Motorcycle Nation Podcast

When the big family blowout occurred at Orange County Choppers everyone went their separate ways. Vinnie and Cody started their own custom motorcycle fabrication shop called V-Force Customs. Mikey has been selling some art online. Paul Jr. started his own design company, Paul Jr. Designs and this is where you can find Mikey’s masterpieces. Everyone seems to be doing very well in their new ventures and word on the streets is that Paul Jr. Designs inked a deal with Bikers Choice to design a line of parts and accessories. The company is building a bike with the new parts for Sturgis next month. If you are taking the ride to Sturgis and would like to see the new line you can find it at the J&P Cycles complex.

But, where are the flashbacks coming from? TLC will be airing a new show soon called “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior”. Details are sketchy so watch the television listings coming soon. One think that struck me is that Vinnie is rumored to be participating on the Jr. team which brings me to question what the status of Cody and V-Force Customs is. The original American Chopper started out great but then, in my opinion, went the way of television wrestling. When the arguments seemed to be staged for the benefit of ratings I started to lose interest in the show. It became less about motorcycles and more about the buck. So, does the title of the new series already tell us to expect more of that or will this go back to being about the best bike one can build? You will have to tune in later and decide on that answer for yourself.

Ride Safe

I was guided to a blog the other day called Forty Years on Two Wheels where the author was on a rant about the quality of American motorcycle shows. His evaluation discussed the fact that most seemed low budget and revolved around the V-Twin motorcycles. He went on to point out that the coverage is focused at Daytona, Sturgis, and other traditional American Iron gatherings. And he even mentioned the hosts. The feuding Teutuls, the ex racers, and the well endowed, none of which he considers to be worthy.

I love my V-Twin. As a matter of fact there are two products of the Motor Company sitting in my garage. But, I have to agree with the author. The world outside of HD and V-Twins has so much to offer and we need someone to step up and produce a show. I personally would love to see a show on adventure bikes. Maybe a shootout to crown the champion. I have my eye set on the BMW F800GS and would welcome the opportunity for a full review of the off highway capabilities. A show profiling the sport tourers would be cool too. A Honda ST1300 or that old reliable Kawasaki Concours could hold a spot in my garage as well.

I don’t want this blog to be a Harley only blog. Invite all your friends here so we can talk all motorcycles. Maybe someone with some pull will see that there is a need for a TV show that focuses on every brand of motorcycle and every type of riding. If you know someone, put the bug in their ear.

Ride Safe

On August 5th, Jay Jackson, Executive Director of ABATE of Indiana and Vice President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame at a breakfast in Rapid City, SD during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Jay’s inclusion into the Hall of Fame is due to his lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights of motorcyclists all over the nation.

Jay Jackson, third from right, with attendees from Indiana and Ohio.

Besides his duties as the Executive Director of the largest State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO) in the nation and his recent acceptance of the VP position with the MRF, Jay is often asked to speak at hearings and committee meetings in Washington, DC concerning motorcycle safety. ABATE of Indiana is proud of his accomplishments and congratulates him on his award. I am proud to work for and with him.