11111

Hit 11111 on the Enfield this week. Sometimes I love symmetry. Especially when it means I've gone for 5000 with no mechanical trouble. Crossed fingers.

Coming Soon

Broom Handle as an Engine Stethoscope

If your engine is knocking, this is an old fashioned, but effective way to determine the location of its origin. Don't laugh, I've tried it, and it actually works very well.

What you can do is take a wooden broom handle and stick it on the engine in different places like a stethoscope. While doing this, hold the other end of the broom handle up to your ear and cup your hand around it to your ear, and listen to the wood.  Try this is different places and you will be able to pinpoint exactly what part of the engine is making the loudest noise.

Thanks to by friend Rex Floyd  of Floyd's Garage - British Bike Repair and Restoration for the tip.

Museum Mimics Movie Motorcycles

A friend of mine manages a Hollywood themed museum located in the Hollywood Casino in Pennsylvania. They recently put a couple vintage bikes on display that are "studio representations" (replicas) including Marlon Brando's own 1950 Triumph Thunderbird as seen in "The Wild One". Triumph's importers originally objected to the bike being used in a film about rowdy motorcycle gangs. The Steve McQueen motorcycle is a studio replica of his "Great Escape" Triumph, which was dark green in the movie. Also, I don't remember the Indiana Jones sidecar bike seen in "The Last Crusade", having mag wheels.

Indiana Jones Motorcycle at Disney Hollywood Studios

I did some work at Disney Hollywood Studios recently and went out on the lot to check out the BMW R71 replica that is used in the Indiana Jones live stunt show. I'm not sure if this is a Ural or not. It turns out its got an electric motor that drives engine with hydraulics. No spark needed. The batteries are stored in the front of the side hack. Same thing for the larger vehicles. They did a neat job of weathering it all up to look like it's from 1940 Germany.

Ugly Truck Wanted

Thanks again for reading the HMT blog. I have a fairly outrageous request. Her Majesty's Thunder has need for an old 1948-1965 Chevy, GMC or Ford truck to haul our gear. I know, who wouldn't? Well maybe you wouldn't.

Do you, or your father-in-law, or your half-uncle have a hideous, old Apache? A disgusting F100? I don't care how bad it looks or smells. I need one to haul my bike and Her Majesty's Thunder gear to the events that appear on this blog. I'm looking for one that's running, even if it's as ugly as a Pixar character.

Free and ugly would be fantastic, but we could trade for part cash, part advertising space, event sponsorships, custom design or artwork, HMT tshirts, a visit from a well-known Star Wars character, or any combination. You can reach me at
chris@HerMajestysThunder.com Thanks!

Again, she can be ugly. Like Queen Mary zombie ugly.
Here's an idea of what I'm looking for. (Although these are beauties.)

1948-54 Chevy or GMC


1954-56 Ford



1958-59 Chevy Apache



1960 Ford


1960-61 Chevy



1962 Ford


1965 Chevy

Sculptor Jeff Decker

Jeff Decker is an artist without equal. Literally. He's the only motorcycle sculptor in the world. His work, immortalized in bronze, is legendary partly because he has such a talent for capturing speed and energy in a way that really takes a viewer's breath away. The classic qualities of masculine strength in his figures is inspiring to this artist. He's the official sculptor for the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Co. His site, JeffDeckerStudio.com, has some fantastic video interviews with him explaining his artistic process, and a brief history of Crocker motorcycles among other things. He's a member of the Sinners Motorcycle Club and rides one of the only original, custom Crocker motorcycles in the world. You can read more about him in the fall 2010 issue of Men's File Magazine. He's a biker, a father, a husband, a sculptor, and a clean-living Mormon.

Here's a wonderful video showing Jeff and his family at home.

Jeff's Blog

Jeff's Hippodrome Studio

Video

Photography of Daniel Espirito Santo

In Daniel Espirito Santo's shoot titled "Motorcycle diaries" models ride a cool vintage Ariel.  More photos here.

HMT Sponsors 2010 Bull City Rumble

This will be our third year attending and our second year sponsoring the 2010 Bull City Rumble, Sep. 3-4.. In the past it was called the Raleigh Rumble, but it's moving to Durham this year, hence the Bull City change. Put on by Ton-Up NC, the show is a Mods vs Rockers event with vintage British motorcycles, cafe racers and scooters. You'll probably see a few Brit Iron Rebels too. Ticket sales always go to a charity and this year it's Independent Animal Rescue. As always they have a cool shirt! Check out these pics and video from last year. Come see us at the Thunderdome!