You know you want to see this.

Stream line - 1930's TRON bike. Rad.

Born Free Show 2010 - Kill Fran Pavely

California Anti-Motorcycle State Senator at it Again. Help us kill SB-435--California State Senator Fran Pavely, who represents Hollywood, has brought her anti-motorcycle agenda alive once again. And it's worse than ever. Pavely, a Democrat, has amended her legislation so that now it would make aftermarket exhaust systems on any motorcycles illegal. SB-435 gives law enforcement the ability to inspect motorcycles as they see fit for an EPA approval stamp. If they can't find the stamp, the motorcycle is illegal.

We here at the MRF love our clean air and could not agree more that California's air should be as clean and fresh as possible. It seems this isn't about fresh air as one would think. You see, Pavely's bill started life as smog check bill forcing motorcycles to participate in the same emissions program as autos and trucks. With motorcycles maintaining about 3% of California’s entire vehicle population, this expensive proposal went no where.

So what does a Hollywood senator do when her anti-motorcycle, anti-freedom agenda fails? Change the bill! The new SB-435 doesn't look for polluters, it punishes people who don't have the EPA stamp required by manufacturers, regardless of the actual emissions. The stamp is often hidden from view due to aesthetic purposes, or in the case of older bikes with stock pipes, just isn't there.

SB-435 is scheduled to be heard today, Monday June 28, 2010. Please take action. Instructions are below. Help defend your freedom.

ABATE of California along with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is asking you to assist us by voicing your disapproval of this particular piece of legislation by calling Assembly Transportation and Housing Committee Chairman Bonnie Lowenthal and asking that the Chair not support this bill.


You can reach Mrs. Lowenthal at:

Capitol Office:

State Capitol

P.O. Box 942849

Sacramento, CA 94249-0054

Tel: (916) 319-2054

Fax: (916) 319-2154

District Office:

110 Pine Avenue

Suite 804

Long Beach CA 90802

Tel: (562) 495-2915

Fax: (562) 495-2983

Additional calls may be also placed to Governor Schwarzenegger, informing him of the potential loss of tourism and tax revenue in the event SB-435 is passed. ABATE of California asks that you send cards, letters, faxes, or emails as promptly as possible.

California Governor: http://gov.ca.gov/interact

For those who would like further information to help fight this, please contact Carol Cromwell at the ABATE state office at:
10240 7th Avenue
Hesperia 92345-2631.
Telephone: (760) 956-1669. (Fax) 760-956-6519

Cro Customs.

Caleb has been real nice and let me in his work shop to do some work so I can catch up on some behind orders for the Flyin stop lights.

He has a terrific work shop full of art and nifty finds. Caleb and another Friend of mine Conrad an artist from London have been collaborating on a great bike build. I have seen a few board track racers but Caleb has created a beautiful bike unlike most out there. Dual 23 inch wheels, custom frame and tank. There are months of work in this bike and the day I was there he got it on the road for the first time. I can't tell you what a buzz that is to have made something with your bare hands and to then get on it and scream around the streets. All I can say is thats what keeps me building bikes over and over and I could see Caleb was every bit as excited as I get when I finish a project. We had a shoot of whisky and a good laugh over some cuban food to finish off the day. Thanks Caleb it was good times mate.

Shinya

I have been spending some time at Shinya's work shop. From the little of him self that he shares as he is quite shy I see a man who has in common with me a lot of the same life choices and motivations. We are only acquaintances but I hope that I can be friend him one day soon as I have only ever met a hand full of others who are walking the same line. His skills are individual and un swayed by current trends. Living out of town, I feel such a place must give him less distractions from the rat race most subject them selves to.

This weekend I will be meeting him out at the Dry lakes to watch him try to make the 120 mph on his bike. With some modification since his last attempt he assures me it is possible. I have no doubt he will make the mark. I'm going to show my support and offer a hand if needed. Being from Australia I've never had the chance to attend any speed trials so I'm pretty excited about it.

Inspired

After spending some time in Shinya's work shop and looking at his latest bikes I was really interested in his use of non American or british power plants. It seems like after 60 years it has become so hard to find an original design or look using one of the mentioned bikes that some like shinya are turning to Ducati and Augusta just to see what can be done. This idea has been playing on my mined for a number of years also and I think I will take a look at seriously going through with it.

Inspired by artist Rob Schwager and the Auto Union cars of the mid 30's I am going to buy a japanese of Italian road bike and create a cafe racer. I like the idea of it being a utilitarian design for speed a lot like lake racers. Shinya does all most all his work from sheet Alloy and it give's off a great warmth when brushed and left as bare metal. Air stream Trailer give me the same feeling. So here are some shots of whats in my head as I start this project.

Art Fuckers