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.

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.

A new motorcycle brand springs from a computer

Posted on December 22, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

22 Dec

WHEN the covers come off the Vanguard Roadster at the New York Motorcycle show on December 9th the moment will mark the launch not only of a brawny new bike but also of a new brand with big ambitions. Vanguard is an audacious startup that reckons it can use the increasing digitisation of manufacturing to ride with the pack of long-established bike companies, such as Honda, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, BMW and others, who are together set to sell some 500,000 motorcycles and scooters in America this year.

That might sound laughable. So far, Vanguard has built a grand total of one machine. At around $30,000, complete with a thumping 1.9 litre V-twin engine, it is priced at the premium end of the market (though well below the price of some superbikes, which can cost three times as much). But if Vanguard has its way, within a few years it will be selling several thousand motorcycles annually from a range of several different models.

What enables a startup to aim so high is the way digital technologies are lowering the cost of entry to manufacturing businesses that were once seen as the preserve of giants. That is especially so in the costly and long-drawn-out process of product development. From sketches, to clay models, component engineering and testing, it used to take a carmaker five years or more to bring a new vehicle to market. It is similarly slow going for bike manufacturers.

Some car makers can now do the job in just two, with the help of three-dimensional computer-aided design, engineering and simulation systems. In effect, the product—a car, motorcycle or even an aircraft—exists in a digital form where it can be sculpted and tested long before anything physical is built. It is also possible to simulate production methods.

This is the approach taken by Vanguard, which was set up in 2013 by Francois-Xavier Terny, a former management consultant, and Edward Jacobs, a motorcycle designer. Despite lacking the resources of the big producers—for now, the firm has just a handful of employees—it used software- in this case Solidworks from Dassault Systèmes.

A French company) to design a digital motorcycle before turning it into a real one. Such systems are benefiting from the falling price and increasing performance of computing power. “We now have the same level of design and engineering tools as the big boys, which would have been impossible ten years ago,” says Mr Terny.

The digital designs also make it easier for the company to gain access to global suppliers who will quote the best prices for parts they need. Design files can simply be e-mailed to a vast network of engineering firms that offer their services online.

Once road-testing and further development is complete, production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin at some point in 2018 at a refurbished industrial unit in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, which is now home to a number of manufacturing companies. That is another feature of the way factories are quickly changing: with digital engineering, cheaper automation and new production techniques such as 3D printing, it may be possible to rev up inner-city manufacturing.

This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Digital rider”

Mooneyes Christmas Party 2016 Irwindale

Posted on December 10, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Dec

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.

Women’s History Month !!!

Posted on July 7, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

07 Jul

July is National Women’s Motorcycle Month and I want to kick it off with a few cool shots of these lovely ladies and what they have achieved to get any sort of recognition to be as equal on the road as guys. My girl rides and we have some great Girl riders in our 59 club that I am stoked to have, I hope we get to see many more women on the road as we are all equal.

One in 10 motorcyclists is female, but the range of motorcycles out there doesn’t tend to cater for the average female rider that well. We’re talking seat height. Most men don’t worry about how tall a motorcycle’s seat is, but our female readers say it’s often the first thing they want to find out when they see a motorcycle they like.

Our top 10 encompasses new and used models but we haven’t just gone on seat height alone; we’ve tried to add variety by catering for different types of motorcycles, budgets, engine capacities and manufacturers. All the time, we’ve kept an eye on the bike’s weight too. Less weight is obviously more manageable, no matter what your size and stature.

So what is a typical seat height?

Let’s take three common motorcycles to give us an idea of seat height. Honda’s CBF125 has a seat height of 792mm, Suzuki’s SV650S stands at 800mm and Kawasaki’s ZX-6R has a seat height of 830mm. Generally speaking, cruisers have lower seat heights but their seats are often wide and these types of motorcycles can be heavy. Adventure-style motorcycles often have taller suspension to soak up bad surfaces but you don’t have to rule them all out.

How is seat height measured?

A motorcycle’s seat height is measured with the bike standing upright (not on its side stand) from the lowest point of the saddle to the ground. Manufacturers quote their seat heights in the specification panel of each model. We could only find one manufacturer (Buell, now bust) who quote their seat height based on the height of the seat with an ‘average weight’ rider onboard. So watch out for that.

Width matters

The outright height of a motorcycle’s seat is important, but the seat’s width matters too. Some motorcycles with a low seat height have a wide seat which spreads out your legs, making it harder to get your feet flat on the ground.

Is one-foot down enough?

When it comes to finding a motorcycle, you may try a few where you can’t get both feet firmly on the ground but you can get one foot flat. Is that enough? Well that depends on your strength and confidence. Most riders would be fine if they were told they could only put one foot down but confidence is the key. It’s okay to ride a motorcycle where you can only get one foot on the ground and doing so will open up a few more options for you to choose from, but it’s important to feel comfortable with the motorcycle you’re buying. So ask yourself: Is one foot enough?

Motorcycle lowering tips

You don’t always have to fit a lowering kit, which has the adverse effect of altering the bike’s handling characteristics and potentially making your bike worth less on the used market. You can fit a lower seat, which a lot of manufacturers sell as a factory option but companies like Corbin, Wunderlich and Touratech also sell lower aftermarket seats. You could alter the seat yourself, cutting the foam to reduce the seat’s height and width. You could also look at footwear that gives you extra height. Boots like Daytona’s Lady-Star are a good option as they feature a chunky sole. You could also talk to your local cobbler about adding a thicker sole to your existing boots. A lowering kit, while effective, should be seen as a last-ditch option.

AS a man, have you ever wondered why you don’t see many women racers (or, if you’re a woman, wondered why there are so many male racers)? Is it because women don’t come equipped with the same number of arms and legs as a bloke? Is it because, in general, female brain chemistry predisposes the fairer sex towards skills not immediately associated with those required to win races? Either way, there are exceptions. And, as MotoGP commentators discover with depressing regularity, it’s utterly impossible to talk about female racers without coming across as patronising. But we’ll try. Here are ten of the most outstanding female competitors.

10. Beryl Swain, TT

The 1962 50cc TT is usually remembered for being Suzuki’s first TT victory, on a bike ridden by ex-MZ rider and defector Ernst Degner. But it also marked the debut of the first female TT rider, Mrs Beryl Swain, riding a 50cc Itom. She completed the two-lap race half an hour behind Degner, coming home 22nd of 25 finishers with an average of 48mph against Degner’s 75mph. Such was the concern for the safety of women riders, they were subsequently banned from riding the TT circuit until 1978, when Hilary Musson entered the TT Formula 3, coming 15th. Musson continued to race at the TT until 1985.

9. Patsy Quick, enduro and Dakar

The first Britain woman to compete in the Dakar in 2003 during which she suffered a serious crash, was left temporarily blinded before being rescued by a media helicopter and airlifted to a Cairo hospital for life-saving surgery. Undaunted, Patsy returned in 2004 only to be beaten by appalling weather, and then by mechanical breakdown in 2005. But in 2006 she finished the rally, the first British woman to do so. She currently runs a KTM-backed enduro riding school in Sussex.

8. Michelle Duff, 250 and 500 Grand Prix

Born in 1939 in Toronto, Canada, Mike Duff was a successful Grand Prix racer in the 60s, riding for MZ, Norton and Yamaha, winning three 250cc Grand Prix and finishing the 1965 season second in the 250cc championship behind Phil Read. At the end of 1965 Mike suffered a bad accident in Japan and spent six months in hospital. Returning to Grand Prix for two more years, Mike moved back to Canada at the end of 1967, continued national racing, and also began working as a motorcycle journalist. Married twice with three children, Mike wrote a book about his years in Grand Prix in 1982, called Make Haste, Slowly. Then, in 1984, Mike Duff became Michelle Duff. Invited out of retirement to ride in classic bike races in 2000 aged 60, Michelle crashed heavily at Spa in 2008 and gave up track riding. Now aged 74, Michelle still writes and lives in Ontario.

7) Katja Poensgen, 250 Grand Prix

German-born Katja first rode a bike aged 5, entered her first race at 16, got her first podium a year later, and won the European Supermono Championship at 19. That success helped propel her into Grand Prix where, in 2001, she achieved a career-best 14th place in the 250cc Italian GP at Mugello riding an Aprilia RS250. She retired from competition in 2004 and gave birth to a daughter in 2005 (interestingly, the only woman in the list to have had children, excluding Michelle Duff), but the racing bug has bitten again and Poensgen has been dabbling in racing e-bikes and even mopeds, as well as working with motorcycle clothing brands.

6. Laia Sanz, Trials, World Enduro, Dakar

Laia Sanz, born in Spain, is the current Women’s World Enduro Champion. She’s also won the Women’s Trial World Championship 13 times and the Women’s Trial European Championship ten times. In 2011, at the age of 25, she competed in and completed the Dakar rally, finishing 39th overall, but it’s hardly a surprise she knows how to handle an off-road bike; she started riding at three and was racing by the age of seven. Although her position as best female off-road rider in the world is, in 2014, coming under threat from our own Jane Daniels, Sanz continues to be the benchmark rider by which all women are judged.

5. Maria Costello MBE, TT and Irish road races

One of the most recognisable names and faces in racing, Maria has done more than anyone to promote women’s participation in the sport since her 1997 debut in the Honda CB500 Cup. Since then she’s raced in numerous short circuit series including World Endurance, European Superstock and many others – but she’s always focussed primarily on road racing competing extensively in Ireland and especially the TT, where she held the female lap record for many years, and the Manx Grand Prix. Costello has also written and published an autobiography and is currently promoting her women-only track days.

4. María Herrera Muñoz, Spanish CEV Moto3

A name for the future, 17 year-old María from Toledo in Spain is currently leading the Spanish CEV Moto3 Championship – the wildly competitive feeder class into MotoGP Moto3 – with a win and second place. A wildcard ride in Moto3 at last year’s Aragon MotoGP failed to show her potential when she crossed the line in last place. But the early season results with the well-run Junior Team Estrella Galicia riding a Honda Moto3 NSF250 shows she has plenty of pace, leading home a field of 19 other riders, all male, all teenagers, and all riding out of their skins. She got talent. A female Marc Marquez?

3. Jenny Tinmouth, BSB

As the 2014 season opener at Brands BSB showed a few weeks ago, the first and only woman racing in British Superbikes isn’t just a token female filling out the grid. Qualifying in horrible, slippery, wet conditions, Tinmouth took her TWR Fireblade to 17th place on the grid and left a trail of seasoned BSB regulars in her wake. Dry race-day results of 27th and 23rd places say more about the bike and set-up than her ability. Jenny has worked up through the classes since her debut in 2000 on a 125GP bike, and on the way has become the fastest-ever woman at the TT setting an outright lap of 119.9mph in 2010. Which is most definitely not hanging about.

2. Jane Daniels, World Enduro

If you think the dirt is no place for a lady, think again. 20-year-old Husqvarna-supported rider Jane Daniels is the UK’s number one female enduro rider, taking second place overall in the Women’s Enduro World Cup in 2013 and winning the final race in France, beating the champ and Dakar competitor Laia Sanz. Daniels kicked off 2014 with a second in the opening Spanish round of the WEWC, and finished 12th overall in the Expert class at the recent Tough One hard enduro at Hawkstone Park. Highly-rated by fellow male riders, she’s tipped as a talent to watch for in the future regardless of her gender.

1. Ana Carrasco Gabarrón, MotoGP Moto3

Ana Carrasco, 17, is the only current female competitor in MotoGP, riding a Kalex KTM in Moto3. Born in Spain, she started riding bikes aged three, competed in the Spanish MiniGP series and rode in the Spanish 125 Championship. She made her debut on the Team Calvo KTM at the start of 2013 aged 16 and took her first World Championship points in the Malaysian GP later that year. At the last race in Valencia she finished 8th while teammate Maverick Vinales won the title. So far this season, riding for a new Dutch team, she’s yet to score. Unsurprisingly, her motto is “A woman in a man’s world”.

Have Fun this weekend with your Motorcycle.

Posted on May 14, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

14 May

People often email and cal me saying that they are stuck on what to do on, or with their Motorcycle and, as the weekend is almost upon us I thought that I would just say a few lines here.

Now, we all get that Void part of building where we hit a wall and just seem to be stuck in a continual handbrake turn for idea’s and ways of direction- Believe me, I have been there so many times I thought that I would be in the Guinness Book of records for being so discombobulated at certaims times of a project.

What ever you are doing and you get stuck, just have a cuppa and think about where your Original Idea was, jump on the internet and look for forums or you tube for other ideas people have done to get you re-inspired once more.

It is very hard to rekindle a flame when the wind is blowing, but sometimes if you make a slight adjustment, all becomes calm and you will see that light once more. You may have a stock as a Rock CB750 Honda in your garage but- it has sat for 20 years and nobody else wants it so what can I do to make this my own style of bike?

Now, even if you have a rusty heap in the corner, it can be resurrected but- the Pro’s on Cons for this can go on for many a mile, so for me I thunk my advice would be to get something that Runs, that way have a super platform to do what ever you want to the frame, the gas tank and seat and of course the wheels and handle bars.

Motomussi built a cool CX out of a snotter and so can you.

You can find something affordable and spend your own time massaging it into something cool and creative.

Below, Ed Turners concept hit the nail on the head.

Find something affordable too, as no point trying to rebuild a 1940’s Sunbeam as the parts will be almost impossible to find and when you do they will be sky high.

just have fun and do what you can as it does not have to be a high dollar machine to turn heads.

Enjoy what you do and drop me a line if you need help or advise anytime.

The Black Tibetans- Awesome Band and a Mate of mine.

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

02 Mar

Los Angeles, CA – Formed in 2011, the three-piece Rock N’ Roll machine consists of Dinst (vocals/guitar), Tammi Tibetan (bass), and Ryan KH (drums). The Black Tibetans fuse motorcycle-centric culture with old-school sound combining elements of classic Rock N’ Roll, blues and punk influences. The Black Tibetans have been on countless tours and have shared the stage with bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Eagles of Death Metal, Brody Dalle (The Distillers), Social Distortion, The Supersuckers and more.

The Black Tibetans have had the opportunity to make an impression on the fans of many. Through this, they have earned a fan base of their own that continues to grow. With three records and working with well-established musicians in the industry, The Black Tibetans are destined to make a name for themselves. Their most recent release, The Nashville Session produced by Dan Auerbach is out now and available for download on iTunes.

I have Known the Singer for many years and have to say that this is one of the best Raw, 60’s style Garage heavy Guitar groups I have heard in a long time and a well worth a look, their Music is their own style of old and New and if I had a hat on, I would tip it their way.

Try and get to see these Trio of mayhem and raunchy style music, their music is available on I-tunes and well worth some of that hard earned coinage that you lot acquire.

If you want entertainment at its very best, there is no other Band I would rather see right now than The Black Tibetans. ” dalai lama “.

All photos, images are the property of the Black Tibetans.

Check their website out at:

www.theblacktibetans.com/

itunes.apple.com/us/album/go-like-this/id1046116665

So-make sure you check out their Face book page and tour dates, as if they are in your town, U gotta check them out.

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackTibetans/

Check out this great track by them.
Sheila

Back in 2011 they recorded this track and really put them on the map, turn the Volume up as you will dig this hard core in your face track named “Esmae”

Even earlier in 20120 here is their kicking track “Well it’s a Rock N Roll Party on a Saturday night.

I have known the lead singer for over 20 years and so stoked that he continues to do his thing, the love of music, Motorcycles and the Vintage clothing image that never goes out of style. 10 out of 10 to you all and keep thrashing out these Killer tracks!

Keep Rockin it mate.

Check their tour dates out on Facebook too as they will be heading to the UK soon.

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackTibetans/

59 Club Ride out to Ruby’s Cruise Night in Whittier this evening.

Posted on June 19, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

19 Jun

OK, tonight at about 5:30 we are going to take a little ride out to Whittier, to see some cool Classic cars as Ruby’s Diner puts on a show Every Friday and always a cool place to hang out, look at the rides, check the 50’s Diner out and hear the sounds of yesteryear as you walk around the Parking lot to see the Cool machines pull in and out.

This is a fun event and Jennifer and I regularly check it out but as its fathers Day this weekend, many will be turning out as the Fathers day Roadster show will be on in Pomona, so people come from all over the USA in their machines to attend that event, so this is a great stop over for them.

Great rides for all to see, My Passion for these classic Motors is of course the good Old roadster or the old style Custom.

So see if you can get down there tonight, as it is on until 9pm and will be warm tonight too, perfect to get that old machine out.

Above, this Scot Blown Flatty sounds the business and sure would love to own it, you never know what will turn up at this event and that’s what makes it cool.

Every body loves seeing the Straight Axle Gassers and I am sure there will be some there again and everyone is approachable and loves to chin wag.

Love this Kemp Kustom and with three 97’s too!

Hope to see some of you there.

Where is it?

Dakota at Fontana for NHRA JEGS 1/4 Mile Drags

Posted on May 31, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

31 May

NHRA Jegs Pacific Sportsman Nationals today in Fontana

Now – Well, they say sometimes its more Luck than judgment in many sports _ but not with Drag racing, its a tiny bit of luck but all skill and judgment 100% of the time.

Dakota Kai came out to Fontana for the Jegs nationals and with his last years bike he got some quick times, only to have the Motor fail on him in the Burn out box, so, the Brand New bike from Kawasaki USA was bought out and he ran the weekend, proving better with each run but still new to the machine, this will take a little while to dial in.

Tight motors usually need a run in period but Kota had no real test time as the bike was still being put back together, but it performed very well and on Sunday when we got there, Dakota and the Bronze star racing group had gotten through the first round, and no qualifying runs, this bike had better perform.

The bike is pretty much there but on hindsight I should think a few practice days will loosen the motor up so the power is there all the way through the range of gears as it will be relatively tight from being brand spanking new.

Above- Crew Chief and ” Grandad ” Bob Pine talk tech whilst gearing up to make the next run, this is a racing family and so nice to see the camaraderie with everybody here.

Aaron Pine is Dakota’s dad and here they are talking Parameters and humidity, these are all aspects of drag racing that go unseen to Joe public, so many variables to take into consideration.

There were so many Dragster and rails etc. That it took a while for the Motorcycle class to be called but Dakota was all set and off they went with his pal ” Dillon” on the Pit bike.

Below more Motorcycles line up for their runs and this sure a great vantage point to see the action in the grand stand at Fontana, the noise is bloody awesome to be honest I love it!

Dakota’s School buddy also races and Gage Herrara managed to secure his win on a close race as the Sun was starting to come out and heat the track up on Sunday Afternoon.

Dakota gets up on the line and takes on the Left lane with his New Green and Black livery the Kawasaki looks very cool as he awaits the right side track to get the go ahead and stage.

Now it is on, and as they get their machines ready, Dakotas’ Mum ‘ Jennifer Sun ‘ and I stand by the track to see how he gets on in the second round, this is a tight race but a good one.

Dakota does nothing but 100% and you cannot ask for more- so good job mate.

Not to be this time for Dakota, but last meet Kota won the final so sometimes you just cant win them all but this bike is brand new, so watch for many more wins from the Bronze Star Racing group as Dakota Kai and Aaron pine get set to take on all comers in the NHRA events and their schedule is a busy one.

I sure hope you can make it out to some of these races as they are family friendly and may even encourage you to race your machine as there is no feeling like this in the world as Drag Racing.

I always enjoy coming to all the races and seeing and hearing the Screams of the motors and the whole Ambience is just bitchin”.

I just want to thank Dakota and Aarons Sponsors for making all this happen:

Kawasaki USA Lucas oil Racing, MavTv, MTC, Shinko Tires, Penske Racing Shocks, Muzzy Performance, Proline Wraps Catalyst Racing Conponents. DME Racing.

Until the next time, look up the schedules for Fontana and Irwindale, as we would love to see you out here and support a fun event.