinations for dramatic photo opportunities. With its winding curves and breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and waterfalls, this stop is a favorite amongst motorists and hiking enthusiasts of all kinds.

This 19-mile scenic byway follows the flow of Spearfish Creek as it carves its way through the limestone walls of Spearfish Canyon. Picturesque spruce, pine, aspen, birch and oak trees provide an explosion of color making it one of

the most perfect fall drives in North America. Opportunities abound for adventuresome hikes, trout-filled pools, hidden swimming holes, scenic climbing spots, and awe-inspiring waterfalls.

STOP #2: Peter Norbeck

National Scenic Byway Spectacular in every season, this twisting figure-eight shaped route consists of two historic roadways, the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America, this 70-mile masterpiece of engineering artistically incorporates spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and one-of-a-kind views. Both routes provide an up-close vantage point to some of the Black Hills’ most striking views and delivers you to the gateway of the region’s most iconic attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Travel through areas of Custer State Park, the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Black Elk National Wilderness Area using Highways 16A, 244, 89 and 87 that combine to create the route.

Highway 16A near the town of Keystone, also known as Iron Mountain Road, winds to the southwest leading visitors around

unique wooden “pigtail” bridges. Several tunnels cut through the granite mountain providing a pathway through the rock and also strategically frame the famous faces on Mount Rushmore for a photo opportunity that you can’t miss.

STOP #3:

Sica Hollow State Park

A striking landscape of rolling hills and thickly forested ravines, Sica Hollow State Park is a favorite spot for fall sightseeing in the Northeast region. “Sica” (pronounced SHE-cha) is a Lakota word meaning evil or bad- but don’t be frightened away. Located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton in the northeastern corner of South Dakota, Sica Hollow offers a variety of year-round activities including hiking, camping and horseback riding.

Hike the Trail of the Spirits, a selfguided interpretive foot trail that was designated as a National Recreation Trail. There are eight miles of marked trails to guide hikers and horseback riders through 900 acres of woodland in the park. Experience the natural beauty and mysterious sights and legends including red-hued water that gurgles out of the springs for an eerie spell of native Indian lore.

STOP #4: Palisades State Park

Head south to the Southeast Region of South Dakota to discover one of the most unique areas in South Dakota. Split Rock Creek, which meanders through the park is lined with dramatic pink quartzite cliffs that vary from shelves formed several feet above the water to 50-foot vertical cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop for vibrant autumn leaves in splashy shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s a must-see destination popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers.

It's a beautiful place to take a long walk along Split Rock Creek or enjoy stunning views of the towering quartzite spires as you paddle through on a kayak or canoe. Just a short 30-minute drive from Sioux Falls, SD, it’s a quiet retreat from the city that is worth the drive.

REMEMBERING RICHARD WHIPPLE

His Life, Legacy and Love of Cars

By Michaela Feldmann

“He was a good man all the way around. He was a good son, a good brother, a good friend and he was an excellent husband,” says Robin Whipple.

Richard Whipple lived life in the fast lane. Known by many as Rich, he’d fly past you at the racetrack in 4.33 seconds going 161 miles per hour with the biggest smile on his face.

“His love of drag racing started when he was very young and his dad Gary got him into it,” says Robin Whipple, Rich’s wife. “Racing was in his blood. He was known as the lowest qualifier at the track, meaning he was the fastest car. He might not have won every race, but he was the car to beat.”

Rich always wanted to do more, go faster, and make his cars better, and he did it with his family and friends by his side. “I was working with one of Richard’s friends, Kelly, and one day we had stopped by the racetrack to help him,” says Don Holcomb, friend, employee and crew chief. “That would’ve been 15 years ago. We became fast friends, and it was so cool to see his joy when racing or working on cars.”

Robin and Rich’s own love story started because of the racetrack. “We both worked at the same place, but we were in different areas, so we really didn’t know each other,”

Robin recalls. “One Monday, all the buzz was that he had rolled his car that weekend drag racing. I wanted to tell him I was glad he was OK. So, a girl at work pointed him out to me and I let him know. He was really shy back then so he kind of just looked at me, brushed it off and kept walking. I remember thinking, what a jerk. Now, he told that story

a little differently and said that I said, ‘I’m going to marry that man one day.’ He had a wonderful sense of humor.”

The two started dating in 1991 and married 16 years later. “He just amazed me every day. He wasn’t afraid to try or do anything,” Robin shares.

October 2nd would have marked 20 married years together. Last fall, after a courageous battle with cancer, Rich passed away, but his love of racing and cars lives on through his family, friends and Robin and Rich’s shop, Whipple Racing Products.

“He could build cars, race them, and he had the knowledge,” says Robin. “It was like the shop. It was his dream and who better to open a shop than someone who had the knowledge and talent and who enjoyed talking to people about their cars.”

When the two started Whipple Racing Products, they rented a building behind Rich’s parents’ house – building hood scoops and firewalls. In 2010, they purchased their current location and evolved into a fullblown retail and mechanic shop working on modern cars, hot rods, customs, race cars and more.

“Just like Richard, the people with these cars wanted to make them go faster and Richard had the knowledge and talent to modify the cars to match the customers’ wishes,” says Robin. “A lot of our customers would say, ‘This car has been sitting in the barn for ten years and it hasn’t been touched since my grandpa owned it.’ Richard and his guys would get it running.”

He also had a way with his customers.

“There were times he would come in at 2 a.m. to work on a car that was stumping him and he always figured it out. He amazed me. If I was standing out at the counter and he was talking to a guy about his car, just the information that came out of his mouth was incredible. You could tell the customers respected his opinion. They respected our work and they really loved talking to him,” Robin adds.

“He always wanted to make sure the customer was happy no matter what,” says Don. “We would always bounce ideas off each other. That is something I miss. He was always upbeat and made work so enjoyable.”

The impact Richard made on his town, the racing community and his customers was evident all the way to the end.“About a month before he passed, Tyler Nelson with Revision Rods and Rides, who we are good friends with, put on a benefit for Richard,” says Robin. “They went all out – flyers all over town, a silent auction. It was unreal.

There were over 350 cars that showed up and they made over 1,000 hamburgers. One man we talked with brought his whole family and said a long time ago in Sturgis, he was racing and ran out of fuel. Richard gave him some at no charge to finish racing that day. He said he wanted to be there to pay him back because it meant so much to him. That’s how much this community loved this man and supported him.”

Robin says she continues to honor Richard’s memory through the shop and by giving back to St. Jude. “He told me once we got done paying off the doctor bills, he wanted to donate to those kids who are going through so much of what he went through,” Robin adds. “That compassion and his joy is what I miss. I miss seeing him come around the corner with the biggest smile on his face. I miss him every day. He was one in a million.”

A little-known fact about Richard was that he was an avid Clint Eastwood fan, and Robin sums up the unconditional support they received from family friend, employee and crew chief Don Holcomb, who was a constant in their lives since Richard’s cancer journey began saying, “Don has been here from the good, the bad, and the ugly and I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Name: Matt Geppert

Motorcycle Year-Make-Model: 2007 Yamaha FZ1-2

Engine: 4cyl, 1,000 cc

Transmission: 6-speed

Suspension: Front: stock suspension/rear suspension: 2015 R1 adjustable shock

Exhaust: Yoshimura Header, Two Brothers muffler, Yamaha EXUP Valve Deleted

Body: Repainted in 2023 with Flat White with the metallic red anniversary graphics installed

Interior: Sergeant Seat

Tell us a little about the ride and why you chose it. What's your motorcycle’s story?

I have been riding since 2006. Yamaha R1s and R6s were always my go-to bikes. After I sold the last R1, I wanted something a little different. I found this FZ1, did some research, and went into the “sport touring” world. It is hands down the best bike I have owned yet.

Does your motorcycle have a name?

“Old man R1” since it’s an R1 at heart, but a little more rider-position friendly.

What’s your favorite part about your motorcycle? Is there anything you would change?

My favorite part was definitely getting it repainted last year and adding the graphics. I have always had a soft spot for the Yamaha anniversary graphics, especially the red and white, for an old bike it still gets lots of attention from the bike community.

What

plans do you have for this motorcycle?

I am looking to upgrade the front suspension and brakes to a newer R1 set up for better handling/stopping. I am also looking to get out to more track days with the South Dakota Sport Bike crew.

What’s an interesting fact or something people may not know about this ride?

This may not be interesting to most people, but I definitely have more time, energy and parts into this bike than any other motorcycle I have had. They don’t seem to be a super common bike around here, and it’s nice to have something just a little bit different than everyone else.

Additional comments:

The stroller itself was found on marketplace for $25, and it looked to be a 1980 or 90s era stroller. The race fairings are for a 2007 Yamaha R6, Located on marketplace as well. My friend Brent did the repair to the fiberglass and paint work on the fairings. Kelley his wife redid all the fabric in black and pink. My wife, Ciara, wanted pink and lace somewhere on the bodywork, and they incorporated that as well. The Ireland decal is for my wife’s heritage and my love of Irish road racing. The number plate is our first born. I was looking for a super simple paint job, Brent and Kelley went above and beyond expectations. It’s a regular at the car shows in the Rapid City area, and the Black Hills Cars and Coffee events.

Thank you to my wife for supporting my motorcycle addiction, Brent for the great paint job, Creative Lines for the custom vinyl and of course Foto Motive for always taking great shots of my bike. IF you have any interest in sport bikes and track days check out South Dakota Sport Bikes on Facebook. There is a great group of riders from all over South Dakota and beyond.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS THIS FALL WINTER READY

By ArticleBiz.com

Autumn is upon us and the crisp air and falling leaves serve as a reminder to begin preparations for the cold weather season ahead. October is Fall Car Care Month and now is the perfect time to get your car, truck or SUV up-to-date on routine maintenance before the temperatures drop and severe weather hits. Taking care of simple maintenance now can avoid costly repairs down the road.

FALL CAR CARE MONTH CHECKLIST

Heating, Wipers and Lights

• Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.

• Consider winter-grade wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

• Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

Tires and Brakes

• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.

• During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

• Have the brakes inspected. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety feature.

Gas, Oil and Filters

• Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold

weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.

• Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.

• Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

System Checks – Charging, Cooling and Exhaust

• Check the battery and charging system, as cold weather is hard on batteries.

• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.

• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Pack the Essentials

• Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.

• Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothing, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.

The expert technicians at Graham Tire want to help you drive smart and save money. When a vehicle is well maintained, it tends to perform better and last longer.

with Graham Tire

When you enroll in one of Mitchell Tech’s more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs, you will experience the best technical education available.

How do we know that Mitchell Tech may be your best choice?

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TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!® ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®

Dear Motor Medics,

My car runs pretty well, and I am not one to bring it in just to have it checked over once in a while. I am more of the kind of person who visits the shop once the car has broken down. After listening to your show, I am thinking I may be able to save some money by doing some preventative maintenance instead of waiting for major breakdowns. Recently, my brakes started making some noise, but they don’t do it every day. How can I tell the difference between needing brake repairs or if it’s just a little noise; and if I wanted to be proactive on brake maintenance how often should they be checked? I have been in before for a squeak and they said they were fine, just a little rusty.

Thanks. Joanne in Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Motor Medics,

I am a longtime fan of yours and you have saved me countless dollars on repairs by teaching me how to do them myself, and when they are larger than I can handle you have taught me how to look for the best mechanic. I drive a 2012 Ford Explorer and I am getting ready to pull a trailer with it. I have owned it for several years and it has a hitch, but no trailer light connector. This will be my first time pulling a trailer with this vehicle. Can I just tap into the taillights to connect my trailer light connector, or do I need something special? I don’t want to cause a problem with the vehicle. I have also serviced the transmission and rear end prior to towing as well.

Thank you. Darren in Port Saint Lucy, Florida.

Dear Joanne,

Routine maintenance will save you money on repairs. Regular inspections should be performed on safety items at each oil change and addressed as needed. These inspections are done for free at most shops so check around to see if yours does not offer this service. Inspect brakes annually and completely check them right away if there is a change in pedal travel or if noise is heard when applying them accompanied by grinding. Damp mornings can cause rust on the braking surfaces resulting in noise. This should go away after a couple of pedal applications and should not be felt in the pedal.

Take care, the Motor Medics.

25362 Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD 605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com

Dear Darren,

Great idea you had on the proactive transmission and rear differential service. Depending on the size of the trailer and load you may think about a transmission cooler if the Explorer is not equipped with one. For the trailer wiring you need to make sure you do not overload the electrical system. On this vehicle and many others, a tow wiring kit is advised. Available at most auto parts stores, this kit takes its power from the battery directly and uses relays activated by the vehicles lights to power the trailer lights preventing damage to the vehicle’s system.

Take care, the Motor Medics.