Anytime a fellow motorcycle rider is hit and/or killed by a motorist we as an industry are put on “notice” as to the frailty of life, (and the stupidity of some people). Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke was hospitalized after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident shortly after attending the Easyriders show this past weekend in Pomona, CA. Gilby was struck by a motorist making a left hand turn in front of him in Los Angeles. The driver of the truck then left the scene. (Hope they find the slug!)

Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin in Guns N’ Roses in November 1991, and remained with the band for the next three years. In addition to releasing several solos albums, he’s played with Heart, Nancy Sinatra, and the reformed MC5 on the group’s 2005 European tour, as well as other artists. He’s also produced such bands as L.A. Guns, Ladyjack, and Bullets and Octane, among others. Traci Guns, guitarist for L.A. Guns and a friend of Clarke’s,  in a Facebook posting said, “Gilby got nailed on his motorcycle last night (Jan. 10). His leg is broken in three places. I’m gonna try to go see him tonight – he will be ok.”

Hey, thanks for coming back! Great to see there are a few of you out there that have taste and style! Seriously, thanks for visiting. If you know of stories you think people would be interested in, shoot us a line C'ya!

One of the regular blogs we visit is our friend Genevieve Schmitt’s place called “Women Riders Now“, as we try to keep our hand on the pulse of the women motorcycle industry.  Recently she featured this news update on my favorite personal trainer, (ok, i have to admit she’s as hot as my wife!) Jillian Michaels from the “Biggest Loser” show. Seems Jillian has teamed up with H-D and National Garage Party Month to promote women ridership.  Here is the full release.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with TV’s The Biggest Loser host Jillian Michaels to encourage women to gear up and get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycle. Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.

“Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women,” said Michaels who’s been empowering people through her wellness books and DVDs for years. “That’s what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I’m excited to be a part of this effort.”

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.

During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life. To find a Garage Party near you, visit Harley-Davidson.com/womenriders.

In todays world where women are more accepted as equals (ok,it may not be in certain circles), and their riding abilities are equal to (and even surpass) some or most men, it’s easy to forget those ladies that actually forged the trail for the modern women. Especially those women that went into the all male dominated world of “Drone Riding” aka Wall of Death. Where rider and machine battle gravity and speed, and skirt death at every turn of the throttle. Case in point….Lillian LaFrance. You can find out a lot more about her life at this neat website too.  Click HERE.

“It was the thrill of risking my life that made me to take to drome riding.  I was the girl who flirts with death.  From childhood I was inspired by wanderlust.  I was always alone, dreaming of adventures– how to ride a pony out West, to follow my calling to fame.  This was my secret.   I shared it with no one.”–Lillian LaFrance

Yeah, yeah, we know, the heading is misleading, (especially if you were expecting to see some collection of half nude women draped over some cool bikes), buy hey how are we going to get your attention?! Anyway, what we’re really talking about here is a collection of fascinating images and stories about the lifestyle of women motorcyclists from author (and rider!) Christina Shook. This talented photojournalist and writer captured the young, the old, the beautiful and the ugly, the tough and the delicate, the wild the sensible, brave and gentle, the factory worker and the corporate leader – united in the spirit of motorcycling.  Sounds pretty interesting so far? In these pages (the author notes) you’ll find insight into how these women face risk and how they thrill to speed. They find beauty amidst grease and wind. They form sisterhoods of like-minded women from outlaw style clubs to christian riders. Here you’ll hear tales of adventure and journey. You’re invited for an up close stare at the amazing women who ride. They are both ordinary and extraordinary. The author of Chicks on Bikes, tells a bit about her book in her own words:

There’s a biker saying Ride to Live, Live to Ride. I personally could say Ride to Shoot, Shoot to Ride. Chicks on Bikes has given me the opportunity to ride around on my motorcycles (I have 3) and meet amazing women. A lot of the book is shot here in the San Francisco bay area because that where I live. I’m absolutely in love with San Francisco and I’m going to say it’s the motorcycling capital of America where we ride all year on the most spectacular roads. I run a portrait photography business and sometimes show up for sessions on a motorcycle to the shock of my clients. My two little girls think motorcycles are really cool, but they haven’t been any further than the end of our quiet street.

Well if ya ask us…we just think women riders are cool (and hot)!

Is this the coolest kids’ toy ever?  This Rocking Horse is a custom built bike rocker made by Felix Götze of Berlin. He noticed three year old Otto Komei staring wistfully out the window at the bike gang across the street as they spent their days souping up their choppers. After one of the gang wheelied off down the street, Felix decided to build the kid his own custom ride. And people say bikers are a rough crowd?!! The Rocking Horse is built from old German motorcycle parts — a two stroke engine, a sprung saddle and a neat headlamp.  This is 100% awesome. 

 

In an effort to bring some culture to the deranged, demented and somewhat crazy souls that frequent Sturgis during the rally, Jay Allen is announcing the addition of a fine art gallery to the Broken Spoke, Sturgis County Line, located on route 79. The Broken Spoke Saloon has been a long-time supporter of the artistic community within the motorcycling world and Jay has created a unique space in the upper portion of the main bar to display the work of some of the industries leading artists. You’ll see work from David Uhl, John Guillemette, Jeff Cochran and Colleen Swartz along with bikes from Billy Lane, Ron Finch, Samantha Morgan and the BSS Worlds Fastest Indian and two more to be announced later. 

The Legends Gallery opening will be on Sunday, August 2nd at 6-9 PM following the conclusion of the Michael Lichter Ride at the Sturgis County Line. You are welcome to join the curator, Jay Allen along with the legendary artists, bike builders and iconic industry guests for a hors d’œuvres reception. The Gallery will be open throughout the Sturgis Rally from Noon until Midnight. Jay, thanks for bringing this to us at the Broken Spoke.  We’re excited to see this!

 

 

 

Our friends over at Bikes In the Fast Lane had an update we wanted to pass along to our women readers. August 19th to the 22nd has AMA hosting International Women & Motorcycling Conference  at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado. The 4 day event is meant to educate and inform women on the joys of riding a motorcycle.  There will be several seminars, with topics like solo riding and touring, preparing for a ride, dealing with dealers, accident management, etc. There will be several guest speakers, one being Carla King (Motorcycle Misadventures)  Regular readers of this blog know we’re big supporters of women riders (we have daughters that ride) and close female friends in the industry, but more than that we see everyday their impact on this industry.  And it’s good to see supports such as Harley, Buell, BMW, Yamaha, Bell, and EagleRider stepping up to the plate and supporting.

 

So, what do Jesse James of “West Coast Choppers”, Kat Von D of “LA Ink” and the Los Angeles County Coroners Office have in common?  Yep, a “Coffin Couch”. This SoCal company, called “Coffin Couches”  believes in “Recycling”. Literally. Their niche: 18 gauge steel coffins collected from local funeral homes since health and safety laws forbid funeral homes from reselling used coffins to the general public. Rest assured though that the coffins are not used for burial due to slight cosmetic inconsistencies.

Coffin Couch reconfigures and modifies the coffins for a  ”unique one of a kind coffin couch”.  As as an added bonus, you get your own biohazard insignia too!  Right there on the six cast iron legs are embossed the universal biohazard insignia. The reason?  We’ll let them tell you. Quoted from their website: “If you are not aware, once a human body is placed in a coffin it is considered biohazard tissue. The legs have the embossed insignia for precautionary reasons in the event body fluids are exchanged on these coffins. Perhaps you would feel safe knowing that you are in designated biohazard scene!“.  Funny.  

So what type of uses would you have for such as fun piece of furniture.  Hmm, as they suggest on the website: Retirement Parties, Game Rooms, Custom Company Logos, Small intimate hook-ups, Team Sports. Just to name a few.  The price: $3500.00.  “Dude, slide over will ya?! I need to rest a bit…got a slight headache and ringing in my ears.”

Being a frustrated pilot myself, i can see why someone would want to combine two of their passions. The easiest leap of imagination would be that of motorcycles and flying. Thus the reason this story got my attention. The people at Samson Motorworks are introducing the new line of Multi Mode Vehicles (MMV). The Switchblade™ a three-wheeled Flying Motorcycle is the first of this new vehicle line to meet the growing demand for flying cars and roadable aircraft. Using a scissors wing and torsion bar lean system, the new product line offers motorcycle simplicity, economy and excitement – blended with the versatility of being able to fly and drive… Or if flying isn’t your bag get ready for one of their “green” ground-only vehicles…where you still feel the thrill of flying while driving on the highway! Here are some spec’s on the bike, oh, i mean plane, oh, bikeplane, uh, you know what i mean! The wings swing closed under the belly of the vehicle, protected from road grunge and rock dings by a clamshell case and a structural keel that takes impacts. Sporting a three-surface design, in which all wings lift, drag is reduced further by the fact of needing less wing. The Ferrari-inspired clean shape is slowed on landings by fowler flaps. Large rear wheels are located aft to provide room for the main wings to swing closed, thus the nose lifts five degrees for take-off attitude – you literally fly the plane off the runway without rotating! Side-by-side seating, more range, less weight, slower landing speed, room for golf clubs, and a wide cabin.
Preliminary Specifications:

Estimated GTOW = 1400 LB (Gross Take-off Weight)
LENGTH = 15’- 6”
WIDTH = 5’- 6”
HEIGHT = 5’-1”
SEATS = 2 (side by side)
SPEED = 90+ mph on wheels – 134 mph cruise flying
RANGE = 880 miles ground, 340 miles air
MPG = Estimated 60 mpg ground, 22 mpg air
WINGSPAN = 23’ – 5” main, 5′ 6” canard.
WING LOADING = 20 psf
ENGINE = 120 hp Freedom Motor twin rotor (or applicable motorcycle engine)
ESTIMATED TBO = 2500 hours (Time Between Major Overhauls)
FUEL = regular unleaded automobile gasoline (any fuel capable – freedom motor)
FUEL CAPACITY = 16 gallons including reserve
STALL SPEED = 70 mph

Looks like Zack and Scott from One World Studios are at it again! Leveraging off the success of their previous releases the guys are definitely on a roll now. We’re always excited to see the stuff coming out of their crafty hands/minds and this film looks like it definitely won’t disappoint anyone! The teaser is HERE. The release date is scheduled for July of 09 so keep track of their site. The Harbortown Bobber Website has some pretty cool pic’s of the bike also. Great job guys!

As some of you know, we here at Guilty Customs have had the privilege of building some bikes for a few of our troops. One sad note though is the increasing number of military personnel getting killed once they hit home and start riding their bikes. In an effort to curtail that trend, the Marine Aircraft Group 39 officials launched an initiative using a motorcycle simulator to combat these fatalities. The motorcycle simulator provides Marines with an opportunity to learn basic riding skills, improve their techniques and fix bad habits in a safe, controlled environment. Marines can now learn and make mistakes without the risk of damaging their motorcycles, personal property or themselves. 3rd MAW now requires all motorcyclists to hone their riding skills on the simulator at least once a year. All new and future riders must use the simulator before they can take the Basic Riders Course. To read more about this effort, go HERE.

 

Having now spend a few months in our transition to SoCal (currently splitting our time between CA and FLA), i’m finding that riding and exploring the area can be eye-opening and inspiring as well as fun. The roads here, (compared to the east coast and central Florida area), are well maintained and marked and beckon me to crank down on the throttle a bit more than normal. There are twisty hair pin mountain roads that merge into even more scenic coastal highways that then lead into hair raising interstates around the cities. BTW, who came up with the bright idea of “pavement grooving? Why am i saying all this? Well, first i greatly appreciate the riding opportunities here in SoCal and the helpful riders here that direct me to some of the coolest riding areas i’ve ever experienced. Second, in reading a story posted by Bikes In The Fast Lane, it made me appreciate even more the opportunities we have to enjoy our two wheel transports. Granted these pic’s make you say “What were they thinking when they made that road….?!?!” but take a look at some very interesting pic’s on his site. Click HERE

Have you finally gotten fed up with those rallies that just make your sit in traffic jams roasting in the sun like a piece of bacon? And all the while, your just wanting to RIDE! Well, here is your opportunity to do just that buck-o! The Big Mountain Run 2009 is brought to you by those crazy guys at Cycle Source Magazine and the builders of the Limpnickie Lot. The event location, at the Hiwassee Outfitters Outdoor Center (see map HERE) in Reliance, TN will include ton’s of opportunities for getting your “ride on” as well as camping, white water rafting and kayaking, listening to some good old Rock’n Roll and even play some paintball or watch/participate in skateboarding or moto-cross. Plus you’ll get a chance to hang with the Limpnickie Lot builders doing our normal shenanigans. So, check out the video, get your bikes ready and get moving to this years Big Mountain Run June 18-20.
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Yeah, we know that people envy the “Guilty” lifestyle. It’s just part of the burden we have to carry. And we’d not have it any other way, especially when we get to see some of the most incredible parts of this great country on two wheels. Ok, all ego’s aside. If you’ve not ridden in SoCal your really missing IT! We’ve been able to spend over 10 hours a day in the saddle (breaking in 2 BMW’s) streaking and navigating through rock slides and snow in the mountains to the beautiful sea shores and through miles and miles of orange orchards and then onto the desert floor and an inland sea. We’ve have the privilege of seeing some of the most rocky terrain we’ve ever seen and encountered a sand storm near Los Coyotes Indian Reservation and, ridden though 65 mph wind gust near Palm Springs on Hwy 10, as well as rain and great sunny weather; that was the first two days!. But what is it with all the DONUT shops? Seems they are on every corner! In one small city we counted 6 in two blocks. Anyway, in spite of the donut shops, we have to give two thumbs up to SoCal for our riding experiences. Now we just have to figure out if we’re moving there or not. Update on that as we proceed. Oh, btw, we have shots of Kiwi Mike of Kiwi Motorcycles riding a H-D. Those pic’s available for blackmail shortly.

As you have probably seen over the years, we here at Guilty Truth Blog try to be open to as many avenues of information as possible (blogs, rags, boards, radio, etc) as we believe we can learn about some cool trends as well as cool tricks regardless of what you ride or where you live. One place we frequently go is magazines. And over the years we’ve seen numerous rags hit the skids (as well as “tweeking” their publication schedules), due to the economy, bad management and of course the increased use of the internet. One “possible” magazine up for sale now (per the guys at Kneeslider blog), is Cycle World Magazine. Take a look HERE.