We call it “Self expression”. That opportunity each of us have to express our own taste, views, gripes or even prejudices. The medium we express it “on” however varies. Some do “it” on clothing, others on metal and still others on helmets. So we figured we’d start posting some pic’s of peoples helmets we’ve seen or owned ourselves and am asking those that use their own helmets as a form of expression to send us one or two pic’s so we can show the world. We’re thinking this could turn into a cool contest where some swag could be given away if we have enough participants. So how about it?!?

At some point in a shop owners/builders life we’re faced with a hard question we have to answer: “Do we close the working/building part of the shop to the public or keep it open”. It’s a double edge sword. The reason? It’s”bro’s” that stop by to “chat” that are the same ones telling people about our shop BUT it’s these same “bro’s” that take us away from what we make our living from, which is building and repairing. Don’t get me wrong, we love the “bro” who stops by and wants a quick answer on getting something worked out. Answers are given out with a sense of pride in helping a fellow biker and is given freely. Note: Freely.

When a “brother/sister” decides to stop by a shop and spend a few hours “jawboning” with the “crew” they are taking money out of that shops pocket. Period. Cause “time equals money“. Add on top of that not purchasing something and the “brothers” are adding insult onto injury for that shop. Shops know it’s NOT malicious but it happens regularly and it’s killing them. Supporters are killing the shops they love. People don’t hang out at the local garage “talking shop” all day. So, why do it to your local bike shop, which you love?

So, what’s a guy/gal to do if they really want to support their local shop in a positive manner? Here’s some advice.

1) If you stop by your local shop frequently, buy something! Anything! It doesn’t have to be hugh. A $5 part, can of oil, clutch cable or t-shirt to help offset the time your shop owner/mechanic spent with you.

2) If you’re having a shop fix a bike, build a bike, order a part etc for you and they call and tell you it’s fixed, completed or arrived, get over there in a timely manner and pay for it! These small shops live and die on cash flow. For the most part, shops aren’t cash flow deep or bankrolled heavily (you don’t see them driving Lambo’s, Hummers etc., do ya?). So, pay your bill and take your part or bike home.

3) Quit nickel and dime’n them! If you can’t afford to pay for something when you have it made, then don’t do it. Having a part(s) made and not being timely in paying your bill promptly hurts a shop more than you know. Many shops are now being forced to have customers pay up front before they build a part simply because of this problem. It’s only fair that you pay them the agreed amount and the agreed time.

Bike builders put their life into their shop. They work 12-16 hour days trying to live their dream of having a successful shop which takes them away from their family and loved ones. The least bikers can do if they really want to support their local shop is to respect their time. Shops deserve at least that much!

In a recent conversation with another blog host i mentioned that as a blogger “we (Guilty Truth) try to stay away from politics and religion“. Sometimes this just doesn’t work. Take for example “pollution and global warming” and what part does motorcyclist play in the scheme of things? Or do we even play a part?! Well we’re not saying we’re pro or con on this article but felt you should read it anyway. Since the country is in a economic “belt tightening” stage, (i.e. gas prices skyrocketing, increased traffic issues and global warming) we’ve heard over the airwaves and across the dinner table that “Motorcycles, pollute less than cars“. Which, in part is true-simply by the fact that they run on less fuel and have a more thorough fuel combustion (generally). A recent article by LATimes “Throttle Jockey” columnist Susan Carpenter dives a bit further into the “facts” of this issue. Interesting read and worth a few minutes of our time to get educated. Click HERE.

The guys at Nash Motorcycle are getting a bit Pudgy from too many late night cookies and milk. So, now the “Gimp” has some “Girth”, which means you can save some cash. Nash is offering a 20% discounts on their 1 1/4″ Pudgy Gimp Hanger Bars with a 1” necked base and grips that fit any 1” application. Created from the original “Gimp Hanger” design these bars will give your bike that “fat” look you’re going for. Available in sizes 14″, 16”, 18”, or 20”. 11″ base, 35″ grip to grip, and 5″ pullback. The bars come predrilled/dimpled in black, chrome, brass, or copper plating. Regularly $342.00, now they are $275.00. Check out their other bars discounted too for this special sale.

A picture is worth a 1000 words…Funny!

If your like most people, you want your ride to stand out from the crowd. Not some machine thats a “cookie cutter” bike. Here is a unique alternative from the guys at 7 Metal West Engineering for those who want a retrobike that stands out, (and is functional) all at the same time. These shields are made using a heavy duty .063″ thick perforated copper or brass body and are 8″ long and fit 1.5″ to 2.25″ diameter piples. Both copper and brass are $50.00 plus shipping and handling. Each shield gives 180 degrees of coverage and come with (2) stainless steel hose clamps for attachment. Both copper and brass shields are available in a brushed finish. You’ll be seeing them on a number of upcoming builds we’re sure!

As this industry changes some things stay the same…unfortunately. Things like angry cage drivers, getting cut off in traffic, love bugs hitting you in the teeth and dishonest people stealing from honest hard working people. Which is the reason for this post. We just spoke with Terry Stonehocker of Geargasm Cycles in Anderson, SC and he told us the news about the theft of three of their bikes. Seems the low life’s broke into their shop through the wall and during the local bike night, (which means it was someone who knew the shop and was from the biker community). They took his wife Linda’s orange drop seat trike (that has since been recovered)and two trikes. One known as Caribbean Storm. This particular trike was built by the donated parts & time of not only Geargams Cycles but Prime Suspect Choppers in Canada and painted by a crew in Florida. An incredible amount of time & money went into this trike - which was then donated to the High on the High Seas cruise which benefits Dialysis patients. The man who won the trike donated it back - and the trike was to be sold with funds going to the charity. The link below is the show Dawn Glencer (Carolina Cruiser TV Show) did on the trike itself - and all those who helped.
http://cdn-ll-static.viddler.com/flash/publisher.swf?key=b2d934b8 If ANYONE knows anything - contact Terry Stonehocker at 864-940-1034 or at the shop at 864-622-0030.

The four “B’s” come into alignment. A “bike builder” building a “bike” with a “band” as the “brand“. Whew, that was a tongue twister! When the producers of “Chopper Challenge” needed a “company” to feature in an upcoming episode of the motorcycle-building reality show on CMT, they opted for a different approach from their earlier shows. Every week, the 10-episode prime-time series presents a different bike builder constructing a custom motorcycle that incorporates a “brand” (ie. company) into the vehicle design. Previous shows included the Incredible Hulk, insurance company Geico and Time Warner Cable’s RoadRunner broadband service. “Chopper Challenge” will for the first time use a band as the featured brand. The band in question is South African post-grunge alternative act Seether. You’ll see and hear the band on the June 4 episode, where three of Seethers songs will be played. For the uninitiated: Chopper Challenge is a TV series that challenges nine celebrity master bike builders to create a sponsor-inspired, fully handcrafted, custom logo-branded motorcycle in 30 days with cameras following each and every move. The series combines the allure of the art of custom motorcycle crafting, the intensity of competition and the unpredictability and impulsiveness of reality

So, your trying to figure out what to get old pop’s for Father’s Day but stumped? Why not try Jesse James’ new product line made in conjunction with Kiehl. Looks like Jesse has partnered with Kiehl’s to create a Limited Edition Men’s Dopp Kitt. (yep, you read it correctly). And if your man (son, father, boyfriend, husband….you get the idea) is into motorcycles, then make sure to take him by the East Village Kiehl’s Store where founding family member Aaron Morse’s motorcycles are on display - including those formerly owned by Hollywood icons Steve McQueen and Clark Gable.

The limited edition kit includes:
White Eagle Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream, 5 oz.
Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment, 2.5 oz.
Ultimate Man Scrub Bar, 7 oz
Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, 8.4.oz
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, 1 oz.’

Everything is packed together in a bag with the West Coast Choppers logo. The kit retails for $66 and is available at Kiehl’s retail stores and on their website right now.

Seems a trucker was traveling down the highway near Tulsa Oklahoma around 1 o’clock in the morning. At the same time a motorcyclist was traveling at ~120mph and ran into the back of the moving semi-truck. The driver said he felt the impact, and it took almost a 1/4 mile for him to pull over. This is what he found..and yes the fellow lived in spite of his stupidity

Thought we’d update you on the newest build from Guilty Customs. Actually just 1 of the builds going on now. This “1/2 Pint” took shape in Guilty’s gray matter over a year ago but only got started about 90 days ago. She was supposed to have been shot for a national magazine a few weeks back, however due to some “issues”, it just didn’t work out. Anyway, Guilty is planning to formally unveiling this little dynamo at the Horse SmokeOut in NC this June. So here are some of the spec’s: The power plant comes from a donor 99′ Buell Thunderbolt, custom frame from Twisted Choppers, sheet metal work by Mike Drum, Pin Stripping by George Sedak and seat by Duane Ballard and Chopper Shox seat shocks, which makes this sweetheart a real head turner. And, yes it will stay in “raw metal” condition. If you’ve followed any of the other Guilty bikes you’ll automatically notice the trademark Mooneyes oil bag mounted up front, along with drag racing influences on this bike (note the clear fuel/oil lines and racing connectors). The bike WILL be up for sale, eventually.

Malcolm Smith teams with Brenda Fox in leading the Bike for Breast Cancer Awareness. When: Thursday August 7, 2008. Where: Top 50 Rally Park during this year Sturgis Bike Week.

Malcolm Smith, one of the most multi-faceted competitors ever to take to the dirt wowed fans for over three decades with numerous trips to the victory podium. His racing career included six Baja 1000 victories, four Baja 500 wins, eight gold medals at the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) and a collection of four-wheel victories. However, it was his co-starring role in the 1971 moto movie epic On Any Sunday that garnered him the most recognition. Produced by Bruce Brown and Steve McQueen, the movie helped launch America’s love affair with dirt biking – and introduced Malcolm to scores of new fans.

This year’s event will benefit Brenda Fox, a motorcycle journalist and spokesperson for women in motorcycling. Brenda has been battling with breast cancer issues and rising medical bills. This year’s ride and charity auction proceeds will assist her in getting through this difficult time, allowing the industry to give back to the woman who has helped so many motorcycle builders and parts manufacturers. The ride begins at 12.00 noon. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the registration fee is $15 per person.

Never to be deterred, our friend Robbie “Kaptain” Knievel jumped a total of 24 delivery trucks Saturday at Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason Ohio. As most fans know Robbie’s dad, Evel Knievel passed away last year at the age of 69. Back in 1975, Evel had jumped his bike 115 feet, over 14 buses, at Kings Island. Robbie, now 46 years old, continues his father’s legacy. In fact, he is said to be considering attempt at jumping the Snake River Canyon, which his father also tried (and failed…) in 1974. Evel Knievel made daredevil history when he jumped 14 Greyhound buses in 1975 at Kings Island. Although Robbie hit just shy of the 231 feet he needed to break the world distance record he set in 1998, he did break the record for jumping Coke Zero trucks. His record for trucks was 19. Congrats Robbie! Now, where’s that bottle of Advil!!!

Yep, things have definitely taken a turn here in “motorcycle land”. Challenged to rethink motorcycle transportation, Art Center College of Design student Jake Loniak decided that having a “motorcycle as an extension of the body” was a literal statement. Inspired by Bio-mechatronics and called the Deus Ex Machina, (means “God out of a Machine”) Loniak’s concept is an electric vertically parking motorcycle controlled by 36 pneumatic muscles with 2 linear actuators. Yamaha has already branded the Deus Ex concept which is worn as an exo-skeleton with seven artificial vertebra as well as the pneumatically attached helmet. The motor is in-wheel, powered by ultra-capacitors and doped nano-phoshpate batteries similar to those already used in hybrids, and is capable of 0-60mph in 3 seconds. Top speed is 75mph with a recharge time of 15 minutes and cycle time of 1 hour. We have a few concerns/questions like: What happens if you go “down” or take a corner too hard?. Where can my girl ride? And when entered into a show, is this classified as “new metric or future metric”? Can’t image it at bike nights! Apparently there is no storage compartments for luggage, bags, tools etc. Well, you can’t have everything….but it’s cool looking. IF you want to find out more, click HERE.

Paisano Publications (parent company of Easyrider and V-Twin magazine) announces the hiring of long time industry insider Robin Hartfiel as editor-in-chief of its dealer magazine V-Twin News. Robin will replace Ben Lamboeuf as editor of the monthly dealer magazine. Ben will work in Paisano’s consumer division as an associate editor of Easyriders and V-Twin as well as heading up a new automotive title. Robin has spent over 25 years in the powersports industry, working with aftermarket manufacturers, OEMs, distributors and retail dealerships since 1990. He was the editor of the trade magazines Dealernews from 1990 to 2003 and the publisher and editor-in-chief of Motorcycle Product News from 2003 to 2008.