News Page
This is the new News page, lots of gossip, rumours, and rubbish. Please send anything you want to tell the Harley world at large.
More stuff.
Well, now fitted a new hard drive to the computer (yawn...) and I am getting back up to date very slowly. And what about this bug that's going around? Vicious or what? Oh, then the mobile 'phone went wonky... so new one. Mind you, I got a JCB Tough Phone - good bit of kit; no bleedin' camera, and it's pretty well bomb proof too. Oh, back to computers, if you have emailed me and haven't had a reply; please send it again as I lost a load of emails with this hard drive debacle..... Back up? Wossat?
Here's a (crap) pic
of my FXR for sale. It is a 1991. New battery, rear tyre, belt, fat boy
handlebars, grips, levers, mirrors, Le Pera seats, Progressive rear shox and
front springs, etc.. 44,000 miles. A very good FXR Lowrider Custom. A damn rare
bike these days. £4995. Ring for further details.
Sportster. '04 model. Sold new by me. It is a 883 std. Converted to 1200, with Mikuni hsr42, S&S mufflers, detachable screen, touring seat, Progressive front springs, Fat Boy handlebars, saddlebag supports, small rack, always serviced by me. 22500 miles £3995
Both of these bikes are excellent - please ring if you want any more info. The FXR is in the shop and the Sporster is only a 'phone call away.
That'll do for now. More stuff very soon.
Unbelieveable!
It's bloody Christmas again, the computer's crashed, it's damn cold etc etc. Oh because of said computer troubles I am working from an old backup of the site.... Managed to borrow a computer whilst we sort out the main one - anyone do data recovery from a knackered hard drive? Well, anyway, it's been a funny old year. Got married in May to the lovely Fiona..... OK you can get up off the floor now. Lots of interesting jobs coming in - I will post some pics as soon as I can. Meanwhile, just to let you know that I will be around for most of the holiday break - just ring before you come.
Lastly I have a 1991 Harley FXR for sale. It has had lots of new bits fitted, like seat, rear Progressive shox, Progressive front springs, battery, footrests, handlebars, grips, belt, rear tyre, and so on. It has done 44000 miles or thereabouts - but is in good nick. A bit of tax and loads of MoT. £5K Hurry up or I may keep it for myself.......
Christmas Message.
Sooo.... how was it for you? 2006, I mean! I think I can say that for most of us, pretty crap covers it. Looks as though high interest rates have caught up with a lot of people and their Harley is the first victim. Anyway, if you are looking at a bleak winter, don't ignore the bike. Do the usual winter prep thing of giving a good clean, and protecting it with some wd40 or acf50 etc. Why do these protecting sprays have to be given such stupid names? All a bit Dan Dare / Bleep and Booster (test your memory there, eh?) if you ask me. Make sure you keep the battery charged and draught proof the shed / garage. Stand the bike on some carpet or similar so the cold doesn't strike up and cause condensation. And please, do not cover with plastic, old sheets etc. Use a proper breathable indoor cover... available from me of course. Do not start the bike until you are ready to use it again, as short starts / runs cause more damage than good. Check tyre pressures too.
So, what is going on with the Harley scene these days? It would seem to be a lot more fragmented than of old. I suppose that seeing as there are so many on the road now and so many clubs, shows etc that it would be bound to go that way. I do very few shows these days - Surrey Boot in the spring and the Hop Farm in June. The number of Harley people and their bikes was noticeably lacking there - come to that the numbers were somewhat lacking all round. I expect that the footy had a lot to do with that. Struth, forgot about that - wasn't too interested at the time anyhow! I would be most interested to hear all your thoughts on shows etc - would you like to see me there with a stand, and would you be interested in a gathering for all you people at the shop on a regular basis? I am willing to open on a Sunday during the better weather for a general get together - any takers?
I am also interested in hearing your views on what you want from me and the business. No silly suggestions for freebies.... or anything anatomically impossible either! Your feedback on what you want in terms of servicing, parts kept in stock, opening hours.... stuff like that. Either ring or send an email via the usual address.
This really has been the year of performance bits. Especially the Mikuni HSR 42. I have sold a lot of these - at least 20, maybe more. For all you people still on original cv carbs, this is the way to go if you want better and smoother performance. Kits start from around £330. Get some Vance and Hines exhausts to complete the picture too. If you have an injected bike, including '07 models, I can supply V & H pipes and the Power Commander modules. Do not, under any circumstances just fit an exhaust - the injection is weak enough without that! Oh, talking of '07 and '06 models, if you want to upgrade the performance you will have to change the injectors as the stock ones do not flow enough fuel for performance applications. It means that you either fit the earlier injectors for mild upgrades or fit the Screamin Eagle throttle body and injectors. Oh, enough... just ask if you need to know more.
I haven't forgotten all you Evo, Sportster, Shovel people either. All gaskets in stock - and still doing upgrades. Usually have the correct Mikuni HSR 42 and Dyna ignitions in stock. Cams, pipes all available, and 883/1200 conversions too. Those can be done in a day - I have exchange barrels for all years (three different types) - costs around £650 for that. Oh, add an HSR42 while you are at it (get the idea I like these carbs??!!).
I will be around in between Christmas and New Year on Thursday and Friday - possibly Saturday too. Best give me a ring first. Weather permitting, I'll be at the Pied Bull on Boxing Day - see you there for a very cold pint? Hope so. Enough of all this. Have a damn fine holiday and I will see you all soon, and keep in touch too, eh?
Sept '06
Yea, yea, usual excuses about the lack of updates. Well, what do you expect with a wonderful new woman,eh? Better than talking to you lot.....
Anyway, it has been a strange year. The market is changing all the time, more Harley dealers and loads more independents too. But we're still here after 31years!! I have to say that there is little to add to the usual ramblings, I will add some more as soon as possible. Just call or pop in and let me know what you need for your bike,eh? Meanwhile, take care and keep riding.....
A couple of extra things... I have barrels for 883/1200 conversions so I can do an exchange / same day service for £650. All tyres and batteries in stock of course.
Jan '06
As usual long time away from here! Lots been happening. The workshop floor has just been re done with a new shiny surface . Finished the FLH shovel for Les, pics on the gallery pages; that looks sooo lovely. Also a very nice Fatboy that I sold recently with a 113" engine and 6 speed tranny etc plus pretty paint job. Again pics on the gallery pages. I have various new bits in stock such as mirrors, grips, switch housings etc courtesy of Kuryakyn. Usual nice quality chrome. 883/1200 conversions have become popular again - I have spare barrels for most types to avoid waiting. Prices from £650. Done a few 95" conversions on TC88 motors too - there is also a 100" conversion available for a more sensible price these days. Just ring and ask further details. S&S engines are still available for sensible money - just ring for the latest deals.... Something very different.... look on the gallery pages and have a look at the drawing there. The artist lives very near to the shop and does these pencil drawings, unbelievable detail and quality. Anyway, he will take commissions, so if you would like a pencil drawing of your bike, car, cat, horse etc give me a ring. Prices from £75. Just supply a decent photograph. Or I can take a photo for you.....
Latest news around early Sept. What a quiet August!! Where you all then.... on hols etc no doubt. Getting busier now tho'. Seeing as we are fast approaching autumn / winter get your servicing done soon. Most of us forget that the oil in your engine deteriorates over the winter when it is old and contaminated (bit like us all, really) so it is much better for your bike to lay around with fresh oil around its vital bits. Oh, servicing prices will be going up soon. Enough said. If you are considering having any tuning work done on your efi (fuel injected), you will find that the Screamin' Eagle range of stuff is now finished due to Harley needing to comply with the new Euro emission regs for 2006. But don't worry too much as Vance & Hines are going to be doing a new efi specific range of slip - fit mufflers and injection modifying modules. There are also some rather good 100" conversions for TC88 engines - that includes 88B Softail varieties too. Just the job for a really torquey lump! Some more monied persons have bought a Screamin' Eagle Fatboy with a 103" engine out of the factory... well done Ian!!
In case you didn't know I can get polishing done at good prices, just had a couple of Sportsters done, you know the outer casings, fork legs etc. Transforms the look of a bike. If you want to avoid corrosion, keep the bike very clean and buy some ACF spray. This is good aircraft quality gear. Hmmm what is this aircraft quality shit anyway? I s'pose you don't see too many rusty 747's but it is an expression you hear rather a lot... I mean how about an aircraft quality bike? And let's hope it doesn't have a Concord fuel tank, eh? Ah, when was the last time you heard of a restaurant boasting aircraft quality food? Huh?
Back from hols... Had a damn fine time wandering around France in the camper. Getting busy again - but keep the enquiries coming,eh? I will try and update some more here soon. There's a few extra pics in the gallery..
So long since this was updated ... excuses? OK. Too damn busy, new lady in my life, sunny weather, oh whatever... Anyway, I am having my first fortnight holiday in 12 years this year; in fact from 8th - 25th July. so don't try and ring or email during that time - I am booked up until 1st August too!!! Oh, is it busy!! Lots going on - have a look on the pics page for a bit of an idea. Even Alan sold that 'orrible Guzzi and bought a Sportster!! I will try and do a bigger/better update as soon as I return from hols....
New Year. And it's one day sunny and the next ferkin' cold... But still some of you hardy types are riding through all that!! So, very soon I will be stocking ACF50 a new aircraft standard anti - corrosion spray. Watch out for more details soon. Also I will be selling Davida helmets, mainly open face. Lots of designs including flames, stars and stripes, etc. More on that very soon. As usual the call goes out for you to get organised and get your bike in for any work before the rush starts at the start of March. Usual stuff in stock as always - tyres, servicing items, gaskets etc. Oh I have just acquired some late Sportster barrels so I can do a 883/1200 conversion in a day - only proviso is that the powdercoat is intact on your barrels so they can be re-used. Ring me for more on this.
Winter 2004... (where the fuck has summer gone etc)
Well I'm back on here again you will be delighted to know. A massive time since an update on here. Lots of excuses, like the usual computer problems (new laptop now) oh there has been a few r's in the months, sun in the sky, rain, too pissed, etc etc.. you know the score, eh? Anyway, I reached the big 5-0 this year, so I celebrated by getting some varifocal glasses, insuring my house with Saga, and buying a camper. Haven't got the beige cardigan yet.... A real bugger this ageing process isn't it? Worst thing is.. oh, shit, what was that mind's a blank.. oh yes memory loss. Back to business. Been pretty busy this year. Some good large jobs so thanks to the likes of Paul, Ian, John, Les, Robin etc... keep 'em coming. Still seeing loads of Ebay bikes - those ones that people buy on Ebay unseen and then get me to collect and sort out. Oh dear. To all you people who are thinking of buying a Harley, chant this as a mantra "A new Sportster is only £5300 on the road and has 2 years warranty.." Oh well, all the old crap is good for business I suppose. I have lots of tyres and batteries in stock as well as the usual shiney stuff, some Kuryakyn, Vance and Hynes, etc.. Don't forget that I can respoke your wheels with stainless spokes too - and I do have a few hubs/rims in stock so I can do exchange wheels. Just for the record Brian Raybould aka Boz of Boz engineering is no longer in business. He managed to thoroughly stitch up all his mates including me and Matt etc before having his "breakdown" and just before being kicked out of his unit sold all the gear to AMW in Brighton. Thanks for fuck all, mate. I can get all your engine work done still via Matt - so don't have any worries on that score. And, no the Buell still isn't on the road - but the truck and the Lotus are... not a bad average, eh? Aww, c'mon give me a break!! Maybe next year. I now have all the Buell bits in stock - sold the new carb 6 times, the tyres 4 times, the ignition lots and lots of times oh, and the coil, the battery, the exhaust end cap, the switch gear, etc.. but it is all there and in stock. At the moment, until you come and buy some of the bits!! Thanks for all the support from you all over this seriously crap year for me. The old cat died at 19, my hospital visit, getting stitched by Boz, the run in with the vat, usual crap health, S&S engines.... thanks to you all. No don't bloody ask about any of that lot - well apart from the cat anyway. Hmmm this is quite theraputic, writing down all this rubbish! And to think that some of you actually read it too.. So, what is all this life / work balance shit? I mean are they really serious? So what is so wrong with doing a weeks work, then? You know, like we normal people do, 40 hours or so?? Hmmm? Ok. I now am closed on Mondays - so I now work around 45 hours a week plus the time spent on Mondays doing paperwork etc... I can see flextime as reasonable, just, but this other stuff... So why do all these people who only work a few hours a week when it suits them go to the supermarkets in the evenings and on a Sunday? Huh? Just when I need to go? I really hate those places, and to have all those fucking part time workers parking in the disabled and 'mother and child' places urgh.. perhaps I should take my parrot and park there... he's my boy!! Makes just as much sense doesn't it? And why do they treat it as a family outing? Haven't these sad sods anything better to do?? Grumpy old man? You'd better believe it!! Oh, bollocks that'll do for now. More ranting soon!
Just a footnote. I can supply a new Sportster for under five grand if you are very quick....
Winter Draws on.. 2003
Oh bums. All that hot weather.. gone. Well, almost anyway. Just keep enjoying the last few days while we can, eh? And where were you on the 7th? If you didn't show you missed a good gig. I had to drink all the booze left over. All the food went tho' - mainly to the band, ah, musos, eh? Not a lot else to report really. Very busy, can't get enough bikes to sell, usual stuff. Now is the time to get that pre-storage service done, before the salt gets chucked on the roads. Battery chargers always in stock, of course: fit and forget. Plenty of tyres in stock, get your re spokes done at the same time, too. Oh all the bikes advertised are sold... I still haven't had a holiday yet! Too bleedin' busy as usual. I have managed to have a lot of weekends at a few car shows for a change. Did Goodwood Festival of Speed and Shelsley Walsh hill climb. Oh fan bloody tastic they were. Oh sold the D type Jag: Mark insisted, you know me can't resist cash!!! Now have a Lotus Europa, yea, yea, all the jokes... And maybe the Buell will be back on the road next year... After the bodywork has been sprayed twice at over a grand because of bad manufacture.... Oh a fork seal has gone 'cos it's been stood for too long.. hmm. I now have the Sportster Fat Bob tanks in stock, filled and primed, so they can be painted quickly. These tanks are a bit ripply so always require some filler to make them look good - so I thought I would get one or two prepared for stock. Things I do,eh? Truck engine is in this country - allegedly! Only been waiting since 14th May.. Should be back on the road very soon. Possibly..
More summer stuff...
OK. What wonderful weather, eh? Just keep checking your tyres, oil level etc.. A date to put in your diaries. September 7th. We are having a party / open day event on Sunday 7th Sept. 3pm onwards. My band will be playing, so you'll have to put up with me singing and playing... the others are very good though. All are welcome, but please 'phone me to say you are going to come. There will be a bit of food and drink provided. Oh, please park in the car park in Beech St as the yard will be closed to all traffic. So don't forget, put it in your diaries. I have just managed to negotiate some bike parking next door in the car park for the sheltered housing. Bikes only tho'! And don't rev the nuts off your bike whilst there,OK?
Apparently, Pete Pettigrew is now being recognised as the 'sad old git from Eastbourne' after you folks have seen him on here!! Proves the web site gets read, eh Pete? If you are quick I have some of the Rallypacks in stock again, they are on the specials page, but do hurry as they go very quickly. Plenty of spoked wheels in stock for up to '99 models, 2000 up I can respoke yours in a day or two. Plenty of tyres in stock including Avon Gangsters. Servicing I can do usually within a week - bit quicker and a lot cheaper than most dealers. Ah, yes. Dealers. Did you receive a flyer from Surrey HD? I did. And they printed my credit card details in full on the address label!! So please check yours to see if they did the same to you! Haven't they heard of the Data Protection Act? You can imagine my reaction.....
Bike jobs. The Fat Boy is nearly done and so is that Cafe Racer, after many years of laying around!! Pics to follow.
Summer Message!
Oh it's been a very long time. A few problems here, but I'm back online! Very busy as usual. A lot of you will be buggering off to Barcelona about now. Good luck to you. I had a few last minute panics to sort out for a few of you... Lots of paint jobs going out recently - have a look on the pages for some pics. The Fat Boy restoration is progressing well - struth, to think we're now doing restorations of Softails... in a few years it'll be V Rods being restored? Don't think so... Don't forget that I am doing wheel building. That includes 16" conversions for your Wideglide or Deuce. Stainless spokes, either normal or twisted. I have a number of hubs so that I can often do an exchange wheel complete with new tyre and bearings, etc.
I still have one of the custom 125's in stock, it's registered so you can come and have a go; fun little thing to ride. That reminds me of a ... no best not go there, eh?
Once again, thanks for all the concern over the leg - it's been over a year now! Can you believe it? Still doing the knee class thing every monday. I can nearly get full movement now. Don't arf creak a bit tho' !!
Seeing as this is my chance to ramble on a bit, well it's my site and you don't have to read this - although loads of you do!! Anyway, why is it that there has to be so many secret ways of doing or describing things? Ok. Go into a bakers, how the hell are we, the paying punters, supposed to know that the nice brown loaf with bits on is a cottage barn cows bum or whatever? Or a Danish? Or some sticky looking thing (no not the young Saturday girl....) is a Newcastle flat bun? So we point to said thing and say we'll have one of those, and the snooty fat woman says ' oh the Fulham flapjack or the Tooting tart?' I don't care what its fucking called just give me two of those things with the currants in. Where do they get these people from? Are they specially selected? And do they get paid any more than minimum wage? Indians. I mean the take away or restaurant. I love a ruby as most of us do - very good meal if you are a veggie like me. But again what's a dansak dolphin tarka? Ask and they give that look, then explain in very poor English (usually with a brummie accent) that it is mumble pea clurty rumbty umble. We just smile and say 'mmm I'll have that' and we don't even know what it is!! Oh dear..... Harley people. What is it with all this fender / gas tank shit? We're English, remember! Is it again this secret language to confuse the uninitiated? The number of people I get in the shop who are confused about all this stuff and are so relieved when I explain things in real English and in laymans terms. Listen, guys, women wear suspenders (if you're lucky) blokes wear braces, fer goodness sake. There again I think there are one or two blokes who do wear suspenders under their leathers..... This stuff is a bit like 14 year old boys. You know they suddenly lose any strength in their spine and cannot stand straight, then they become unable to pronounce any consonants. I always thought this was a way to communicate, or rather avoid same with parents - but they grunt to each other in the same way. How the hell do they order a curry or buy a bun??? I'm in full flow now, people!! It's the same really in any specialist field. Like golf. No I don't. Drivers, birdies, eagles, par wosit off the tee on the 16th.... what bollocks! And why do they have to wear those jumpers and funny shoes? And those woolly things they shove on the end of their clubs, what the hell is that all about? And as for boating people. Starboard, painters, spinnakers... galley - it's a bloody kitchen, just damn tiny... why do they wear those silly bloody hats, or those mugs with 'galley slave' on them, or the sign above the door saying 'duck, or grouse'... perleease... Then there's computer salespersons. How is some poor technophobe supposed to know what a usb hard light zoom drive mega thing is? Eh? eh? Skaters, of the ice persuasion. Why do they have to wear such suspect clothing? And why do they do that thing where they always skate backwards. Y'know with their bum sticking out, can't you go forward you bunch of numpties? Ravel must be spinning in his grave. You write a jolly tune and some pair of tarts decide to spend 5 minutes skating backwards to it and millions of people love it. Why?
I'm off for a little lay down now after all that. Lots more next time!!! We've still got social workers, wine waiters, maitre d's, film noir, Glen Miller, help, I'm off again... Mr Angry of Tunbridge Wells signing off..
New year message!
Bit of a time since the last update, sorry about that... As for the acidic remarks from one or two about the site, you know where you can stick your browser!
Well, anyway, busy as ever. Loads and loads of work. Paint jobs, well, just watch the pages here for some pics of the latest creations. There's a lot of new things to be seen on the This Months Specials page. There are so many new things coming on to the market at the moment - more than there has been for many years. I have plenty of catalogues for you to peruse over a cup of coffee.
As I mentioned last time Zodiac now have the Kuryakin range in stock. Well, some of it anyway. Check out their website and get back to me for prices and availability. The shiny tart in the catalogue etc is called Illayana. Oh dear. What can you say?
Oh, poor, impoverished Sportster owners? I can supply and fit a pair of tyres for only £100 when you have a service - bargain, eh? Mmm, servicing. We are now about a week behind, at least. So book in good time, eh? Mind you, that's loads better than the Main Dealers can manage even at £60 per hour! I have plenty of oil and filters in stock for the DIY brigade, and I'll take your waste oil too for a small sum. Don't want you pouring it down the drain now do we?
I am awaiting a quote for some software that will enable me to send a text to you all about special offers or when I am on holiday etc. If you are interested in this or the same by email, let me know, preferably by email. And whilst we are in a communicative mood, let me know if you are interested in a summer bash of some sort at the shop. You know, bit of food and drink and some noisy music... Again if you're up for it email me. Got to be better than a lot of shows and rallies, and be a laff winding up all the disgusteds of Tunbridge Wells!!
That's enough old rubbish for now. You are all always welcome for Saturday lunch at the local greasy spoon - just turn up before 1.00 - see you there!
The MMC Christmas Message!!
Many people have asked for some news on my goings on like I used to write in Newsletters and in the magazines.. so here it is..
So what a year! All started so well until I fell off the bike in April (yea, that long ago...) things went downhill from there. But anyway, a very big thanks to everyone who helped and called to check on how I was. I have been very touched by all your good wishes and your patience - everyone of you, well, except one, he knows who he is. He should know where to park his Sportster... I was hoping to make more changes this year to try and improve the service, but have only managed a few. Top one must be the call centre who take my calls when I am busy or away - can you imagine how useful that was while I was in hospital? Loads better than an answering machine I should say! Only around £60 per month too, if you are interested in a similar service for your business, give me a call and I'll put you in touch.
I did get the new tyre changer, and also the means to respoke wheels. This particular service I will be promoting more next year. I have exchange wheels available for most models up to '99. 2000 up will be available soon. You have a choice of plain or twisted stainless steel spokes, and different rims too. Another service will be a more shall we say, efficient, accident service. I now have a ginormous american pickup to collect bikes with, and also the details of a couple of accident management companies who will arrange loan bikes etc. and help to get your excess back. Do remember though that these people are only of any use if it is a cut and dry accident caused by someone else. If you fall off like I did, best to go the conventional route. I will always do my best to help you with advice, tea and sympathy. Well...that might be a piss take if you did something silly.... come on, would you expect anything less?
Visitors will have seen the new doors to the shop. Makes a difference having glass ones. Big thanks to Ian for doing such a good job, as usual, and also for spotting the doors in Wickes in the first place! You will probably have seen the new 125cc bikes now in stock, just the thing for learning wives, lovers and sprogs. I will possibly have a demo in the New Year for you to try. Come and remind yourself what slow means, eh? We won't dwell too much on the prize shit of a work experience boy who stuck his hand in the till bigtime, and got away with it......
Other great thing is the new cafe nearby. Get stuffed for £4!! We always go for Saturday lunch, so come along and join in! They are even doing a full Christmas lunch for £7. Amazing. Such pleasant people too. Most interesting that it is always busy showing that not everyone wants fast food out of polystyrene containers.
Other crap this year. Ran over my own cat. Can you believe that? Poor old thing is 18 yrs old and deaf. She was sitting under the car didn't hear it start, you guessed. £300 later and tail removed, dislocated hip bunged back in etc she's as right as rain. Now there are two of us hobbling around the place! Most original excuse for being late for band practice! Talking of which, many of you have asked how this new project is going. (you get everything here y'know..) this is a change of direction for me musically. There are about 6 saxes, 2 guitars, drums and me on bass. And keyboards in the New Year. These guys can play, and sight read, so damn well too... makes me feel right ignorant. But it is all going very well and making me improve my reading. We will be gigging sometime in the spring. Oh and the music ranges from arrangements of jazz standards to blues to rock and roll. Mmmm... nice. More news on that one. Not just Harleys here...
Is it me or has everyone got a bit jaded with the whole rally scene? There doesn't seem to be the enthusiasm that there once was. I put my hand up (whenever, wherever I can....) and say that I have done enough of these rallies and shows. Maybe a lot of us who have been around this scene a long time have become a bit been there done that? Or am I just a cynical old sod? Answers on a postcard please.. there again perhaps not.
Jobs of note this year. Finishing the Duo Glide for Keith was great. What a beautiful machine that is. Tom spent even more dosh on the trike - all on the photo pages. There's Marks FXD that I did recently, fitted later brakes and a wideglide front end, look again on the photo pages. Ian's FXD has had a new tank and fancy spokes... oh loads of other stuff. All good enjoyable stuff. Thanks. Did you go to the last Surrey Boot? Did that rain? We were soaked, took some good amounts of dosh tho.... That event is getting so big, and so expensive too, £40 for a pitch this time. But there again, it is always good for business and a laugh. Especially the guy who was describing the paint job he wanted to the stall next door... how on earth did they keep a straight face? 'I want elves and such and such king of the fairies/goblins whatever looking like me (!) and then the fairy etc that's my wife, then the kids... in this special scene based on a dream I had some years ago, I haven't got all the money yet for this I have been saving for two years for it how much two grand I suppose 'etc ad nauseam. Laugh? We were crying... He was so serious, takes all sorts I suppose.
Paint jobs we've done a few. My Buell has been done, that was really expensive. Nothing fancy just plain red as before. Only thing was it was all full of filler from the factory! It will look good tho'. One interesting one being done now is a Road King for Denis. He's a retired fireperson, and wanted to buy the limited edition firefighters edition Road King. Harley wouldn't sell him one. Not no way, no how. So he bought a second hand one and we're painting it fire engine red with the correct decals etc this will look pretty amazing. Should be done mid Jan.... This year also marked the going of the Pro Street at last. Nice bike, but I am so pleased to see that go.... While it was in the shop a guy came in and asked about it then asked the price, 'about fifteen' I said - 'hundred?' quoth he.... you can apply your own expletive here!!! Ahh the joys of owning a bike shop huh?
It seems that the best custom bikes and parts these days come out of Germany. Frank Kodlin makes everyone else look silly, but there again at 90 000 euros... but there are some really good quality bits coming from the land of the sausage and frothy women, sorry lager. The clocks and mounts from MW are just so beautiful and they fit! Talking of nice kit, Zodiac are about to carry the full range of Kuryakin bits. No, please, no Napoleon Solo jokes, it's all been done before, open channel D, help I've gone and done it.. where was I? Oh, yes - this stuff will all be available very soon. Watch here for news.. Up and coming sellers of Harley bits W&W have a new catalogue out. Come and have a look. I will have some of these available for sale soon.
There is a new Harley magazine coming out soon. Hmmmm... I wonder about this, I really do. I wish them well, but we have seen this a few times before haven't we? Hog, Vee, All American Heroes, Heavy Duty (about 3 times), American Motorcycles, Supertwins, Hog Dog, Easy Riders Europe, and many others laying in the abyss of failed magazines on the Harley stuff... Maybe they can do it.. time will tell.
So, loads of new Harley dealers appearing. Can this be a good thing? I dunno. I did like the idea of Shaws opening one in their tractor place though... very funny. Apparently Harley are aiming for around 36 dealers by next year. Will there be enough bikes to go round? More to the point will there be enough punters? Hmm? Well, one good thing is that a lot of people don't want to pay £60 per hour for the work done on their bike - so more customers for me eh? And they'll all get that same service with a scowl from MMC that you all know and love...
If you've made it here, and not fallen asleep, I would really love to wish you all a fantastic Christmas and New Year. I really do appreciate all your custom, it's you, the customer, that makes this all worthwhile. I salute you all. Now you can all fuck off and get pissed....
We will be open most Saturdays - but please ring before you make that journey - coffee and/or cold drinks always available.
Check out the new galleries for photos of bikes that are/have been done.
More news as it happens.....
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