Happy Friday, may your weekend be full of Twisties.

Posted on July 28, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

28 Jul

Happy Friday all

Well almost the weekend, i have some Major bike stuff to complete but wanted to at least say hello today, time seems to fly past when you get busy in life etc,try and get out on your motorcycle, I shall be supporting my Girl in a ride this weekend.

Have a fun day and if you can get a chance, get out and take some nice smooth roads that are relatively quiet and get into them curves, you dont have to be fast to have fun, I love long winding bends that you roll in and throttle out of, so much fun.

I think I shall book a weekend away in Big bear with my girlfriend soon so we can ride up there although, we have Bonneville Speed week coming up fast.

Honda CB750 Brat Bike 1974 S.O.H.C. $3750

Posted on July 25, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

25 Jul

Sometime ago, I picked up a few old CB750’s in a job lot, amongst these 500 pounders was an old Dry Lakes racing Bike that was in a sorry state, but, never giving up, I put the bike to one side and knew this would be on my “To Do” list that I have. This is a 1974 CB750K series machine.

Every now and again I would do a few minutes on this old bike, I managed to get the motor to turn , so knew at least we had some sort of chance at having a go at this old Girl.

Well, I then stripped all the parts off that I did not need as it had a bunch of weird parts, the rear sprocket was Huge and it had a small 17 inch tire on it, the gas tanks were bolted to the frame, just old aluminum tubes with fuel lines.

I rebuilt some Carbs I had and fitted to the bike, I managed to get brand New coils etc and thought I would drain the oil to see what story we had.

The oil was Clear and still looked brand new, no discoloration at all, thats a good sign.

I removed the old seat and the frame was cut at the rear anyway so decided that for me, I shall build a little Brat style bike and have fun with it, just wanted to see what this would come out like.

So-I removed the wheels and used 2 new rims, laces with stainless spokes and Polished the hubs etc, next up was some cool Diamond Tires, not cheap but- had the look I was after.

The bike now has 2 rear 18 inch rims and sits so much better than before, I like the way that this bike is going, so the next job was to rebuild the front forks, as the tubes on the top were rusty and the seals were leaking badly.

I removed the forks, pulled the old tubes and got rid of them, purchased New fork tubes and then cleaned and polished the lowers to a chrome finish, fitted new seals and then once all put together, I fitted new dust caps and custom chrome covers too. I also used genuine Honda top Caps and O-Rings to make sure all was cohesive and am glad I went this route.

The stock carbs were totally knackered that came with the bike, so stripped, vapor blasted, Zinc Plated, Synchronized and re fitted with New jest and throttle cables etc, get the Juce to where it is supposed to go.

Custom Steel Dragon Airbox purchased and fitted to make sure this breathes well and it sure does.

So, to open the frame up a bit I fitted a Custom Oil tank that holds 3 Quarts of 10-40 and, holds an anti gravity 8 cell Lithium Battery and electrical, I also fitted a New solid state regulator/ rectifier and fitted under frame.

I custom made the Brat style seat and upholstered, then once that was sorted, I fitted new rear License plate frame and cool model A Ford tail light, both stop and tail light work great.

Fitted a Brand New 530 Custom Blue chain onto New rear sprocket and it tensioned nicely, and seems to be a smooth action when moving.

This bike has the very first Custom Performance Exhaust system that I am very proud to even offer on my website, this is called the “Sling Shot” it is wrapped in High temp Titanium on the headers and the rear is Chromed to a high finish with a Nickel Plated removable Baffle and, I love the sound this exhaust growls.

Have a look and see for yourself, a VERY tidy exhaust set up that will turn many heads for sure.

Fitted New Old stock Finned covers to the Motor, fitted New Clutch cable as well.

The bike also has a polished front fork brace to stiffen the front end up and a polished upper tree that also cleans up the top end.

You will notice the handle bars, well I designed these and had them bent up and chromed, these are very cool and European style that I grew up with back in the England, they also have Brand New Handlebar Controls and new Grips too.

Has a rebuilt front brake caliper with a polished Rotor, to get things stopped fast, the whole front end looks so nice compared to when I first received the motorcycle.

All the gears run smooth, I was super surprised, it was fun riding this around for sure.

Only thing I can see is she does puff a little white smoke out of the breather, but- this has not run in 31 years so rings may need to bed in a bit.

Starts right away on starter or on kicker too.

Have a look and see what you think, very cool ride for sure.

A Fun ride for someone for sure. over $4200 in parts alone, so a steal at this price, you just add your touches like paint the gas tank or just have fun with it as it is.

If you want to know what Parts I have fitted, here is a list of the things below:

This has NO- Title I haven’t got round to it and thats why this is priced accordingly as I have other projects I need to get done and finished.

A super platform Brat that I am sure can have more tricks added , like you can paint the gas tank, oh by the way, has New petcock and fuel lines too.

Located in La Mirada, you can pick up, I can deliver up to 30 miles for a fee but thats up to you.

I am going to add some more photos to help you get a better idea of what I did.

Enjoy

If you are interested text me on 714-598-8392 or call if you so wish, also- you can email me at 714-598-8392

I shall try and add a few more videos too as I will see if I can attach my phone to bike and take the bike for a run so you can hear me changing gears etc,.

Here is just a list of things thats this bike now has.

New Chrome 18 Rims.
New Diamond tires and Tubes.
New stainless spokes.
Polished hubs.
Brat seat.
Hooped rear.
New Custom hand made 7/8 Handlebars.
New grips.
Chrome headlight.
New wire Harness.
New handle Bar switches.
New performance “Sling-Shot” 4 into 1 Wrapped exhaust.
New oil tank with battery box.
Anti gravity lithium battery.
Finned engine covers.
New Master Cylinder and lines.
New alloy levers.
New throttle cables ( Genuine Honda).
New fork tubes.
Rebuilt lowers and polished with New seals and custom caps.
New genuine Honda Fork tube top nuts.
New ignition switch.
New Genuine Honda coils.
New plugs.
New 530 Chain- Blue.
Rebuilt Brake caliper.
New Stainless Braided Brake hose.
Custom air box.
Rebuilt and synchronized Carburetors.
Polished rear Brake hub.
Chromed rear sprocket.
Chromed sprocket safety Guard.
Drilled and Chromed Kick starter.
Drilled and Chromed rear brake lever.
New rear brake light switch.
New Hot Rod rear tail light.
New license Plate assembly.
New Iron Cross Mirror.
New Horn.
New polished Alloy Front Fork Brace.
Allen head stainless bolts through out.
Custom Neutral LED light in head-stock.
Polished speedometer drive.
Polished upper triple tree.
New shorty Chrome fork ears.
New Tappet covers.
New Solid State Regulator/ Rectifier.
New Clutch Cable.
New intake manifolds.
Stainless steel rolled Hose clamps.
Custom Polished and drilled Stabilizer Bar.
Oil pressure Gauge.
Fog light.
Polished Rotor.
New 10-40 high Mileage Oil.

I get many compliments on this bike, its a great stance as well as sounding, and was fun to resurrect something that has not run in 30 years..

Any questions just drop me a line carpy@carpyscaferacers.com

My Newest Exhaust System The Predator for all SOHC CB750 Honda’s

Posted on July 23, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 Jul

Hey All

Well here we are again and wanted to try and bring you a custom set up that you may well like to have on your inline Four machine Honda.

Been here over 17 years and love turning out different parts for you all and I send my parts all over the globe, so this time I though a Custom exhaust system might be in order and here it is.

This is a Super Custom design and internally has a bag of tricks that a Magician would love to own, its secret but all you need to know is that it will give you More performance.

It will be available as a Raw Steel set up or as you see on here right now, a Custom Version where We send you the header and Wrap kit, and a Chromed rear tail section and removable Baffle.

We will also offer a Black Or Silver ceramic option too, so you have pretty much everything you need to decide on color and look etc.

You simply fit and have fun, as that’s what it is all about, this is a great set up and I know some of you will be right into this out of the bat.

No need for the old flanges and also on 77 and 78 Models, none of them terrible Half Moon shims to bother with, Just remove your stock spigots, fit New Crush Gaskets ( We offer them too ).

Fit to bike and hear the difference, this will breath like New lungs and boy does it look sharp.

I ship 6 days a week and also over sea’s. I help on the Customs forms too- so you do not get hammered on import taxes where you are not supposed to anyway.

Have a look and see what you think, this is a unique set up, as used by AMA Race bikes back in the day, I found the magic formula and this is the result, hope you like it.

Drop me a line at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com and I will give you all the information you might want to know about this great exhaust system, I am here to help and help I shall.

You can also drop me a Dime at: 714-598-8392 and, if you are still a little impatient, you can text me on that same number, how’s that for Service?

I have to chrome the tail sections so that take a week but other than that these are ready to go. Thanks for taking your time out of your day to check out whats going on here at carpyscaferacers I really do appreciate it.

CCM designs another Spitfire

Posted on July 20, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

20 Jul

After a bumper year of 150% sales growth, followed by a big cash injection, CCM have announced they are opening a ‘Skunkwerx’ department that will create a new series of bikes. The first bike from the Skunkwerx series is the Spitfire, which is being launched at the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show.

The new machine features the same 55bhp 600cc engine and frame, but has a revised rear subframe and features a 17-inch rear wheel instead of the 19-inch number that’s found on the Spitfire.

The bike also comes with the addition of a skid-pan to protect the engine, raked-up bars and an off-road styled scrambler mudguard. Not forgetting of course, the new upswept exhaust.

The price of the new machine will be £8995, or £9247 on the road. Like the original Spitfire, the numbers will be extremely limited to just 250 machines, and you’ll have to be quick if you want one because 100 of those have already been sold.

Lead design engineer of the project Christofer Ratcliffe commented: “The way it’s looking, we’ll have to wrap-up production pretty quick. In the first day alone, we’ve already sold about a third of the allocation.”

The Spitfire uses a 600cc single cylinder four-stroke motor, which pushes out 55bhp and 58Nm of torque, sitting in a hand-welded frame that’s made from T45 high-strength British steel. Not coincidentally to the name of the bike, it’s the same steel that was used to build the fuselages of the Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane.

The welds on the frame retain their blueing from assembly, which makes each one unique.

“Every frame will be different because of the welds and each will come with its own signature,” Ratcliffe added. “We kept the blueing because we were proud of our guys who build them, it makes every frame unique.”

The brakes are from Brembo and feature a single 320 disc on the front tyre and a 240 disc on the rear. The front suspension is from WP and a single Tractive shock at the rear, both being fully adjustable. Wheels are 19-inch and spoked featuring flat track tyres. The Spitfire also only weighs a miniscule 121kg (dry).

The bike is a product of passion from the guys at CCM. Born of an idea that started as a hobby that developed into a business case.

“We wanted to make a pure motorcycle to show what we can do by building the machine to how we think a motorcycle should be,” continued Ratcliffe.

CCM have expanded their newly created Spitfire model line to include a new Café Racer variant. The Café Racer shares the same engine and chassis as the original Spitfire but it has clip-on handlebars, racer rearsets, low slung exhausts, a stubby rear mudguard and a longer seat with cowl.

The centre piece of the Spitfire range is a 600cc single cylinder engine that generates 55bhp and 43ftlb of torque. Even with a handmade steel frame, the Café Racer has a claimed dry weight of just 125kg, which means it should have a grin inducing ride.

The Spitfire will be rolling off the production line sometime in the late spring and should arrive sometime in May. Contact CCM for more details.

I would personally take any one of them under my wing as these are such great works of art in itself.

Should not be too long until we hear that Thump Thump Thump of the long stroker, on the tarmac out here but, being a limited edition, I bet many wont do too many road miles.

Great machines, Great history, unique and stylish, I think they are onto a winner, as long as there is a Parts department to keep these limited edition machines on the road for people that really will ride them.

If I see any more on these great machines, I shall let you know as I worked for John Banks Dad as a kid washing his Rolls Royce and then John would come into the shop and fire up the CCM, boy what a growl.

So, mixing old with New, how can this not be a great Bike to play with and feel like you are once again a Teenager.

I look forward to twisiting my Neck to find out what that Growl is when a CCM comes up on the road behind me.

Be it the Cafe version or Scrambler, I am sure these will get many people talking about them as soon as they clap their Mince pies over them.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned… As when I get more information I will of course write another blog about these 2 great Machines.

A few more videos for you to watch.

A word from the Guv’Nor!

El Mirage Meet was fantastic!!!!

Posted on July 18, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

18 Jul

OK, for those of you who don’t know what Dry Lake racing is, its something way back after WW2 that many people came to in California to run their ModelA’s B’s and T’s, a souped up Jalopy that ran as hard as it could to set some sort of record or at least get into the books as a fast Speed trials car, thus HOT RODS were born and as far back as 1948 The SCTA -Southern California Timing Association was Born.

For all to see and do, these dry lakes, be it El Mirage, Muroc or Harpers etc, was a fun and wide open place to take your Hot Rod out to and go flat out with no cops giving you a ticket.
Oh yeah, and for Motorcycles, man- we have come a long way as well, this chap ran 207 on a back up 205 and is now in the 200MPH club, how cool is that?

Here is some footage below that an SCTA member took of the 2015 meet, just to give you a little insight as to what goes on at the El Mirage dry lake.

Here is some more El Mirage footage for you to watch if you cannot make it to these events.

I never ever tire of this stuff and hope that you enjoy it as much too.

A super day out, I left at 4am and got here just before the Racing started and the temp was nice in the early hours but, soon warmed up.

Next up was actual footage I took with my Iphone, so forgive me for audio and not television standard filming, i was enjoying it too much to try too hard.

My mate Steve Ricketts- Fellow Brit- pushing the flying Swede out to the staging lanes. Thats

Håkan Karlen, a very cool Guy indeed and made me feel at home as soon as I arrived to the track at 6am.

Taking it all in as I set up the Eazy up and get cold drinks sorted before it gets too damn hot as it will be over 100 degree’s here in about an hour.

Motorcycles and Hot Rods pass All day, I had Jennifers Radio with me and tuned into the Control tower so i could hear who was racing and what machine they have, as well as what speed they hope to achieve of beat.

Here we are at the Staging lanes at El Mirage. With Steve Rockets and

Håkan Karlen

Staging lanes gets bloody hot and you hope nobody has a break down, or spin out as that can hold things up for a while.

Approaching the Race line, weather had turned up the heat too. Håkan Karlen

I am in the Push truck as the Flying Swede gets back on it in his 5 winchow chopped and channeled coupe. Hoping for a good run.

At then return lane, and a 183 MPH pass, hoping for more but spun a little.Håkan Karlen

Last run of the say, 1927 Model T with later Motor, sounded wicked on the pipe.

It was a superb day and lots to see and do, try and make it to a SCTA event as you may even get hooked into the sport like I am.

Below, Steve Rocketts Pushing the Flying swede Håkan Karlen in the staging lane, I helped push this coupe on the next go around, that is bloody heavy and my legs are still aching from pushing it. LOL!

Here is Håkan Karlen sat waiting to take his turn to fire the V8 up on this coupe and go into the 180’s.

The heat was only going up- so trying to stay cool is the main thing at El Mirage and hope that the cross winds do not pick up on the course.

The good thing about this event is that you can get so close to all the action, everybody is so friendly and more than happy to help, its great commeraderie for sure.

Below, wicked 29 Roadster getting set to take a run on the lake bed.

Plenty of Motorcycles too this time and another passion of mine as you well know, which has now lit a fire under my arse to maybe build a bike for the Dry lakes.

I loved some of the Motorcycles and the Rigs that towed them up to the track, check this combo out it was so cool to see.

I really enjoy coming out to the dry lakes, its less than 2 hours from our house and some of the best spectating around.

People starting their machines up and making sure they are running bang on , is fun to watch for me.

If you dig Nostalgia, then this event is right up your street, I saw so many cool machines, it took me ages to see it all as the lake is bloody huge if you are walking.

The bike above must of been going for the record of fastest towed motorcycle, as I saw that bike go up and down all day…behind that Mercedez.

The good thing about this lake bed is that you can get to so many different areas, the course is marked off well and Track Marshall’s all over the place to keep you in check.

The sound, the smell, the heat, the excitement, its all here at El Mirage dry lakes, so try and make a trip out here as it is so much fun.

Even Indians made a presence and that was great to watch going down the track.

Above- Supercharged 350cc “Red Baron” Getting set to take his turn at the start line.

Great to see this bike and Old Fella give it the Beanz and belt off down the track, I knew he would get a fair speed up eventually, as i noticed how tiny his Rear sprocket was.

Another Roadster getting ready for the off, Loved every minute of it here on Sunday.

1927 Roadster this time, long wheel base and this hauled arse all day, sounded so nice on the pipe at half track.

Harley with later Metric front end on is getting ready to be removed from trailer and run up the lake bed as fast as it can.

Seemed to be plenty of Model A’s at the course at this meet, which I love, since I own a 1928 A Bone.

Plenty going on in the Pits and look how close you can get to see all the action, a fantastic place to watch something you only get to see in magazines these days.

The Sun was just starting to get warm in the early hours, but by 1pm is was cooking us all where ever you stood.

Little Harley Davidson Sprint was getting into the action and saw this machine do a few Full passes too.

This Tiny 2 stroke turned a few heads and I was amazed at how tall the rider was, and secondly, how low the clip on’s were on the forks, new meaning to down in the dirt.

I loved this cameo Chevy Pick up with his Pit Bike on the front and little Harley racer in the back of the truck.

Above, this Harley was such a nice set up, plenty of time, sweat and tears must of gone into this little Speedster machine.

Another 350cc machine in the same class as others, looked to be a tough section to compete with but so much fun to watch and hear as they take off and get tucked into their little bikes.

Getting ready down the staging lanes for this Harley Davidson Sprint to make some dust and go for a Record.

WAAAAAAAGHHHH! WAAAAAAAAAGH! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHH!!!

Getting the final OK from the Marshalls and are all set to go down this Dry lake for all its worth.

Off he goes and hoping to get a good time as he blasts forward and towards the mountains of El Mirage dry lake.

Looks like Harley Davidson was well represented for this Sunday meet on the lake.

British Racing Green Triumph Thruxton bought these 2 to the lake bed.

This Fella seemed to be taking it all in his stride, and why not, what a fantastic feeling that must be out there man and machine. (Women too)

Little GS650 Getting scrutinized to make sure all is well, safe and within the parameters of whats allowed for that class of Motorcycle.

Above, I have no idea what Brand of Motorcycle this is but it sure is stealthy. And below a V Twin has a go up the Course and looks great.

The weather was really good, it is always Hot but the wind stayed down for the races, and am sure glad I attended this SCTA event at El Mirage.

You will see many styles of Cars, bikes and Hot Rods at the dry lakes, a lot of work has gone into this Modified special and was fun to watch too.

Above, the Push truck was very cool, a converted 1949 Studebaker Pick up, always loved the Spudbaker trucks but this is a cool push vehicle.

Giving it as much right hand as he can and these bikes are fun to watch and have me hooked thats for sure, just got to work out what class I would like to run in.

Must be such an exhilarating experience to be able to have an opportunity to have a go at this.

Roadster getting the Push, just love the whole racing experience here at El Mirage and in less than a month I will be in Utah for speed week at Bonneville.

Now thats low to the ground and even though it is fast, it must feel twice as fast and feel every bump on the track but a whole lot of fun for sure.

So next time you see an SCTA race posted, see if you can come along as I guarantee you will enjoy the whole experience at one of these meets.

So glad I got here early to see the pits and races start at 7am as its a lot cooler in the morning and less dust to start off with.

That is the start and the control tower where you can tune into 88.7 and hear the commentary where ever you have a radio.

Great photo to me as the Harley heads of, Lovely Roadster sat there on the left and a 1978 CB750 Honda sat far right.

On the gas and sounding great.. Below, My Royal Enfield as I was parked Mid track, you can just make out a Motorcycle on the track flat out.

So a super day, I arrived early to stay in the cool check the pits out and get a good spot to park my Van and, get the Royal Enfield out.

So stoked to make it here, always excited to come to this place and have to pinch myself sometimes to believe I am here.

Yup, the Brits are here, Both of us are Steve’s too, me and Steve Ricketts hang out in between races.

My buddy in the 59 Club Eduardo came to visit and brought along a couple of buddies from Finland Timo and his wife.

Hard to believe that I am here, you can Just make out a Motorcycle giving it the Beanz in the background.

Staging lanes as we push Hakans Coupe to the start for a 183 run along the Lake bed.

The Flying Swede ” Hakan Karlens Deuce Coupe is super reliable and consistent, that’s a well built Hot Rod right there.

Next stop Bonneville Utah for Speed week, will be seeing friends, maybe even wrenching a little too and my girlfriend is taking me out there as this is a life long trip I have wanted as a kid in the UK, and in 23 days, 15 hours and 31 seconds, Jennifer sun and I will be on our way to the Salt flats.

Hope to see some of you there, should be a great time and will blog about that one when I get back.

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this.

My Honda SOHC 4 into 1 exhausts

Posted on July 14, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

14 Jul

Hey Everyone

A few people email me asking for sound samples of the exhausts etc, sometimes I keep them on file but after a while I tend to lose the files somewhere in the vastness of Computer space and never get them back.

So today I shall add a few sound bytes that I have done over the years to try and help just a little as to what my Exhaust systems sound like on these inline Fours.
Been doing these over 17 years here now and am very proud of that fact, none of that china stuff many others use, and then say its theirs and made in USA, all made right here in Anaheim California.

OK-if you need more information, you can email me on carpy@carpyscaferacers.com or if you like, you can drop a text to me or a Dime for that matter at 714-598-8392 and I am more than willing to help you out if you need photos or info for the 4 into 1 system of mine. Also check out ALL the exhausts on the parts page too.
Enjoy.

That was a 1978 Super Sport and the next one up is an earlier model that you can sample on here.
Next up a K4 model.

Here is a K6-K6 Model with the Yoshimura style 4 into 1 system of mine on it.

Below a customers video.

Below is another exhaust system from me but this time its for a CB350 and CB400, now this has a Fully packed baffle, a little too muffled for my liking, but it is what the Customer wanted.

A little louder version and this bike had not run in years and was first start up too.

Another Raw steel one but this time on a CB400-4, this sounds pretty good for a bike that had not been fired up in many many years.

Another Customers video of my exhaust on his CB550 Honda.

This is a customer video, not sure if he has the baffle but still great to hear.

Here we have a CB750 that a Customer had made a video of, with my pipe, see what you think, sounds crisp eh?

Here is one of my Custom versions, the Razor and the Hot Rod as well as the Sidewinder.

Many moons ago I built the F-Bomb and it sure was too!
Hold your ears for this exhaust system I made.

This Sunday I shall be at El Mirage dry lakes for the SCTA Racing.

Posted on July 13, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

13 Jul

Well, this weekend seems to be coming up fast and on Sunday I shall be heading off to El Mirage to check out what is running on the dry lakes there under the sanctioning body of the S.C.T.A.

Sponsors of the Worlds FASTEST Speed Trials

Since 1948 Sanctioned races have been held at this Lake and 61 years later they still run Time trials for world records, for what is a pre-cursor to Bonneville Speed week, this event is a 2 hour drove for me and something I look forward to seeing every time.

It hot, its dirty and its dusty, but this is exactly how it was back in 1948- Nothing had changed on the lake bed and thats what gives me some of that Nostalgia Tingle when I reflect on who raced out here over the years in Hot Rods and Motorcycles.

Saturday is registration, so I shall be driving up at about 5am as its a 2 hour jaunt from me and I shall take my White Traansit 250 with my Royal Enfield in the back, an Easy Up, generator and a cool box full of fluids, I shall also have a radio to tune into 88.7 so I can hear the control tower informing me who is up on the line and ready to make their pass and attempt to break a record, or- at least give it a real go.

Hope to see some of you out here, next year I hope to drive up for the weekend in My Model A Roadster as It has a 1940’s look with a 39 Motor and box on 35 rims etc I cant wait to drive that on this infamous Lake bed.

if you are into Old Hot Rods or Classic, Motorcycles or unique machines that haul their arse as hard as they can in a straight line, then this is the place for you, the sound of a motor flat out is a unique sound, the dust plume or rooster tail as it is mid track is a great visual, you hear the motor and you listen for the commentator to tell you their name and speed, I love it.

Its like its back in 1948 and I am reliving what the “Original Hot Rodders ” did back then just after WW2.

Come by and say hello as it will be great to meet you, I am a huge fan of dry lakes racing and get a kick out of sitting there watching.

You can text or call me on 714-598-8392 if you are out there and I will tell you where I am, most probably halfway up the track, Big white Ford Transit 250 and a Red and dusty Royal Enfield.

59 Club O.C. takes a Ride out to Palas Verdes July 9th.

Posted on July 12, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

12 Jul

Well, July came in fast and Hot, so hot infact I wasn’t too sure if I should jump on the Trumpy but once I slung on My leather jeans and boots, I knew I was committed to doing this ride and to be honest, even though it was crazy Hot here in La Mirada, we were riding to the coast and will at least get some Sea Breeze to help us cool down.

I really enjoy going out and riding with a bunch of friends and today was no exception.

So, we pulled the Triumphs out, I fueled up early in the Morning, Jenn went off and got hers whilst I lubed my chain, checked tire pressure and did a visual inspection on my Thruxton, as everybody should really do when they are going on a ride. Once that was completed, we waited for Tim Albright who is a mate of ours, and is a 59 Club member as well as living just up the road from us, soon as he pulled up, we got ready to make the trip to the Meet up, of which that was a few miles up the road at a Burger joint.

Plenty of people turned up for this July ride and was great to see some Newbies that had seen our posting for a ride and have them come hang out and see what the 59 Club is all about.

Fellow Brit Brendan Cowman turned up on his Thruxton Ace, he is originally from Birmingham and an Aston Villa fan, I cant hold that against him though. LOL.

We all made sure we had fuel and discussed quickly the route that we would be taking, going to Palas Verdes will be a nice change and, even though it was hot as hell right now, I knew the sea air would be a lot cooler as we got closer to the beaches etc.

Jennifer lead for a bit and I was super stoked to see her take the lead, its fun to see everyone having fun, we had fun right out of the Bat as Amanda forgot her license, so whilst she went and got that, we got ready and then left a few minutes later and turned up outside her house, such a blast as I am sure the neighbors must of wondered what the hell was going on as 16 riders pull up on Triumphs and Moto Guzzi and stop outside Amanda’s house.

Soon as we did that we took a couple of pics and made our way to the cooler part of SoCal, even if it was only a couple of degree’s, it would make all the difference., the ride was pretty hot to start of with but the closer to the Sea you got, the better the air was becoming, something I think we all needed with this crazy weather pattern we have now.

The ride was fun as we took side streets and only got separated for a few seconds as having 16 riders can take the road up and the traffic lights caught us out, but being an organised club, soon as they notice missing riders, the main group pull over to wait for us. It worked out really well and enjoyed the ride through the back streets, although long beach was an eye opener but fun none the less.

We rode up past terminal island and into Palos Verdes, the smooth winding Coastal roads were a nice change, although we did have a huge Van going slow for a few miles, but laughing at the people playing Gold at Trumps place made it worth while.

We stopped off in this parking lot opposite the sea and found a really cool Pub that was tucked in the corner of a bunch of Nail salons etc, called OFlahertys Tap House and boy was it a fun little Bar, the Barman was a great laugh and made us all what we wanted, we stayed there at least 90 minutes, soaking up a few suds and having some food, looking at old Platinum albums and cassette tapes in frames and vintage guitars, it suited the barman who was with out a shadow of a doubt an old school headbanger.

Although Steve Fellon Below looked like he had one too many! LOL!

It made for a superb stop to be honest and gave us some time to cool down and have a chine wag with everyone, and after a couple of Lager Shandys, I was ready to get back on the Tarmac once more and have a fun ride back.

There were 16 Riders and it was a good turn out, everyone was great, no issues and no break downs, and as we went up through the twisties I took a video or two just to keep and show later on.

A fun day out and more to come as we head on into the riding year with many great places to visit.

We always have fun, no pressure, no attitude, just a great time with all.

If you want to come and ride with us sometime, always check out our schedule at:

https://www.meetup.com/Carpys-Cafe-Racer-Meetups/

Thanks for looking and if you need any more info, you can drop me a dime at.

714-598-8392 Text or call.

or email at:

carpy@carpyscaferacers.com More than happy to help.

Thanks again for reading my Blog today.

MOONEYES ANNUAL OPEN DAY WAS A BLAST

Posted on July 8, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

08 Jul

Well, going to Norwalk Blvd and stopping outside the famous Open Eyes, has always been a cool thrill for me, so much Hot Rod History in that little Yellow building and here we are again for the huge show that generates so much excitement and popularity, that I hope one day Shige can buy next door and make this an even bigger event.

I have been attending these shows since I moved here from other shores back in 2000 and to go to this show is a superb social event for me, some people I have not seen in years but also some people I have seen the day before, this is a fun family atmosphere with Genuine interest in our “Hobby”- ” Lifestyle”

The sun seemed to be up early today and as I kicked the Royal Enfield into Life, I could feel the beads of sweat running down my face like I was about to be shot out of a Circus cannon into an awaiting Net, that was made of wet paper . But the Royal Enfield jumped into life, ticking over like a well oiled sewing machine, I clunked the gear shufter into first and it ubruply Grinded into the gear and then it was go time, Revs up, Clutch out, arse down, elbows up and I am now off to Norwalk , with Blues skies and a full gas tank, life seemed to smile at me, as to say. ” Go on son, have a brilliant day.

Well, as I took the back streets, it took maybe 10 minutes for me to pull into Norwalk Blvd, and slowly but surely I could see Hot Rods, Customs and every kind of style of machine on either side of the road, as I pulled up to Mooneyes, I was ushered into the driveway, where upon I was blasted by the sounds of the 50’s, some fella playing a stack of platters and I was digging the vibe Daddy’O!

I took my Brain Box off and was Greeted right away By the Manager, Chico, such a genuine bloke that I have known for over 17 years now, he welcomed me and thanked me for attending, how nice is that? Don’t hear that much these days and it goes a long way in my book. ” What book is that I hear you ask?” The book of Pleasantries!

Man! Was it hot, not even 10:15 it was Hotter than the inside of a Pizza oven on a Saturday evening. But I was here and there were a ton of like minded souls there, soaking up the Sun, the Sounds and all the cool vendors and machines that adorned this infamous place for a Custom Couture that I dearly love.

I left my Brain Bucket sat on my bike, another cool thing with Mooneyes is its a safe place and I love that trust ethic at a show, very rare indeed.

The next person to take time out of their day was the owner of Mooneyes and a super friend of mine.

SHIGE SUGANUMA: What a fantastic Bloke, flys over from Japan to meet all his Customers and genuinely take time to see how you are and ask about how things in the business and life is going, a rare find these days.

With more and more people pouring in, I wanted to get around and try and take a few snaps with my phone, not an easy task as so many people darting about but, I wanted to try and share with you lot what I did today, as many like my Blogs etc.

I walked along to the Vendors and wanted to say hello to my mate Keith Weesner, such a superb artist, always has time to say hello and another bloke I have known over 17 years now and as crazy as I into Hot Rods and Art, maybe even more so.

So many rides parked all over the place, it was fun walking around, talking to people and checking the latest machines out.

I bumped into my mate Big Dan from the Dynotones, these guys are the best 60’s Surf, Instrumental band anywhere, they rock it 24/7, try and ctah them at one of their gigs.

http://www.dynotones.com/

I saw so many rides there today, everything from Nostalgic Hot Rods, to Metal-flake Kustoms, it was great to see other rides that I have never laid my eyes upon and everybody seemed to be having fun.

If you are ever in Sunny So Cal, check Mooneyes out, they have all you need for your ride and what a historic trip down memory Lane you will have.

http://www.mooneyesusa.com/

As the day got hotter, it was time for me to do another quick walk about and say high to friends and cross the road to see vehicles that hugged the kerbside and boy was there some neat rides there.

So, here is to the next event, this show is on until about 3-4 pm so go check it out, so easy to get to off the 5 freeway for Cars and Bikes, this has it all.

Check out the workshop too.

Hope to bump into you at this event next year, have a great weekend all of you.

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS SPEED WEEK

Posted on July 6, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

06 Jul

Ever since I was a teenager, I was intrigued with the American Hot Rod, I loved the Country, the Lifestyle and the possibilities you could achieve with hard work and, determination.

Back in the UK I even had a Hot Rod, a 1932 Three Window Coupe, chopped and channeled, this Hot Rod was a Nostalgic style that reflected what I was into.

Then in 1997 I left the shores of the British Isles, jumping on a Big Silver Bird to the other side of the world and landed in Australia, another Hot Rod Country that really loves mechanical machines and anything that moves on 2 and four wheels.

I built a 58 Work truck and had a 29 Roadster that I was finishing, but things in life happen and had to sell both but sure was a cool look.

In Melbourne I worked for Norm Hardinge of Aussie desert Cooler, helping him with the manufacture of Radiators for many Hot Rod and Customs cars, this took me all over Victoria and NSW and never was there a sad time, they are big Hot Rodders and the only way of topping that was to move to the United States of America, the Land I dreamed of living in from Middle school.

Feb 2000 I arrived in Southern California and 17 years later here I am and love it, I now own a period style 1928 Model A Roadster, complete with a 1939 Flathead V8, just a little 221ci Mill thats fun for me and hope to add rare speed equipment later on.

Well, in 2000 I was lucky enough to head to Muroc Dry lakes with a bunch of Hot Rodding Buddies and was fortunate enough to drive Drew Pietsch’s ’28-’29 Dodge Roadster around this famous dry lake, where even the Space shuttle would land if it was too windy in Florida.

So, coming up in August is Speed Week at Bonneville Salt Flats, a place that I have only dreamed about going to and watching all sorts of Hot Rods and Motorcycles giving their all to try and acquire a record of speed over a timed area. And as it will be my 55th Birthday, My Girlfriend Jennifer Sun is taking us out there to experience the life, racing on the salt.

Obviously I am spectating but who knows, the bug may catch me and I will have a go on a bike or car if I can get enough sponsors, always a cool thing to try.

So, I am so looking forward to that and if ANY of you are attending and see a Sun Burnt Limey walking around with a Gorgeous Hawaiian Girlfriend, then that’s will be me, come and say hello.

on July 16th SUNDAY at: El Mirage Dry Lake 20471 Mountain View Rd Adelanto, CA

I will Also be at El Mirage next weekend and riding my Red Royal Enfield about ,if ya fancy a little blap on it let me know, so if ya around, just let me know as I will be there early in the morning on Sunday, until the evening about 5pm and will be heading home. it is a superb place to spectate and watch the racing, as well as being able to get close to the start line and watch them go, I love it, some speeds in excess of 200 MPH too.

Drop me a text on 714-598-8392 if ya gonna be up there, I shall have an easy up and generator and a couple of chairs as I like to park half track and watch the bikes and Hot Rods run, then jump on the Motorcycle and go to other parts of the track. So i can see the Start and the finish and see them flat out.

Here is a little bit of History for you, but I am sure that you are familiar with it. I hope you enjoy this little Blog I have created today.

– This was filmed in September, 1932 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Ab Jenkins is testing the new, 1932 Pierce Arrow 462 cubic inch V-12 in a 24-hour endurance run. His average speed was 112.91 mph.

For years the Bonneville Salt Flats was the home to land speed record attempts but these were for elite drivers like Sir Malcolm Campbell. After World War Two, Hot Rodders wanted to test their metal on the salt but officials balked at allowing these people they saw as Juvenile Delinquents defile their Salt Flats.

Silent 8mm but great footage none the less.

Håkan Karlen, a very cool Guy indeed and made me feel at home as soon as I arrived to the track at 6am.

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