Lowbrow Customs Blog-O-Rama

Just What Every Shop Needs....Another Project!

2012-02-11T18:57:00.005-05:00

Greg and I braved a snowstorm today to go snag this Craigslist score, a 2003 Harley Sportster 1200 Custom. It was a good price and is in great condition and will help us with a ton of new Sportster products we will be carrying and manufacturing, and of course I have a new street bike now!
Of course within 2 minutes pieces started coming off, there will be quite a few take off pieces on this build! Of course if you find the idea of chopping a 100th anniversary HD distatsteful, you may want to avert your eyes! Stay tuned!

New Photos of Theo Ozen & The Salt Ghost Surface

2012-02-10T15:31:00.002-05:00

Wes White was sent this scan of some photos taken at Bonneville Speed Week around 1966 or 1967, Theo Ozen with his Triumph which we dubbed The Salt Ghost, and that is Burt Monroe's Indian on it's trailer. They were bumping elbows and chasing records back in the heyday. We only had seen one other photo of Theo, it is quite interesting to see him and also the bike, which looks almost exactly the same as the photo below, taken by Jon Glover at Speed Week when we raced the bike there in 2010! The only real differences are the megaphones and earlier 8-bolt iron head top end in the old photos.

Handlebar Spectacular

2012-02-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

All new Biltwell handlebars are in stock and online, including the new 7/8" Keystone and Friscos in black or chrome! From mild to wild we have something here for everyone. In stock and shipping now.

Race Preparation Part 1

2012-02-08T21:50:00.001-05:00

Lump motor I pulled out of my 1955 Triumph salt flats racer the other night.

Hello pistons, been a while since I laid eyes on you.

Huh, I don't remember this cast iron head having such rusty combustion chambers and burnt valves.

That ring of rust at the top of each bore helps my motor run better.


My chassis awaiting complete diassembly for paint, polish and rebuilding from the ground up. To be continued... - Tyler

Employee Bike Spotlight: Todd's 1964 Triumph TR6 Chopper

2012-02-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

The TR6 chopper as it stands now, ready for tear down, paint, polish, and final assembly.

This is the first Employee Bike Spotlight, we have a large work area here at the Lowbrow compound for all of us to work on our own bike projects. Todd tends to have about half a dozen here at any given time, though this one recently flew the coop after all the welding was finished. In his words:

"The pic below is what it looked like when I got it home, it's a 1964 Triumph TR6, 650 c.c. I picked this bike up locally for a reasonable price. It was in sad shape, so I decided to fix her up a bit. These pictures are of the final mockup done. Now all I need to do is take it all apart for paint, then reassemble it and run some wires. I still need to pressure test the gas tank and finish some filing on the rear fender then I will hand off the tins for paint to our good friend Ellis of Devils Hand Productions, he does a killer job."

The neglected 1964 Triumph TR6 as it arrived at Todd's house.

Stay tuned for more, I will be sure to post up photos of the finished bike once it is painted and back together!

Todd's home garage, where he works on bikes all evening after talking about, thinking about, and working on bikes all day.

7/8" Keystone Handlebars Are Back In Black or Chrome!

2012-02-06T17:59:00.002-05:00

You asked for 'em back and Biltwell delivered! 7/8" Keystone Handlebars are back! Available in chrome or black and for only $89.99! Check them out HERE! We are unloading the new freight shipment, 6 new 1" handlebars, risers, and more are coming very, very soon!

The Biltwell Brodown- Tomorrow Night!

2012-02-03T11:21:00.005-05:00

Tyler and I are packed up and leaving in a couple hours to head down to the VTwin Expo, and more importantly, The Biltwell Brodown! Don't miss this event, if you have seen the pictures or heard the stories you know why!
Here's the info in case you missed it!

Brought to you by the fine folks at Biltwell & Lowbrow Customs! This is coming up pretty quick, only two weeks to go, so get your drinking shoes on and do some training, you are going to need the practice to keep pace! This is the third year of the Brodown, it is the happening spot in a sea of drudgery, so come on down and tear it up! Keep up to date on the Brodown webpage (complete with a nice YouTube video of Dandelion Death from last year's party) or on the Facebook event page here .

Chicago El Diablo Run DVD Screening, February 23rd, 2012

2012-02-02T10:44:00.002-05:00

Half Fast Chicago hosts the Chicago screening of the El Diablo Run DVD at The Lockdown, 1024 N. Western Ave., Thursday, February 23rd! Film will be at 9:00PM. Ride your bike out and party! Check out the Facebook event page to stay up-to-date.

Who Wants A 1969 Shovelhead Chopper?

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

Grant & Mike had a booth at the Grand National Roadster Show this past weekend, slinging posters and tickets. The Garage Company built '69 Shovel chopper is almost done. From the Born-Free blog:

"And for the low price of $25 you can! Kiyo is almost done with the chopper version of the two '69 Harley's you could win on June 30th at Born-Free 4. The bike will be fresh through and through with lots of original Harley and old rare chopper parts like the American Racing 12-spoke in the rear! Sonny Boy just got started on the body work and will be painting it soon. "

Lowbrow is the online source for poster and ticket sales. You don't have to be present to win either of the two bikes, the stock or chopped '69 Shovel! Check out the Born-Free goods here and get your chance before tickets run out!

Stickers For Your Thoughts.. Give Us Your Reviews!

2012-01-30T20:48:00.001-05:00

It's that time again! We need your product reviews!

What motorcycle-riding wild man doesn't like free stickers? Perhaps it is a throwback to our neanderthal heritage; plastering your garage with chopper stickers is akin to painting mammoths on your cave wall. Here is how you could end up with some free Lowbrow Customs stickers in your mailbox:

We would like more customer reviews as we believe peer-to-peer reviews on our products will give you honest insight into their quality, fit, and their ability to get you laid on a scale of 1-to-10. Our review system on our website lets you put in Pros, Cons & Comments when you leave a review. We read each and every one, and they help us figure out if there are any issues or products that need improved, and they help out anyone else who is thinking about buying a product but wants the low-down. We will reward this forthcoming by randomly choosing some people who take the time to leave reviews and emailing them for their address so we can send out a nice sticker pack.

Click on the 'Review' tab that is on every single product on our site, and then click on 'Add Your Review' and let us know what you think. You don't have to have an account or anything, just your name, review, and email address (which is not shared or published!). Thanks for your help!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Jörg's Ironhead Sportster Chopper

2012-01-27T15:01:00.003-05:00

Jörg from Kickstartworks in Germany sent us some photos and info on his most recent build, an Ironhead chopper. We were pretty stoked on it, what do you think?

"It is a `74 Ironhead frame with a hardtail on and a totaly rebuild `75 motor in, turned into a right hand side shift. Has aluminum rims, stainless spokes, inhouse build custom made horseshoe oiltank with internal oilfilter, hidden the electrik stuff underneath, and handbuild pipes, sissybar and s.o.. The seat was made by my buddy Michael from CUSTOMSEATS. The frame is powder coated and all the chrome is redone. The handlebar has internal throttle.
painted and flaked by my son !! All that assembling was done in my little shop " Kickstartworks" Germany , faraway from SoCal :-)). - Jörg"

Tomorrow in Las Vegas! El Diablo Run Film Premiere

2012-01-24T15:44:00.003-05:00

Hey Vegas! This is from Jeff-O who is the dude on the cover of the EDR DVD and the one throwing this premier party: Be there early the Mariachi band starts at 7PM. We got some great beer and food specials, And the Zito band starts at 10. Take a cab, steal a car, ride your bicycle, have your mom drop you off, just be there. And If your mom drops you off out front and I can verify it I'll buy drinks for everyone who gets out of the car, (hi-jak that minivan and fill it up).

Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, January 25th, 2012!

Film at 8pm with bands to follow at Vamp'd, 6750 West Sahara, Las Vegas, NV 89146.

Customer Bike Spotlight: Adam and His Brother's XS650 & Triumph Choppers

2012-01-23T21:51:00.004-05:00

Adam sent along a few kind words and some photos of his XS650 and his brother's Triumph. A nice pair of choppers!

"Just wanted to say how awesome your site is. I have bought a ton of stuff from your site and in person at bike shows, for my XS650 and every transaction has been great. This is the first bike I've ever built, and your parts and that great how to section have gotten me through quite a few jams. Anyway, here is my bike along with a shot of my brother's '67 Triumph who also has a Lowbrow Customs issue... (grin)

Mine is a 1982 XS650 Heritage Special with a custom drop seat hard tail. I've used your bung kits, seat mount & springs, seat, wiring, throttle, fender strut kit, and much more. It is nowhere near done but I am having a great time so far.

Thanks again, I am truly proud to be a Lowbrow Weirdo!"

The Biltwell Brodown - Saturday Feb. 4th 2012 - Cincinatti, Ohio

2012-01-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Brought to you by the fine folks at Biltwell & Lowbrow Customs! This is coming up pretty quick, only two weeks to go, so get your drinking shoes on and do some training, you are going to need the practice to keep pace! This is the third year of the Brodown, it is the happening spot in a sea of drudgery, so come on down and tear it up! Keep up to date on the Brodown webpage (complete with a nice YouTube video of Dandelion Death from last year's party) or on the Facebook event page here.

Customer Bike Spotlight: Mitch's For Real '39 Knucklehead In Progress

2012-01-19T16:27:00.002-05:00

Mitch sent along some photos of his 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead chopper in progress and we figured we would share 'em. Stay tuned for photos of the finished bike once he gets it dialed in!

"Hey guys....
This is what I've been working on. That is a for real 39 knuckle, [with your rear fender and
other bits] - Regards, Mitch"

The Internet, By The People, For The People, For Better or Worse

2012-01-18T13:06:00.003-05:00

This is important. Take 10 seconds to check out this link to a petition opposing SOPA and PIPA, which would sensor the web and make lots of regulations for businesses. Congress is going to be voting on January 24th. End piracy, not liberty. Censorship is for the birds, the internet is for the people.

The Road Home From Colorado

2012-01-17T11:30:00.001-05:00

Kyle and I are still on the way back from The Outlaw Snowdown in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Snow started falling hard the last night and flights the next day were fubar. A better update to follow, but much fun was had, a good mix of relaxation, chopper talk, music, snowboarding, and burning it down at the local bars!

Location:Oak Hill St,Denver,United States

4th Annual Hippy Killer Hoedown April 14th 2012 Wild West Arena, California

2012-01-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

The 4th annual Hippy Killer Hoedown takes place at the Wild West Arena in Winchester, California on Saturday, April 14th, 2012. The show is $10 at the gate, and DiCE Magazine is throwing a pre-party the night before 8 - 12. Sounds like a great time!

A Little Video Coverage from The Lowbrow Holeshot

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Kareem from down in Columbus, Ohio (he set up the Pinned show down there) was at the Lowbrow Holeshot back in September 2011 and was one of the few people to fight through the drunken ether and drag out a camera and get some video. This is a quick video of a nice unit Triumph getting beat on in the middle of the main drinking pavillion! Late at night I might add.

Dixie Roundup 2: Alabama, April 28th, 2012

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

Our friends at Garage Company Customs in Alabama are throwing the 2nd annual Dixie Roundup on April 28th, 2012. The idea is pretty simple, it's all about choppers with a healthy dose of camping and drinking thrown in. Sounds like a great time to me! FREE event with free camping Friday and Saturday night! Bands playing Saturday.. Can't wait!

Bringing Her Home / What Winter Is Good For

2012-01-08T13:40:00.003-05:00

Loaded up my green Triumph, my '55 land speed race bike. Time to haul it home and yank the motor out and poke around at least at the top end and see what's shakin. Maybe probe deeper depending on how the top end looks. The winter can be long and brutal, however there is one advantage; it gives those of us whose parents or ancestors weren't smart enough to move somewhere that is less prone to give you S.A.D. time to work on our bikes and build new ones. If it was 75 degrees and sunny outside all the time I don't know that I would ever want to work on my bikes.

I have always built my bikes out of a tiny 19' x 8' single bay I insulated and ran air lines in, etc., a couple few years ago. Well now that Lowbrow is in the new warehouse instead of the building behind my place, I have a nice large bike work area I am working on setting up. Already heated, drywalled, kitchentte, and bathroom with shower, so I am way more decked out! Just need a cot and I can live in there. Mostly empty and clean at the moment but that won't last long. Still have to hang a bunch of pegboard and get my tools organized so it is easier to work in.

The Outlaw Snowdown!

2012-01-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

I know we have mentioned this before, but we and the guys from Biltwell are real excited for the Outlaw Snowdown coming up next week in Pagosa Springs, CO! (Tyler and I did a little snowboarding today just to get us prepared!) Much respect to Melissa Buckley for putting on such a great event. Check out all the details on their Facebook page HERE!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Wichita Steve's Drag BSA

2012-01-04T15:33:00.003-05:00

Lots of good stuff going on in this photo from Steve in Wichita, Kansas. He is working on this drag BSA featuring a 4" stretch, 2-1/2" drop David Bird hardtail. Looking great so far! Can't wait to see this race bike done.

It is also sporting an M&H Racemaster 4" x 18" drag slick, available from Wayne Skinner of the National Vintage Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (NVMDRA). If you are looking for one of these brand new, made from the original mold, from original compound recipe drag tires, email Wayne at melskin@live.com and tell him Lowbrow sent you!

A Holiday Shop Project!

2012-01-02T20:36:00.006-05:00

I spent a bit of the holidays messing around with one of our new P-Nut tank DIY kits, just checking fit and seeing what could be done with one and a funny thing happened. The more I cut and started working with the tank halves the cooler I thought it was turning out. I sectioned a few inches out of it making it super narrow and made a new tunnel out of sheet metal and dropped it down low on the backbone of my race bike. I decided it would be cool to scallop the rear of the tank to match the rocker boxes and do some metal work to cap the ends and I used one of our filler bungs and caps to top the tank off.
What started as an exercise turned into the tank I want to use on my 2012 Bonneville Speed Week Bike! I still wasn't sure but it mirrors the oil tank design and fairing work on the bike so well; add in the fact I love p-nut style tanks, and the fact I made it, and there it is! I did a few tests with our friend Greg and it holds one gallon exact. Perfect!
By the way, this is some of the first tank work I have ever done, and I am very happy with the results. It was a lot of trial and error but the work was worth it to me. I will throw a picture up as soon as it is all finish welded, anyone working with one send us some pictures of what you make with em! Cheers, Kyle

New W&W Catalog Just Arrived, Includes Lowbrow Customs Products

2011-12-30T13:58:00.003-05:00

We were stoked to receive the new W&W catalog today from Germany. This new 2012 catalog includes some Lowbrow Customs products including our bungs, plug wire sets and cloth covered wire, seat mounts, and more. We are happy to be included, and involved with a company like W&W who are real motorcycle enthusiasts out there having fun and getting it done.

Born Free 4 Intro at Yokahama & Official Shirts Available Now

2011-12-28T14:52:00.004-05:00

Here is a nice quick video intro about Born Free 4 by one of the founders, Mike Davis. It was filmed by 'The Sheriff' of MCM Magazine out of Sweden.

Also, some nice official Born Free 4 T-Shirts are now available in sizes Small - 4XL. Printed with discharge and water based inks on a black tee for a really nice vintage look and feel. The perfect accoutrement is a BF4 poster, with free ticket!

Ton Up Stockholm Salt Ghost Screening & Triumph Land Speed on Ice!

2011-12-27T11:10:00.003-05:00

Magnus of Ton Up Stockholm had contacted us about doing a Salt Ghost screening there in Sweden, which we were all for. It took place earlier this month, and they also sold some Salt Ghost DVDs there, the money from which is helping sponsor their fellow Ton Up Club member and friend Charlie in his racing efforts.

Charlie raced his 1946 Triumph Speedtwin 500 c.c. motorcycle on the frozen lake Orsa Speedway in 2011 and is preparing to do so again in 2012! Thanks to Magnus and the crew for setting up the screening and to everyone that attended, and good luck to Charlie in his race efforts in 2012!

A Thoughtful Christmas Gift & 1955 World's Fastest Motorcycle

2011-12-26T11:41:00.002-05:00

I came into the shop today and Todd had a Christmas gift for me. It is the November 1955 issue of Cycle Magazine featuring the new fastest motorcycle in the world, a 40 ci (650 c.c.) non-supercharged Triumph streamline run by team Johnny Allen (Driver), Jack Wilson (Tuner) and Stormy Mangham (Designer) out of Texas, which ran an 2-way average of 193 mph. Johnny Allen ran a Triumph Tiger 100 (500 c.c.) at 123.95 mph at the same meet for another speed record. Read the article for yourself!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:45:00.001-05:00

Honestly we slipped a little on the blog yesterday and today, we have been spending a well deserved weekend off with our family and friends! We will be back to work on Monday but we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Lowbrow Customs!

Oh yes and enjoy this picture of the Yo Gabba Gabba crew inflatable, they are my niece Darly's favorite!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sportster 1979 - 1981 Bolt-On Hardtail Frames by David Bird

2011-12-23T14:33:00.002-05:00

Dave Bird has finished up the design for the 1979 - 1981 Harley-Davidson Sportster bolt-on hardtail frames! Available in traditional straight style or in his signature looped style frame. David now has frames for Sportsters from 1954 - 1981, and has the next year range frame in the works!

Need A Last Minute Gift? Lowbrow Gift Certificates Available!

2011-12-22T11:13:00.002-05:00

Need a last-minute gift for that motorcycle enthusiast in your life? Not enough time to get something shipped to your door? Check out Lowbrow Customs gift certificates, you receive the PIN number via email right away! Check them out here, do not fear, you still have time to give holiday cheer. Damn, too much Dr. Seuss lately..

Psychedelic Tendencies 2 Chopper Art Show Jan. 14th, Studio City, CA

2011-12-21T12:01:00.002-05:00

Our friend Dan Collins of Old Gold Garage and Victory Tattoo is throwing Psychedelic Tendencies 2, a chopper art show with a long, long list of artists, none of whom I have ever heard of. Who are these guys, anyway? Seriously though, looks like it is going to be a rad show, check it out Saturday, January 14th at Victory Electric Tattoo Co. at 11390 Ventura Blvd. #7, Studio City, California 91604.

Lowbrow Customs Presents Born Free 4 Online Poster Sales!

2011-12-20T12:51:00.002-05:00

Lowbrow is proud to be the online source for Born Free 4 poster sales! Each poster comes with an entry ticket for a chance to win one of two 1969 Harley-Davidson Shovelheads! Your poster is $25 (shipping included in the USA!) and comes with an entry ticket and assorted promotional stickers and such from some of the BF4 sponsors. These are also available world-wide, the big change this year is that you do not have to be present to win! Here is some more info from the official Born Free 4 website:

"We will be at the all swaps,shows and other events selling in person. You also can buy at the Garage Company, Tri Co, Dixie, The Cycle Lodge and Classic Cycles. We have printed a limited number of posters/w tickets again this year and the odds are the same as last year. The biggest changes this year is the chance to win 2 bikes and you do not need to be present to win.

The guys from Biltwell / ChopCult (Bill & McGoo) have graciously offered to hand deliver the bikes to anywhere in the USA to the winners if they are not present...just like Ed McMahon. Knock on your door and roll the bike in the living room....again free delivery in the USA!! If you are outside of the USA you are responsible for shipping!! Period !! We can hold the bike for a while so you to work out the details and we will drop off at the shipper for you.. but that is all...You are responsible for all shipping costs.

This is your chance to own one or two 1969 Shovelheads. We know times are tough and some folks just can't leave their jobs, can't leave their families or just don't have the funds to make it California for the show.... so we hope this change helps everyone. We are continuing to try and make the show better and get more people involved all over the world and we think these changes will do that. We appreciate all the support Born-Free has gotten and we hope you all will continue to make this show some different and something really special!"

Radical Gifts From Our Bros on the Left Coast: Biltwell

2011-12-19T11:29:00.003-05:00

When wrenching on and riding my sick bobber, I like to drink Sick Bobber Pale Ale, bro. Our good friends at Biltwell put some time and thought into their Christmas gifts, and everyone here at Lowbrow got a bottle of their private labeled beer brewed by Mission Brewery in San Diego.

A box arrived for me today from Bill, McGoo and Mike D, and when I opened it it wasn't the reflection of the green hilt in Kyle's eyes, but pure jealousy ;) This knife was hand made by Morris Knives out of a file! A care sheet was included explaining that files are one of the best sources of high carbon tool steel, resulting in a very wear-resistant, tough knife. I love it, and will gladly wear it on my belt and use it to dissuade attackers, business end first.

Buy Any Biltwell Helmet now thru Tonight (Sunday) at Midnight, Your Entire Order Ships Free!

2011-12-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Order ANY (DOT or novelty) Biltwell helmet (including one of the 5 new DOT-approved Hustler Helmet colors!) at LowbrowCustoms.com and your entire order ships FREE! Limited to the continental USA, and excludes frames and hardtails. Good now through midnight TONIGHT Sunday, December 1 7th, 2011.

Hot Off The Press: El Diablo Run DVD In Stock & Shipping NOW!

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

What many people have been waiting for has arrived! The El Diablo Run: A Mexican Motorcycle Adventure DVD is in stock and shipping now! The EDR DVD is complete with free soundtrack CD and 24-page photo book for only $24.99! The perfect gift for that motorcycle enthusiast in your life. Orders are getting packaged and shipped right up until Christmas!

Buy Any Biltwell Helmet now thru Sunday at Midnight, Your Entire Order Ships Free!

2011-12-16T12:00:00.001-05:00

Cleveland El Diablo Run Screening this Saturday, Dec. 17th, Cleveland, Ohio

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Come on out for the first screening of the El Diablo Run DVD at The Spitfire Saloon (1539 W. 117th St) in Cleveland, Ohio this Saturday, December 17th! Check out the event page for updates. It is a free event, come on out and eat some free grub, watch the film, hang out and talk motorcycles. Cheap drinks and punk rock, you can't go wrong! Brought to you by Lowbrow Customs, Biltwell, Inc., Four Aces Cycle and The Gasbox.

Buy Any Biltwell Helmet now thru Sunday at Midnight, Your Entire Order Ships Free!

2011-12-15T12:56:00.003-05:00

Well here is the skinny.. 5 new colors of DOT-Approved Biltwell Hustler helmets just arrived, including Flat Primer Red, Gloss Black, and 3 new Metalflake helmets: Cobalt Blue, Gang Green and Wine Red! Since these just missed out on our free shipping special, we decided to keep the party going. Order ANY (DOT or novelty) Biltwell helmet at LowbrowCustoms.com and your entire order ships FREE! Limited to the continental USA, and excludes frames and hardtails.

FREE SHIPPING TILL MIDNIGHT!!!

2011-12-14T13:52:00.004-05:00

That's right! The sale is still on!! You have until Midnight TONIGHT!! That is 11:59:59 Eastern Time, to snag FREE SHIPPING on any order over 30 bucks for that special old man in your life! Here's the deal:

- Starts Tuesday, December 13th at 12:01 am (it's happening right now!) and runs through midnight on Wednesday, December 14th, 2011.
- All US orders in the lower 48 get FREE shipping on orders over $30 excluding frames
- No code or anything necessary, just check out and select the free shipping!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Bill's Salt Flat & Road Racing Triumphs

2011-12-14T11:00:00.002-05:00

That there isn't Santa, that is Lowbrow customer Bill up in Canada with one of his top-notch pre unit Triumph race bikes! He is planning on making it out to Speed Week 2012 at the Bonneville Salt Flats and racing, probably bringing his road race bike along for the ride as well. I sure hope he does, we are going to have quite the gaggle of amazing vintage Triumphs there if everyone who is planning on making it shows up!

48 Hour Free Shipping Special!

2011-12-13T00:02:00.002-05:00

Customers seemed to appreciate our Cyber Monday free shipping deal, so we are doing another bout to help out with getting-down-to-the-wire Christmas gifts or just to give you an excuse to treat yourself to that special something you have been eyeballing. It's a pretty simple deal, here's the rundown:

- Starts Tuesday, December 13th at 12:01 am (it's happening right now!) and runs through midnight on Wednesday, December 14th, 2011.
- All US orders in the lower 48 get FREE shipping on orders over $30
- No code or anything necessary, just check out and select the free shipping!

3 Idiots do Bonneville: Part 2 of 2

2011-12-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

The 2nd half of Benjamin Mauceri's story "3 Idiots do Bonneville", of their race efforts at Bonneville Speed Week 2011, where we met them.

"Nate was first to go. I've never seen him more nervous. This is a guy who's been a professional cyclist for years. He's seen thousands of green flags in his life. He's worked on professional race cars. He's won races at Willow. He's travelled on a BMW GS solo through Mexico camping the whole way. But going 3 miles in a straight line gave him butterflies. Its a reflection of the place, not the man.
Bonneville rules say that an entered vehicle can only be under its own power on the course. Once a run is over, a chase vehicle must pick up the entrant on the side of the "return road" (which is really a poorly-marked strip of salt amidst other unmarked expanses of salt). The technique is for the racer to shut down and then turn off the course with enough speed to coast the 1/4 mile to the return, "road". They then sit there until the chase truck arrives.

At this point, I should probably talk about the surface. It's very strange stuff. The closest thing I can think of is really hard-packed dry snow. The salt is sticky and tacky but loose at the same time. It's also bumpy. And it tastes terrible.

We're up and the starter sends Nate into the unknown. Andy and I pile into the RV and head out after him along the chase road.

4 minutes later (remember the scale of the place), we find Nate on the side of the return road pumping his arms and screaming with joy. He can barely form words. When he does, he yells, "We can go faster!" We put the bike on the lift and head back to the timing tower to pick up Nate's slip showing his speed.

124mph.

Andy's up next and we get back in line to run again. Nate's trying to tell us what he experienced but he's failing. We get it and forgive him when he stops trying.

In line, we chat with other competitors and it strikes all of us how much everyone wants everyone else to have a good time. "Good luck!" and, "Hope you go good!" are exchanged freely among everyone there. It's wonderful.

An hour later, Andy lines up and sets off. Nate and I lay chase in the RV.

We find Andy at the end of the course with tears in his eyes. There were five separate times this trip when it looked certain that he wouldn't make that run. I can't imagine what it felt like for him to finally do it.

"It's just going in a straight line, right?

Yes. That's all it is.

We pick up Andy's slip. 129mph. The bike was turning over 10k in 6th. Surely this is all it has. It's a stock SV for pete's sake. At altitude. On salt.

By the time Andy's done, it's clear we wont have time to make another run before they close the salt at 7:30. I'll have to wait for tomorrow.

Dinner. Another $7 shower. Bed.

The next morning, we're on the salt at 6:30. After some coffee and some waiting, it's my turn.

I'm in Nate's un-ironically retro leathers which probably offer no protection and I'm sitting on a bike I've never ridden about to go as fast as I can on a surface I've only driven in a car - at 45 mph.

Given the situation, I'm surprisingly calm. I'm usually the one in this group with nerves. I'm also usually the slowest. Andy's gone faster around Willow on an SV than most people thought possible. Nate's usually 3-5 seconds a lap faster than I am. On the line, my only hope is I manage to crack 120.

The starter gives me the signal and I'm off. I forgot who I was for a minute and I whack the throttle open and spin the rear wheel. I'm surprised when my reaction to the spinning rear is to keep it pinned and grab second. More spinning. Then grip. 3rd. 4th. 5th…. 6th. "Get small" I think. I lift my ass off the seat and put my head under the screen. I squeeze my elbows as tight against the tank as I can. I breathe. Hard. 1 mile. Breathe. Tuck. Smaller. Turn the throttle harder. 2 miles. Smaller still. Breathe. 3 miles. Roll off, sit up and start the bike turning on this odd surface.

I kill the engine and roll to a stop along the return road. I'm on the moon. I've just had one of the most intense 90 seconds of my life and I'm now 4 miles from anyone else on a surface that looks like the damn moon.

After the violence and intensity of running a motorcycle as fast as it will go, everything is so quiet. So serene. It's amazing. It's overwhelming. I break the silence by pounding on the tank and screaming in my helmet.

Then I see the RV headed towards me at 50 mph. It pulls up and Nate and Andy jump out screaming. I'm screaming. High-fives, hugs and arm pumping all around. They take the bike from me and I crawl into the RV and try to speak.

"It's just going in a straight line, right?

Yes. That's all it is.

I pull off Nate's useless leathers and put on shorts. We pull up to the timing tower and I jump out to get my slip.

134.7 mph bitches!

Andy and Nate howl. Andy tells me that earlier, he and Nate talked about how excellent it would be if I was the one to take it to the next level. That's why I love these guys.

We pull back in line and wait for Nate's next run.

Andy starts to talk about how we need red hats.

When you do 200mph on the salt, you are inducted into the, "200mph Club". There are fewer people in that club than are in the "People Who Have Stood at the Top of Everest Club". One of the things you get when you join the club is a red hat. On the salt, those wearing the hats are shown immense respect.

Andy spends the next hour thinking about what we'd need. "A Hayabusa for starters" I say. "Yup" says Andy calmly. Crap. We're going to buy a Hayabusa.

Nate manages to up the best speed we record by another mph. On Andy's next run, he nudges above 130mph. It's now 1pm and the guys wanted to head back to LA an hour ago. They ask if its okay that I only made one pass. Of course it is. It's only going in a straight line after all.

Many many thanks to Andy and Nate for making this incredible experience possible. There are no other guys I'd rather do this with (or with whom this would have been possible). Many thanks to Kyle and the guys at Lowbrow Customs for saving Andy's experience. Their generosity will not be soon forgotten. Guys - Please reach out to us if you're in LA or NYC or when you want to go roadracing. Thanks to Stephen for lending us the RV. We missed you this trip. Thanks also to tech crew for putting up with us and to all the experienced racers and 200mph Club members for making us feel welcome.

We'll be back next year.

Pictures are here."

Mooneyes X-Mas Party, Street Chopper Release Party & David Mann Chopperfest

2011-12-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

There is a lot of good stuff happening in southern California this weekend, but if that's where you are at then you are probably already in the know. Mooneyes X-mas Party Show & Drag is happening at the Irwindale Speedway on Saturday.

Kyle and I happen to be in the LA area this weekend meeting with our friends from Biltwell & Rubbertree Studios, and while we can't make the Mooneyes show we will be hitting up the Street Chopper Magazine release party in Huntington Beach on Saturday night with our buddy Mike D from Biltwell, and hanging with the whole crew on Sunday at the David Mann Chopperfest in Ventura. Hope to see you there!

3 Idiots do Bonneville: Part 1 of 2

2011-12-09T21:19:00.004-05:00

This story was written by Benjamin Mauceri, whom we met along with his friends out at Bonneville Speed Week 2011. The following is part 1 of 2 of the story of their racing efforts and some photos of their time on the salt. We enjoyed it and thought you might too. Enjoy.

"There's an argument about who's idea Bonneville was. Since I'm usually the guy in the group suggesting oddball things to do with a motorcycle, I assume it was me. I remember talking about it for a few years as something cool we could do. Nate's been across the salt on his GS on the way to meeting me at Miller for the WSBK race and thinks it was his idea. Andy's dad ran there and since he's built all the bikes on which Nate or I ever raced, he fundamentally believes neither of us have had an idea about motorcycles that he didn't place in our heads.

No matter. A few months ago, I get an email form Andy that Bonneville is happening and asking if I'm in. I was marginally offended by the question.

I flew in to Salt Lake City from a friend's wedding in Northern California. I picked up my rental car and headed East the 100 miles to the flats to meet Nate and Andy who have been there since late the night before.

Along the way, I get a text from Andy telling me that he hopes I fit into the speedway leathers Nate bought. Hmmmm. When I show up at the flats around 4pm I find out that Nate and Andy have spent the entire day trying to get the bike to pass tech.

Andy brought three bikes for us - all of which would pass tech at every roadracing organization in the country. In a move that's very unlike us, we neglected to read the rule book and just showed up.

When the boys rolled the bikes through tech on Monday morning, they were handed a list of things they'd need to fix. Bikes at Bonneville need a metal chain guard (we used a piece of fencing Nate and Andy found at a hardware store in town). They need a metal battery tie down (we used a large hose clamp). They need a front sprocket cover (we used a masonry trowel that Andy cut the handle off of and drilled bolt holes in to). They need metal valve stems (luckily one of the bikes we bought had them - so we swapped wheels).

Then there was the issue with the leathers. At Bonneville, leathers have to be free from perforations or stretch panels. Our custom, perfectly-fitting protective roadracing suits wouldn't work. We were also told the humps on the suits would bump us into the Partially Streamlined classes.

Nate and Andy watched this trip evaporate in front of their eyes. No leathers, no riding.

While the conversation about 130mph get-offs in modern roadracing suits was unfolding, Nate saw something. Hanging in the back of the tech trailer was a set of speedway leathers that were maybe 30 years old. Nate asked how big they were. He tried them on and $250 later, they were his. Luckily, I didn't gain any weight back and I'm still Nate's size. Andy, though, was out of luck - or so it seemed.

Confident for the first time that we would actually ride, we rolled out the grill and made steaks. After dinner, we drove to the nearest truck stop for a $7 shower then we piled back into the RV and went to sleep.

We were up at dawn the next day and headed the three miles out on to the salt.

Sometime in the morning, Andy saw a guy his size working on a beautiful old Triumph. Andy waled over and casually asked if he could borrow this guy's leathers. Without hesitation, the guy said sure. Andy was going to ride.

This is Bonneville. Here's a guy going for a record and happy to lend his only set of leathers to a perfect stranger who's predicament was entirely his own fault.

The atmosphere is everything you might imagine it would be. Nate called it a Burning Man for cars. I think that's right. The machinery surrounding us was unlike what you'd see anywhere else. Nice paint was traded for beautiful engineering. Old rusted-out bodies held immaculate small blocks which were more often than not topped with blowers. While some cars looked suspect, Bonneville is a place where the all of them sound and run excellent.

We passed tech and filled out all the necessary forms. We each looked at the, "Bonneville 2011 Participant" stickers and patches we were given with a sense of awe and legitimate reverence. We giggled at the notion that Andy's endurance bike (the one we ended up riding) was now wearing a SCTA sticker that corresponded to an official log book. Somehow, this became very important to all of us. We all knew we wanted to come out here but I don't think we knew why. People kept saying to us, "I don't get it. Isn't it just going in a straight line? And not really that fast?" Yes. It's exactly that.

We attended rookie orientation at 11am and then finally headed for the courses.

Here's where the scale of the place sets in: There were three courses this year. Course 3 was the bunny slope at 5 miles long, Number 2 was 7 miles long and if you go over 175, they'll let you on Course 1 which is a full 9 miles. For us New Yorkers, that's Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge.

You can read that - and you can look at the pictures, but until you've stood there (or done a run), the size doesn't sink in.

On Course 3, you're allowed to be under power for 3 miles. After that, the last two are for slowing down. We're on a stock-ish SV650 making 79hp and we're at 6000ft elevation - and we're on salt. We thought we'd be good for maybe 125mph if we were lucky. We honestly had no idea.

The guys who do this a lot call the salt the Big White Dyno. You can talk all you want about how much power your car makes or how fast you've been down the 405 but the salt changes things. This is where the truth is. The salt will tell you exactly how fast your vehicle is not."

Cancer Sucks. Help A Friend, Win A Vespa. $10 per ticket

2011-12-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

Elm City Vintage in New Haven, CT are helping their friend Steve-O, who was diagnosed with cancer and like many, has overwhelming medical bills and is unable to work. Elm City stepped up and is restoring and raffling off a Vespa in January. Tickets are $10 each, buy one for a chance to win and to help out someone in need. You can find more info on the website or Facebook page.

November's Charitable Givings

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

We received some letters and drawings from the elementary students in Ms. Nodelman's class in Los Angeles and also from Ms. Scallon's 2nd grade classroom, which were both helped out with donations from Lowbrow customer's from the month of October. Your donation of spare change during checkout helps make a difference in these kid's lives! Thank you.

A total of $534.83 was collected during the month of November from customer's donations, and being December and a season of giving we decided to match those contributions dollar for dollar and also an extra $202 from sales of our Winged Wheel Patch, for a total of over $1200 for November! This includes almost four hundred dollars going to the latest charity we added last month, the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Thanks for your support in these causes, and Happy Holidays!

Customer Car Spotlight: Barry's 1928 Peugeot 190S

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a first, a Customer Car Spotlight.. this, though, is still a good fit in my opinion. Take a look under the hood! From Barry over in the U.K.: "The car is a 1928 Peugeot 190S fitted with a 1200cc VL engine we use in vintage hill climbs (a lot of mud and beer involved)." Barry sounds like our kind of guy!

New Levers & Master Cylinders In Stock From KustomTech

2011-12-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

We just got a batch of master cylinders, clutch levers and brake levers in from KustomTech of Italy. Available in aluminum or brass & aluminum these controls are a perfect match to the throttles and kill switches we already stocked. These controls are a bit on the spendy side due to the Euro to Dollar conversion rate, but the quality is truly top-notch, each is like a piece of art. The fit and finish is 2nd to none.

More Trophies Special Delivery

2011-12-05T11:01:00.002-05:00

I got home from the shop on Friday with some boxes waiting for me. My trophies showed up from my race efforts at Bonneville Speed Week 2011. Super cool and motivating. I think this is the first time I ever got a trophy besides a 'Participant' one from something when I was a kid. Hopefully we will need to put up a shelf in the office next year for all the additional trophies from Speed Week 2012!

The Biltwell Brodown - Saturday Feb. 4th 2012 - Cincinatti, Ohio

2011-12-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

The best reason to head down anywhere in the vicinity of the V-Twin Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday, February 4th, 2012. This is the 3rd annual Biltwell Brodown, presented by Biltwell, Inc. and Lowbrow Customs. Dandelion Death is playing as usual, keeping the squares in check, and there is a DJ all night upstairs in the chillout lounge! Being 2011, there are many ways to keep in the loop on this event using the interweb. Check out the event thread on ChopCult, the event calendar on ChopCult, and also the Browdown event page on Facebook; be sure to share it on your page and spread the good word.

Special Delivery!

2011-12-02T18:05:00.000-05:00

Katy brought a box up to the office today and I opened it up and surprise! My Bonneville Speed Week trophy! We actually didn't even know until 6 months ago they gave trophies out still, and when I opened the box I was surprised to see how big it was. All I can say is this is Awesome!Also, I think it is great I got mine before Tyler, his were being sent to his home address, so he is chomping at the bit to head home and see if his have shown up! Hah! Seriously though this is such an inspiration for next year, only 9 months to go!

Lowbrow Customs Now Stocking Show Class Magazine

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Lowbrow is now stocking Show Class Magazine, with issue #2 and issue #3 in stock and shipping now, and with issue #4 and the limited edition 2012 Show Class Calendar in stock by mid-December, as soon as it is released! Show Class is a down and dirty magazine for motorcycle enthusiasts, put out by Tim Lind of Death Science and Mike Clarke of Freak Out The Squares. Pick one up today, they are limited run and when they are gone, they're gone!

New for 1967! Electrifying Harley-Davidson Sportsters!

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Todd brought in these cool old Sportster brochures the other day, figuring people might like to check them out. He pulled them out of the trash at the H-D dealership he used to work at where someone just tossed them! The 1967 XLH & XLCH, perfect for such way-out activities as strumming your acoustic guitar, or fording a stream. Definitely good for cruising for chicks with wild hair-dos.

The second item is this retail price list for the '67 XLH's. $7.50 for a solo saddle and fittings, seems like a good deal! Hand tallied figures at the bottom corner was probably the result of someone riding home their new Sporty with the DeLuxe upgrade, flush with chrome and the highway cruiser package with windshield and saddlebags. Boss.

Jay Bell Benefit Saturday, Dec. 3rd Lewisville, TX

2011-11-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

Jay Bell, a friend of Scott at Backstreet Buckets, was in a bad bike wreck earlier this month. A drunk guy with no insurance, no license, and former DUIs pulled an illegal U-turn in front of him at 40 mph. Jay lost a leg and is pretty banged up but is pulling through and is in good spirits. If you can make it to this benefit, please do. They are also accepting Paypal donations, see info on the flier above for details. We sent Scott some gas tanks to paint, and Biltwell sent out some helmets, and once they are done there will be a silent auction with all money going to help Jay out.

Thank You Letters From Texas Classroom

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

The kids pictured above are from Mr. Wills's fourth grade class in Texas. Money contributed by Lowbrow & our awesome customers in the month of October helped buy their classroom a laptop computer. We received some thank you letters here from the kids, it is appreciated and I just get a kick out of seeing little kids writing 'Dear Lowbrow Customs'.

We have added Toys For Tots as one of the charities during checkout so that if desired you can round your order to the nearest dollar and donate the spare change to a worthy cause. Thanks for your support and helping make kids happy!

Busted Knuckle Benefit for Lynde Motorsports Saturday Dec. 3rd Brattleboro, VT

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Coming up this Saturday, December 3rd in Brattleboro, Vermont is The Busted Knuckle Ball, a benefit party to help out Uncle Stanley and Lynde Motorsports. Keep up to date via the Facebook event page here. Our friend Steven Sanderson of Paradise Motorsports brought it to our attention, here is the low down on the event:

"Lynde Motorsports in Brattleboro Vt. was badly damaged in the flooding due to tropical storm Irene. Stanley Lynde has owned and run Lynde motorsports for the last twenty years. Stanley’s contribution to the motorcycle community is unrivaled in our area. Let’s just say he’s too nice of a guy to ever get rich. His friends and family are pulling together a party in his honor.

On December 3rd the 1st annual “Uncle Stanley’s Busted Knuckle Ball” will take place at the Stone Church on Main St. in Downtown Brattleboro

Bands: Drunk Stuntmen, Rob Skelton’s Pitchfork, T-Flood
Doors@6:30
Refreshments and Prizes!
A suggested $20.00 donation will help them recover some of their losses. In lieu of (or in addition to) a cash donation we also are still looking for help w/ the event and or prizes for the silent auction. This is a family friendly event with contests and activities for the kids. Children under 16 will be admitted free. As it gets later it will get less kid friendly."

Cyber Monday Special: FREE SHIPPING!

2011-11-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

That's right, Monday, November 28th, 2011 there is Free Shipping at Lowbrow Customs! This applies to all orders in the continental USA, excluding frames and hardtails. No coupon code necessary, just check out as normal and you will receive free shipping. One day only!

Lowbrow Customs Featured in New Triumph Brochures

2011-11-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we got an interesting phone call. Some of our photos, taken by Lowbrow team photographer Jon Glover, were of interest to Triumph Motorcycles. We just got some of the new line sheets for 2012, the flip side being a poster featuring Kyle running down the Salt Flats on his 1967 Triumph at Bonneville Speed Week this year! Pretty rad, and we are honored. Keep your eyes open for them at your local Triumph dealership. The only down side is Kyle's head grew some more and now he needs to buy a bigger helmet, hah!

Salt Ghost Stockholm Premiere Dec. 7th, 2011

2011-11-25T09:30:00.001-05:00

Magnus of Ton-Up Club Sweden has set up a Salt Ghost Video Premiere in Stockholm, Sweden at The Liffey on Wednesday night, December 7th, 2011. We are stoked that he wanted to set up a screening and show our film to some like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts far from home. Check out the Ton-Up Club Stockholm website for up-to-date info on the event!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T19:54:00.003-05:00

I have a lot to give thanks for. The first thing that comes to mind, my little girl Darly, the apple of my eye. My family & friends I get to work with on a daily basis. Everyone we get to deal with via Lowbrow; customers, shops, friends, it is all the best I could imagine. A heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving goes out to you all! Sappy stuff and I didn't even start drinking yet ;)

El Diablo Run: A Mexican Motorcycle Adventure DVD Trailer & Party

2011-11-23T12:36:00.003-05:00

The EDR: A Mexican Motorcycle Adventure DVD is getting pressed right now, so in the meantime enjoy the teaser above. You can also come and watch a screening of it and get drunk with us at The Spitfire Saloon in Cleveland on Saturday night, December 17th and enjoy some free tequila shots courtesy of Biltwell, Inc., founders of the EDR! Check out the Cleveland EDR Screening event page for up-to-the-minute info.

The EDR DVD is complete with free soundtrack CD and 24-page photo book for only $24.99! Check out the product listing here and add it to your wish list. The moment they are in hand and shipping we will be sending out an e-newsletter and posting it here on the website. Let us know what you think of the trailer!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Dean's 1956 Triumph 'Gold Digger'

2011-11-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

"The name of the bike is Gold Digger which held true during the building of the bike. I think we all know how fast these projects can get out of hand and how broke you truly can become at times. Also I know how much time/money and effort this bike will require in the future like a true Gold Digging Bitch.

1956 T-110 650cc 4 speed
It has a 12v conversion and a Joe Hunt Magneto.
I went with a Biltwell Chumps handlebar and a narrow Freddy Hernandez springer front end, no front brake.
It has a horseshoe oil tank, 16-130 rear tire, and a stock rear drum break all on a David Bird hardtail with a 2" stretch and 2" drop.

The pretty stuff:
Paint is Pagan Gold Metalflake over Birch White (by SteveO at Liquid Illusions) with red pin striping (by Vince Balistreri)
Leather seat by Duane Ballard

Fabrication was by Jimmy Dell and engine work was by Deep South Cycles in Mississippi.

- Dean"

The Gold Digger's humble beginnings.

Loser Machine Apparel Now In Stock

2011-11-21T15:35:00.003-05:00

Lowbrow is proud to stock Loser Machine Company apparel. Check out the Condor Vest, t-shirts, and knit hats and more here. Nice quality goods with those subtle nuances to let other people know that you probably don't like them.

The Outlaw Snowdown January 13th - 15th Pagosa Springs, Colorado

2011-11-20T14:20:00.003-05:00

Some friends are putting on an event in Pagosa Springs, Colorado in January called The Outlaw Snowdown. You can check out their website or the Facebook page for more pertinent details but Kyle and myself will be there doing a little bit of what is pictured below, albeit with less class and more booze involved.

Born Free 4, June 30th 2012, California!

2011-11-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

Lowbrow is proud to be a part of Born Free 4 again in 2012. This show is shaping up to be even better than last year's which says a hell of a lot. If you can, make it out for the day, Mike & Grant put a ton of time and effort into making this free event happen and the quality and quantity of bikes that show up is second-to-none.

Rider Resource: FTW Ride WorldWide

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is the first install of our Rider Resource series of blog posts. FTW Co has a great website, FTW Ride Worldwide, for helping you find events going on in your neck of the woods so you can bro it down with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. Check it out and get involved!

Brian's 2-Week Sportster Chopper

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is Brian Colyer's 1972 Ironhead chopper sporting a 2" stretch, 4" drop David Bird Sportster hardtail. I think Brian did a killer job, and something I find quite impressive is that I was at David's shop in Missouri but two weeks ago, and took photos (see bottom pic) of this same hardtail before he shipped it off to Brian! And here is the bike a couple weeks later, all finished up!

Oil & Water Art Show Photos

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Looks like the Oil & Water Art Show was a bit success, wish we could have been out there for it. All these pics were stolen from The Known Gallery website, check out the art show set up photos as well as photos of the event.

Lowbrow Customer Gallery Updated; 200+ New Photos

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hell hath finally frozen over, I have finally gotten the Lowbrow Customer Gallery updated with an additional 200+ photos! Check it out, and please send in your photos if you want them included in the next update (I swear it will be moderately timely)!

A Unique Take on Biltwell Whiskey Throttle Tubes

2011-11-14T10:45:00.002-05:00

Anvil Customs does some high quality leather work, including these new seamless leather grips that are built around Biltwell Whiskey Throttle tubes, available in black, brown or natural. Check em out!

Customer Bike Spotlight: 'Juan'... Blame it on the dog!

2011-11-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

In Jonny's own words:

"The wife and I got Rodin, a golden retriever in 2007. That got me thinkin’, how cool it would be to have a bike with a sidecar for my dog to ride in. Searching for sidecar rigs, I came across a Harley Springer Classic, no sidecar, but a great looking bike. Screw the dog, I need that bike. Bought it, and rode it around stock for awhile after pulling all the HD skull covers the PO put on everything……what is it with Harleys and scary skulls?

Really liking the bikes’ looks, but still needing to make the bike “mine”, I bought a stage IV kit on eBay and installed it. That engine is a complicated as a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower engine. Now my bike was fast, for a Harley, but still looked stock. I still love riding the Harley, but the fuse of modifying had been lit, I need to build a whole new bike.

Now with it being my first build, I was looking to spend as little as possible, use something different and end up with a bike that when people ask, “you built that yourself?” and they really don’t know. I’ve seen home built bikes that look…….how do I say this……..home built. The Internet is full of information and parts suppliers for CB750s. Came across a bike called the “Super Bobber” built by CycleX on my internet surfing. It was long and low, and unlike any 1970s looking Honda chopper I’d ever seen, so a CB750 it would be………..to keep it clean, no clutch, it would be a CB750A HONDAMATIC.

I picked up a donor bike off of Craig’s list in Tampa cheap and rode it down to St. Pete with gas leaking out of the carbs and stalling at stoplights. Got busy with the tear down. The first to go was the Vetter faring, man was that thing fugly. A Call to Cycle X for their “Boxer” frame, dual carburetors, and down-low-speedo, and I was committed to the build.

The original hubs were laced to new rims. The original forks were shaved, shortened 2” and polished up for a smooth look. The frame showed up to my front door, and it wasn’t long before I had a roller. The gas tank is a Cole Foster. I had an oil tank to hold my battery and electrics (wet sump in the hondamatic) but it seemed sort of “fake”, so off it went. Same with two rear fenders I bought on eBay, before settling on a blank I cut up myself. Lowbrow hooked me up with all the bungs to mount my fender and seat, a cool stainless seat hinge and seat springs, they also carry the model ’33 tail light and chain tensioner I used. Thanks to Patty Perfect’s borrowed stick welder, everything got tacked in place. Everyday was like Christmas as it seemed there were always boxes on the front porch to be opened. Our mailman, Joe, carried most of my bike to me one part at a time.

When the bike was almost done, I couldn’t wait to ride it, so…………………..a quick wiring job and a rattle can paint job and “Juan” the rat was on the road for two weeks. I had so much time in it by now, I had to finish it properly, so the bike came apart again, for powder and paint. I spent the time waiting to buff and paint the motor. With all my new shiny parts back in my Florida “hot ass summer in hell” garage, “Juan” came back together quite quickly. It had been almost one year after the trip to pick up the old sad looking 1976 CB750A with my VERY supportive wife, little Jennifer.

8000 miles later, I still love this bike. I could not have made it without Ken @ CycleX, you guys at Lowbrow Customs and Nate, a south St. Pete brother making some cool parts at Casket Factory Customs……..there you happy now Nate? Oh yeah, the dog still rides in the car.

Jonny"

Oil & Water Art Show Tomorrow, Saturday, November 12th 2011!

2011-11-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

In southern California and bummed because there is nothing ever going on? Well fret no more because tomorrow is the Oil & Water Art Show at The Known Gallery in Los Angeles. We sent 11 gas tanks out for the show, and Biltwell sent out cases of helmets, and a bunch of top shelf artists painted them up for you to viddy.

Sonny Boy with a dual filler Narrow Alien gas tank he painted for the show.

Sonny Boy

The Harpoon

Kutty Noteboom

Trevelen

Veterans, Thank You For Your Service!

2011-11-11T17:12:00.001-05:00

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all our Veterans & troops! Thanks for keeping the King of England out of our face, and everyone else too. This all-original Harley-Davidson WLA is tucked away in the back corner at Colony Machine.

Help name this project!

2011-11-11T10:50:00.005-05:00

This year both Tyler and myself will be taking new race bikes out to Bonneville Speed Week chasing records, you may have seen some updates on our Facebook page but we haven't said too much on the blog yet. Here is a mock up photo (and yes I know the front end has no travel, it's a MOCK UP!!) of my new Bonneville Salt Flats bike project. I will be starting build threads on Jockey Journal and on Chop Cult as soon as I get some time to sit down and load the pictures up! This is going to be low and lean, 8 inches longer, and the neck 8 inches lower than a stock Triumph!
I need a little help though, I don't usually buy into naming bikes, but somehow it is different for a race bike. There is a long tradition of it, so come on and help me think of a cool name for it! I have a couple I like, and Tyler's suggestions are just wrong (I won't even put them in print haha), so help me think of some cool bike/project names and if I use it I will send you a care package with some cool stuff! Cheers, Kyle

New Holdiay Help!

2011-11-10T18:31:00.003-05:00

That's right, the holidays are coming! Orders are pouring in, so we had to get some extra packaging help for the holidays. Meet Bluey and Tasha, they are fully trained and ready to work! Now we just have to make sure these frisky and single kids don't start any covert office romances! They are really cute together and share a love for skating!

Free Embroidered Patch with Salt Ghost DVD, While Supplies Last!

2011-11-09T10:25:00.003-05:00

We did up some 3" round embroidered patches, a vintage Salt Flats racing support patch type of deal. While they last we are throwing one in free with every Salt Ghost DVD purchase on the website, and also have the patch available for $5 each! Makes a perfect gift!

We Need Your Photos: David Bird Hardtails & Frames

2011-11-07T14:08:00.002-05:00

We are looking for any photos of David Bird hardtails in action, as rollers or preferably finished bikes. Triumphs, XS650's, Sportsters, if you are running one of David's frames or hardtails please email over some photos. Also include the stretch & drop of your frame so we can include that info and use some photos on our website to show off different frame styles. If we use your photos on our site we will hook you up with a nice care package, so send 'em over or take some nice pics! Thank you!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Slab City Riot 3 Cancelled!!

2011-11-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

Here is the scoop straight from Biltwell, if you were on your way make plans accordingly!

During yesterday's pre-run of the Slab City venue, city officials in the area strongly advised cancelling the event. Failure to do so, we were told, might result in significant headaches from local law enforcement. To avoid such grief, Slab City Riot 3 is cancelled.

Our sincerest apologizes to the riders, sponsors and volunteers who have invested so much time and treasure leading up to this event.

The Wuss Ride is still pulling out of Temecula, CA, at 11:00 am Friday, and will end at a new undisclosed location for desert riding and camping.

If you want to go riding and camping with friends, please visit the Wuss Ride blog for more information.

Be forewarned: What the Wusses are doing Friday is NOT an official ANYTHING. This means bring your own food, bring your own booze, bring your own everything.

Again, we're sorry. Thanks for your understanding.

Oil & Water Art Show: Saturday Nov. 12th 2011, Known Gallery, Los Angeles

2011-11-02T21:07:00.003-04:00

Quite the lineup of artists!

SATURDAY November 12th, 2011 8-11pm

KNOWN GALLERY
441 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
310-860-6263

Another Killer Engraved Solo Seat Pan

2011-11-02T10:30:00.004-04:00

Steve sent us these pics of his newly engraved Cast Aluminum Solo Seat. Absolutely amazing work, this is the second one we have seen from Heather @ New Line Engraving, and I hope to see more! You can also see photos of her work on her Facebook page here.

"Thanks to a post on your blog, your aluminum seat and a short drive out to meet Heather of New Line Engraving. I’m now the proud owner of one kick ass seat... Check out the pictures, absolutely amazing. I’ve bought a few other things from you guys, when the build is done I send more pictures.
- Steve
Calgary Canada"

Slab City Riot 3 This Friday & Saturday! November 4th & 5th, 2011 Slab City, Niland, California

2011-11-01T13:09:00.004-04:00

This weekend! Slab City Riot 3 in Niland, California. Last year there were over 1,200 people who descended onto Slab City on the outskirts of the Salton Sea to take in the fresh air and quaint charm of this idyllic getaway. Ride on out (or drive) and enjoy free entry and camping, watch people beat the crap out of eachother with wifflebats in the Coctagon, and have a good time. You won't regret taking this trip when you are an old man so get on it, son.

We sent out a bottle of vodka hand painted and gilded by Shawn Long of Imperial House 71. This is the trophy for the Slowbrow (slow) Race, part of the yard games that will be taking place.

And our friend Josh (who runs our Lowbrow booths at Longbeach Swap and other west coast events) and his wife will be running the free Lowbrow bar. Pretty simple concept, we bought hundreds of dollars in booze and are giving it out for free, until it runs out. So stop by the Lowbrow booth and say a sentence that starts with 'I'll take a shot of...' or ends with 'and coke' and they will have you covered! Tips are appreciated for your gracious bartendress of course!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Bobes' S&S "Drag Bike"

2011-10-31T10:22:00.006-04:00

hi from spain guys!!!!!

mi name is bobes, here is my last bike ,wearing with some of the shit you sell.hope you like it...

cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
builder: me & my pals at speed metal
frame: santee goosenek traded for some old bike shit
fuel burner: s&s 96, shovel copy...
shemale (a.k.a trans) : 70's 4 speed survivor (shifts like crap...)
bars: keyno
seat: white...
tail light: lowbrow
oil filter: lowbrow
paint: no money...some sitckers and spray.
air filter: church of choppers
pipes: home made shotguns

gas cap: crashed sportster piston
rear fender: old spare wheel cover...i think.
wheels: 21'' & 18'' - avon
gas tank: sportster modified

El Diablo Run DVD Screening, December 17th, 2011 Cleveland, Ohio!

2011-10-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

We set up a screening of the El Diablo Run DVD (to be released next month!) at The Spitfire Saloon in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, December 17th, 2011. Check out the event page on Facebook here for updates. It is a free event, come on out and eat some free grub, watch the film, hang out and talk motorcycles while it is snowing like crazy outside. Cheap drinks and punk rock, you can't go wrong! Brought to you by Lowbrow Customs, Biltwell, Inc., Four Aces Cycle and The Gasbox.

Patch-stravaganza! a.k.a. Get Patched In

2011-10-28T14:13:00.002-04:00

We knocked out ten new patch designs and they are all finished up and for sale here! A large back patch version of our popular winged motorcycle wheel design, a couple new Sportster patches and a smattering of other cool designs. At only $5 a pop for the small patches ($14.95 for large back patch) the price can't be beat!

Bonneville Short Film Teaser!

2011-10-27T12:21:00.002-04:00

Lowbrow Customs Bonneville Salt Flats 2011 Trailer from Jon on Vimeo.

Our friend Jon Glover came out to Bonneville Speed Week 2011 with us this past August and took thousands of great photos as well as filming throughout the week. He told us he was going to put together some cool clips, but then sent us this, A teaser for a short film he is putting together on our 2011 race experience! It looks amazing Thanks Jon, we can't wait to see it!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Magnus's Finnish Triumph

2011-10-26T15:39:00.003-04:00

"Hi Tyler, Happy you like it! Been watching the Salt Ghost DVD a few times during the rebuild...

The bike is a 1953 6T Thunderbird sold new in Sweden back in -53. (Still got the original bill of sale and title. I´m the 5th owner!) It was cut up in the 70's as a typical Swedish chopper. In the 90's it was found in boxes and rebuilt to look more or less like this. When I got hold of it a few
years back it was fairly beaten up and ran like a sack of shit compared to now.

The engine is rebuilt with .060 oversize pistons and new valves. Still have the original cast cylinder and head. High lift cams and balanced flywheel. Changed the pointsplate and bearings on the Lucas K2FC magneto and got a new ATD for it. Scrapped the single Dellórto carb that came with the bike for twin Amal 928s. Now it runs beutifully. I also rebuilt the gearbox, primary and clutch. And got a new generator so I sometimes got lights...

- Wheels are 21" and 18" on Akront rims.
- Triumph TLS front brake.
- Magura and Tomaselli controls.
- Moon oil tank.

Have not decided on paint yet. Kind of dig the raw finish. It won´t do any records on the salt but for beating around the gravel roads of Finland it´s a blast!

/Magnus"

The Harpoon's P-Nut Tank for Oil & Water Art Show

2011-10-25T11:35:00.006-04:00

Our firend The Harpoon is one of the artists at the Oil & Water Art Show coming up November 12th at the Known Gallery in Los Angeles. We sent him one of our P-Nut gas tanks to paint for the show, and he just sent us this update:

"Got the tank in on the weekend. Full speed ahead with prep. I use a primer that dries glossy.

These tanks need very little Bondo to be readied. Nice one Tyler. Thank you, Harpoon"

Also, our bros over at Biltwell, Inc. and ChopCult set up a Shop Crawl to the art show starting from Biltwell HQ in Murrieta, then on to Classic Cycles in Orange, and on to Cro Customs in Culver City and on to the show. Meet up with them at any of the stop sand ride to the show in style.

Customer Bike Spotlight: Raphael's 2001 Sportster

2011-10-24T14:07:00.002-04:00

Raphael Conte runs Conte Kustoms down in Pelham, Alabama. He sent us pics of his recently finished Sportster that features a handful of parts he got here at Lowbrow (Aris style triangle headlight, Biltwell bars, risers and seat, fender, etc). In his own words:

"The bike is a 2001 Sportster 883 with 9k miles. All the stock tins & lights got canned. I put the Biltwell risers and Frisco handlebars narrowed 2" on each side. Single cable jackhammer throttle, no control switches. The tank is a Pandemonium STR tank. The seat is a Bitwell custom mounted. Burly Slammer 10.5" shocks. The fender came from you guys, I just cut it down and made it fit. The headlight and side mount bullet tail light also came from you guys. The front end was shaved, no front brakes. Tires are AVON MK II's. All the tins were powdercoated 85% gloss black. No paint on this bike. The motor is stock, I just added the air cleaner and pipes. I think that about sums it up. Thanks man!"

THIS SATURDAY: Salt Ghost Chicago Screening

2011-10-20T12:48:00.003-04:00

This Saturday! The Salt Ghost midwest screening in Chicago on October 22nd in conjunction with the Hellrider versus Godzilla Halloween party! Wes White of Four Aces is flying out on Friday, Kyle and I drive out Friday morning, and Greg & Katy are coming out Saturday morning. Should be an action packed fun weekend, come on out!

Motorcycle show starting at 1pm at Ace Motorcycle & Scooter Company (1042 West Jackson, Chicago, IL) followed by an 8pm screening of The Salt Ghost at The Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60607), with live music by London Calling to follow at 10pm!

AEE Choppers Bonneville Pit Crew

2011-10-19T10:54:00.003-04:00

Scanned this out of a copy of Hot Bike from December, 1971. AEE Choppers knew how to do it, that is for sure. The caption from the photo above: "AEE Choppers at Bonneville. When Leo Payne and Mel Disharoon of AEE's High Performance Division go racing, they do it in style. Leo's beautiful Molly painted Sportster is backed up by one of AEE's custom Cessna twins, also covered with Molly's epoxy magic, and the wildest pit crew ever."

Lowbrow Customs needs to step up our game for Bonneville Speed Week next year!

Customer Bike Spotlight: Mobtown Cycles

2011-10-18T14:38:00.006-04:00

Tim from Mobtown Cycle over in Baltimore, MD sent these pictures over a couple weeks ago, and we dig it and wanted to share!

He also used some of our bungs and stainless steel strut kit, a P-Nut tank, a Monster Craftsman chain tensioner and some other cool bits putting this together.

Good job guys feel free to share next time you roll another motorcycle out!

Thank You Notes from Mrs. Meyers's Classroom

2011-10-17T11:01:00.002-04:00

We just got in a packet of notes from the kids in Mrs. Meyers's classroom in Missouri that got donations from Lowbrow & customers for the month of September. I forgot that lined paper like this even existed. Maybe I should use some, my handwriting looks way worse than these kids'. Thanks to everyone who donated their spare change during checkout in September, you helped buy school supplies and learning aids for this classroom!

Oil & Water Art Show: Known Gallery, Los Angeles, Saturday Nov. 12th 2011

2011-10-13T12:29:00.003-04:00

The Oil & Water Art Show is coming up next month, we sent them out a bunch of P-Nut and Narrow Alien gas tanks for some of the artists to paint. Check out their microsite for more details!

Public opening:
SATURDAY November 12th, 2011 8-11pm

KNOWN GALLERY
441 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
310-860-6263

A Gift From A Friend: Pan Painting

2011-10-12T16:00:00.002-04:00

Got in a painting from our good friend Joel from Image One here in Ohio. He does all sorts of custom paint work, and is a chopper freak. It isn't just a Panhead motor, but MY '59 Pan motor complete with dual Amal carbs and magneto, all hand painted on a piece of plexiglass. Thanks Joel! It will have a place of honor right here in the shop by my desk.

Stickers For Your Thoughts.. Give Us Your Reviews!

2011-10-11T12:26:00.002-04:00

Throttled: Show Coverage

2011-10-10T15:56:00.003-04:00

As I was already in SoCal for the weekend I swung up to check out Throttled: Ray Gordon Photography Exhibition. It was a very cool show, a west coast Brooklyn invitational almost. I saw a bunch of familiar faces and bikes, drank some free beer and just talked shop with everyone there.
The front gallery has all the large photo exhibits and some music, while the back patio had around a dozen bikes all on display. All in all a very cool show. Sorry about the crappy phone pics I wasn't expecting to be here so I did my best!

THROTTLED // Ray Gordon Photography Exhibition Saturday, October 8th, 2011

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

RAY GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Opening Reception for THROTTLED Photography Exhibition
The Holding Company
Saturday, October 8th, 2011 7pm
104 Robinson, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Wes White of Four Aces Cycle will be at THROTTLED along with The Salt Ghost bike, so head on out there to check out the photography exhibition and give Wes a high five for me.

"Ray Gordon’s THROTTLED presents an intimate look at people that build and celebrate traditional hot rods and vintage motorcycles. The twenty-five or so large-scale color images tell stories of hitting the gas and having a laugh. Gordon takes us to the places where he is at home: drag strips, custom bike shops and secret forts where guys with grease under their fingernails seduce beautiful girls that know better but can’t resist the promise of danger. Way more than a peek under the hood, THROTTLED invites one and all to a way of life that’s as simple and fun as a fast ride, good friends and a couple of beers.

THROTTLED is definitely going to be anything but your typical uptight photography show.

Ray Gordon has been a professional photographer for over one thousand years, working with all sorts of spoiled brats, goldbrickers and filthy rich desperadoes. He’s really f*ing rad, if you’ve got an hour, just ask him. In spite of being a tireless blowhard, he’s got a lot of great friends and an incredible family and as you can see he takes a pretty good picture. A noisy dragstrip is one of the few places he finds peace of mind."

Classic Coverage: Downeast Digger Sportster Drag Bike

2011-10-07T16:24:00.002-04:00

The Downeast Digger was featured in Hot Bike Magazine, March 1972.

Back In Stock! Send us your pictures!

2011-10-06T14:39:00.005-04:00

Back in stock....Again! We keep increasing and increasing the production runs of all these gas tanks and we just can't seem to get ahead of the demand! We just got a huge shipment in and have another one less than a month out, so if you have been waiting grab one! And hey.... we have sold thousands of tanks, send us some more pictures in of your tanks mounted up and painted! We love to see them and use them in the listings or in our catalog!