Life behind Bars

Posted on June 7, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

07 Jun

Well, 17 years seems to have flown by and here I am, still playing with two wheeled contraptions.

As a kid , I was fascinated with Motorbikes and at any opportunity I would drop everything to watch , hear or just read about these mechanical machines.

I have lived all over the world and seen some fantastic motorcycles and knew that one day I would be lucky enough to reside in the United States of America .

So, in 2000 I entered California and the first Motorcycle I created was a 1976 CB750 of which I gave the Cafe Racer styling.

The livery was in the style of the 1970’s Formula 1 John Player Special Team of Gold and Black.

This motorcycle caused a huge stir in the American Motorcycle community and put me on the map as as Motorcycle designer and builder.

17 years later and my 50th creation is almost completed , I wanted to build another CB750 and this time use some crazy Candy flake colors of which covered most of the Hondas of SOHC guise.

This time I chose a 1975 CB750F model Super Sport and went with a Black Wrinkle Finish Engine, Dressed out with Stainless Steel Allen Head Bolts throughout.

I also designed a Brand New 4 into 1 Exhaust System that made the Header pipes swing out to the right hand side and then tightly under the chassis and a unique short turn out tail pipe.

I took the stock gas tank and cut out the filler neck and welded it flat, then welded a Harley Gas Cap bung in its place to give this tank a cool smooth appearance .

Next up I took some 18 Gauge steel and hand bent the seat base to the style I was looking for, then I cut another piece of steel into a half circle and hand pounded it on a sand bad and then used my Air Plenisher and shaped it into a cowl, then tig welded to seat base, once that was done I then cut a teardrop shape out of the rear of that cowl, to allow for a unique Tailight for the bike.

I upholstered this seat base with Brown Naugahyde and did tuck n roll design.

I rebuilt the front forks and machined the lowers to have finned grooves in them, rebuilt the front and rear wheels with polished Hubs and stainless Steel spokes and shoved New Rubber on them.

With 14.5 inch New Shocks makes sure the rear end keeps smooth and some Italian Rear sets clamp tightly to the frame. But still More to do and wanted to show you some progress photos, Hope you like what I am doing here, a little out there but, that makes it more fun. Stay tuned to my Blogs on more as I will ALWAYS be messing around with 2 wheeled Machines.

Happy Monday, Here’s some cool Video’s

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

13 Feb

Wow- Monday already and I guess it was a hard start for you lot today as it was for me too, and I think today I shall continue with a few more videos to try and help your workday fly by, or at least give you something different to look at on your lunch break etc.

Below is a video from back in the day about road safety, always fun to watch as our machines have changed a lot , as well as the traffic speeds too.

It is from Los Angeles in the 1960’s and boy, to see no traffic in the towns is weird these days, it also makes me laugh when the public service film and the AMA both tell you to. “Dress Neatly” as they want you to give a good impression to your neighbors. ha ha ha

And how about this, some rare footage called “Rode Safely” This was filmed back in 1955 in Liverpool, and its some cool footage to watch on a Monday and shows how things were so much different back then, compared to today’s traffic and Laws etc.

I had to laugh at the “staged crashes” and the Old style of hand signals that have changed in the highway Code back home. This is as funny as hell to watch and I am certain that these 13 minutes will have you cracking up.

Onto part 2 now of “Rode Safely”

16 minutes of awesome footage, and for me this was thoroughly entertaining, showing me what Back home like in 1955, when there was only half a million Motorcycles being ridden on the British roads.

Enjoy

Be safe out there but you don’t have to dress neatly OK? LOL.

Need YOUR help get funding for New Movie ” Caffeine and Gasoline”

Posted on July 21, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

21 Jul

Ok people, when I see something I think is good, I let people know about it- When I see something that I Know is going to be Great- then I jump on my website and try and tell the world about it.

On Thursday I had the opportunity of hosting Steve Maes at my Motorcycle shop for his filming his newest project “Caffeine & Gasoline” Evolution of the American Rocker.

Many of you know the passion I have for my Motherlands birth of the Cafe Racer, and many of you have taken an interest in the History of the Cafe bars of the day in Great Britain back in the Late 1950’s and early 60’s.

Britain’s very own Coffee Cowboy evolved from Transport Cafeterias of the day and now some 55 years later, there is a huge interest in that era in the United States of America and somebody needs to engrain this on the silver screen to let the rest of the world know how a half century old lifestyle has had a massive resurgence and become a huge part of the Motorcycle fraternity.

There has not been a good ,documented film about this “Sub Culture” in the US like this, and now that Steven Maes has taken it upon his self to sit on a saddle, go out to like minded Ton Uppers and record what they have to say about this Lifestyle, well, I just want to help out the best I can.

If ever there has been a time to help out- now is the time.

I give to charities all the time and as the Rocker who runs the 59 Club O.C. section, we are a charity event and like to help where ever we can, I am not saying this is a charity cause but what it is to me and to many others is a personal encyclopedia of informative people over the United States who love the “Cafe Racer” style.

So, I am asking you to spare a little change and help Steve be able to make this project a total reality, and get this funding up and running fast, so that we can see this on the one eyed monster as soon as we can.

If you are reading this, it truly means that you have an interest in the Cafe Racer Lifestyle, and how ever big or small that interest is, it is great people like you that can help to make this film happen.

Lets all try and help, and donate to their cause, no matter how small the contribution, I would love to see the amount grow and this movie come to a full fruition and get to see this played all over the globe.

Personally I think it will be interesting, intriguing, informative and above all, it will show people around the globe “What makes us Tick”.

If you can pass the word I know that Steve will be forever indebted in gratitude to you for this, as it means that you care and would like to see this project completed and ready for everybody to watch and enjoy.

Also,I for one am so glad that someone is taking on the challenge and making this project happen and would be stoked if you could help with this funding.

I never ask for anything but feel this sums all of us up that are into the Nostalgia side of Motorcycles, something with history and of course now making its very own History in The US of A, how cool is that?

Here is the link for the gofundme page and hope you can do your best to pass it around to everyone you know, as YOU are our voice!

Thanks alot and I will be watching with baited breath at the totals to get Steve to achieve his target and complete this great movie that I think will receive awesome reviews.

Without help from the likes of like minded folk – Steve could not achieve the goal in the allotted time, so please help out where you can as I know I know I will.

Here is the link.

https://www.gofundme.com/caffeineandgas

Just a quick run down of Steven Maes below:

SILVER CITY — Silver City native and New Mexico Filmmaker, Steven “Fenix” Maes, known for his iconic design work on cult series Breaking Bad, is hard at work on a passion project about cafe racer motorcycles and rocker culture called Caffeine & Gasoline: Evolution of the American Rocker.

The film looks back at the American-inspired 1960s British greasers and their bikes, immortalized in the classic movie Quadrophenia, and then aims the camera at today’s home-grown rockers in America and beyond.

“From their earliest roots in the East Side of London to the growing vintage motorcycle enthusiasm around the world, rocker culture has made its way across the globe,” says Maes. “Motorcycle culture is always evolving, writing its own mythology and leaving tread marks across America. The rockers with their cafe bikes are a subculture within a subculture. They’re the real rebels in an increasingly conformist pastime.

“I really want to show the spirit and community within the culture, as well as, the design” Maes continues, “there’s such a passion and individuality put in to each bike.”

Caffeine & Gasoline talks and rides with such motorcycling icons as Antoine Predock, Albuquerque’s famed resident architect. The film features New Mexico’s only cafe club, the Duke City Rockers, whose rockabilly-styled members take viewers for a ride on their hand-built motorbikes and explain their attraction to the British iconoclasts.

Maes expects to wrap filming in fall 2016, and to release the film theatrically in 2017.

Good luck Steve and Hope to Ride up to Albuquerque to see you lot on my Triumph Cafe Racer.

Peace and Grease as always

CARPY

HELL ON WHEELS 2016 Glen Helen

Posted on April 12, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

12 Apr

Well, it’s that time of year and even though Dakota has not finished built his TT 500, Meatball was kind enough to loan Kota an old 250 Honda to bimble about for the Hell On Wheels Races that were held at Glen Helen on the Lucas truck race track.

The weather was ominous but no matter what, this event will go on, Rain or Shine.

We got there around 10am and people were already set up, we put the easy up together and unloaded the bike etc, and Kota got to do some practicing, and had fun as the bike was just a little 250 and would give him some good practice for when he gets into the Flat track season later on.

To be honest, the weather could not be better as we had a little light rain and that took care of the dust, as out here in the desert, it sure does get dusty, so it was great to have intermittent weather and everybody was thankful for that. Taking off on jumps with a lose foot peg was hilarious for me to watch and Dakota was having fun.

After practice, Dakota got a late start, as the bloody foot peg fell off, so he was half a lap down at the start of the Race, but still managed to get onto the track and have fun on that 250 with no working front brake and leaking front forks.

The races were fun, the track was bumpy but not technical enough to be dangerous as to crash all the time.

He did well and managed to get a lot of experience on that track, on a bigger machine he would of really placed well for sure, but this was a fun event and the commeraderie is unsurpassed at any event that I have attended and loved all the different styles and era’s of machines that were there for people to get close to.

My old room mate Granter Peterson of now Born Free fame, has recently acquired this unreal 1929 Harley tank shifter and so original its stunning to see and hear.

I have known Grants for over 16 years and was so glad that he got into Motorcycles, I thought I was the only nutter in that town we lived in.

Plenty to see and do and to watch these old boners bang and shake their way around the track at speed was immense, and this is how the Pioneers did it back then, showing the owners of these prestigious two wheeled contraptions, how hard it was- and still is to run an machine over hard dirt.

I was in for a treat of Vintage Motorcycles and some wearing vintage style clothing just added that proverbial Cherry to the top of the cake.

You should try and make it out to these events as Meatball has run these types of events for a long time.

This is a event for every type of classic machine and so many different people and we all had a unique bond with motorcycles and the like, something that is missing from many events these days.

The track was perfect for racing and lots of room to pass and do your thing as you fight your way around this infamous race track.

There were plenty of Machines I liked and I was stoked to see an Elsinore to be amongst the machines for this race event.

I loved this Trumpy and boy did it sound smooth.

This Bultaco bought back awesome memories of me and my brothers era of Dirt bikes and riding when we were teenagers back in the UK.

Another sweet Trumpy that was fun to watch out on the track all day at Glen Helen. Be sure to spread to word and bring a bike to race for the next one.

Here he is having a go and made me very envious in a good way, so cool to see these ridden on the dirt.

People were doing their own wrenching, and helping out with others, a really cool atmosphere that was rare to see these days.

Another Triumph taking a corner as he enters the whoops and then the table top here at Hell on Wheels in Glen Helen.

How about the Girls then? They too were racing and I loved that, so much fun to watch and these Girls were into it too.

Classic shot of this Tall Girly on a Trumpy and having fun yet still being really competitive too.

We need more ladies doing this, so pass the word.

This girl was a blast on a Motorcycle and in Trumpy attire too!

I was so glad that I captured this shot, just so Nostalgic and goes back to the day of rigid rides and back ache!!!

How about this, Suzuki, Yamaha and Husky in the bend with this slick Hipster smoking like a Reefer.

Such a Classic start line and was glad to be part of it, the weather was bang on for this race.

Committed to the corner, this looked like a blast.

Three deep and such a fun wide turn and made for a cool shot of these Classics battling it out for the lead.

Grant Peterson Hauling more Arse than a truck load of Colostmy bags as he hits the corner on this Dirt track on his 29 Harley.

Great racing and all mates afterwards, we need more of this going on thats for sure.

Epic shot of the table top and these guys were on it for sure.

Airborne and having fun, sure looked like he was having a blast .

These bikes are super hard to find and to race them is even rarer, I loved watching all the Boner shaker Tank Shifter machines giving it all they had.

I love this shot, I took it just as he got to the top and am so glad I captured just a little of the intensity but fun they were having at the track.

Big Fella, Big Bike, bring your vintage bike out next time, you will love it.

Flying like a bird as he gets to enjoy the view of coming back down to earth with a shuddering Rattle.

This Bloke was having a blast, he fell off on the corner but was still smiling, right on mate.

Giving it all as he hits the corner and his mates not far behind him, and he knows it.

The chase is on and the determination shows too.

Great photo as they are pushing each other to their max with old Jacket, jeans. Boots and Helmet, love this stuff.

Grant, gritting his teeth as he fights his 1929 Bone Shaker around the track.

Taking his Harley to the limit as the final lap approaches here at Glen Helen.

Now on the the straight and hold on .!!!!

Determination with a capital D as he enters the final lap of this race.

Giving it all he has got as the Checkered flag is not too far away.

This is hard to get around on the bend.

It goes down but softly and people quick to get the fella back up and in the race once more.

Back up and ready to continue, all fun and games and the soft dirt made it a little more forgiving if you fell.

Hitting the corner and ready for the straight away, such a Classic Harley to watch as it speeds by me.

Head down and wind it all the way open, hoping to keep his lead as the guy behind is trying hard to catch up.

I took this shot for the last Race and it sure looks like they are all set for the flag start from the cool Girl in the Red Jump Suit.

Everything was fun and the Flag girl was into it for sure.

On the start line once more, fun to watch them Roar off at once, backfiring and smoke too.

I took this shot from the pits of the start from behind, looked great.

Even with Mud all over his Glasses, he gritted his teeth and had such a blast on the track.

Grant seemed to have a blast on that 1929 Harley, a very Rare machine none the less but- so good to see it used like it was many moons ago.

Grant is all focused as this is the last lap for him and a fun one at that, good job mate.

On the last bit of the straight just before the finish, the old 29 held up well and it was brilliant to watch that’s for certain.

Grant finishes and everything is still in one piece, not sure the rider is though!

What a blast it was to see these Vintage Motorcycles rip along this dirt track, I sure hope that they continue to hold these races and if so, please try and attend, you will love it.

It sure was entertaining watching these heavyweight machines tear it up.

The Bomber Class is a Must to see.

Was great watching the girls and hopefully more will follow.

Everybody enjoyed these machines and I thank you for all your effort getting them ready.

Could not of asked for better weather for this race Event.

Top quality Rain wear too!

Until the next time.

Make sure you pass the word on this great event.

All types of machines too.

This Husky sounded great.

Old XR Honda, I have had a few of them over the years.

Gimme Gimme!

Honda getting some air time too.

These Girls love to race, get your lady out on a bike, its a Blast, My Girlfriend rides and loves it.

Classic Racing Jersey.

Elsinore got a few laps in too.,

Dug all the vintage styling too.

Have fun in the dirt and get some practice in for the next one.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Posted on January 2, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 Jan

We at Carpy’s Cafe Racers wish you a very Happy 2016 and hope that the New year brings you good health, wealth and Prosperity throughout.

via GIPHY

May I take this opportunity to thank all My Customers for their purchases from me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you all help to keep me living my dream and I am blessed to have known you.

Looking forward to more exciting things, parts, bikes and apparel in the New Year ahead.

via GIPHY

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Posted on November 26, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

26 Nov

Just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for everything you have dome in the past to keep me going on in this dream job I have.

I am blessed to be in this country and I am totally blessed to have super customers and friends such as you, so I hope that you all spend the day with Family and friends and sit down, eat, and reflect on what you have, think of the homeless and poor, and give where you can, even if it is just a burger, a meal goes a long way and will make everybody a better person.

The 59 Motorcycle Club O.C. section has a ride in the morning and then heads home to have food and enjoy the rest of the day, I sure look forward to seeing and hearing from all you avid Motorcyclists, stay safe out there and once again……

Hope to see some of you on the Road sometime.

Great Little Low key Movie

Posted on November 23, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 Nov

Happy Monday all

Just wanted to add a little independent movie that has a great feeling to it, a little dark, a little cold and yet a little funny, I dig movies like this, cool bikes, great places, real towns and real people, plus for me, any bird riding a motorcycle is thumbs up.

Of course, I will let you decide that, enjoy.

TOKYO GONE from Speedtractor on Vimeo.

Triumph Motorcycles, it’s all in the branding!

Posted on November 6, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

06 Nov

Hey there gear heads

Well today I shall write a short blog on branding, as many people like to watch my blogs, even my competitor reads my website everyday to see if he can cash in on any idea’s. LOL!

But today I wanted to add some videos, seeing it is Friday and thought that this would be a good day to have a few snippets of movies, documentarys or commercials that show the Triumph brand.

First up is this unusual snipet, a little boring but it says Branding of the Trumpy all the way.

Well not all that interesting as it was to and fro on a few occasions but next up for your entertainment is this video.
Just a Thruxton going around downtown LA and through the old Bladerunner tunnel.

Now, this Girl rider Lauren Richards from cold and wet Wales, takes the New Ace Thruxton for a little blap around her area and gives a nice run down on how she likes this Motorcycle. More power to you as we need more girl riders.

Now, this long winded Brit chin wags about his Machine, albeit a wee bit too dangerous if you are riding on busy roads as you tend to lose concentration whilst riding a motorcycle, but, again if you have a few minutes its great for me to check some of the countryside out of back home, but click past if you feel the geezer rattles on too long.

OK, lets whiz off to Austria and check this fella’s Trumpy out.

Break into a little bit of Music for this one to get your weekend off to a great start with these Scramblers.

Have a great Friday everyone.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY EVERYONE !

Posted on July 4, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

04 Jul

Wow- this year has come around really fast, but I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy 4th of July this weekend and sure hope that you all find time to be with family and friends.

This country is an amazing place and has given me the chance to make something of my life and enjoy the freedom that we have here in the United States of America.

Thank you for supporting what I love to do.

I thank everyone for all the business and friendships over the 15 years I have been here and hope we continue to grow and put money into the country as we are doing so now.