December 2004 Edition

President
Keith Peters 612-825-9219
[email protected]
Vice President
Dave Rademacher 763-755-8520
[email protected]
Secretary
Gloria Peters 612-825-9219
[email protected]
Treasurer
Kathi Rimnac 612-825-2550
[email protected]
Newsletter
Editor
Paul Meisel 952-472-2097
work 952-746-2361
[email protected]
DECEMBER
Newsletter of the Viking Chapter
Antique Motorcycle Club of America Inc.
Published Quarterly
2004
March 1st, June 1st, September 1st & December 1st
Graphics and
Layout
[email protected]
Keith’s Kickstand
From the Editor:
Greg Claflin 612-529-5812
[email protected]
A
s we find the holiday season upon us, our thoughts turn to
gift giving. Some people are harder to buy for than others,
but there is one gift that almost everyone will enjoy, and that gift
is America’s beloved “Chia Pet”. So with this in mind, Greg
Claflin and I are pleased to present this special “Tribute to Chia
Pet” issue.
Paul Meisel
Historian
Tom Jones 763-533-9163
Directors
Kerry Rasmussen
Jim Kojola
651-430-1332
612-374-8913
[email protected]
[email protected]
Stan Mewhorter
763-561-3922
[email protected]
http:www.vikingmc.org
Gene Hostetler
952-472-5063
[email protected]
Deputy Judge
Jerry Richards
651-482-0096
[email protected]
Future Club Events
December 8, 2004
(Wed.)
December
January 5, 2005
(Wed.)
January 8, 2005
(Sat.)
February 4-6, 2005
February 9, 2005
(Wed.)
February 16, 2005
(Wed.)
March 9, 2005
(Wed.)
March 16, 2005
(Wed.)
BOD Meeting (7:00pm)
Betty’s Bikes and Buns
600 E Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
(612) 378-4988
General Meeting
(none)
BOD Meeting (7:00pm)
Gene and Marilyn Hostetler
6168 Sinclair Crt, Mound,
(952) 472-5063
Holiday Party & Gen. Mtg.
(4:15 pm - 9:00pm)
Richfield Community Center
7000 Nicollet Ave, S. Richfield
(612) 861-9360
Cycle World Show
Mpls. Convention Center,
Contact: Dave Rademacher
to show your bike.
BOD Meeting (7:00pm)
Kathi and Roger Rimnac
5516 -13th Ave.S., Mpls.
(612) 825-2550
General Meeting (7:00pm)
Leo’s South
16375 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville
(952) 435-5371
BOD Meeting (7:00pm)
Stan and Carol Mewhorter
8249 Scott Ave.N., Brooklyn Park
(763) 561-3922
General Meeting (7:00pm)
Fury Motorsports
2000 Concord St., S. St. Paul
(651) 451-1313
A Message From Keith Peters, President
W
hat a great country and let’s try and keep it that way. Dow Jones Equity
News service, writing about Harley Davidson on 10/13, listed all kinds of facts (Florida
weather, favorable foreign exchange rates, increased cost of steel, etc.) that affected H-D’s quarterly
profits. Sales were down 10% from last year’s same quarter (their Anniversary year.) But the
strangest thing is the article was “(sales were) down 10.2% in Japan, where a rule prohibiting
more than one rider on a motorcycle is hurting sales…” Oh please, government, save me from
myself.
A few days later Newsweek said “This year cycle sales are expected to top 1 million for the first
time since the post-‘Easy Rider’ days of the early ‘70’s.”
The article called “Full Throttle” said that motorcycle sales have doubled since 1999.
continued on Page 3
Farmington
theme 2005
The British Invasion will be
the theme for next year’s
Farmington National AMCA
meet. Final details,
wording and colors for the
logo will be worked out
within the next few weeks.
This year’s theme was
submitted by Dave Moot.
It was voted on by the
general membership at the
November meeting
at Kokesh.
“DO YOU BELONG”
(reprinted from The Colonial Chapter
Newsletter)
Are you an active member,
The kind that would be
missed,
Or are you just contented,
that your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings,
and mingle in the flock.
Or do you meet in private
And criticize and knock?
Do you take an active part,
to help the work along?
Or are you satisfied to be kind
who just belongs?
Do you work on committees?
To this there is no trick.
Or leave the work to just a
few,
and talk about the clique?
So come to meetings often,
and help with hand and heart.
Don’t be just a member,
but take an active part.
Think this over members,
You know what’s right from
wrong.
Are you an active member
OR DO YOU JUST BELONG?
Gothic American 2004 by Grant Wood / Additional artwork by Greg.Claflin [email protected]
Ten Commandments of the Motorcycle
Collector. Commandment
I. T hou shalt
not store thy motorcycle out of doors, except
thy modern iron.
Gothic American 2004 is our tribute to the American motorcyclist and his or her spirit of independence. A person who’s willing to stop and lend a helping hand to a fellow rider and who appreciates
the things money can’t buy, good friends, great scenery and the open road.
Greg.Claflin
A Message From Keith Peters,
President
continued from page 1
s many Sturgis ’04 attendees can probably
verify, it was different in the Hills this year.
Cable TV’s “American Chopper” is “turbocharging” the cycle business, not just for sales of
the big bikes but also for scooters and rockets.
The difference at Sturgis last August was
incredible with all these chopper-like bikes. The
owners are all future AMCA/Viking Chapter
members but maybe we’ll have to wait a few
decades. I always think of those as “B to B” bikes
(bar to bar). But coming home across South
Dakota on 90 in Tom Mathieson’s car (sick Indian
Chief on trailer, behind) we were passed by several
of these bikes with a sleeping bag strapped on
almost a rear fender. What a great country where
we have the freedoms to ride anything, free of
many big-brother regulations.
A
On a different subject, earlier this Fall I heard
Father Gregory Boyle of Los Angeles interviewed
on Public Radio, talking about his work helping
gangbangers and homeys (his words) transition
to real jobs in the company he started in the 1980’s,
HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES. He has a lifethreatening illness, leukemia, and he said he and
the homeys try to focus on “celebrating
impermanence.” He reminded me of the pleasure
of being a temporary caretaker of old motorcycles
and about celebrating the use of them with friends
and at our Viking Chapter events. (High five/
group hug.)
And, one final story not necessarily connected
with anything else, either. I was walking through
Home Depot one afternoon in September, minding
my own business, and this little belt buckle height
kid walks over, looks up at me strangely, points
and says “hey, you could be Santa Claus.” Well
then, HO, HO, HO. Have a great
Holiday Season. See you at the
January party.
Correction
In the September 2004 Recycle, in
the judging section of the article
on the Farmington meet, the
correct wording should have been:
“Jerry roped off the area in a way
that allowed restorers and
interested persons to be close
enough to see how each bike was
judged”. I apologize for any
confusion this may have caused.
Paul Meisel
Commandment II
II.
T hou shalt not
covet thy neighbors motorcycle, nor his
garage, nor his battery charger.
Sturgis Ride
Sightings, Marriages,
Awards Convictions:
by Keith Peters
> Matt & Carl Olsen of Aberdeen S.D. were
featured in Traverse Electric Cooperative’s
newsletter of August 2004, with an article and four
color photos. Matt and Carl are even on the cover
and their restoration business and some bikes are
profiled. Not quite the same as being the fold out,
but being Cover Boys is good.
> Scott Schneider (former Pres) won a top award
at the Minnesota State Fair for his antique post card
display of Minnesota manufactured motorcycles.
(see article on page 12)
> Marriages: Tom (former RE-CYCLE editor) and
Dianne Whittles were married during July. So were
Duda (former Board Member) and Lisa
Hungerford.
No juicy stories about Viking Chapter
members sentenced to hard time this month. Because
of our strong moral compass and RE-CYCLE’s
tasteful subject matter, the Club may be
underrepresented by CEO’s and CFO’s in our ranks.
Let’s get recruiting in those board rooms.
Long Photo Framers
by Keith Peters
Here are several places to get those long
Farmington photos framed. You’ll need to talk
to the businesses directly and make your own
arrangements. Paul Meisel referred Casey
Dickerson of Artist’s Choice (3901 Foss
Road, St. Anthony, by Apache Plaza,
612/706-6020) who said that he will frame
the photos for $95. John Schiffman says
that he recently received a “50% off” card
from Michael’s Crafts (chain store) and was
able to have a photo framed, with matting,
for $60. The store he went to was in the
Burnsville Center.
How about a Chia-Harley this Christmas?
In our never
failing effort to
keep our readers
informed, we’d
like to to pass on
the following
safety tips.
Remember
it’s a dangerous world out there!
Besides, we needed to fill the space.
by Paul Meisel
W
e had another good club turnout for our
annual ride to Sturgis. The weather was
much cooler this year which was probably better
for the old bikes. This year at least five members
rode antique motorcycles. This is rather
remarkable when you consider that this is well
over a 1300 mile round trip!
After breakfast, we left the Hilltop restaurant about
8:30am. We rolled into Wessington
Springs around 5pm. Our official hostess at
Wessington Springs is Sue Johnson, a long-term
resident and friend of the club who lives only a
few blocks from the campsite. Sue knows about
what time we arrive, and usually stops on down
to the campground to welcome us.
The weather was warm as we set up our tents, and
the pool looked mighty inviting. The pool always
closes from 5pm to 7pm, so the lifeguards can go
to supper. Well this day, the pool did not reopen.
The lifeguards apparently decided to play hooky,
which meant no swimming! That was the first
time this has ever happened! Sue our hostess made
a few phone calls, but wasn’t able to find anyone
who could get the pool open. Sue and her fiancée
Macy Muilenburg, accompanied some of us for
dinner, and who should be at the next table but
the finance officer for the city of Wessington
Springs! Sue introduced her to everyone at our
table, and she was quite interested in the pools’
closing. She assured us that we would not be
finding the pool closed in the future! (I expect
the lifeguards received some type of reprimand).
Saturday night brought a strong wind, which
almost collapsed the tents, but very little rain. We
awoke Sunday morning to a beautiful day. We
arrived at the KOA in Deadwood mid-afternoon.
Tents were set up and some of us rode the shuttle
bus to Deadwood for dinner.
On Monday, the club was invited to Jerry and
Trudi Richard’s cabin for food and
refreshments. Trudi said that there must have
been more people than last year because her guests
not only ate all of the chili, but also managed to
drink all of the pop! Luckily, Jerry had an ample
supply of cold beer. After a pleasant visit,
someone suggested we go to the Moon Shine
Gulch saloon. I had never heard of the place, but
was told it was Willie Jensen’s favorite place for
beer and hamburgers. The Saloon is only about
18 miles from the Richards’ cabin, but for many
years (perhaps the last 80 years) the road to the
Saloon was at least partially gravel. This might
be why few bikers knew about the place. This
year we found that the road had finally been
blacktop all the way.
Continued
I have to agree with what Willie said, as the beer,
the hamburgers, and especially the atmosphere
of the old place, were great. Kind of like stepping
back in time about 100 years!
The Trinity United Methodist church in Lead, SD
recently began serving breakfast as a fundraiser.
Since I had to leave for home on Tuesday, I
headed over to the church in the morning and
enjoyed a great breakfast. I met the pastor, Rev.
Wilson and had a nice chat. He told me his dad
used to ride an Indian motorcycle. The
congregation put on a terrific breakfast for a $5.00
donation. I went back to camp and spread the
word. (The word about breakfast, that is). I’m
sure this new breakfast
option will turn into a club
tradition for many years to
come.
Trudi and Jerry
Richards’ cabin
at Cheyenne Crossing
outside of Stugis.
Another excellent Viking member turnout for breakfast at the Hilltop
restaurant. All Antique bikes shown here are headed for the long trip to Sturgis..
On Wednesday is the day
many club members go trout
fishing. Gene Hostetler’s
son Derek shared with me
his concern that fishing
would just not be the same
this year. He was referring
to the fact that we lost Roger
Lundmark last year and that
Keith Peters and Tim Hungerford look on as Tom Jones
Grease could not make the
installs a new set of points on Keith’s Indian.
trip this year due to a
medical situation. Derek
told me how the Roger and Grease had such great
enthusiasm for fishing, and how they would
challenge everyone to see who could catch the
most fish. This year, Bob and Laurie Zick, Gene
and Derek Hostetler, and Tim Hunderford (aka
Duda) tried their luck. But unlike last year, the
by Keith Peters
fish weren’t biting. Only three fish were caught,
compared to last years 43. Never the less, the
or the third time, I rode this 53+ year old
Wednesday evening’s cookout was a lot of fun
Indian Chief to Sturgis. (53+ because this mutt
with about 20 people attending.
has an earlier front end on it, not Indian’s hydraulic
one it left the factory with.) I did all the usual
This had to be one of the coldest Sturgis trips preparation like changing the oil, tightening nuts,
ever, although it was nice not
to have it so hot in downtown
Sturgis, it was pretty cool up
in the Hills. One morning Jim
Jones had frost on his seat
(the seat of his bike), and
Keith Peters found his wash
cloth froze to the fence. If
there was one thing that could
be classified as a “noticeable
change” at Sturgis this year,
it would have to be all the
choppers. Perhaps the cable
TV show- “Orange County
Viking Club members enjoyed a visit to the historic
Choppers” influenced this
trend. After fading in
Moonshine Gulch.
popularity for about 20 years,
choppers are back with a vengeance.
adjusting the chain, aligning the rear wheel,
replaced lamps, stocking up on 70 weight oil,
making sure the charging system was working,
Commandment III T hou shalt not love thy
motorcycle more than thy wife and children: as much,
but not more.
Riding an old bike
to Sturgis
F
packing spare parts, etc. The weekend before I
had test ridden 100miles to make sure that this
orchestra of abused parts was all playing the same
song. Even expecting major oil leaking, the Exxon
Valdez was ready for the trip.
On the Saturday ride from breakfast at the Hilltop
to Wessington Springs, SD, it made it all but the
last 50 miles. When it started running bad, I put
new plugs in but it still wouldn’t run-battery was
kaput. (I had run with the headlight off and it
overcooked the gelcel, pushing out the sides.) At
Wessington, Keith Braun loaned me a new 6V
Harley lead-acid battery, still wouldn’t run. The
finest brain cells of Stan Mewhorter, Mark
Raffe, me and others couldn’t figure it out. Of
course Tom Jones looked at it and saw right away
that the points were burned. He put the new points
in and Sunday I rode about 300 miles until it
wouldn’t run anymore-burned points again, maybe
indicating a bad condenser.Bought a new 6v
condenser in Lead, then I broke the spring steel
atop the rotor and couldn’t find another rotor. Tom
Mathieson & son, Scott, graciously trailered the
Valdez when needed, including back to
Minneapolis.
It is risky riding the old stuff, especially if you’re
just barely able to call yourself a junior bird-man
mechanic and ride something saved from the
landfill. But the club’s support in pushing it to
start, troubleshooting, trailering, and wrenching
usually comes through. That is what’s great about
riding to Sturgis with the club. The astronauts
have a flight surgeon along, we had Tom
Jones.
The Ride of the
Century
(Geritol meets Marvel Mystery Oil)
by Tom Jones
C
entury: Any period of a hundred years.
If you bike is 50 years old and your are 50
years old, then you are a Century Rider.
On August 7th five Century Riders left for
Sturgis.
Our first stop in Evan, Minnesota. Pictured from left to right are: Dean Hansen (who rode his Indian over to meet
us). Viking members riding Antiques to Sturgis are, Keith Braun - HD, Tom Jones - Indian, Keith Peters - Indian, Joel
Hamel - HD, and Harvey Berquist - BSA.
Harvey Berquist: ‘50 BSA (123 years total for
bike and rider),Tom Jones: ‘41 841 Indian (122
years total), Keith Peters: ‘51 Indian (109 years
total), Keith Braun: ‘41 Indian (110 years total),
Joel Hamel: ‘44 Harley (107 years total). A week
later 4 out of 5 returned on their own power. 80%
ain’t bad when you’re old.
S
o what’s it like to be a Century Rider? This
was Keith Braun’s first ride to Sturgis on
an old bike. His reaction, “It’s not boring!”
Keith’s Indian looked and ran great. It did have
that characteristic “Indian engine rattle”.
Whenever I was convinced the 841 was about to
blow up, I would listen to Keith’s exploding ball
bearing factory and remind myself it’s not the rattle
you have to worry about, it’s the big bang.
using the bike will get the bugs out, and lead to a
dependable machine. Next year, Harvey thinks
the Century Riders should ride bikes that go at
least 100 mph. I reminded him that most of our
motorcycles would have to be dumped out of a
cargo plane to hit those speeds! Yes, it’s true;
Harvey could ride a Gold Wing next year and still
be a Century Rider.
Keith Peters (The Club Prez) rode his ‘51 Indian,
‘The Exxon Valdez”, to Sturgis back in ‘92. It
leaked oil but made it. He then rode it to
Davenport. It leaked oil but made it. This year
Keith thought he could possible get as much as
100 miles to the quart. At that rate, he would need
12 to 14 quarts to get him to Sturgis and back.That
wouldn’t be enough to break Tim O‘Keefe’s record
of 17, but it would be close.
Keith’s Chief ran well, but was becoming
waterproofed by the time we got to Evan. The 70
weight oil was working its way out. Before we
got to Wessington Springs, the Indian was down
to one cylinder and no spark. Sunday morning,
new points got it running again. One hundred and
fifty miles down the road, the points were burning
again and, hard as we tried, we couldn’t find any
compression on the front cylinder. The only way
to start it was with the help of a big hill. Still,
Keith motored on only stopping to add oil before
attacking the “big hill” at Cheyenne Crossing
(that’s the hill that looks like Niagara Falls frozen
in time). Fifty miles from Sturgis, the Chief could
no longer be coaxed to life.
continued
Keith’s machine had plenty of mechanical power,
but it was a bit short on electrical power. He ran
the whole trip without lights!
Joel Hamel was on his first trip to Sturgis and his
first long, old bike ride. His ‘44 “knuckle” with a
Dave Monahan engine ran superbly. The engine
was so smooth and quiet; we had no doubts as to
why the Indian Motorcycle Company went under.
It was like comparing a turbine and a rock crusher
when the Harley and Indian were sitting next to
each other. The rule is, oldest, slowest (bike that
is) leads. Following the 841 Indian left Joel in 3rd
gear most of the trip. His bike is geared for
autobahn speeds.
Harvey Berquist planned to ride his ‘78 Triumph
this year, but fate stepped in and broke his throttle
cable at the last minute. No problem, Harvey just
rolled out this ‘50 BSA for its 17th trip to Sturgis
(Harvey’s 30th trip). It was trouble free the whole
trip. Harvey believes that careful preparation and
Viking Chapter members gather at Jerry and Trudi Richards cabin in the Black Hills.
The Indian had gone to the happy hunting garage
and now awaits a future resurrection.
The 841 was my 7th Indian to make the trip to
Sturgis. (26 different bikes in 30 trips). As usual,
“When is it going to blow up?” was always in the
back of my mind. There always is a certain
amount of anxiety along with the challenge of
riding an old machine. The best part of riding a
classic motorcycle is the people you meet along
the way. Whether it’s the Native American family
who came to admire the Indians parked at
McDonald’s, or the sheriff who visited our
campsite to see the old bikes. People see you in a
different light when you’re riding old iron. I love
it!
John Wright was also a Sturgis Century Rider.
His ‘47 Indian (103 total years) was ridden to
Sturgis on Thursday accompanied by his son
Forest, who rode all the way up from New Orleans
on a ‘99 Harley. John’s Indian is probably one of
the most magnificently restored Chief ’s in
Minnesota. However, he still stopped every 50
miles or so to the “bugs” out. The really great
thing is, he rode it out and made it back home on
a 57-year-old motorcycle.
Editor’s note:All century riders who are Viking
Chapter members and who complete a
Club ride of over 500 miles will be eligible
for a Special Century Ride Award.
The Annual Bike Ride to
for keeping the bar open for their single patron, I
could hear the door lock and see the lights go out.
Well so much for a sincere smile and a friendly
attitude.
Or Puddle Jumping on the
Freeway
On that ride, besides Tom, I met Harvey, Keith,
Doc, Steve and Joel and we’ve been riding to
Davenport together even since. Each year the
group going on this ride gets larger than the year
before.
by Greg. Claflin
T
he annual bike ride at the end of summer
to the swap meet in Davenport is an event that
I’ve looked forward to every year for the past three
years. At work, regardless of who’s on vacation
or what’s going on, they know that I won’t be
around that weekend, so they plan around my
annual run through the hills and cornfields of that
state just below ours. My boss is originally from
Iowa, which helps, so he’s always been more than
sympathetic to my needs to explore the back roads
of his native state and my Lemming-like attraction
to one of the best motorcycle swap meets in the
country.
On my first ride to Davenport three years ago, I
rode my ‘73 Honda 350 Scrambler. I figured it
was a safe bet due to the fact that I had put about
1500 miles on it over the past summer.
WRONG!!!!
The one thing I hadn’t planned on was the hills
and I pushed it a little hard and blew a five dollar
Chapter Presidents Meeting
and thirty-five cent oil seal on the way back, just
outside of Minneiska. Thankfully this was just on
at Davenport
the other side of the road from the Eagle’s Nest
by Keith Peters
n Saturday September 4, about two dozen Bar. Now some people might think this was a
Chapter Presidents met at the second annual lucky break, but after 8 hours of waiting for a
rescue vehicle, I felt like I had to reassure the 19
meeting. The purpose is to discuss
year
old
common issues and to make sure
bartender
that
that the AMCA Chapters have the
I really did
direct ear of AMCA President, Pete
break down
Gagan, who presided. As usual, our
and wasn’t
own Trudi Johnson-Richards did
some sort of
an excellent job of arranging and
serial killer
coordinating the meeting.
on the loose.
T h i s
The release of liability form and
reoccuring
process (to minimize the risk of
feeling of
litigation and to keep premiums
desperation
down) was discussed. AMCA has
only became
provided a form to the Chapters and
more accute
may investigate using one annual
as the sun set
form (like the HOG groups do) to
and a heavy
remove the irritation of having to
Eagles Nest Bar on Lake Pepin
thunderstorm
Stranded in Minnieska Mn. with nothing to do
sign and track additional forms for
but drink beer, buy pull tabs and shoot pool.
rolled in from
road runs and field events. It was a
the
west.
good forum to hear what issues the
different Chapters are dealing with and to meet Suddenly the thought of sleeping under the deck
in the picture above didn’t seem like a bad idea.
the Chapter reps.
In fact, after my tenth beer, it sounded like a darned
good one!
O
Commandment IV.
T hou shalt not
read thy Hemmings on company time, lest
thy company make it impossible to continue
thy bike payments.
Thankfully, my ride eventually did show up a little
after midnight and as I turned to thank my hosts
Among our group heading down this year was,
Harvey (the pathfinder) Berquist, Tom Jones,
Keith Braun, Joel Hamel, Paul and Doris St.
John, Dave Rademacher, Rick Wyatt, Bill
Bune, and Steve Magnuson.
On the way, we stopped at the Antique
Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa Iowa and I’ve
only got one thing to say about it. Awesome!!!!
On display besides a large inventory of vintage
Harleys and Indians are a number of lesser known
brands as well as flat and board track racers.
There were also a few celebrity bikes in the
collection (including Steve McQueen’s Indian
chopper and a signed Peter Fonda Captain
America Harley panhead).
Heck it must be real, its even got his signature.
A couple of flat track machines that look as good as
the day they first rolled onto the track.
The guys discussing some finer points of interest.
From Anamosa, it was on to Davenport and the
swap meet at the fairgrounds there. On Friday
nights, they have dirt track rides and it’s one of the
few places in the country where you can see pre1920’s vintage machines competing. It can get
pretty wild and those old bikes sure can fly.
Davenport’s also one the premier meets if you’re
looking for vintage Harley and Indian parts. Whatever you’re looking for, (if it’s for an American
brand) it’s a good bet you’ll find it there.
little hairy at times, but it sure
woke you up after long ride. I
got to say the ride home was
quite an adventure and one of
the best I’ve ever been on.
The trip down to Davenport usually takes a day,
arriving there early Friday evening and returning
home on Sunday. On the way home, we usually
stop in Cassville WI. and take the ferry there
which crosses the Mississippi to the Iowa side and
then drive onto North Buena Vista for the Labor
Day chicken dinner put on by the Our Lady of
Lourdes Catholic Church.
During the weekend, we had been expecting rain,
but thankfully it held off until late Sunday afternoon. Steve Magnuson usually turns off at Redwing to
head over
to the Wisconsin side
to make the
return trip
to Shell
Lake and
Tom Jones, Keith Braun and Rick Wyatt enjoying had donned
the cruise on the Cassville ferry.
his raingear
before heading out of town. I turned to Tom and
said I was pretty sure it would pass. Thirty minutes later, it was pouring and the wind was hitting
50 MPH in places. At one point it was coming
down so heavy that the only thing I could see was
Tom’s tail lights 10 feet in front of me and the only
thing Tom could see was Harvey’s. We don’t know
what Harvey was following. At one point, we
stopped for a Harley rider who was parked under
a bridge to see if he needed help. He advised us to
be careful as parts of the freeway ahead flood during downpours. Parts of Highway 61 were still under construction and some parts were flooded with
at least 2 feet of water. It’s a really weird feeling
doing 55 MPH and suddenly feeling like you ran
into a pillow, but that’s the way it felt. It was a
Chicken
Bar-B-Que
by Paul Meisel
Derrick Hostetler - ‘67 Honda 305, Gene Hostetler -’68 Honda 450, Ralph Smith - ‘69
Shovelhead, Neal Punchard - ‘53 Vincent Black Shadow.
T
he BBQ had a record turn
out. Over 100 people!
I tried to take a picture of every
table, sorry if I missed anyone.
Many thanks to all who volunteered, and a special thanks to
Dean Hansen who brought and
donated all the corn on the cob.
Dean Hansen pays for the
corn himself and won’t accept
any repayment from the Club.
There were also a pair of excellent Triumphs and a well restored Indian
on display as well..
Thanks Dean.
I tried to get people with old
bikes to gather after the meeting for “old bike pictures”, but
had a great deal of trouble getting people to cooperate. Suffice to say, we had a very good
turn-out of old bikes. I managed
to capture at least a few of them.
Ron Spargo -’39 BSA, Kerry Rassmussen - ‘46 Indian Cheif, Paul St.
John - ‘42 Harley 45.
A word about Square Dude
Commandment V.
T hou shalt not
despise thy neighbors Indian, nor his Vespa,
nor even his 1967 Velocette.
by Paul Meisel
Many readers know that my wife and I have a mail order
catalog business. We sell project plans to home hobbyist
woodworkers. One of our customers, Ray Haefy, of Houston,
Texas created “Square Dude”. We developed the plans so
anyone can now build their own wood Square Dude project.
For those who don’t have any time or inclination to cut out,
assemble and paint their own Square Dude, completed
projects are available through Ray’s website http://
stores.ebay.com/rays-crafts-and-gifts Here’s where you, the
Viking Chapter member come into the picture. Ray has
produced a monthly comic strip, which he offers for sale to
motorcycle magazines. However, he has offered to provide
the comic strip free to the Viking Chapter. I took the liberty
of providing the first two strips in this issue. Please let me
know if you would like to see more strips in future issues.
A special thanks to our cooks - Derek St. John, Rick Wyatt,
Dean Hanson, Dave Rademacher and Jerry Richards.
September Meeting at Motoprimo
by Keith Peters
O
ur September 15th meeting was at Motoprimo Motorsports. Treasurer Kathi Rimnac reported to three dozen attendees that we have over
$11,000 in the treasury and now have 264 members. Paul Meisel (attended) and Greg Claflin (in absentia) were thanked for the great
job on composition and timely delivery of RE-CYCLE. The Viking Chapter donated $200 to the City Park of Wessington Springs, SD,
where many Club members camp on the way to Sturgis. Tom Jones reported that funds were donated to thank the City and to help them with
park maintenance costs, including keeping the swimming pool open for that Saturday night every year. Club Historian Tom Jones is also
working on a “Century Club” patch for members who ride over 500 miles to either Davenport, Sturgis, or on a National AMCA ride, where the combined
age of bike and rider total over 100 years. Rumor has it that in only 31 years Harvey Berquist will be able to ride a new British bike from a showroom to
Sturgis and get the patch.
Elections were held for the positions of secretary, two directors and VP. John Wright (with that beautifully restored black ’47 Indian Chief, first seen at
Farmington ’04) was elected Secretary, replacing Gloria Peters. Kerry Rasmussen was reelected Director, Tom Broich was newly elected as Director
and Jim Kojola was elected V.P. Thanks to Dave Rademacher, Gloria Peters and Jim Kojola for serving in their previous positions. Thanks to Doris St.
John for also running for a board position and for helping on so many activities. No additional nominations for positions came from the floor. These newly
elected folks’ jobs start January 1, 2005.
Dave Rademacher said that he has signed the Club up to display bikes at the Cycle World Show next February, with the new “BYOB” rule, (bring your
own bike-Dave and Rick Wyatt won’t pick up and deliver display bikes like they’ve done before.) A new member won the $25 Motoprimo gift certificate.
He was overheard discussing ’47 Indian restoration and parts tips with John Wright. Thanks go to Motoprimo for hosting us. Despite the cold weather,
with off and on rain showers there was a remarkable good turnout of some very nice vintage bikes. We found out that the owner of Motoprimo is an antique
bike enthusiast. Although he wasn’t available for us to meet that evening, we were able to see his beautiful Ariel Square Four and a nice old BSA. They
were polished and standing proud in the back room. Motoprimo’s Mike Masso couldn’t have been a more cordial host.We also got to meet Wayne
Willey and Dwain Doherty. Mike told us they have a customer appreciation brunch every Saturday. I asked Mike if “every Saturday” included winter and
Commandment VI.
T hou shalt not he assured me it did. If you would like to stop by to taste test the free burgers and brats, be sure to
show up between 11am and 1pm.
let thy daughters nor thy sons marry during
the holy days of Sturgis.
O
ur second annual Swap Meet was another
success! We brought in a profit of about
$700.00. Although this is down slightly from last
year, plans are in the works to insure the meet will
be bigger and better next year.
Kathi and Roger
Rollie
State
Fairgrounds
Swap Meet
Stoehr
Rimnac
Dave Rademacher and Rick Wyatt relax after a
Stan Mewhorter and Jim Jones
hard day of selling.
Keith
Peters
and his
Vintage
parts
delivery
truck.
Henry
Hack
between
bargaining
sessions.
I think Harvey found
himself a new ride.
Appreciation
Buffet
Fall
Mystery
Ride
N
by Keith Peters
by Paul Meisel
ineteen Viking
O
members met at
Rick Wyatt’s house for
coffee, hot cider and donuts on Saturday morning.
Pictured are: Mike Koda-’39 BSA, Tom Jones-’68 Norton, Harvey Brequist-’50 BSA, Stan Mewhorter’66 Triumph, Sean O’Neil-’67 Harley, and Bill Potter-’60 BMW .
We had an excellent turn out for
this fall’s Mystery ride.
Rick led us on a 75 mile
ride, which included a
lunch stop at the Old Log
Cabin restaurant just outside of Scandia MN. Six
bikes made the ride and
all ran beautifully. It was
a perfect fall day. Cold
yet the full sun made for
colorful fall scenery at
the peak of “leaf turning”.
Commandment VII.
T hou shalt not
deceive thy wife into thinking that thee is
taking her for a romantic Sunday drive,
when, indeed, thou art going to look at
another motorcycle.
Thanks Rick for a great
ride!
n Wednesday evening, November 3, 40
Viking Chapter members plus eight guests
met at the Old Country Buffet in Highland Park
for the annual “thanks for volunteering” dinner.
This recognizes volunteers throughout the year,
whether they be visible “gate/registration table”
workers at Farmington or behind the scenes folks
at many other club events and activities. Dinner
was paid for by the Viking Chapter to recognize
and thank these volunteers. One member was
heard coaching another, “you can’t actually eat at
the buffet’s serving line, you have to take the food
back to your table.” This was an enthusiastic
group! The unfortunate sequence of the evening
was that we followed a large high school (band?)
group that included some football players. There
was no ham or beef to be seen from 7:15 PM until
closing. Thank goodness for the curried tofu-I
think that’s what it was.
A bunch of hearty soles delivered their stomachs
via two wheels on this slightly above freezing
evening. Role model and WWII veteran John
Eiden, in his cold weather coveralls, rode that
WWII vintage H-D 45 all the way from New
Hope. Other riders are listed on page 11. Most of
us light-weights came in all-weather
vehicles (too ashamed to say “car”).
Ride For Points
By Stan Mewhorter
Ride your motorcycle to a Viking club meeting
or road run and you could win a free membership to the National or the Viking Chapter. For 2005
we will have a first and second place. First place
(National dues) goes for the member with the most
points and second place (Viking dues ) goes the
next person on points.
The winners will be announced at the Holiday
party.
One point for 35 years or older ----- 0000 - 1970
3/4 point for ————————— 1971 - 1984
1/2 point for —————————— 1985 - 2005
Here’s the standing so far this year.
JAN 10, HOLIDAY PARTY
Paul St.John
2000 Ural
FEB 18, MEETING AT LEO’S CYCLE
MAR 17, MEETING AT ROY’S REPAIR
MAR 21, BIKES AT ALDRICH CYCLE
SHOW (NO POINTS)
Dave Rademacher
1918 Royal Enfield
Tom Jones
1918 Thiem
Ron Spargo
1939 BSA M-20
Paul St.John
1942 Harley 45
Stan Mewhorter
1944 BSA M-20
Mike ?
1946 Harley 45
Jerry Richards
1958 Harley Pan Head
Rick Wyatt
1961 BSA
Gene Hostetler
1967 Honda Scrambler
Kerry Rasmussen
1971 Trimph Daytona
Pete Pupeza
Rat Scooter with Sidecar
APRIL 21, MEETING AT BULLSEYE
CYCLE
Ron Spargo
1939 BSA M-20
Harvey Berquist
1950 BSA
Stan Mewhorter
1966 Triumph TR6SC
Doug Sather
1971 Honda 350 Scrambler
Matt Dhillippi
1972 Laverda 750 S
Dave Rademacher
1974 BMW
Jim Kajola and Deb Riggs
1983 Harley
Gene Hostetler
1988 Honda Gold Wing
Paul & Doris St.John
1990 Harley
Paul Meisel
1996 Kawasaki with
ice cream sidecar
MAY 22, MEETING /MYSTERY RIDE
(THE COFFEE GALLERY)
Paul St.John
1942 Harley 45
Ivar Natins
1946 Indian
Tom Jones
1968 Norton
Dave Moot
1969 Royal Enfield
Stan Mewhorter
1970 Triumph
Hardy Baehni
1974 Condor (Military)
Dave Rademacher
1974 BMW
Rick Wyatt
1982 Yamaha
Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs
1983 Harley
Joel Hamel
1983 Yamaha
Dena Natins
1986 Harley
Kent Slauik
1993 Harley
Marlene Slauik
1998 Yamaha
JUNE 20, MEETING AT
DIAMOND’S COFFEE SHOP AND
RIDE TO BLIND LIZZARD
Ron Spargo
1939 BSA M-20
Paul St.John
1942 Harley 45
Paul Benassi
1949 Harley Pan
Dave Moot
1956 Velocette
Dave Benassi
1961 Sportster
Stan Mewhorter
1966 Triumph TR6SC
Dick Porting
1971? Honda 750
Dave Rademacher
1974 BMW
Tom Tapani
1980 Yamaha 650
Ralph Knauss
2001 Harley
Jerry and Trudi Richards
2002 Harley
Sue Stoehr
2004 Milano Scooter
Roland Stoehr
2004 B&W Scooter
JUNE 26, FARMINGTON
(OLD BIKE RIDE)
John Eiden
1942 Harley 45
Joel Hamel
1944 Harley EL
Richard Syverson
1945 Harley 45
John Wright
1947 Indian
Keith Braun
1941 Indian
Joe Grayden
1950 Moto Guzzi
Tom Tapani
1952 Harley Panhead
Loren Morris
1964 Harley Panhead
Roland Stoehr
1956 Harley K
Daryl Schnieder
1962
BMW
Stan Mewhorter
1966 Triumph TR6SC
Gene Hostetler
1967 Honda Scrambler
Sean O’Neil
1967 Harley Sportster
Bradley’Wright Forest 1968 Triumph T120
Dave Moot
1969 Royal Enfield
Neal Punchard
1973 Triumph Hurricane
Hardy Baehni 1974 Condor (Military)
JULY 17, PRESIDENT’S OVERNIGHT
RIDE TO ZUMBROTA
Paul St.John
1942 Harley 45
Gary Erickson - trailerd
1965 BSA
Mary Erickson - trailerd
197? Honda
Stan Mewhorter
1966 Triumph TR6SC
Keith Peters
1970 Triumph Bonny
Rick Schunk
1975 Honda
Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs
1983 Harley
Ky & Jodi Michaelson
1996 Kawasaki
Paul Meisel
2000 Harley
Neal & Nick Punchard
2001 Suzuki
Sue Stoehr
200? Suzuki
Roland Stoehr
200? Kawasaki
Keith Braun
2003 Harley
Gloria Peters
Chase Truck
JULY 20, MEETING
AND VETERANS HOME RIDE
Dave Moot
1931 BSA Sloper
John Eiden
1942 Harley 45
Paul St. John
1942 Harley 45
Stan Mewhorter
1944BSAWDM-20
Joel Hamel
1944 EL Harley
Bob Battin
1948 Norton International
Keith Peters
1951 Indial Chief
Jim Kojola
1952 Allstate scooter
Daryl Schnieder
1962 BMW
Sean O’Neal
1967 Sportster
Neal Punchard
1968 BMW with sidecar
Deb Riggs
1969 Honda
Pete Pupeza
1971 6x6 2 1/2 ton Kaiser
Dave Rademacher
1974 BMW
John Swonger
1975 Harley
Tom Broich
1980 Yamaha
Rick Wyatt
1982 Yamaha
Paul Meisel
1996 Kaw. with icecream
Roger Rimnac
1998 Harley
Kathi Rimnac
2000 Harley
Doris St.John
2002 scooter
.
AUG 29, CHICKEN BBQ - CHASKA
Ron Spargo
1939 BSA M-20
Paul St. John
1942 Harley 45
Kent Slavik
1942 Harley WL
Dan Olberg
1945 Indian Chief
Kerry Rasmussen
1946 Indian Chief
Paul Benassi
1949 Harley FL
Neal Punchard
1953 Vincent Black Shadow
Dave Benassi
1961 Harley XLH
Derek Hostetler
1967 Honda 305
Gene Hostetler
1968 Honda 450
Ralph Smith
1969 Harley FLH
Tom Kiskovich
1972 Norton Commando
John & Claire Pfleiderer 1972 Triumph Tiger
Dick Snyder
1972 BMW R75
Dennis Bussell - trailerd 1973 Triumph Daytona
and 1942 Harley 45
Dave Rademacher
1974 BMW R90/6
Don Johnston
1979 Triumph Bonneville
John Swonger
1982 Honda Gold Wing
Jim Kojola
1983 Harley
Kathleen Schiffman
1996 Honda
Bob Sopkowiak
1999 HarleyLarence
Roland Stoehr
200? Kawasaki
Sue Stoehr
200? Suzuki
Larence Everson
2003 Triumph America
SEPT 15, MEETING AT MOTOPRIMO
John Eiden
1942 Harley 45
Dave Moot
1954 Matchless
Stan Mewhorter
1970 Triumph T100C
Bob Steck
1971 Honda 750
Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs
1980 Yamaha
John Swonger
1982 Honda Gold Wing
Paul St.John
1990 Harley
Paul Rognlie
1997 Harley
OCT. 9, FALL MYSTERY RIDE
(AT RICK WYATT’S)
Mike Koda
1939 BSA M-20
Harvey Berquist
1950 BSA 650
Bill Potter
1960 BMW
Stan Mewhorter
1966 Triumph TR6SC
Sean O’Neil
1967 Harley Sportster
Tom Jones
1968 Norton
Doc Denneson
1971 Moto Guzzi
Dave Rademacher
1974 BMW
Marc Raffe
1978 Yamaha SR
Rick Wyatt
1982 Yamaha
Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs
1983 Harley
Joel Hamel
1983 Yamaha
Gene Hostetler
1988 Honda Gold Wing
Paul Meisel
2000 Harley
Bill Bofferding
2002 Suzuki
Dave Moot
2003 Ducati
Jerry & Trudi Richards
2005 Harley
OCT. 20, MEETING AT BOB’S CYCLE
John Eiden
1942 Harley 45
Kerry Rasmussen
1946 Indian Cheif
Stan Mewhorter
1971 Triumph Tiger
Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs
1983 Harley
Tom Jones
1988 Harley Sportster
Paul St.John
1990 Harley
Hardy Baehni
2001 Ducati
Sue Stoehr
2002 scooter
Roland Stoehr
2003 scooter
NOV . 3, APPRECIATION DINNER
(OLD COUNTRY BUFFET)
John Eiden
1942 Harley 45
John Swonger
1946 Harley Knucklehead
Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs
1983 Harley
Paul & Doris St.John
1990 Harley
Stan Mewhorter
2004 Sportster
Jensen Scholarship Award
Erik Rabe received the second annual Jensen
scholarship award at Hennepin Technical
College. Because of a mail screw-up, the
award ceremony was missed and he has not
yet been interviewed. But, congratulation to
Erik Rabe anyway!
Erik sent us a great thank you letter showing
his appreciation for the scholarship.
Dear Keith;
I want to thank you very much for the Antique
Motorcycle Club Scholarship. I have always had
a passion for fixing older trail bikes and dirt bikes.
I built my first go kart with my dad at the age of
ten years old. I had a 10 horse power Briggs and
Stratton engine. Since that time I have aquired
various old bikes and learned from tinkering with
them in the back yard. Now to have a chance to
hone my skills at school learning is even more of
a highlight. Your funds have helped a lot with
tuition cost and I appreciate it. I plan to work on
an old Suziki Gopher 100 and a Yamaha Chappy
scooter for practice. Thanks again and “Let the
good times roll”.
Sincerely; Erik
At the show, he put a
post-it note on the tank
pointing to the plastic
priest which said “Good
Pete Pupeza
Padre, blessing my
bike”. The bike is now
Crystal, MN
known as “Little
(763) 533-1226
Padre”. Pete has now
painted “Little Padre of
ete bought this bike
Sleepy Hollow” on the
about four years
gas cap. It turns out the
ago. Rick Wyatt knew
Padre
has
been
Pete had been looking
knocked off and lost
Pete and his Rat bike “Little Padre”.
for just such a bike, and
twice, and each time,
put Pete in touch with Bill Ofstedal. Bill sent Pete finds him again. The other thing is, Pete
pictures and , although the bike was a “wreck”, hasn’t broken down since he added the little
Pete never-the-less sort of “fell in love” with padre! Pete says “no rat bike is complete
it.
without some lamp cord”. So Pete went to the
hardware store and bought lamp cord to wire
It was in pretty rough shape. It didn’t run, didn’t the 1940’s Dodge school bus tail light. The
have a tank, a seat, mufflers, a headlight or bike can be described as a Frankenstein, or
even any wiring!
a Hodge podge of parts. The rear fender struts
and from a bicycle front basket. Plumbing
Pete decided to make a sort of striped down parts are used as well as many other found
bobber. Tom Jones gave him a gas tank. Pete parts.
scrounged a solo saddle which he recovered,
added a bates headlight, and dug up some It was fun to interview Pete for this article
mufflers. He replaced the original front wheel because he is so excited about the bike. He’s
with one from a Kawasaki because it had a had a lot of fun building it.I know he enjoys
drum brake which Pete thought made the bike building things from pieces he picks up in
look more like a racer.
various places. Pete has an excellent ability
to see a use for a part others might think of as
Pete got it running but admits it’s not the junk.
smoothest. The bike leaks, it’s loud, it’s very
temperamental, but
Pete loves it! He says
Project it’s his favorite bike
1965 Honda 305
and he doesn’t have
Dream
over $600.00 into it.
He describes it as a
John Schiffman
low budget, hard tail,
rat bike. Yet Pete
Shakopee, MN
says he wouldn’t
have a problem riding
(952) 445-0770
it on a long distance
trip. Perhaps even to
ohn saw this
Sturgis!
former Shriner
bike advertised in a
John’s restored Shiner’s bike.
Pete says that he’s
m o t o r c y c l e
never actually washed the bike since he’s
publication. The bike was complete but in
owned it. He did win the “Best use of religious
pretty rough shape. John said that he
imagery” award at the concourse de’ not-sorequested pictures, reviewed them, and
elegant show put on by the Norton Owners
decided it was a very unique bike. “So like a
Association.
fool I sent a check and the bike arrived at my
door”. Upon arrival and inspection, John said
Here’s the story: Pete and Doc were at the
that he felt that it was represented accurately
Scale Model Shop in St. Paul and Pete found
by the seller.
this model of a train that was in a wreck. It
It had some unique items such as the siren
came complete with dead people and even a
and the flashing lights, but none of them
Priest with a bible in his hand. Pete bought
worked. Likewise, the electric starter didn’t
the whole thing and glued the Priest to the
top of the headlight rim.
work. Also, the bike had a lot of surface rust.
Project - 1971 Yamaha
XS 650
P
J
Works in Progress continued
After some carb work, John was able to kick
start the bike and found out that the motor did
run, but just barely. That was when he made
the decision to go ahead with the restoration.
He enlisted the help of Gary Sowers of New
Ulm, Minnesota. John served as what he
described as “the general contractor” for the
project. Gary took everything apart, and John
saw to it that every part was returned to like
new condition. This included repainting or
replating existing parts or replacing items with
NOS parts. Bolts, wheel rims, spokes, etc.
were replated in either silver cadmium or
chrome as appropriate. Painting was done by
Pro-Finishers of Prior Lake.
They had previously painted other bikes and
old cars for John so he knew he would be happy
with their work. John learned that Coker Tire
was soon going to be offering the needed
replacement tires. The restoration was nearing
completion so John asked Corky at Coker if he
could get the first two tires to come off the new
mold. Corky saw to it that he did. After
contacting Shriner Headquarters, John was
able to get suppliers catalogs needed to order
the official Shriners logos and medallions.
John showed the bike at Farmington in 2003
where he received a Junior First. Since the
bike was finished a number of people familiar
with Honda Shriner’s bikes have seen the
bike and no one has reported seeing any
other Honda Dream restored to such a
premium condition. One person even said it
may be the finest restoration of a Honda
Dream in the world. John asked to give a
special thanks to Gary Sowers.
The entire project took about a year. John said
that one of the most interesting things was
digging through a huge pile of parts at Sport
Wheels searching for a starter.
Interested in Antique Motorcycles?
Scott Schneider Wins State
Fair Awards
M
any Viking members know that Scott
collects motorcycle license plates, but
now he has expanded his interests to
postcards. Scott finds motorcycle postcards
at swap meets and on E-bay, but the one his
mother
gave him
has special
meaning.
It
is
a
postcard of
an
old
Harley with
sidecar and
four men.
Two of the
men are
related to
Scott’s
aunt.
Scott assembled his postcards in a display and
entered them in the Creative Activities building
at the State Fair. To qualify, all postcards had
to be from 1920 or earlier. Scott won first
place, a sweepstakes award, and a
plaque for best display from the Twin
Cities Postcard Club. Congratulations
Scott!
Commandment VIII.
T hou shalt not
tell thy spouse the entire cost of the latest
restoration, at least not all at the same time.
Sign up now! Below are the applications for both the National AMCA
and our local Viking chapter AMCA. Please note that to join the
Viking chapter you must also be a member of the National.
ONE MAN
CARAVAN
By Robert Fulton Jr.
Reviewed by Greg. Claflin
W
hile returning home to America after a
few years study of architecture at the
Bauhaus in Germany, Robert Fulton Jr. made
a stopover in England.
While attending a dinner party at a country
estate just outside of London late one evening
in 1932, it was during the course of casual
dinner conversation, that one of the guests
turned to him and asked when he planned to
make the crossing.
In those days, before busy airports, metal detectors, fingerprints and bomb-sniffing dogs,
“The Crossing” meant several days journey
on an Ocean Liner with the passenger held
hostage to, and at the mercy of the fickle and
sometimes treacherous weather of the North
Atlantic.
Often the result of this trip was spending most
of the time hanging over the rail and depositing ones breakfast, lunch and dinner over the
side due to the constant rocking of the ship.
After thinking about the question for a moment, Robert turned to his fellow dinner guest
and replied that he hadn’t planned to make
the crossing.
In fact, recalling a suggestion made by his father, he planned on going in the other direction.
Assuming that the great grandson of the
inventor of the steamboat planned returning home on a ship by way of Australia, he
asked him his travel plans and sat back waiting for the expected reply .
Without giving it much thought, “On a motorcycle.” Robert quickly answered.
“Alone?”
“Sure.”
At that point, I’m sure the dinner guest’s jaw
must have dropped at least two feet because
up to that time, no one had ever attempted a
trip around the world on a motorcycle or even
entertained the thought of making such a trip
alone!!!!!
Not knowing whether young mister Fulton’s
declaration was American bravado, a serious consideration,
or just plain lunacy, he told
him that their meeting was
indeed fortunate because he
just happened to be acquainted with some engineers
that worked for a certain motorcycle company
that just might be willing to equip him for such
a journey.
As young Robert was soon to find out, that
‘certain motorcycle company’ turned out to be
Brough-Superior, which in it’s day turned out
some of the fastest and most advanced bikes
of it’s time.
So began the journey around the world of one
Robert Fulton Jr. One that would take him to
some the most desolate and dangerous places
on the planet and once you’ve read the story
of his travels, you’ll realize they still are.
I really enjoyed this book. I must have, because I read it from cover to cover in a day
and a half and believe me, I’m not the fastest
reader in the world.
The thing that was really interesting is that it’s
not a traveloque type of journal of the sights
along the way. You really get an insight into
Mr. Fulton’s thoughts about the people and experiences he encountered. Also due to the war
in Iraq and Our Country’s experience in Viet
Nam, you can follow his route and recognize
the cities and towns from the Headlines.
In other words it’s a real “rip snortin’ yarn”
and page turner.
This book is published by Whitehorse Press,
sold by Aerostitch of Duluth for $24.00 and
can be ordered from their catalog. The phone
number is 1-800-222-1994 and their catalog is free.
The Illustrated
Directory of
CLASSIC
AMERICAN
MOTORCYCLES
By Tod Rafferty
Reviewed by Greg.
Claflin
A
t the time when I was growing up in the
late Sixties and early Seventies, there was
only one American motorcycle company in existence and as most people know, that company was Harley Davidson..
A company which over the years fended off
the slings and arrows of the competition, one
world-wide depression and near bankruptcy
in order to maintain it’s hold on the American
psyche. When you mention motorcycling as in
the phrase “American Motorcycling” to a foreigner, only one image comes to mind. That
image is one of a big beefy American dressed
in Levis and leathers and astride the saddle of
an even bigger and beefier bike. On the side
of that motorcycle, in his minds eye, are always two simple words emblazoned on its tank.
“Harley-Davidson.”
As a kid growing up on a steady diet of “Easy
Rider” magazines and “Biker Gang” flicks at
the local drive-in movie theater, I guess my
idea of American Motorcycling wasn’t too different from the one previously stated either.
(Jap bikes were for “wet behind the ears” kids
with little money and less sense. If you break
it, fix it with a hammer and crowbar, get back
on and ride it until it don’t ride no more.)
Well all that changed one day while tooling
down the road on my trusty companion, my
Schwinn Sting Ray, off on an adventure to who
knows where.
Behind me, I could hear the low rumble of
someone approaching on a motorcycle. Knowing that Japanese bikes of the time made a
high pitched whine and British bikes where
fairly loud and short winded, I turned expecting to see a Harley rider passing by, oblivious
to all but his bike and the open road.
To my surprise, even though the rider looked
as I imagined him, the bike he was riding did
not.
Sure it looked like a Harley, a full dresser,...
well.. sort of, but the engine was different and
it had these weird kind of scooped out fenders on the front and back.
Slowly it passed me by like an aging dowager,
still retaining a hint of the beauty she once
knew earlier in life, but still magnificent in all
her faded glory.
She was dressed in plain red. No, the gaudy
bright metal flake so popular at the time just
wouldn’t do. To do so would be like dressing
Pat Nixon up as a street walker and dropping
her off on the nearest corner.
If a piece of machinery could have had a soul,
then I was sure this one would have been
smiling contentedly for the chance to promenade down the boulevard on such a warm
and sunny Sunday morning happily greeting
passersby with her warm and throaty tones.
She wore one simple piece of jewelry on her
tank and it bore just “one” word done in a
tasteful script, “Indian”.
continued
Continued from Page 13
As she pulled into the Skelly station just ahead
of me and came to a stop, I excitedly peddled
harder to catch up so I could admire her, all
the time worrying that she would vanish like a
vision on a passing cloud. When I arrived, there
she stood, leaning on her kickstand and looking even better than she did in her passing, as
if to say, “What took you so long?”
That was my first introduction to a world long
since vanished like penny loafers and winged
tip shoes. One that existed long before the
onslaught of foreign bikes produced by the millions in order to quench the thirst of an American riding public with an unstoppable hunger
for two wheeled excitement.
This world unknown to most us born in the
1950’s and beyond was populated by more
than just Indian and Harley-Davidson.
In fact The Illustrated Directory of Classic American Motorcyles gives you a detailed glimpse of just how populated that world
was.
Until I read this book, I never realized that for
a period, there were over three hundred American-made motorcycle models and brands vying for the dollars of a country hungry for inexpensive and reliable motorized transportation.
Most of these companies came and went
at a time before the model T Ford was
inexpensive enough for the average
working man to afford and this book
gives you a fairly good glimpse of that
time.
I really enjoyed this book as it gives a short
history of some of the lesser known American
brands of motorcycles as well as specs and
photographs of each particular model covered.
I especially liked that the author also included
the prices these bikes sold for and their top
speeds as well as some of the innovations the
manufacturer came up with. This is one book
I’ve gone back to and reread many times. It
includes a short reference of each brand as
well as photographs of rare motorcycle posters.
I’d recommend it to anyone who is interested in antique motorcycling. It really gives you an excellent timeline of the evolution of motorcycling from bicycles with primitive gas engines strapped to them to the machines we’re familiar with today.
Commandment IX.
T hou shalt not
promise thy wife a new addition to the house
and then use it to store motorcycles. T hou
shalt not store bikes or parts in the attic.
This book can be purchased through Barnes
and Noble (some of the larger stores keep it
in stock) and is published by MBI Publishing
Company.It also may be available through the
distributer at www.motorbooks.com or it
can be ordered by calling Classic
Motorbooks at 1-800-825-6600 (they
also have a free catalog which includes many
motoring video tapes as well)
2004-2005
SWAP MEETS
Dec. 12, ‘04
East St.Paul Armory,
1530 East Maryland Ave. (3 miles east of
Interstate 35E)
Jan. 2, ‘05 Mankato National Guard
Training Center, 100 Martin Luther King
Dr. (take Madison Avw. east to Martin
Luther King Drive., turn right or south)
behind water tower by Mankato Ford.
Jan 16, ‘05
St.Cloud Armory,
1710 8th Street N. (adm.$4.00)
I-94 west to 15 right go past Division, then
right on 8th St., look for Armory on the
right or Hwy. 10 west to west 23 to 9th
Ave., North (right) to 8th St., left & look
for Armory on the left.
Feb. 4-6,‘05 Cycle World Show,
Minneapolis Convention Center. Downtown
Minneapolis. We’ll be having a booth
and display again this year and will
need about 10 bikes to display. It’s a
really neat deal, Last year the people that
put this show on supplied plaques for each
bike with the owner’s name, bike brand
and model. If you’re interested in displaying a bike at the show, contact Dave
Rademacher @ (763) 755-8520 .
Feb. 13, ‘05
Anoka Armory,
408 Main Street (Adm. $4.00)
Feb. 20, ‘05
St.Paul Armory,
12th and Cedar (Adm. $5.00) Just 2 blocks
west of the State Capitol Building.
Mar. 13, ‘05 Duluth Convention Center,
350 Haror Drive (adm. $4.00) East exit 256B
off I-35.
Mar. 26, ‘05 Aldrich Arena Motorcycle
Show and Swap Meet, 1850 White Bear
Ave., Maplewood (Adm. $6.00) 1/2 mile
South of Hwy. 36.Attention Viking members: Show your old bike. Contact Rick
Wyatt @ 763-784-4086
Feb. 18-20, 2005 AMCA Omaha
Chapter National Winter Indoor
Meet:Where: LeMars, Iowa Location:
Plymouth County Fairgrounds Meet Hotel
(Recommended): AmeriHost Inn & Suites.
Special Meet Rates (Tell them you are
attending the Meet). Make reservations
before January 22, 2005. Located on Hwy
75 South. Phone 712-548-4910. Other
Motels: Super 8, Phone 800-800-8000 or
712-546-8800. Amber Inn, Phone 800-3380298 or 712-546-7066. Super 8 and Amber
Inn are located on Highway 75 South. The
fairgrounds are located in the northeast
corner of LeMars, Iowa which is 20 miles
northeast of Sioux City, Iowa. Meet Hours:
Friday 8:00am to 8:00 pm; Saturday 8:00
a.m.-8:00 pm; Sunday 8:00-1:00 pm.
Please: No Pets. Vendor Registration:
Rich Schultz, 712-546-5042 Judging PreRegistration: Wanda Schumacher, 563-3238643, 2219 W. Central Park, Davenport, IA
SWAP MEETS
continued
52804. or online at http://
www.antiquemotorcycle.or/. Judging
Pre-Registration Deadline: Feb. 4, 2005.
Meet Information: Rich Schultz 712-5465042 or Paul Jensen 712-323-1576 or
e-mail [email protected] This is
the First Winter National Meet in
Cold Country!!. Indoor (Heated)
Vendor Spaces; Indoor Judging; Catered
Banquet; Indoor Fellowship in heated
10,000 sq. ft. bldg.
Note: All Swap Meet hours are 103 pm. (except Aldrich 10-4 pm., the
Cycle World Show which runs from
10am - 9pm. and the Omaha Meet
will run Fri.- Sat. 8:00am-8:00pm,
Sun. 8:00am-1:00pm)
With the exception of the Omaha meet,
Aldrich Arena, and the Cycle World Show,
Dates may be subject to change so be
sure to call (612) 598-1974 to confirm
first.
.
Tool Definitions
MECHANIC’S KNIFE – Used to open and slice
through the contents of cardboard cartons
delivered to your front door; works particularly
well on boxes containing seats and motorcycle
jackets.
HACKSAW – One of a family of cutting tools
built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms
human energy into a crooked, unpredictable
motion, and the more you attempt to influence its
course, the more dismal your future becomes.
VISE-GRIPS – Used to round off bolt heads. If
nothing else is available, they can also be used to
transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your
hand.
OXYACETYLENE TORCH – Used almost
entirely for lighting various flammable objects in
your garage on fire. Also handy for igniting the
grease inside a brake drum you’re trying to get
the bearing race out of.
DRILL PRESS – A tall upright machine useful
for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of
your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and
flings your beer across the room, splattering it
against that freshly painted part you were drying.
TIMING LIGHT – A stroboscopic instrument for
illuminating grease buildup.
WIRE WHEEL - Cleans rust off old bolts and
then throws them somewhere under the workbench
with the speed of light. Also removes the
fingerprint whorls and hard earned guitar calluses
in about the time it takes to say ouch!!
HOSE CUTTER - A tool used to cut hoses 1/2
inch too short.
Commandment X.
T hou shalt not
buy thy wife a motorcycle lift for Christmas.
Bits and Pieces
by Paul Meisel
Indian Chief Primary Chain Failure
Patrick Gentner wrote an article for the Rusty
Rebel (newsletter of the AMCA Confederate
Chapter) reporting that there was an inferior
primary chain still in circulation. These chains
were originally made in India, then China, and
sold as “American” made. The brand name is
“Rolon” and is easily identified by the Rolon
marking on every link. Patrick describes the
chains as “waiting time bombs”. Not only can
they destroy an engine and primary, but can kill
a rider. To check your bike, simply remove the
inspection plug and look for the Rolon name.
Cycle World Show
Minneapolis Convention Center. Downtown
Minneapolis. We’ll be having a booth and display again this year and will need about 10
bikes to display. If you’re interested in displaying a bike at the show,
contact Dave Rademacher @ (763) 755-8520
Viking Chapter clothing line
Watch for the new Viking Chapter clothing line
to be introduced at the January Holiday party.
Motorcycle Website
Do you know a motorcycle website that would
be of interest to Club members? If so, send it
to Paul Meisel so we can share it in this newsletter.
Meanwhile,
check
out
www.virtualindian.com
.
Need Help or Advice
Need help or advice on how to fix, repair or
restore a certain bike or part? Put a free want
ad in this newsletter or raise the question at the
next general meeting. Club members are always
willing to help.
Thank you from Hennepin Technical
College Foundation
Keith Peters received a thank-you from the
Hennepin Technical College Foundation,
Thanking the Viking Chapter for the $500.00
donation, which was designated for a scolarship
for a student in the Motor/Marine program at
the Eden Prairie campus.
Omaha Chapter Indoor Meet
See page 14 for all the details. Feb.18-20, 2005.
want ads
Wanted - Engine and seat for 1914 Excelsior
Twin, fork for 1917 Indian Powerplus. Brent (651)
462-1189
For Sale -1928 Indian Chief and Sidecar - 74ci
engine, recent engine top end, tranny and magneto
work. Older cosmetic restoration. Looks and runs
great. Left mount sidecar hasfreshly
upholsteredfiberglass tub on correct Indian frame.
Digital pictures available upon request. $23,500.
[email protected] CO
For Sale -1938 Indian Four – In excellent cosmetic
and mechanical condition. Starts, runs and sounds
terrific! Black with gold stripping. The only
incorrect part on this bike to my knowledge is the
later year, Indian ignition switch. Digital pictures
available
upon
request.
$40,000
email:[email protected]
For Sale 1944 Chief – The 74ci engine,
transmission, distributor and carburetor have just
been thoroughly rebuilt by one of the best in the
world. Complete records of the build tolerances,
specifications, parts and labor will be provided to
the new owner. One year warranty. The frame is
powder coated. I have obtained the correct fenders
for the front and rear but they need to be painted.
These are the “open”, pre-skirted fenders. The
original tank is in excellent restored condition.
Original Motolamp headlight. Original Hoyt
ammeter. Original speedometer and 18" wheels.
I will complete the restoration according to your
preferences for color, style of Indian tank logo,
seat, and other items. Parts have been sourced to
make this a rare wartime police bike, if so desired.
Digital pictures available upon request. Best
Serious Offer. Call Jon at (720) 350 6883 for
more details. CO
For Sale -Indian Sidecars - 1940 Indian Chief
sidecar #SC40-402, 90% complete, will fit any
Chief 1940 to 1953, needs restoration $5,000; and
1920’s Indian sidecar frame, fender, and rim, $650
Tom
Freed(303)670-8469,
[email protected] CO
For Sale -1959 Triumph T100 – Hard-to-find 1959
pre-unit Triumph T100. Matching engine block,
transmission case and frame numbers (027467)
bike has 13,337 original kilometers on it; all-alloy
engine is the 500cc twin cylinder with a single
Amal carburetor. $5,800 (970) 426-9697, (970)
426-9393, [email protected] CO
For Sale -1972 BMW R75/5 - Pearl white toaster
tank. New battery, new seat, always garaged, well
maintained. Full face helmet, half helmet and
original spare parts included. Very good shape.
$3,000. Call Steve at (303) 931 3650 or e-mail
[email protected] CO
For Sale -1973 R75/5 Racer - This bike was used
in WERA Vintage 3 Class competition and placed
13th in the nation recently. Raced for 4 years
(about 6 races per season); 750cc high
performance BMW engine that has a polished and
balanced crank, new pistons and rings, Carerra
valves and springs, stock cam, new carburetors,
new clutch, and new race tires. Use for racing or
take the engine, transmission and other parts and
put them into a tired stock R75/5. Digital pictures
available
upon
request.
$2,900;
[email protected] CO
For Sale - 1978 Triumph Bonneville T140E 750cc 5-speed 20,400 miles 2nd
owner. A good solid fast bike. Reluctant
sale. $3700.00 or very nearest offer.
Harvey 952-472 2223
For sale: Airplane - Childs amusement
ride from Excelsior Amusement park.
Spoil your grandchild. $138.67. Somewhat firm. Dave Rademacher 763-755
8520
For Sale -1975 (first year) Honda Gold
Wing with a low serial number (in the
150’s) for sale. It has a Texas title and
has had the engine rebuilt but has not
been started. It is currently stored
outside. Also, 1972 Honda CB 350
(current owner bought it new) and Texas
titled 1982 Honda CM 250. Last two
bikes have been stored in a shed. Wants
reasonable offers. Glen in Annandale
MN, (320) 274-3178.
Wanted - 46-47 Indian Chief speedo,
(usable) or dash. If you have one for sale,
call Kerry @ (651) 430-1332.
Wanted - Straight unbent headlight
brackets for 1976 or ‘77 Suzuki GT500 A
or B, and clean unrusted seat pan for same.
Contact Greg - (612) 529-5812 Email @
[email protected]
For Sale - Homemade trailer 4’x6’
3/4” plywood bed w/ 2x4 side rails.
Can be used for motorcycle or single
snowmobile transport. Never titled, but
will supply bill of sale. $250.00
Greg - 612-529-5812 leave msg.
For Sale - 1967 Jawa 350 Cal., 1968 BSA
441 Victor Special, 1975 Norton 850
Commando, 1979 MotoGuzzi 1000SP,
Early Bultaco 200 Metralla. Steve (218)
879-5889 Please leave message. Email
[email protected]
Wanted - 1953 BSA 650 A10SF Engine
and Trans., Norton 500 Model 7 twin engine. Steve (218) 879-5889 Please leave
message. Email [email protected]
For Sale or Trade –1976 MGB Rebuilt
1972 engine. This is a fun little car that
needs TLC. Comes with a bunch of extra
parts. Would consider trade for British
Twin (Triumph Bonnie), or a single late
‘70’s R100R (s) series Beemer, bikes,
basketcase, pile o’parts or ??? Contact
me if you have something interesting
Call or email Tim O’Keeffe (651) 4551839 email [email protected]
For Sale-2003 Harley Anniversary
Sportster XLH883. Brand new, 50
miles on it. Sales promotion award that
was never given out. Must sell $6500.
Located downtown Mpls. Don (612)
819-3456. [email protected]
Newsletter of the Viking Chapter
Antique Motorcycle Club of America Inc.
c/o Paul Meisel, P.O. Box 258 Mound, MN 55364