Mooneyes Christmas Party 2016 Irwindale

I got to work and noticed some fog and gray clouds looming as I opened my shop on a Saturday Morning, but- None the less, today was the annual Christmas Party that Mooneyes host at Irwindale drag strip and it is a not to be missed event for me, mainly because it is an awesome time for me to meet many friends from all over the place and get to ctach up on how they are doing etc.

Pulling the Triumph out onto the Road and firing her up was a good feeling as the trip is only up Three Highways and about a 35 minute ride, although as its close to Christmas now, plenty of traffic and a sharp eye was needed to watch out for cars trying to cut lanes at the last minute.

Time flew by pretty fast as I cruised at about 80 all the way and mostly in the car pool lane, my idea of that is that it is the safest route to take, being that there is a Divider wall to my left, so only things in front of me and to the side have a chance of getting me, as opposed to riding in the middle lane and being open to all and sundrie.

As I pulled off the 605, I could see the line of traffic that were waiting to get into the drag-strip area, I knew that some people had actually arrived at 3AM- for them to get a good space and enjoy the hundreds of Vehicles that attend this Hot Rod and Custom extravaganza every year.

Being on a Two wheeled machine does has its advantages, as I rolled on by everyone and right up to the entrance with no wait at all, and that’s a nice feeling for sure as some of these poor buggers had been sitting a long time in traffic.

As I pulled in to the event I could see the Sea of multicolored vehicles that were lined up similar to a Chinese military show, but that’s the only comparison to that as everyone was smiling, laughing, cooking, drinking and even dancing, and I knew today’s event would be a blast.

Most years that i have attending this show has always been cold, windy and a few ties it has been raining its arse off, and, as I left my shop in the fog, I thought to my self. “Oh no not again” But I was mistaken, as pretty much as soon as I got off my steed, the sun was coming through the clouds and could feel its warmth as I approached the entrance to the show.

 

I have no idea how many vehicles turned up, predominately it was Chevy and Ford, but had a sprinkling of Dodge, Chrysler, Studebaker and even Volkswagen’s were there in many guises.

 

I took about 60 odd photos with my I-Phone until my Battery decided to tell me on that phone that it was time for it to shut down and have a melt down, but I did get many cool shots and wanted to share them with you.

I get many people from all over the globe check my blogs out as a lot of us do not just have an interest in Motorcycling, it covers a vast spectrum of interests from Hot Rodding, Drag racing, to Low Riders and Full Custom Machines.  there was plenty to see and, if you can ever get to Southern California and check out @mooneyeschristmasparty you will be amazed at the fun you will see.

So much to see and I hope you like some of these photos that I have taken, there would of been many more if my battery hadnt died on my phone, but enjoy all of you.

The weather turned out awesome to be honest and I am met many friends that I had not seen for a long long time, so glad that I ventured out to Mooneyes Christmas Show as it never fails to be entertaining as so much is going on there and always different cars, Rods and Motorcycles to check out and people are more than willing to tell you all about what they have done.

So many different styles of machines and to be honest I wish I had enough Battery to show all the drag racing that was going on all day as that was so cool to hear Motors flat out on the 1/8th.

Many of these I have not seen before and it was great chatting to all the owners and finding out what they did to heir ride, where they are from and some even gave me some great contacts for vintage parts etc.

That Green Roadster was a Raffle Car a few years ago at Ventura and boy what a sweet ride that is, the guy who won it only had ONE $20.00 ticket and he won the ride, so awesome.

Next up is my mate Becky Sue from Anaheim Rod & Custom, a really cool Girl and great family and Hot Rod shop, so glad she got to drive her Comet. Great Job Becky!

Few more video’s this time the cars coming down the side of the track after their runs on the 1/8th mile at Irwindale.

Awesome Sling shot as it cackles its way to the pits.

The ‘Hot Tamale’ Otherwise known as the HTML

Well, this time we have come up with a fun concept for this machine, started off as quite a loud and obnoxious Orange color that would never get lost in a parking lot.  This bike is actually a friend of mine and he has designed me the New website.

So-if you need a web design or anything web related drop him a line atchristian@riggscreative.com

A very cool guy that will walk you through what ever need you require and, at a very affordable and workable price too.

 

So I always need a wee bit of information on the bike etc and what the owner does before I get started, as that gives me some cool insight to what they do and then can try and think of a name or theme for that creation.

  

The color concept on here right now was right ut of the 70’s and had quite a lot of corrosion from being sat outside for many years.

 

Christian purchased the bike down near the border in San Diego, so I thought that a cool name for this machine would be Hot Tamale, seeing as it was close to Mexico, but also as a double barrel, I am going to have the initial of that and it will say HTML, but thats also the machine code for websites etc and a great tie in with the owner.

 

To make the right start, I stripped the bike down to the frame, bead blasted it until the metal was clean, filed the frame for any imperfections, then all the hard work began on this as the whole chassis then had all the welds covered and smoothed and then 6 layers of high fill primer that was sanded by hand to get a really smooth finish to allow for a few layers of Candy paint to be applied.

  

Hard to appreciate the time and effort that goes into the preperation of a show quality frame, but this had so many man hours into it.

As you can see, this is a long process and to be honest you haven’t seen much of the entire work that has gone into the frame alone, first the frame is bead blasted and cleaned, then the welds grinded and filled smooth, then hit with high Fill primer and hand sanded until a smooth finish is acquired, then it has to be sanded again and the base coat of Aztec Gold needs to be applied.

IMG_6265

 

This machine undergoes so many procedures and work by hand, until you have tried this yourself, you will never inderstand the man hours alone just to get the frame completed as well as the tank, side covers and seat, as these have to all be painted at the same time as you cannot for the life of you, match candy paint.

IMG_6264

So, now all the parts that I want Candy have now been spainted and sanded and ready for the Color, and the color is Hot Tamale Candy, which I wanted to match the Red from the real Candy you used to buy as a kid and still available today. To get the Candy color of the kids sweets, I used an Aztec Gold base to set the base.

IMG_6260

 

So now its time to get some paint to try and emulate the kids Candy from the local store.

hottamales-retro

It was fun trying to match it but we managed to get it bang on to be honest.

Tamale

I am So glad that trying different colors finally worked out to the shade of Candy red we wanted and had to count all the coats of candy Red to make sure that it matches the rest of the parts, else it would all look different shades, Candy is one of the hardest to paint.

I think I did pretty good and as I said, this is a double barrel name so it works really well, a hot color that will really pop under the sun.

 Now the work begins on this machine and I have to be so careful not to scratch any of the paint work as you simply cannot match this color by touch up.

 I am being as careful as I can, but still needed a soft hammer to tap the swing arm into lace and then push through the spindle, and- this is all on my own today so really have to be careful.

 I rebuilt the front end and made sure that I chromed the lower tree, and then polished the upper to look as good as a chrome finish, then simply added the races and new grease and bearings.

 Front forks I machined and magnafluxed, and New tubes, as well as new seals and hardware, makes this stand out from the crowd, i am just going to add old rims as I am going to be polishing the hubs and painting Candy red in the centers.

Next up is My Hand made Battery Box that’s made from 6061 Aluminum and we use brass Rivets to give that Aircraft quality, nobody was making anything for the SOHC bikes and I needed some cool parts for my own machine and set about designing some neat styling to add to your inline four and from there on I continued to make more parts.

 This fits in the original area that the stock battery did, but you must admit, this looks way cooler? I have always liked the Hot Rod styling and think that this design of mine pulls that look off big time and is a very functional lightweight piece for the bike.

 So much to do, in so little time, but rebuilding is always fun when everything goes to plan. I was also fed up with dim headlights and not a huge fan of turn signals and wanted to clean the front end up, i started to fit these to bikes years ago and now it has become quite popular but I fitted my 32 LED Light and the internal signals are bright and very very cool.

So easy to wire up, they look clear, but when the turn signal is used they glow bright Orange.

 

Now onto to some cool stuff, as I thought long and hard about this creation and she sure is going to be bright and attention getting.

I then used brand New Genuine Honda rims and after the hubs were stripped, polished, painted and New bearings fitted, re-laced to the rims and finally, throwing on some vintage style Firestone tires to have that old School Custom Look.

I drilled more holes in the front Rotor than BP has done in the Louisiana state, then polished the center.

Just have a look at how much work this takes, I stripped the forks and then machined the fins into the lowers, then I magnafluxed them to check out of there was any hairline cracks, once that was established I polished them and fitted the dampeners and then brand New fork tubes and seals, as well as fitting New Black Factory gators and New chrome fork ear clips, to really make this stand out from the rest.

 

To match the front Brake Rotor, I did my usual and drilled the rear brake hub, then polished it to a chrome like finish, fitted new brake shoes, actuator and springs and this looks killer.

 

This makes all the difference when painting the center of the hub and making final touches to the rest, this is one sweet rear wheel.

 

 

With New Bearings, and I also powder coated the rear sprocket to match the tire, gives it some contrast, I even chromed the safety ring to give it a little more Bling.

 

 

 Of course, I stripped the original rear swing arm and then chromed it, fitted New Bushings and plopped this all together on my own on a Saturday afternoon.

 OK, this time I fitted brand New piggy Back Shocks, new Honda hardware and our 2 inches extended Alloy Shock lowers, gives this bike the right stance.

Oh yes, one of our finned rear spacers was a must on this creation.

 

 I like the way that this bike is taking shape and the Customer is letting me run with this, so I can use my own creativeness.

 

 

How can you not like this?   It really is a warm and Custom color that will really stand out where ever the bike is parked up.

 

Christians machine will get a lot of detail and a mixture of Aztec Candy Gold and the Candy Tomale Red to show this unique machine off.

150

As you can see, the Motor is in and she really is a head turner, I am going to do many cool little attention details you may not even notice at first but the owner is super stoked and thats the main thing for me. I am wiring the bike with all New wiring and New OEM controls.

010

As you can see, Aztec Gold and Candy hot Tamale red is a great Combination, the 750 digits are hand painted there are no decals here on the bike at all.

014

So, with the Side covers fitted, I also Chromed the oil tank and then machined some Dipstick caps to embellish the top of the tank and go with the flow of other finned alloy parts that are through out this machine.

013

.Other things you may notice on this ride is I have started to fit the mounts for the Rear sets as these will set the pace of the bike and Instead of the stock Anodized black versions you see, I stripped that all off and polished the body to a chrome finish and really sets that off.

Below , this is how cool the turn signals are that are inside the headlight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

????????????????????????????????????
What do you think? very crisp, sharp and modern, with a touch of yeaster year thrown in too.
????????????????????????????????????
Been seen and be safe, that’s the name of the game these days and you will be seen with these 32 LED’s when they flash for sure, looks tasty eh?
????????????????????????????????????
The rear Brake hub got all the attention as this will air the rear brake and help cool it too, but has the old school look of the racing days too.
????????????????????????????????????
The Front sprocket cover got the same effect to make the design flow, polished Alloy looks so classic.
????????????????????????????????????
I drilled the front Rotor and machined a smooth face, you try drilling and countersinking on an old drill press, takes some time but worth it in the long run.
????????????????????????????????????
As you can see, I have used brand New rims and then used New Polished stainless steel spokes to give this bike a Classic era look, I also polished the hubs but painted the centers to match the frame paint just to add some more detail to the machine, and a OEM front fender hugs against the bigger Firestone tires.
????????????????????????????????????
I stripped old forks apart, machined the lowers and then magnafluxed to check for any porosity or fractures, but all good, then polished and rebuilt with new fork tubes and oem Chrome Caps and fork gators.
????????????????????????????????????
The Carbs were stripped, dipped, powder coated and rebuilt, also used new OEM intake manifolds with stainless rolled edged hose clamps and dressed with machine turned velocity stacks that set off the gold of the paint.
????????????????????????????????????
Original Race Crafters finned Points cover was addd and my own machned engine covers were attached to give that Hot Roddy styling to the Motor.
????????????????????????????????????
Sticking with all the speed Equipment, I machined an oil tank Cap and that really does set the bike off as many miss that part on a build.
????????????????????????????????????
The rear shock reservoir got the same treatment to make all the lines flow on the bike and I loved the outcome.
????????????????????????????????????
The kick starter is only for looks as we have Rear sets and an electric starter, but wanted to leave the kick starter on the bike do drilled and chromed it to make an accent.
????????????????????????????????????
So many details, where do I start? But as you can see, I have polished the upper triple tree, I also made handlebar extensions to lift the bars up 2 inches, New handlebar controls, Custom Flake grips added, as well as New throttle Cables, levers and the master cylinder I stripped the anodizing off and polished to a chrome finish. rechromed original fork ears and added my Custom badges to the sides.
????????????????????????????????????
These are the Original gauges but rebuilt them and look so much better now, I also added a Display bracket for the bike and will add a watch or compass to go in the top of the bracket.
????????????????????????????????????
There is so much I have done to this machine but you can see from the photos that this is very detailed and hope that you like it.
????????????????????????????????????
I also drilled the starter cover and fitted Gold Mesh underneath to give the bike a little more style and the exhausts are a one off and hand made section by section, a long and laborious job but boy did it turn out nice in the end.
????????????????????????????????????
A very unique style that I was gunning for, as i wanted a similar shape to the old MV Augusta motorcycles of the day and they sound awesome too.
????????????????????????????????????
This bike is tall as the owner is over 6 feet in height but sure has come out great, I used my Rocket four seat base and upholstered it with original Metal-flake Aztec Gold material and then added my oval LED stop-running light that sets the rear end off.
????????????????????????????????????
The HTML or Hot Tamale as many know it comes as a double barreled name as the Owner of this machine is a Web Site developer who helped me design my New site and does an awesome job of building sites and helping in computer program coding and HTML is of course the coding, so thought it apt I added the lettering, it is hand painted no decals anywhere on the paint at all.
????????????????????????????????????
As I said, she sits well, no blocks of wood for the side stand to sit on as MY side stands are made here and they dont need any assistance like so many buids you see out there, she stands on her own, high and proud,
????????????????????????????????????
A great machine that looks very stylish and the owner loves the bike as we were in communication all the time with it and I am pleased to see it completed as it was a long journey but worth it in the end.

 

IMG_5329

This Motorcycle looks great and from any angle too, I am happy with the outcome and with Christians input, we managed to knock this build right out of the park for a well earned and deserved Home Run!

IMG_5321

Here she is on the San Diego side of the road, taking in some fresh Grey air as even the Gods were trying to Thunder clap their applause at the creation of this motorcycle that took a long time to get done right and to how we both felt happy with.

 

IMG_5317

Here she is sat on one of my Side stand, no blocks of wood or bits of metal to have it sit against, she sits loud and proud and a wicked machine.

1111

With a Blue sky above, the HTML really does stand out amongst the crowd, this was a long journey but the end was such a great uplift.

IMG_5294

Even at night she will turn more heads than a Dewalt cordless screwdriver.

IMG_5410

.Even stands out in a stable of thoroughbreds, a fun bike to ride and look at and hope it gives miles of smiles.

IMG_5327

 

Keep you eyes open for this Motorcycle if you are in the San Diego area and make sure you say hello to Christian the owner, as he will be more than willing to talk about the bike and how it became to be.

IMG_6157

These sweeping pipes are a sectional custom set that I do not want to reproduce, so many hours but so worth the look at the end of the build.

IMG_6166

Thank you for looking at this magnificent machine, it is always nice to think out of the box and as Sir Winstone Chruchill once said.

“Onward and Upwards” To the next build. Its been a long build but the outcome made it all worth while.

Seal Beach Motorcycle and Car show

 

Well, it was that time of year already and I wanted to go to the show with My Girlfriend as she wanted to ride her Bonneville to the event as well.

Nothing draws a crowd like the Seal Beach Car Show. Each year Main Street in Seal Beach closes down to welcome over 35,000 visitors, 600 cars, attractions and businesses come together with the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce and the City of Seal Beach to produce one of Southern California’s most memorable automotive events. With 30 categories of classic cars, there is something for everyone!

Early in the morning it was pissing down with rain and the bikes were sat on our driveway soaked to the skin, but- by about 10:00 am it had cleared up and the Sun was starting to poke it head out of the clouds to get the day off to a nice start.

Jennifer led the field up to our next meeting point which was awesome to see her up front and had no worries at all as we sped along the back roads of So Cal on a Saturday morning.

We pulled in for our meet up with other members of the club and a nice little turn out as always and with the clouds starting to blow away the day nly got better and better and am sure glad that we went ahead and continued on this ride as earlier we had cancelled as the rain was heavy, but all good and drying out really fast made for a fun day for us all.

There was plenty of Brit iron on Display at our stop and we spent a few minutes just having a general chin wag to members that we hadnt seen for a while and newbies coming along for the ride with us.

Steve’s Trumpy Combo was a fun ride and a super cool bloke, he is from back home too so everyone had to try and understand what me and him were talking about.

Loaded to the Gills with an Elliptical front end, Steve rode with no worries and you could not this Combination whilst on the tarmac.

With so much room on Steve’s Combo, I think we all could of jumped on his machine and made it to the show with no worries at all.

 

It does warrant a few photos as I am sure you dont see this much here, back home it is not unusual but great to see here.

Flying the flag for all to see, we get ready to jump on our steeds for the ride to Seal beach.

Amanda is one of our members that loves to ride her Bonneville too and I sure hope we get more female riders, as many peoples partners want to ride and this is a lot of fun, no attitudes in our club.

Yes, that sure is a Norton that came along for the ride and looked great in its Dunstall style livery.

Running an old school 3/4 fairing was common practice back home and just starting to see them here and I love the look of fairings when fitted right.

Side view of the Flying Banana and boy does it sound solid when it fires up.

So good to see Motorcycles like this, its part of my youth and always refreshing to look at and reminisce.

Another good shot for you to have a look at the lines of the Norton.

With the clouds clearing we decide that we should set off to the show as it was actually starting to warm up.

 

We arrived at the Base and were lucky to be given an area to park all next to each other and the breeze was awesome off the water.

I parked my old girl and knew that today’s show would be a fun one.

 

Steve has a gander at a few machines as this is his first ride with us, he had a great day and hope to see him again.

Parking was great for what we needed as seal beach can be a real pain to find a spot, especially together in a club.

We all lined up and jumped on an old Double Decker London Bus for the little trip down to the show, Jennifer looks as awesome as ever.

View from the Bus as we made our way to seal beach show.

Plenty of stuff to see and a really popular event for the whole family with so much to see, be it bikes or cars etc.

 

Lovely or what, a real nice bit of kit that I would of loved to have owned.

With Blue skies, the day just got better and better and met many friends I had not seen for a while.

Like I said, something for everyone and I sure loved this too.

This BMW R60 with the Original Steib Side car was bloody awesome, really nice machine.

These little Pea Shooters are quite fast to be honest and would wake many a sport bike up in the corners.

A few little CB750 SOHC models were here this year and of course I know a lot about these in line fours.

 

Not quite sure what was going on with This Beemer but to each his or her own and a lot of work and effort was poured into this Airhead.

This was pretty darn cool, I would need a cushion for my fat arse but a really cool BMW Tracker style bike.

If Copper, Brass and Steam-punk was your thing, then above is just what the Doctor ordered.

He used an oil oil pump Dispenser tube for his Oil tank, very cool indeed.

I would of loved to have this Trumpy in my stable for sure.

Very reminiscent of my triumph when I lived back in North London and I loved everything about this machine.

A really nice selection of Motorcycles this year and it is only going to get bigger and next year we may even have our booth there.

Root Beer flake Candy anybody?

Seal Beach

Yes it sure was busy but a great day out for all. I took photos when I could but wanted to take in the day too but, I hope you enjoyed the photos that I have shared today on My website and until next year, I hope to see you on the road.

 

 

 

 

This Custom built Triumph is all Art in every angle

Sometimes there are things that just stop me in my tracks and, today is that reason, I saw this Triumph and just thought ” Woah! thats a bucket load of work and thought that has gone into this beast”. Named-  ” Rumour Monger”   Images by Manny Tamayo

What a work of art, this is quintessentially the most I have seen altered on the Newer Trumpy’s and for those who are purists it is not up your alley but- just look at the time and the creation that has been developed.   Images by Manny Tamayo

I knew this had to be a Bike that was built on the other side of the world, I lived in Australia for 4 years and saw so many cool bikes that were created from tiny workshop and this fella ” Wenley Andrews” is one of this Blokes and boy- What a killer job.   Images by Manny Tamayo

Coming out of Perth, Andrew took a 2010 Bonneville with the Mag wheels etc and set about to change the whole look and style to this now iconic Motorcycle.   Images by Manny Tamayo

I had toyed with the idea of fitting a Springer front end to my 2013 Thruxton but its lot of work and although i could do it, finding the bearings may of been a task that I really didn’t want to do by calling all the bearing and race manufacturers, so this guy really done his home work on the bike that he built from his shop named. ” Mean Machines”.   Images by Manny Tamayo

The front end Springer is now  five inches shorter and to be honest, looks better for it, and sports a 21 inch front rim, but also what pretty cool about this machine is the way they have set up the Faux mechanical brake system, putting the master cylinder under the Petrol tank, and still being hydralic but actuated by a cable, very trick eh?  Images by Manny Tamayo

Giving the modern Triumph Bonneville a board tracker vibe: Mean Machines shows the way.

The tank took some work to fit how he wanted to as he had to cut away the subframe but he managed to pull the job off by redesigning the frame a little and then calling Ikon and asking to have a set of custom length rear shocks to raise the arse a little and to be sure it sits very well indeed.  Images by Manny Tamayo

This bike actually gives the styling of the infamous Board Track Racers of Yester Year and even though this is a 2010 model, its hard to guess at first glance what era this is from. Just look at the work involved on this Stainless Steel exhaust system, not only is it tight and clean, they actually removed the float bowl off this efi system and brought the headers in even tighter and then added a cool starter switch assembly above the unit.  Images by Manny Tamayo

Just so much work and the candy Root Beer Brown is something I love as that’s the color of one of the bikes I created last year, love the whole concept to be honest.

Images by Manny Tamayo

Below you can see more detail work and this time going with a different headlight bucket and unit that was taking from a Prima Vera Vespa Scooter and then fitted a Motogadget Speedometer, complete with an integrated M lock key less ignition, that is hidden with the Battery under the seat, this is as far out as most people would even dream of.   Images by Manny Tamayo

Giving the modern Triumph Bonneville a board tracker vibe: Mean Machines shows the way.

Hand made bars too just gibe this a clean and sophisticated style that’s hard to pull off, well done lads, great job and I am sure that we are going to see many articles on this and all the other Motorcycle that they are creating, as well as Classic cars too.  Images by Manny Tamayo

 

A great builder that enjoys motorcycles and loves other people enjoy too.

Here is an earlier Video of the young Bloke when he worked in his garage and was worried that his mum would whoop his arse for playing with motorcycles.

A cool shot of it in the outback as it were.

Great to see and hope you liked looking at this as much as I did putting it on as a blog.

 

Rockers Day with the S.R.B.C.

With the year of the Monkey now here, the Chinese year kicked off with the S.R.B.C. Rockers day and boy was that a really cool turn out for that event.

Retro Rockers Documentary Trailer from Michael Rush on Vimeo.

Below, al photos are copy righted to. Coan Kee  Max Tam Michael CW Chiu  and the major photos are copyrighted by

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved Please ask to use as these are not mine and they all gave me permission to use these great shots.

Thanks go out to Michael CW Chiu for all your help, hope you like this?

Below is just a few photos to show you what they got up to across the globe and they really have grabbed hold of the Rockers look and style, the 59 Club really has crossed oceans and all the better for it.

So sit back and enjoy this great collage of images from a super club in Hong Kong.

 

A great Photo here of how wide spread the Rockers image and of course the infamous 59 Club have come along in 55 years.

Some Cool Triumphs turn up as they get ready for their big day and the weather looks perfect for this event.

Sporting a copy of the BRMC Black Rebels motorcycle Club, these Skull and crossed bones are a happy group for sure.

This is their club and they make many cool rides and meet ups, this is what it is all about and promoting motorcycling too.

Cool Belstaff Trail Master jacket here with 2 cool Lewis Leathers Brando style Jackets.

Lots of fun by the looks of it and one day hope Jenn and I can venture out to see these lot.

Making sure his DA ( Ducks Arse) is bang on!

Epic Beeza and the owner looks the part for sure, Ton Up my friend.

Such an awesome meet up and they look the part too, I would sure like to go on one of their rides one day a really cool turn out.

A little time t check people machines out and get ready for them to take their ride.

I love that Rickman style fairing.

Love this photo Rockers Max Tam and Coan Kee in Hong Kong.

 with Coan Kee and Felix Shu.

Belting up the tarmac, great shot of the Bikes and riders.

Felix Shu on his BSA!

It looks like they are all having fun.

Checking out their friends as they have fun on this day.

Thumbs up as he blips along on his Bonnie.

SR500 belting along with one of my headlamps fitted.

Max Tam coming in from the right looking focused.

 

Mike Chau is 2 up and into it.

Kith Lee is also running a pillion on this fun day with the S.R.B.C.

Max Tam enjoying the ride, love the Lockheed brake.

Grey skies like back home in London but it wont stop you when you are having fun.

Thumbs up and enjoying the days ride.

Even the little Honda CB400 gets in on the action, so much fun.

Rocking the DOHC with the lads, great to see out there.

Classic shot, love this.

Felix looking cool in his Ton Up gear with Coan Lee too.

Group photo by Michael CW Chiu


With Barry Tam, Felix Shu and Billy Rocka.

With Anita Ng and Ku Hui Ting.

With Anita Ng.

Thats a great leather set up right there.

A Sport Classic with Custom Zards.

kicking it in the guts!

 

This is the Year of the Monkey but also I think, the Year of the Cafe Racer.

 

Love these bikes, the look, the style, they seem to have captured the British style and a great job too.

The Roads look pretty well kept too.

Allen Lee took these mighty fine shots i believe.

Sporting a Norton Manx Tank too.

Some really nice Motorcycles turning up for the days events.

This is I hope to have mine at some point in time.

All parked up in a Hong Kong street.

People pulling into the Park Hotel area with their Trumpys etc.

Even the Guzzi’s turned out for this day.

 

T100 arrives and gets ready t park up and meet his friends.

Camaraderie is something that is earned not purchased.

Here is a cool shot for you, nice line up.

Have a good chin wag about life in general is always fun.

I love this shot.

 

On the move.

Benelli 3 1/2 love these bikes,.

Ducati, Honda, Triumph, Bsa all col to see.

This could easily be mistaken for back in London.

This is exactly what I would be doing here.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

What a fantastic shot of Rocker Love below.


This photo is priceless.

.

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Coan Kee.

 

 

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Rockers Max Tam.

 

GB500 cafe , all Rocked out with a Dunstall Style fairing Kit.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Lai Kit.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Yanmi Lo and Fall AU.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Fall AU.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

Ton up- Two Up, Great shot! m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Coan Kee and Felix Shu.

Nice essence of Speed image taken here, great job.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Coan Kee and Felix Shu.

Leader of the pack.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Felix Shu.

I really do love this shot, showing what fun this is to be in the style of Motorcycle club and the camaraderie.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.

text Mum that you are just going to the movies, dont mention motorcycles. ha ha.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Coan Kee.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Rockers Max Tam.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Rockers Max Tam.

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’, Coan Keeand Anita Ng.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

Our 59 Club seems to be over over in China now.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Coan Kee and Kenji De’.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Rockers Max Tam.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Mike Chau.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Marcus Yuen Tattooer.

Fantastic show and love the fairing, hope to have one for my machine at some point.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Marcus Yuen Tattooer.

 


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Kenji De’.

One for the Guzzi Fans. 
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Freddy Bikes.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Jaxx Yuen and Ken Hui.

Awesome shot coming across the bridge. 
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Jaxx Yuen and Ken Hui.

Desmo having its legs stretched.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

Old with newer and a great Combination, cool skid lids as well.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

Brilliant shot in the tunnel, just amazed at this capture.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Mike Chau.


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

Blapping along.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

DOHC fits right in on this ride, Classic styling.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved


m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

Always something new to learn or fix.
m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved

These two are real Peas in a pod. m-for-mc.com
All Rights Reserved
— with Coan Kee and Rockers Max Tam.

Also, Here is a little Video from a couple of years back for you to enjoy.

Rockers Day 2014 Hong Kong from Michael Rush on Vimeo.

Looks like they know how to have fun and hopefully one day we shall get over there and join in on this celebration.

 

Here are two of the latest Video’s for you to enjoy, thanks for watching and reading and hope you liked it as much as I did.

If you like this style of Motorcycle and are in Southern California and want to enjoy rides and gatherings, check us out, we are a fun group and from all backgrounds, check us out and come to a meet if you like.

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

YAMAHA’S XV950 looks terrible to me.

I saw this in MCN and here is their report on it, to each his own, but surely as you will see at the bottom of my Blog, there are far better ways to change the stock XV into something cool? the paint Scheme looks something out of a Home depot catalog, the Body work is too Boxy and it looks more like a Customized Speedway bike, what do you think???

 

Yamaha’s ever-growing Yard Built series has gained another son in the shape of this Yamaha XV950 by Swiss builder GS Mashin. The result, the Yard Built XV950 ‘ULTRA’ is a total transformation, bringing a whole new vision and style to the Yard Built line up.

 

Founded three years ago by ‘Niners’ crew member Tom Mosimann, GS Mashin blends solid, hand craftsmanship with eye catching new design ideas. Working from a small garage in Bern, Tom works to deliver truly different bikes within functional and technical requirements, meaning everything he builds is fully roadworthy and not just eye candy.

 

The Yard Built XV950 ‘ULTRA’ is no exception, looking radically different from the standard XV950 it’s a truly custom machine that follows the Yard Built principles requiring no cutting or welding to the frame to realise the concept.

 

“I love what Tom has created with the XV as his base,” saysYamaha Motor Europe Product Manager, Shun Miyazawa. “I’m really happy that despite going for a really radical look, he shares our principles that a custom machine needs to retain the most important function; rideability.

He’s kept the soul of the XV950 and wrapped it in a really original look without any cutting or welding to the frame. What is perhaps also very impressive is that 95% of the work he does is completed with just a few tools, an angle grinder, a bag of sand and a hammer!”

 

The Yard Built XV950 ‘ULTRA’ fairing is handmade from 1.5mm steel sheet with the mounts cut from a stainless steel pipe. A small Bates floodlight sits inside the fairing with the two Highsider turn signals.

 

The custom fuel tank is also hand crafted from 1.5mm steel with the upper edge made with a trimming press. The lower section is cut from the original XV950 fuel tank. One of the standout elements of the build has to be the super clean prototype rear suspension units built by K-Tech, based on their signature style Bullit units.

 

The hand crafted steel tail unit wraps around a Shin Yo rear light unit and the seat is again a hand made affair with leatherwork by Jose Rey Saddlery. The beautiful aluminium upper fork crown is machined by Asic Robotics and is super clean without the holes for the risers. The wheels are a work of art, the original hubs were used then 18inch back and 21inch front rims were added with new spokes, with ABS!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I am always a fan of many bikes but- this one I think misses the mark, but that’s my 2 pennies worth and you may like it and thats fine, but i would of gone a different route like these.

Really cool and so much work but I dig this version.

Bang- What a tough machine and I would love to own this myself.

What another winner we have here, tough, big, brute- and sure would be fun to ride and has that Nostalgic paint scheme too.

These is a great machine as well, so how did they go so wrong with the main feature I have here?

Yard Built Yamaha XV950 Dangan 07

Well I leave it up to you, but I know the route I would of taken.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !

Well, as it is now that festive time of year, I thought that it was only fitting on this nice crisp Christmas morning, that it was time for some merriment and put a few things of that nature on the Blog today, I didn’t want to celebrate the season too early, seems like people start way to early these days, but now is the right time to get you lot into the Christmas spirit.

Have a great day today and hope that world flies by faster than Santa with a Rocket powered sleigh!

A bit of JD Mc Pherson now.

A rare bit of footage from the Collins brothers “The jets”
Jeez I feel old seeing these. Ha Ha.

Irelands Imelda may knocking this one out of the park.

This is for those who run out of time and of course idea’s for that certain someone at christmas and not sure what to buy for them.

So, let me take this opportunity to wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas, thank you for all your orders, inquiries and phone calls.

Hoping 2016 find you good health, great wealth and of course happiness.

Peace and Grease Everyone.

CARPY

Mooneyes Christmas event Irwindale

Well, Saturday Morning soon came around, a little apprehensive about the trip to Irwindale today as yesterday we had Rain on and off all day and the forecast was dry as a proverbial bone.

 photo 026_zps4f9b3ep6.jpg

 

But it was a nice morning and no sign of rain, but, we came to the decision to jump in the wagon, and head out to the freeway and see what this years Mooneyes show had in stall for us, on many occasions the sky’s have closed and it has poured down with H2O, so this time we were prepared.
 photo 027_zpslzawctql.jpg

The traffic was pretty good on the 5 and the 605 was even more clearer, so it took us maybe 25 minutes to make the trip to the Drag strip, but there was the usual line to get in and, I could see there was many vehicles already at the show and knew that this event would indeed be a doozy!

 photo 030_zpsknlirg80.jpg

We parked on the Oval track where they race the Speedway, so kinda cool being lined up on the third turn and headed down the incline, trying not to walk like a professional shopping cart pusher.

 photo 031_zpswvrchcrx.jpg

Once in the show, the air was filled with BBQ and Hot Dogs, as well with a good sprinkling of Rockabilly Music, and high revving cars as they staged and drag raced up the 1/8th mile strip.

 photo 032_zpsxxnqxzac.jpg

So many cars had turned up and it was fun to walk the lines of machines, checking them out and seeing what the trend is this year in the Custom world and I noticed a few Lavender painted cars in a flat finish, so that seems to be the go this year.
 photo 033_zps6ti8xqi5.jpg

Mooneyes is always a fantastic annual social event for me and was great to be able to approach some well known names in the Hot Rod industry, just to shoot the breeze etc.

 photo 036_zps8xuvwiqf.jpg

Shige from Mooneyes is always there and will stop everything he is doing to chat and genuinely ask how you are etc, so great to see him and Chico, along with Bob and Go manning the busy station, selling their infamous wares.

 photo 037_zps3p4cphgz.jpg

There were many vendors this year and ranging from cool plaid Pendletons, to custom pomade, there seemed to be a little of everything at the show and was a enjoyable checking different vendors booths to see what they had created for sale.

 photo 050_zpslhp6p0ei.jpg

I saw Vintage Hot Rod Club Coats I would of given three arms and a leg for but wrong sizes made it a unsuccessful scavenge for me this time but, proves that there are still wicked clothing out there if you are at the right place at the right time.

 photo 052_zpsxszvcfdr.jpg

 photo 053_zps9pxllhjd.jpg

 photo 054_zpsvokhhfqe.jpg

 photo 080_zps8wjnsgkn.jpg

I saw Big Nick Barns, another Ex pat living in SoCal and has been dealing in the Vintage Clothing industry over 30 years and always seems to come up with unique apparel and love seeing it.

 photo 077_zpstrgptnv9.jpg

Jennifer and I watched Buddy Dhugi and his wonderful wife Suzi, play as they always do for the moon show and this year kitted out with Christmas sweaters, albeit it was bloody hot this year.

 photo 056_zpssccpykqc.jpg

 photo 057_zpshileudxz.jpg
 photo 058_zpscwe88hcq.jpg

But their set was pretty cool and they rocked the event as they usually do, we made sure to stop and chin wag as these are the best events for an annual social gathering for us.

Next band was my mate Big Dan and he plays in the Dynotones, an awesome 60’s Surf Guitar combo and boy do they rock, loved every song and hope to book them for my annual party in march 2016.

 photo 085_zpsz6zhth3l.jpg

 photo 085_zpsz6zhth3l.jpg

We grabbed some food and hung out with some good people, I spoke to some mates I hae not seen in years, like Dean from Dice Magazine etc and Dennis Roth was in his element having fun with people in his Crazy Custom Flaked machine.

 photo 064_zpsxwopwp7r.jpg

 photo 067_zpsrlvnjtro.jpg

The sound of bands playing, and Gassers racing up the strip every few minutes is an awesome experience and one you should at least try Once, just to be able to truly understand what I am on about, it is a really cool show- busy but cool.

 photo 118_zpshnzkyv1h.jpg

So many cars to see, make sure you allocate a few hours just to observe these fantastic machines as we walked isle upon aisle and people were more than happy to tell you about their car and how it came about etc.

 photo 071_zpsaqxwzjfw.jpg

Now this Roadster you see is a show car, something many of you and I dream about, Jennifer asked the guy if it was his and with a smile on his face he said yes.
 photo 196_zpspgexly7p.jpg

I asked him about the 40 ford dash and he said it was a 40 ford dash but- he did not build the car, he won it in a raffle.

 photo 195_zpsa3ex7bwp.jpg

I was gobsmaked as i remember the Roadster being as a raffle car at Ventura a few years ago, he said he had watched the Roadster being built via instagram etc and he bought ONE $20 ticket, he went to the show but came home as it was his 32nd Birthday, the phone rang and he thought it may be one of his buddies wishing him all the best, but infact it was ventura asking him if he had abought a raffle ticket for the car. He said yes and then she said, well you have won it!!

 photo 197_zpssmdlkglc.jpg

 photo 199_zpst9lwcbya.jpg

Jeez, for $20 a $40,000 Built Roadster, they even had the builder drive it to his house and he drives it every weekend, lucky man, I always hear about raffles and never believe they are legit and you never see the winner, but this was the real deal and for $20 he won that awesome machine.

Jenn informs me she is doing Raffles from now on and, I tend to agree with her it seems like it may just be worth the chance, but such a great story on that Roadster.

 
Mooneyes always brings over their super cool pinstripers from Japan and they turn out some super cool work quickly.

 photo 060_zpstqvbzstu.jpg

A great event and so much to see, make sure you get here early to be able to take it all in.

 photo 062_zpsrchmizha.jpg

Another Pinstriper is Hot Rod, he has been doing this for many many years.

 photo 072_zpswxos8z2r.jpg

This Blue 29 Roadster was pretty cool parked up and sun bathing.

 photo 074_zpsu7xw9svr.jpg

I loved this tough 55 Gasser in Candy Paint, sure sounded menacing too.
 photo 075_zpsd2ntkwm0.jpg

This mid 60’s Ranchero was so bang on the money for styling .

 photo 076_zpsfiwhzlwu.jpg

Legends in the Hot Rod Art world, Robert and Suzy Williams were in attendance too.

 photo 083_zpsnax6ijco.jpg

Here is my mate GO hat works at Mooneyes and is a super nice fella.

 photo 090_zpsnfp1raba.jpg

Organ pipes on this roadster sounded like a broken fan in a fridge.
 photo 091_zpsoas1xayo.jpg

29 roadster pick up but too low to pick anything up.

 photo 091_zpsoas1xayo.jpg

This green T was pretty cool.

 photo 094_zpsx7q5z2tr.jpg

Another channeled Roadster sits on the deck.

 photo 094_zpsx7q5z2tr.jpg

Now, I would drive this home no problem.

 photo 098_zpsbwiovtzb.jpg

A nice sprinkling of Roadsters were here this year.

 photo 100_zpsj4zmzfnd.jpg

A few Custom Low riders too, a lot of masking to do this.

 photo 103_zpsoyrce6nv.jpg

Like I said, there are all sorts f machines here, enough for everyone’s taste.

 photo 104_zps3t6zisez.jpg

Well, it is the Christmas show.

 photo 105_zpsu84qhgti.jpg

Now this is what I am talking about, I love the straight Axle Gassers.

 photo 106_zpsh8yycuyp.jpg

This was a sweet 58 I would love to own.

 photo 107_zps959epukb.jpg

Amazing, as I live in SoCal, youd think you seen all the rides and then you come to Mooneyes show and loads of cool stuff not seen before.

 photo 110_zps6i4ifzqf.jpg

Plenty of Chevys thats for sure.

 photo 111_zpsnouakhnp.jpg

I dug this pick up, would be a fun parts ride.

 photo 112_zpsp8bnofai.jpg

This was pretty cool to see and I am sure he has fun with it with that Motor.

 photo 113_zpsjabqjazl.jpg

Even the Old Bill were cool.

 photo 114_zpsc5eoeegv.jpg

Loved this Kustom Pontiac.

 photo 115_zpskrajulje.jpg
Nice color scheme I thought.

 photo 116_zpsn0jswrdl.jpg

Always great to see some classic Tin here.

 photo 117_zps9w0xbzg8.jpg

Frenched Lights and a floating grill was cool.

 photo 120_zpspmwe5tjy.jpg

These are Custom from right out of the show room.

 photo 124_zps9iogjltc.jpg

How can you not like this Lincoln front end.
 photo 125_zpsdofi8x3k.jpg

Always loved these and the body goes on for miles.

 photo 126_zpsfyo1a4j8.jpg
 photo 127_zpsadishw3d.jpg

Now this is right on the deck.

 photo 127_zpsadishw3d.jpg

Rather odd choice of color but it works.

 photo 129_zpsatjbfcjq.jpg

Loved this 57 Belair as a gasser, the best years for me for gassers are the big straight axled heavy Bricks.

 photo 131_zpstpeihsnk.jpg

Slammed Custom Roadster for the use of a better word.

 photo 132_zps8ho7tmwh.jpg

Three hungry birds.

 photo 138_zpslkv7uud4.jpg

I loved the artwork on the trucks door.

 photo 139_zpsrew09jbb.jpg

How clean is this and I love the color.

 photo 140_zpswhazsxto.jpg

This sedan sat really well.

 photo 141_zpsfe7w0m27.jpg

The sun was out and so were the Hot Rods this weekend.

 photo 142_zpsrmsehkei.jpg

A cool 56 Gasser awaits its turn before going up on the 1/8th mile.

 photo 146_zpspyoqccpv.jpg

This 1948 Rag top was cool as hell and loved the color.

 photo 149_zps0e56q3vz.jpg

A couple of car club guys shooting the breeze.

 photo 150_zpslerboxrm.jpg

Off the the strip to tear it up.

 photo 153_zpscajoc3vk.jpg

This Caddy is pretty straight bodywork wise.

 photo 157_zpsf1elzzyi.jpg

A Candy red 58 Pick up look good basking in the Sun.

 photo 158_zps2hoyj4bk.jpg

Now that’s a lot of work.
 photo 159_zps0xbsxvke.jpg

How straight is this and love that color.

 photo 160_zpsn9gef6qf.jpg

Some intricate masking here to get this effect.

 photo 161_zpsjiqgmlxg.jpg

I think this is Keith Weesners 5 window and boy is it nice.

 photo 167_zpshinzphhh.jpg

Suicide doors on this Bow Tie.

 photo 168_zpseyykdjdh.jpg

Whats going on here, his own Smoker?
 photo 171_zps7dmuysrg.jpg

Clean, low and bell flowers too.

 photo 172_zpsjlqq7ekl.jpg

Nice 56 for belting around town in.

 photo 172_zpsjlqq7ekl.jpg

So clean.
 photo 177_zpsehwvg2kg.jpg

Jeez, that push bike must weigh a ton?

 photo 178_zpsprqvuqvg.jpg

Yep. that will give it some giddy up.
 photo 179_zpsk9yqivwv.jpg

Thats one way of making sure the hood closes on that Caddy.

 photo 180_zpsculglgou.jpg

More random shots for you lot.
 photo 182_zpsmhdtwfec.jpg

I am way digging that color.

 photo 183_zpso9ygighu.jpg photo 184_zps2mhgggfb.jpg photo 185_zpshxi3z8ps.jpg

Matt from Australia’s ride that he painted himself.

 photo 187_zpscligrlww.jpg

Plenty of GM rides here.

 photo 188_zpsjclmitlv.jpg

Different and nice to see from the Norm.

 photo 191_zps2ykqeeqi.jpg

Hanging in some shade on this hot day in December.

 photo 192_zpsnh8fwtu5.jpg

Plenty of flake in this design, so many hours.

 photo 193_zpspu3wxc15.jpg

This is one tough looking 58.

 photo 200_zpsymzlolnd.jpg

Plenty to see today.

Old video of me building the Speedmaster Cafe

Hey there Gang

Many people email me and ask about the bikes I create, the parts that I make and offer and many also ask for advise on their machines.

I am still learning after almost 4 decades of being into Motorcycles and thats what I love about it.

Motorcycles will always be a big part of my life, i have met many people from all over the Globe, I have also built machines and sent to so many far off countries, it simply amazes me sometimes, but this is my passion and I continue to feed my passion with these fascinating 2 wheeled machines.

Below is the Speedmaster cafe bike that I created, it now resides on the otherside of the world and in fact, I met the owner this year as he travelled the USA and he came to one of our 59 Club monthly meets, so always cool to meet clients.

 

If you need help, advise etc, please feel free to drop me a line at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com as this is what I do and if I can get your Motorcycle back on the road, it makes me feel good and you great.

keep doing what you are doing, take your time, building bike is a learning curve that takes a long time to conquor and I am still trying to get to that stage after all these years, but its a fun journey and hope that you stick with me through it.

Here is the little Video for today, enjoy……