Classic Chrome

For antique American motorcycle enthusiasts, there has always been and will always be a need for a source of parts to restore and repair their machines so that they can stay on the road and into the wind. With the price for OEM and NOS parts going through the roof in recent years and the falling amount of usable original pieces, enthusiasts are sometimes hard pressed to justify these rising costs in order to keep their machines operating. This week we are joined by one man who had a vision to start a business that would build faithful reproductions of the parts needed and wanted by American motorcyclists. Calling into the show live is Mr. Ted Doering, who is the man behind the largest parts supplier for antique American motorcycles in the world: V-Twin Manufacturing?. We will be discussing the finer points of the business and cover some of the great products offered by VTwin. In addition to talking about the business end of things, we will cover the famous Motorcyclepedia Museum? in Newburgh, New York that Ted is heavily involved in. This should prove to be an exciting and interesting look behind the scenes of an industry giant, and motorcyclists from all over the world are welcomed and encouraged to tune in to the program at 7pm Central. 

VTwin Manufacturing Website: 

www.vtwinmfg.com

 

Motorcyclepedia Museum Website:

www.motorcyclepediamuseum.com

 

 

Special Guests: David Lloyd, vintage collector, restorer, and Motorcycle Cannonball finisher

 

One of the most rewarding experiences in owning a vintage motorcycle is being able to kick the starter pedal (or push the electric starter button), select a gear and find a backroad. Riding a vintage machine brings a whole new aspect to the joy in owning one. For many, it provides a deep connection to history, for others it brings the feeling of a time warp. However, the all-too-real risk of owning and riding an old motorcycle is that of mechanical failure leaving you stranded on the side of the road. While these unfortunate experiences become lessons to be learned from and laughed at later down the road, it certainly can be frustrating, and at times dangerous. So in the first installment of our monthly tech series, we are going to focus on how to properly, and safely, prepare your motorcycle for a season of two wheeled fun. Additionally, we will cover some of the most common roadside fixes and troubleshooting processes in solving the problem that ails your motorcycle. Joining the show to head up this discussion is none other than Mr. David Lloyd, who is an avid collector, builder, and rider of antique motorcycles. David is most definitely qualified to cover this important subject, as he has completed a massive amount of vintage rides, including the famed Motorcycle Cannonball. 

Special Guests: John Landstrom, owner of Blue Moon Cycle

 

Ask anyone in the south about the highest quality antique motorcycle shop, and Blue Moon Cycle is bound to be at the top of that list. Since 1987, Blue Moon Cycle has maintained as an icon in the Atlanta, Georgia motorcycle scene. Over the years, Blue Moon’s day-to-day operations revolved around the sales and service of modern BMW motorcycles. Owner John Landstrom prides himself on having operating one of the smoothest-running BMW motorcycle franchises in the country, and the determination of his highly skilled staff to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. In addition to selling late model machines, Blue Moon is well known as a parts distributor for antique European motorcycles dating back to the 1950s.  Most recently, John made the decision to sell his BMW dealership franchise and focus on strictly vintage motorcycles. On September 12th, 2015, Blue Moon Cycle officially re-opened to welcome its visitors to a showroom and museum where more than 100 vintage European machines are on display. Dozens of beautiful BMW, DKW, Horex, NSU, and Adler motorcycles are presented, as well as rare makes and models such as Bohmerland, Munch, Immer and Gnome Rhone. In addition to the collection of motorcycles available on display, John Landstrom is well known for his adventures with rare and exotic motorcycles around the globe. This week on Classic Chrome, we are excited to be joined by Mr. John Landstrom himself, who will be sitting down for an exciting hour of his motorcycle tales and more information about the Blue Moon Cycle collection. 

Blue Moon Cycle Website: www.bluemooncycle.com

Special Guests: Brian Keating, Gary Keating, and Robert Keating

When looking at the market for pre-war motorcycles, it may seem that field was dominated by just a handful of manufacturers; Harley Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Henderson. But, did you know that in these very early days of motorcycling, hundreds of motorcycle companies were in existence across the globe? Many of these manufacturers actually date back even earlier than American legends Harley Davidson and Indian! Dozens of these smaller companies were in existence here in the United States, with many of them located in the Northeast. While some of these companies were later purchased by the industry leaders, most of these early builders wound up closing their doors. The design elements of several of these defunct manufacturers still wound their way into the machines produced by the larger companies. Today, machines such as the Flying Merkel, Reading Standard, Minneapolis, Cyclone and several others are invaluable to cataloging the history of the sport and are usually only seen from behind plate glass in a museum.  On September 23rd, we are joined by three very special guests. Signing on for the cast on the first episode on our new network, we are honored to welcome the Keating Brothers: Brian, Gary, and Robert. The Keating brothers have an interesting link to the pioneering days of motorcycle development: enter the Keating Wheel Company. Amongst a long and incredible list of milestones, the Keating Wheel Company was the very first manufacturer in the United States to build a complete and running motorcycle (also called a motor bicycle)—MONTHS before Oscar Hedstrom and the Indian Motorcycle Company offered their first machine. Adding to the incredible history of the company, the Keating Wheel Company sued both Indian Motorcycle and Harley Davidson for patent infringement and design, and WON both cases. 

Special Guests: Ron Fellowes, author of No Room for Watermelons, veteran motorcycle traveler

 

Many people dream of one day getting on their motorcycle and setting out to see the world, but not enough of us get that opportunity. This week on Classic Chrome, we are honored to be joined by one man who took such a journey; aboard a now 105 year old motorcycle. In 2012, 68 year old Ron Fellowes of Brisbane, Australia set out to ride his 1910 Fabrique Nationale (FN) Four Cylinder motorcycle more than 9,000 miles from Kathmandu to the factory where it originated in Belguim. Over eight months, Ron’s journey took him through 15 countries and challenged every mechanical part on his machine as well as every fiber of his being. Through his journey, Fellowes traveled across some of the most hostile territory in the world while battling mechanical failures in the face of treacherous environmental conditions and dangerous bystanders. Ron’s pilgrimage brought him to some of the most beautiful parts of the globe, as well as brought him literally within sight of death. With no gears, pedal cranks, and lack of appropriate brakes, Effie, Ron’s 1910 FN made the trip ever more difficult. Despite these tough factors though, Ron and Effie traveled across the globe in the ultimate test of man and machine; a trip only made possible by his own dedication and the unending help of his wife Lynne and generosity of complete strangers.  After the trip was completed, Ron and Lynne compiled their documentation and commentary on the ultimate journey of a lifetime into an incredible book: “No Room for Watermelons: A man, his 1910 motorcycle, and an epic journey across the world”. 

Ron Fellowes Website: www.oldblokeonabike.com