Expanding on his relationship with Brian Klock and Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, Mike Tomas plans to move Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co.’s new engine manufacturing, engine rebuilding and motorcycle restorations and repairs to Klock’s South Dakota facility in 2010. Tomas earlier this year moved all Kiwi Indian parts distribution Klock’s Mitchell, S.D., as part of a joint venture between the two companies.
“Brian and I are close friends who share the same work ethic and long-term vision about the future of our respective businesses,” said Tomas in a press release. The founder of Kiwi Indian remains the sole owner of the company currently based in Riverside, Calif.
Both Klock and Kiwi have participated in televised custom build-offs and continue to garner their share of magazine coverage. The two builders say they have a mutual respect between one and other and both have a desire to share designs and concepts in an effort to keep innovating.
“This is a project Mike, my wife Laura and I have talked about for three years, so in light of the economy, yes it’s a good move. But more so there’s an interest for both entities in working more efficiently and a desire to be gentlemen of the industry,” said Brian Klock. “I have long held Mike and his wife Carolyn in high regard for their upstanding moral outlook on business; thus Laura, I, and our team at Klock Werks are proud to be associated with them.”
Both companies are still financially strong, the release stated and the venture makes Kiwi’s parts line more centrally located providing access to parts distribution routes, and positions him to more easily reach many industry events.
“One warehouse, better shipping contracts, and improved customer service are all goals we hope for,” Tomas said. “Yes, growth and change are difficult in any setting, let alone a down economy. Our families and teams have prayed for guidance and thought the time was right. We all are smiling about this new venture and look forward to the challenges ahead. The camaraderie that is motorcycling lives on!”
Tomas added that his company has and will continue to put quality ahead of price. “Our level of product testing and development tops efforts of classic Indian companies around the world. Our parts are designed for the Indian owner that rides, including myself,” he said.
Kiwi Indian manufactured crankcases and Kiwi supplied cylinders were recently approved for SCTA land speed racing. The company’s catalog features a detailed collection of exploded view drawings of every assembly of the motorcycle, clear descriptions and accurate year of fitment, ever created.
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In a simpletons mind (mine), there have always been two types of people; The one who wakes up and says ‘Good Morning, God‘ and the others who say ‘Good God, Morning?’”. I do have to admit, sometimes i’ve languished over and in, the latter. Waking up in the morning having to face a stressful and tiring set of circumstances just doesn’t bode well with me sometimes. And thus, starts the self absorbing spiral which leads me to be less mindful of the continued blessings my family (and this great country) have been given by our Maker. And yet, as soon as I kick my ego to the side and honestly look at the way’s i’ve been blessed (family, friends, freedom, career, health, etc) and acknowledge the gratitude I have in my heart…my day is off to a great start. I know… sounds a bit “hokie” but hey, after 52 years you’d think i’d have this down pat (never said i was real smart guys!), however now i can say, (with a bit of satisfaction) that the trivial things do seem to pass me by a bit quicker now! Maturity? Maybe.
So on this Thanksgiving Day, being apart from my family (but spending with friends here in SoCal), i’m mindful of a humble person who’s words help refocus my vision on what is important. Wendall Brown. Mr. Brown lives in Brentwood California, and is a homeless veteran who sells poems on the street corner. So, with a donation, you receive this beautifully written and forceful poem (as well as a lesson in humility) from Mr. Brown.
A Day To Be Thankful I’m thankful for Thanksgiving Day Because it brings to mind The gifts I’ve had along the way And blessings, every kind.
I’m thankful that I live my life
In this great land of ours.
That I’ve not had to give my life, And sleep beneath the flowers.
Much thanks must go to all who fought To keep us safe and free. Their sacrifice has dearly bought Our peace and liberty.
We should remember all who came Before us through the years They kept our country much the same By action, sweat and tears.
Not ever does a day go by That I forget my folks. My mother baking apple pie, My sister with her jokes.
My dad was like a magistrate, Who ruled on each dispute. The claims must all be free from hate. He’d grant or he’d refute.
I owe a debt of gratitude To teachers that I’ve had. They helped to shape my attitude And spanked when I was bad.
The Bible says Our Father, God Will give us daily bread, But I would not believe it odd If two days passed instead.
There are so very many things We should be thankful for. It’s good we have a day which brings God’s harvest to our door.
This just in! Your opportunity to get in on the ground floor and really start setting some trends in the motorcycle clothing business. New fashions are definitely what everyone wants and these “Grasping Handle” pants apparently are the answer. ”The present inventions ads a fresh look to traditional style. The innovative “handles” clothing concept will attract people regardless of their age or geographic location. There will be many imitations, but you can get in on the ground floor with the original“. Yep, that’s right. Ok, where’s my check book! Gotta get in on the ground floor with this……NOT!
Ok, you “want-to-be” film makers, commentators and up and coming actors. Here is your opportunity to shine. RockMoto is rolling out a creative idea to get you want-to-be actors or film makers working on something that can put some cash in your pockets. Create a short video about what can be done on a motorcycle or scooter with a single tank of gas in one day. In 5 minutes or less, show what you would do, where you would go, who you would meet in one day on one tank. If you don’t have access to a motorcycle or scooter, use what you have: a bicycle with a cardboard motorcycle outline, animation, anything that will get your idea across. All we ask is that if you do show a motorcycle rider or passenger, they are wearing protective gear – including a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and shoes – and not breaking any laws. You’ll have to submit your work as a video response to their contest video on Rockmoto’s contest video listed on YouTube (www.youtube.com/rockmoto) by December 31, 2009. Oh yeah, and the prize: $1,000 cash for 1st place, $500 each for 2 runners up and $250 each for 3 honorable mentions. If you want to find out more or have questions, email RockMoto at onetankoneday@rockmoto.com. Good luck!
We saw this over at our friend Cyril Huze site and had to say “about time!”. Cool styling and definitely “retro” influences. Granted some may not like it but for the type builds rolling out of the doors at Guilty Customs, this fits the bill big time! Wimmer has added this product to their ever growing inventory of intakes and air cleaners. This one specifically replaces the S&S teardrop model. You just remove the S&S cover and replace the filter with this new oversized one along with the new cover. It is CNC machined billet and it’s intake fits all S&S carburetors and is available in several finishes. So you can mix and match to your hearts content. The “lifetime” filter is easy to service and with an MSRP starting at $225.00, you can’t go wrong. Check it out at their site, HERE.
Everyone knows that “milk does a body good“. That tag line has been used for years on commercials from the milk industry. HOWEVER a Russian photographer named Andrey Razumovsky has taken this phrase to a whole other level, with these creative and tastefully done portraits of women in “milk dresses”. Ok we’re still trying to figure out how he did it (other than image manipulation of course). But his approach definitely has inspired this ole guy to start drinking more milk. Or at least asking the miss to indulge me with a glass. Of course this whole project forces me to ask the question, “how do you hang that dress in the closet?” You can check out more of his work HERE
Regardless of the times, one thing should always remain. Showing appreciation for our Veterans. Those individuals that sacrifice not only life and limb for their fellow man and country, but also time with families, friends and loved ones for their country. Growing up as a ‘Military Brat’ (and a brother serving) we’re more than aware of the privileges we have each and every day because of these brave men and women. As John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” or Otto Von Bismark, “Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a solder dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.”
Now for a little history lesson: Ninety years ago today, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the very first Veterans Day celebration. Veterans Day (also known as Armistice or Remembrance Day in other countries) is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. This is the day seen as the end of World War I. The first World War ended on November 11, 1918.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation. In 1971 the observance date changed. It wasn’t until 1975 that President Gerald Ford returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Every generation, it seems, has its calls to arms and those who stand up and serve are due all the respect and thanks we can give them. So, thank a veteran today, and every day!
Who said it is hard “comin’ out?” Really, all you do is walk right out and announce your status or intentions. Pretty simple. We’ll, that’s what Guilty Customs is doing by showing you our “stuff”. However that “stuff” just happens to belong (now) to Ted Clark (of Indianapolis IN) as this was Guilty Customs most recent creation made especially for Ted.
The story started when Ted saw the original “Lucille” in one of the many magazines that featured her and contacted Guilty to build one for him…but of course we just couldn’t build an “exact” replica of “Lucille” so we took some liberties. Liberties such as custom one off billet wheels and seat designed by CJ along with custom made exhaust, fender supports, and Guilty’s own battery box. Rear fender was snagged from Pat at Lead Sled, cut down and then matted with those one off fender supports. And who can miss that kickin custom built springer front end! Which was made to Guilty’s spec’s by Paul at Bare Knuckle. (You may know these two guys as we are all part of the Limpnickie Lot).
Mating that front end up with an original goose neck Santee frame and we’re starting to get excited with all the possibilities too. One feature that we wanted to really highlight on this build was the tank and fender stance, so this build included a more ”backbone” ridin’ tank vs the original “Lucille” tank and a tire huggin’ rear fender. Again Steve O’Brian of Liquid Illusions of Sanford Fl came through for us and laid down the colors for this bike. Which unlike the first Lucille, has more white and copper-leaf involved overall. All this couldn’t have been possible either without the superb craftsmanship of Jimmy at the shop as we have another bike hitting the road and a pleased rider also.
We were on a plane coming from Orlando to Charlotte NC when we heard the news of the death of Indian Larry in Salisbury, NC during a rally 5 years ago. His legacy is still felt today in the industry he loved and helped shaped from his shop in Brooklyn NY. For the fifth year anniversary of Larry’s death, Cycle Source Magazine and Indian Larry Motorcycles have collaborated to release a commemorative issue to be released in January 2010.
This special issue will feature never before seen pictures shot by New York photographer Clay Patrick McBride and a full color pull-out poster. The special edition takes a look at some of Larry’s most notable builds and memories from friends who shared his life. A chapter is also dedicated to the color characters working with Larry, (Bobby to Elisa to Paul Cox and Keino) and gives you an update on the “Chopper Shaman’s Family”. Distribution is limited but you can reserve your issue ($6.99) by going to the Cycle Source Magazine site.
Yeah, we know, we’re already heard it from our wives and kids too. People are getting tired of hearing that Guilty Customs is featured in yet another magazine! But we have to do something to remind you we’re out here patiently working our stubby fingers to a bone making some cool rides. Who else is going to shamelessly plug our work, huh?
Anyway, just opened the mail and what did we find, but the December issue of Easyriders Magazine featuring none other than Ash Spurlin’s bike Errant 2. Remember him from past posts on this blog? Ash is the Special Ops guy that phoned us from Afghanistan last year to order up one sweet stretched retro behemoth of a bike for him. Of course standing 6′6″ you listen when Ash asks for a bike (with or without his big rifle). To say the least, we’re stoked (again), that the folks at Easyriders chose Ash’s bike and Don Rogers did a slam up job in shooting the bike. Thanks Don! Thanks Easyriders! Ash, keep rollin’ buddy! Jimmy, super job.
Ok, we’re suckers for cool things whether they are 2-4-6-8 wheels or no wheels at all. So, when we saw these pic’s from a friend, we just had to stop and look and eventually try to purchase one for ourselves. Granted, as a builder we’re easily distracted by things that go “bump, bump” but not literally as these are used bumper cars from Long Beach Pike Amusement Park which were saved from the scrap yard by Tom Wright (a teckie builder in San Diego, CA), and turned into what you see here. Street legal whoopee machines!
Yep, that’s right; these little babies are street legal. Tim uses either Kawasaki or Honda (no V-Twins as they rattle too much) motorcycle engines for power. These were transformed into the most awesome form of mini-car we’ve ever seen.
Here are a few of these little monsters “bumpin” around California. A couple have been measured’ [not run] theoretically capable of 160 MPH which is terrifyingly fast in ANY machine. Much less one with such a short wheelbase. We’ve put our order in for one and can’t wait to start rocking Orange with it! What do you think?
economy, yes it’s a good move. But more so there’s an interest for both entities in working more efficiently and a desire to be gentlemen of the industry,” said Brian Klock. “I have long held Mike and his wife Carolyn in high regard for their upstanding moral outlook on business; thus Laura, I, and our team at Klock Werks are proud to be associated with them.”
