The Outliers guild Motorcycle show is Today in LA, see you there.

Posted on March 31, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

31 Mar

Today we head off to the OG show once more, but today is open to the public and there will be way more motorcycles turning up, over 100 today to be shown in the rear part of the building, this is an awesome show with cool people. The buildings are amazing, the outer walls are literally plastered with great designs and people, come and check the special art area out as that has Motorcycles and a really cool live look static display that will make you laugh. Old and New meet in the middle here and we hope to meet you, Motorcycles are my life and love that there are so many people with the same interest, sure hope that you can take some time out and make this event.

My Metalflake Harlequin will be on a wooden platform with the other special invite Builders, come in and have a look at all these super cool machines, there will be many to look at, great music, and some awesome vendors, come out and enjoy the Easter weekend.

Hope to see you there, Ride Safe.

The Outliers Guild Motorcycle show in Los Angeles

Posted on March 30, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

30 Mar

Well this morning I loaded up the van and took the Harlequin Honda down the 5 Freeway to Los Angeles, fighting traffic all the way and then off at Seventh street, I passed a few Old style warehouses and new I was in the right area for this weekends OG show.

So, I pulled up on Anderson in the Industrial area and drove round the back where a friend of mine Donald Leonhardt was helping out and offered to give me a hand take the bike out, Cheers Don I was stoked to have help, as the 750 is no lightweight machine.

We eased the bike into the old Warehouse and there was a hive of activity, the smell of fresh paint and cut timber filled the air, along the concrete floor are a number of hand made wooden Pallet style platforms, for which the “Invited Builders” will be displaying their machines and I was lucky enough to be one of those builders.

So many cool machines had already turned up and the amount of attention to detail and engineering feats were mind boggling, Leonardo Devinci would of been right at home here, and to add to that, the building next door will be displaying cool art and design, as well as that, there were a few cool areas for Vendors. Such as Beringer Brakes, Deus, Tobbaco Motowear Co, Stellar Mo brand and many many more.

The building is a superb venue and you can look at the bikes that are on the Wooden platforms, check out the vendors upstairs etc and then walk out the building into the alley at the rear to see more Vendors, more motorcycles and yest another building where the Art show will be, so a great Horseshoe shaped event thats super easy to navigate.

Many bikes will be there, close to 100 I should think, so if you have a chance, get down to the show this weekend, it will be a fun place to be for sure. I am looking forward to see what all is on display, love seeing other bikes that have been created.

DATE | MARCH 31, 2018

TIME | 12 – 9 PM

LOCATION | 6TH ANDERSON [NEW VENUE]

615 S ANDERSON ST

LOS ANGELES, CA 90023

I am sure there will be something for everyone and many different manufacturers machines will be sat proudly for you to look and absorb.

Hutch will be there with his awesome Beemer, this thing is off the hook, I love the minimalist look and lines , such a lot of time to get it to this standard.

Below is the info you may need.

http://www.ogmotoshow.com/info/ Hope you can make it out, this will be a really good show and not to be missed, plus a chance to chat to some of the builders, these bikes may give you food for thought and you start a creation of your very own.

See you there, you can text me on 714-598-8392 to see if we are close by for a chinwag, be great to see you all.

The OG Moto Show is an annual motorcycle event located in Downtown Los Angeles featuring select Cafe’ Racer, Bobber, Classic, Tracker, Scrambler, Old School Chopper, Modern Classic, Brat and full custom motorcycles on display in a unique setting. The vision of Jay LaRossa of Lossa Engineering, Stan Chen, John Pangilinan, and Ralph Holguin of RMD Garage to help bring this style of motorcycle culture to Southern California.

The event gathers thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts together in a unique setting. The experience will feature art, photography, music and more. Coffee, drinks, and food will be served throughout the day. Select vendors were on hand offering goods for purchase and the highlight of the event will centered on the custom motorcycles on display.

Come to the OG Motorcycle show in LA this weekend.

Posted on March 29, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Mar

Many bikes and Art on Display, a superb Gathering of unique Motorcycles and craft under one roof, see if you can make it and spread the word, its a show not to be missed.

I will be taking my Metalflake Harlequin Honda there to sit with many other super cool builds.

LOCATION | 6TH ANDERSON [NEW VENUE]

615 S ANDERSON ST

LOS ANGELES, CA 90023

TIME | 12 – 9 PM

Hope to see you there, you can text me to see if I am around at 714-598-8392, so much to see there you will enjoy the whole place, Music, Art, and these cool Motorcycles.

Finally, I have the Harlequin out of the Garage and in the sunlight, so good to be able to see it in real light, still a few things to do last minute, as always but I will load her up tomorrow and head to LA for the show and leave it there, then come back on Saturday and Sunday, took a long time to get this Super Sport how I wanted it but I really am happy with the end result.

OK, now to just finish a few things up on this Harlequin Honda, hope you like what I have managed to achieve, just wanted a Custom Creation this time.

Send us some great Photos of your Machine and where you are from.

Posted on February 2, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 Feb

Almost 18 years ago I used to have a readers rides page, showing peoples machines etc, and I thought I would start to feature that again.

If you have a bike you would like to show the world, share it with us by emailing some sharp clean images of your Motorcycles and a description of what work you did to get it to the standard it is now and of course where you are located.

People like to see other machines for inspiration etc, so if you have some good photos just email them to me with all the information to.

carpy@carpyscaferacers.com

I look forward to featuring them.

Constant Mesh Gearbox- Great explanation for you.

Posted on January 31, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

31 Jan

Happy Hump day folks.

Sometimes, people ask me all sorts of question on the Motorcycles I work on, now, here is a superb explanation from Hot Bike, that clearly informs you as to the purpose of a Constant mesh Sequential gearbox and how they function.

So there you go, today you may of picked up a little more understanding of a close ratio gearbox and hope it cheered your day up?

Thanks for watching and now you know what the real term “Shifting gears” means.

Mopeds in UK back in the 1970’s when I owned them.

Posted on December 2, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 Dec

A look at the Classic ‘Sixteener Specials’ of the ’70s

If, like me, you are now in your early fifties, and have had some passing interest in two wheels, then there’s a pretty good chance you will have owned or knew someone who owned one of these bikes…let the memories flood back! The Bay City Rollers, Spangles, The Sweeney, platform soles and horrendous flares.

10. The Fantic Chopper

First imported to the UK in December 1972, the Fantic Chopper proved a success with young 16-year olds as it boasted a 6-speed gearbox and a top speed of 50 mph. Fuel economy was also impressive, regularly returning a hefty 110mpg. Handling was suprsingly good considering the long wheelbase. I personally knew a mate from school who got a lot of money from hurting his back in a motorcycle accident, went out and bought one of these cash, I was gutted, as being 16, you always wanted the coolest stuff. We had a kid at school who got a Bunch of money from a Motorcycle accident and he went out and purchased one of these Brand new and in Cash, I was so gutted.

Where the Fantic did fall flat on its face was the less-than-adequate electrical system. All in all though a good ‘posing’ machine for the young budding Peter Fonda. A restored example now will easily demand a price tag of £2000 upwards. I want one!! All donations will be gratefully accepted!

9. The Gilera Trial

Founded in 1909 on Italy, Gilera has always been recognised for its thoroughbred race machines but dipped its toe into the world of the sixteener specials in mid 1972. The first models the Touring and the Trial were joined in 1974 by the Gilera Enduro.

moped14

The UK specification machines were fitted with a pedal start system to comply with the UK laws at that time. The European models boased ‘real’ footpegs and a kick start. The machines were finished to a fairly high standard and boasted Ceriani front and rear suspension. The 4.2bhp 49cc engine returned a not so speedy 42mph. Pricewise the Touring cost a measly (in today’s prices) £210 whilst the Trial in 1977 would set you back £285 and the Enduro £290. They were produced in a vivid red colour but a rare yellow version has also been sourced. I personally was never able to see one of these for sale anywhere as they were snapped up pretty fast.

8. The Puch Grand Prix Special

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The Puch brand can be traced back to the late nineteenth century as part of Steyr Daimler Puch. In 1972 the Puch VS50 was probably the first serious attempt by a manufacturer to break into the sports moped market. Shortly afterwards they were overtaken by the more technically advanced Japanese manufacturers. In 1973 the M50 Sport was introduced with a respectable top speed of 46mph. This model gave way to the Grand Prix, then the Grand Prix Special. The special sported a black and gold paint scheme same as the JPS Lotus Formula One cars and a front hydraulic disc brake. it was not uncommon for this model to return a favourable 150 mpg if ridden carefully. But I never ever rode carefully, on these mopeds I owned I always hopped up and if I was lucky enough to have had one of these, I would of been in a lot of trouble with the Law- No Doubt.

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The Puch Grand Prix had the looks and the feel of a ‘real’ motorcycle. In 1977 the Grand Prix Supreme was launched with a 5.2 bhp engine and a hefty price tag of £356. I only had one mate who owned one of these and he would never ride it, twat!

7. The Honda SS50

moped5

I really do love these bikes, but in the 30 years sice I last looked at one I have never seen another and I never actually owned one, which is such a shame as its one of my very favorites. Unfortunately the SS50 was let down by a disappointing measly 2.5bhp OHC four stroke engine making it one of the slowest mopeds.

moped15

Introduced in 1975 with a price tag of 270 pounds it offered reliability along with economy with an exhaust tone that wouldn’t annoy the neighbours unlike those nasty two stokes with their Allspeed pipes!! The style was very much alike the Yamaha FS1-E with a slimline tank and pressed steel frame. The early model had drum front brake and a handlebar width of only 22 inches. In 1976 the SS50 B2 was released with a now uprated engine giving 4bhp coupled with a 5-speed gearbox; the newer version could reach the heady heights of 50MPH. A cable-operated front disc brake gave the bike a sportier feel, and you would be relieved of 259 quid if you (or your parents) bought one. A good moped, but let down by poor performance.

6. The Suzuki AP50

moped6

At number six, the Suzuki AP50; a bike derived from the early A50II model. This was a late entry into the marketplace arriving in late 1975. One advantage that this moped had over the others was the CCI lube system which meant no more mixing fuel and oil together on the garage forecourt. A separate oil tank pressure fed all moving parts requiring oil. The bike proved to be reliable and had a good working electrical system, unlike some of the others on the market. This was one of my First bikes, I did have the AS50 at first but got pulled over for speeding and I wasnt old enough to have it as they had just changed the riding laws to say if it had pedals I could have it, but if not, then it had to be governed to 30mph, and as i was doing 65 in a 30, I got my wrist slapped and had to trade it in for one of these Red AP50’s.

moped17

Available in candy blue or red, the AP50 proved an instant hit with the teenagers, going head on in sales against the ever popular Yamaha FS1-E. Once again the bike was fitted with a pedal start system to comply with UK laws at the time. The 5-speed engine was relaible and torquey and more than a match for some of the other models. I felt that an immediate improvement to the look of the Suzuki would have been the addition of a front cradle to the frame then giving it the look of a ‘proper’ bike. But I hopped mine up with a bigger Carb and pulled the old baffle out and cut it down to 2 inches and ran like a raped ape.

5. The Yamaha TY50P

moped7

The Yamaha TY5OP was introduced to the UK market in 1976 and was an immediate success with budding trial riders. The little Yamaha engine unit only kicked out 2.9bhp, but the bike’s cool looks and capabilities off-road soon made up for it. Top speed was a disappointing 32mph, but the machine was high quality and featured the Yamaha autolube system oil lubrication system. Telescopic front forks and a good sturdy pair of rear shockers ensured a smooth ride even on the rough.

moped18

I used to stand Outside Bowers Motorcycle shop in Bury St Edmunds, eating my 15p worth of Chips and smudging the window with my nose in envy at this awesome machine, I couldnt afford the payments on this but really wanted it. Funny thing is , 40 years later out here in California I had TWO of the TY250’s. ha ha.

Number 4: The Garelli Tiger Cross

moped8

I used to love these bikes: the style, the speed and the sheer street cred of having one of the fastest 50cc mopeds on the market. A mate of mine from years and years ago had one of these (as far as I know, 35 years down the line, he still has) and he was the envy of us all. Imported into the UK by Agrati (Sales) UK in 1972, it was an instant hit with the teenagers.

moped19

The 6 bhp engine returned a respectable 60mph top speed, no mean feat in those days. Available in black and yellow, or in a rarer version in red and black, it eventually evolved into the Tiger Cross Special, which was a UK-only bike but basically a facelift of the original bike. Great fun in its day and expect to pay over a grand for a running bike these days

3. Fantic Caballero

moped9

One of the first ‘enduro’ sports mopeds, introduced to a waiting UK audience in 1974, the Fantic soon gathered a loyal following. A 7.2 bhp two stroke Minarelli engine ensured a mean top speed of 55mph. Fuel consumption was a respectable 125mpg, not bad for a machine with such a good top end result. Probably a bonus having such good fuel results as the tank capacity was a meagre 1.1 gallon.

moped20

The downfall ( and there is always a downfall) was that the bike was plagued with poor electrics and a hefty price tag.

In 1977 Fantic introduced the Super Caballero with a whoppin 9bhp engine, but the lack of pedals meant that it failed to qualify for the UK’s teenage market. A great bike with good all round performance. I once found one of these dumped at the side of the road 20 years ago. Obviously someone had dumped it because it was in such a state, looking like a refugee from the Titanic, but it still sold for £180.

2. The Fantic GT Super Six

moped10

What a corker this bike was. I’ve never owned one, and never been able to afford one for that matter. From 1977 to ’79 you would expect to pay £579 to own own one of these, so it put the bike off limits to most kids, unless of course they had super rich parents. The 9bhp engine gave you a whopping 65 mph.

moped21

If you had one of these you were the dog’s reproductive organs! Finished to a very high standard and fitted with alloy wheels and electonic ignition plus the added bonus of a six speed gearbox. Disc brake as standard and a rev counter set this model apart from some of the less superior models. WHEN I have won the lottery this is the bike I am going to run out and buy!

1. The Yamaha FS1-E

moped11

Well here it is, the top dog,the Chief, the most favorite sports moped in the world ever and ever (a little over the top I know). Ahhh….the fantastic FIZZY.

moped22

It first appeared on UK shores in 1973 sporting sidepanels just bearing SS, which stood for ‘Sixteener Special’. Unfortunately Honda complained because they already had a model on the market badged as an SS, so the later ones went to FS1. Available only initally in gold paintwork, more colours were added over the following years.

moped24

Within 3 months this bike became Yamaha’s top selling bike in the UK. Indicators were an optional extra on the early models priced at a mere ten pounds per set. You could expect to get around 45mph top speed from this little beauty. I was one of the many 16-year olds to own one of these but it was the later FS1-E DX model shown at the top of this list. I paid £175 for it with 3000 miles showing and sold it 12 moths later for £165, not bad after a years hard thrashing. The FS1 has been known to fetch a hefty £3000 for a restored usable example. Wish I still had mine now, it’s better than money in the bank. I had a White one and boy was it fast with an Expansion chamber on it, all us kids learned to wheelie on these and the AP50. such fun memories.

Thanks for reading and have a Great weekend.

BRAAAP!

Moped-shootout-9 (1)

NEC BIRMINGHAM MOTORCYCLE SHOW 2017

Posted on November 26, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

26 Nov

I left the shores of Blighty back in 1997, but before that I used to regularly attend 2 brilliant Motorcycle shows back home annually, that was Earls Court in London and the NEC in Birmingham. The NEC is still banging out the shows and I feel the UK shows have more atmosphere and more Hands on for the public too.

I mean, you can still ride a trials bike or an Enduro bike at the event on a small course they set up for the public with help and advise as long as you like.

So, my Brother Mick informs me he is off to go to the show with some mates, as e also attends them shows, I asked him to take some pics.

They say a painting paints a thousand words? Not sure about a photo but no need for words else I will be here all day.

So here are a combination of photos I know you will enjoy, at least some of them for sure as they cover all tastes.

So look Below and see what you think.

Thanks Bruv.

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.

Classic Japanese Cafe Racers

Posted on April 4, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

04 Apr

People know me for the CB750 Honda, and that inline four is one of the most robust motors out there, but many other Brands are just as good, the Kawasaki Z model and the infamous Suzuki GS model too.

Here is just a couple of videos I saw and thought I would share today for my Blog.

Enjoy.

A quick look at the bikes of Yester -Year when I was a teenager.

Posted on February 16, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

16 Feb

Well, seeing as it is Throw Back Thursday, here is a great little video of some super bikes of the day, I am sure that many of you will remember most of these unique machines that scared the crap out of you when you wound the throttle on.

DATE | MARCH 31, 2018

TIME | 12 – 9 PM

LOCATION | 6TH ANDERSON [NEW VENUE]

615 S ANDERSON ST

LOS ANGELES, CA 90023

LOCATION | 6TH ANDERSON [NEW VENUE]

615 S ANDERSON ST

LOS ANGELES, CA 90023

TIME | 12 – 9 PM

A look at the Classic ‘Sixteener Specials’ of the ’70s

10. The Fantic Chopper

9. The Gilera Trial

8. The Puch Grand Prix Special

7. The Honda SS50

6. The Suzuki AP50

5. The Yamaha TY50P

Number 4: The Garelli Tiger Cross

3. Fantic Caballero

2. The Fantic GT Super Six

1. The Yamaha FS1-E

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