Buddy Customs Sportster

The one I've seen, that I've liked the most in a long time. Love the drilled-to-within-an-inch-of-their-lives front discs.
Those boots look like something from Krusty's wardrobe though. If you're going to wear Diadoras, stick to Borg Elites.
UPDATE: Photo from Buddy Custom Cycles blog. G

Rocky's brother Buddy

Another from Wayne K. Thanks

'Here's a cool picture of Rocky's brother Buddy Robinson stuffing Jay Springsteen at the Houston Astrodome'

Buddy Custom Cycle Racing Flathead

When I was looking for photos for the FEVHOTS Post, I found photos of this gorgeous handshift flathead. I don't know if it's an original or new crate motor, but I love the mix of old and new. 1940s tech engine, in a monoshock frame. Handshift, but 2015 Maxxis rubber. Even the rider is mixing it up, white jeans and modern helmet.
It was built by Buddy Custom Cycles and if we can get a feature on it, we will. G

Photos: Jun Saitoh

Franck's XS400

From Marie-Laure in France...

hello, I redo attempt to solicit you for you and bring up the photo of the pretty modify XS 400 in street tracker, by my friend Dr. Jacko, more Margerin Franck has found beautiful and as in a few days, it is my buddy's birthday ca be mega cool if you could put his picture on your blog. thank you all ahead full. 


je refais une tentative auprès de vous pour vous soliciter et faire apparaitre la photo du jolie XS 400 modifiie en street tracker,par mon pote le docteur Jacko, de plus Franck Margerin l'a trouve magnifique, et comme dans quelques  jours, c'est l'anniversaire de mon pote ca serait mega sympa si vous pouviez mettre sa photo sur votre blog. merci tout plein d'avance.

 Franck is wearing the largest of the Sideburn Street Rocket T-shirt. G

The World's Wildest Street Tracker

Thanks to Ed for pointing us to this Harley XR750 street tracker US eBay. Below is what the seller says (unedited).
Race engine. Race tyres. Bump start only.
None of you are idiots, but I'll add that this sale is nothing to do with us and we don't know the owner or the bike personally.

2007 XR-750. this is a fresh build, street legal, retired race bike. I had this dream to own an xr that was street legal. if you know xr's, they are hard to find period, then add the street legal part and they are just about impossible. I found this bike partially completed. It has a new C&J frame that is unpainted, just oiled to prevent rust. the body work is all carbon fiber, including the exhaust guard. I was told that the body work was a spare set from Coolbeths Black Beauty. these parts were back-doored out of the factory teams stash on accident. it could mean that this is the second of only two, but I have no way of knowing honestly. they are all unpainted and look great just as they are. the wheels are PM dirt track 19" that are super light. most of the components on the frame are sourced from A&A racing. adjustable triple clamps, handlebar clamps, knock off hub parts, brake brackets, etc. The brakes are both Brembos and work really well. huge 270mm rear rotor because I just used the rotor that would usually be only used. the front rotor is a 320mm with an adapter to the PM hub. front forks are CBR 600 that have been worked over and are adjustable. I have another fork lower leg and wheel hub adapter because I was thinking of adding another brake rotor, but one is more than enough. rear shock is a Penske. seat is a corbin. 

Now for the motor. it was a fresh motor from Rich King, former national #80. he was a factory harley rider with Bill Werner tuning. both guys together built this motor with intentions to race. I was told it was first ran at Springfield for qualifying and started using oil so it was sidelined for another motor for the race. a post race tear down found that it had a valve guide slip which caused the oil loss. it was repaired and left unused. I spoke with King after I bought the bike and he confirmed the story. the story is that it has only 25 laps or so on it. rumored to make over 100hp, but I have no dyno proof. notice that the serial number is 001. both cases match and have no repairs. I was able to talk to Harley race dept for info on the vin. they also confirmed that the motor was a Rich King motor. two Sudco prepped carbs, PVL dual ignition, 2 plug heads ported by s&s, titanium valves, Darcy intakes, BWR wet clutch, stainless stepped exhaust, supertrapp mufflers. always runs on race gas, and has been tuned by a well known super tuner Brian Billings in my hometown. 

I have installed a battery to run the lights, it has no charging system, so its a total loss electrical. its a small dry cell battery and holds more than enough of a charge to run several tanks of fuel before needing a re-charge. there is a separate switch to turn the lights on and off. I have not added any tabs or mounts that would not come back off in case this bike was used to race again. small single mirror. 

The bike is a blast to ride. if you like huge power, and lots of wheelies, this is the bike for you. gets awesome mileage (not really). I have never parked next to another one while cruising town. it can be bumped started unless you are old and can not run. in that case always ride with a buddy that can. I have a remote starter that works really well that comes with it. I have maybe 300 miles on it total, but it has no speedometer/odometer. just take my word for it.

Daytona Short Track!

Praise the lowered!
The AMA season is back, TONIGHT!
The first night of two at Daytona. Watch it live on fanschoice.tv

Is Davis Fisher going to make the main in his first GNC1 race?
Is Davis Fisher going to make the podium in his first GNC1 race?
Is Bryan Smith going to make the top seven and give himself more of a chance to win the title?
Mees and Baker have been winning short track races all over the world all winter, who'd bet against them?
Is anyone going to come out a year early in leathers instead of MX kit? I know the answer to that one...
Briar Bauman gives our readers short track tips in Sideburn 24 (out soon). He won the final round of 2015, the short track at Vegas, and he's a bad ass and a big unit, could he muscle his way through?
And our buddy Johnny Lewis has won Daytona before, he's fitte than ever, but does he have the machinery to back it up?

We'll find out soon. Go to fanschoice for schedules.

Photo: AMA Pro Racing

Ozark Mountain Scramble

From Captain Awesome at Mulligan Machine...

I figured you guys might be able to post this up on your blog and get the word out to other like minded budget builders/riders. Inspired by the 555 for the past few years, me and a buddy decided to start a similar run of our own. The route has been chosen, and will be a 3 day scramble throughout the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Anyone who meets the criteria below are welcome to join. We decided to change some things up a bit, but the initial concept is the same as the 555.

* 1980 or older motorcycle
* spend less than a total of $1000 on the purchase, build and prep
* total displacement of motorcycle cannot exceed 750cc

For more information check out the blog here------>CLICK

more Scorpions

A couple more shots from the recent Scopions jaunt, from Disaster Dave (via Troy Critchlow).
Here is a couple of photos....I'm #36. bike 1969 CL350 Honda
flattracker. #3 is my buddy Pinstipper Myk..on 1952 500cc Triumph. and thats motorcycho Norm with the red helmet.. check out norms old Ratfink
hat..ha
~d
Loving the Bell Moto III lid Norm. BP

The Rusty Butcher

WTF with Rusty Butcher from Biltwell Inc. on Vimeo.
If you're not on instagram, or other social media, you might not know the Rusty Butcher. Mark is a former motocross rider who makes leather goods and other stuff, then started modifying harley Sportsters and having his friend, Preston Burroughs (who is a fearless rider himself), film and photograph him.
We met Mark at Perris and then him, his buddy Cory, and Preston all trucked up to Castle Rock, 20-plus hour drive from their home, to compete at Dirt Quake USA.

This Biltwell film is a good introduction to the fella. G

Mr Clay Chambers

This is from our buddy Russ, who is working in one of the Balkan states. Always forget which one. Sorry Russ. When are you back? GI

'Y'know, sometimes you see images of bikes and think, yeah, I could live with that. Or like the xs on your blog a few days ago I think 'I neeeed that bike'. Well, that happens a lot.
'I found this pic on the internet, I think from a link from your blog, and thought 'that guy looks cool as ..' We all like pics of McQueen looking like you always wanted too as a kid, or what you aspired to, or pics from 'back in the day' as the kids say where you find someone you wanna be, but I find that it is very rare I see someone these days and think, ok, I wish I looked like that/did that. This guy has it. In spades.

'Got the helmet, strides, cool shirt, knee pad things, and awesome boots.
'I even remember having a burning desire for one of those Scott face masks as an 8 yr old aspiring BMX racer. I never had one, but did have a Stadium mask that I would wear with my Bell-a-like helmet when I got to ride in my Dad's sidecar, but I guess
that is another story.
'And I guess this is the same fella in his race gear?

'Nice work sir.
'In the words of Kenny Carter, 'just wind it on and turn left'' Russ

Billy Hamill's Joker Machine Land Speeder

This is a follow-up on the Jawa Land Speeder we told you about back in August.

My name is Geoff Arnold; I am with Joker Machine in the United States.
We manufacture over 600 parts for motorcycles; some of them are for dirt track and speedway racing. I am impressed with the quality of your magazine and have been checking it out with great interest, good job. I just wanted to send you a couple of photos of a bike we built using a long track speedway bike. We took it to Bonneville with our buddy Billy Hamill who is: 2006 Speedway World Champion and former Cradley Heath Speedway great. Billy also rode for Coventry and The Wolverhampton Wolves over his 17 years in England. At Bonneville we were able to go 144.2 mph, which was pretty good but not good enough as the record is 145.2 mph. Talk about being gutted.
Anyway.please contact me if you would like anymore information.
Thank You,
Geoff Arnold


Joker Machine's sponsored speedway rider, Ricky Wells

Superdry Enfield

This came in from Rupert in England.

Hi Gary 
I want to come to Dirt Quake with my Royal Enfield. 
I've lent it to the fashion label Superdry for a couple of shoots. They've used images of it for various aspects of their marketing. The top creative guy there is a mate and bike-mad. I didn't build it for any specific purpose but it has turned out to be a lot of fun, on and off road. Never had it on a dirt track.... It looks a bit trials but the engine and gearing is set to go fast. It goes pretty well and sounds even better. And just about road legal. Others attached. Also a picture of my buddy's RE, also used by Superdry. Looking forward to receiving Sideburn...
Kind regards, Rupert W

Photos courtesy fo Superdry

More Royal Enfield News
Watsonian-Squire, who worked closely with us on our Project Enfield have decided to no longer import Royal Enfields, but they are still dealing with spare, extras plus new and used Enfields, along with their core sidecar business. This is what they say:

Watsonian sidecars will be opening their new expanded showrooms on Saturday 4th May. 
In addition to new and used sidecars and motorcycle luggage trailers, a selection of new and used Royal Enfields will be on display, including some of the company's specials. 
Visitors will be catered for with a free BBQ and refreshments. Located between the picturesque market towns of Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh, the showrooms are perfectly placed for an enjoyable ride out through the north Cotswolds. 
Doors open at 09:00 and the first 25 visitors to arrive will receive a free Royal Enfield book worth £25. The Watsonian Motorcycle & Sidecar Company is at 70 Northwick Business Centre, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9RF. Telephone 01386 700907. www.watsonian-squire.com

Dang fun: Hooligan class

From Garrett B in, I think, Colorado. Garrett is important to this blog because A. His bike was on the first ever post. B. He has a Mummies tattoo (and I love the Mummies). C. He has a neat Sporty street tracker. And D...

I FINALLY went racing this past Saturday! I rode in the "Hooligan" class for street legal bikes, on my sportster. There were 8 riders, and I got 2nd in the heat race and 3rd in the main.
I'm hooked! Plans are in the works for next season... I think I'll still run the Sportster in hooligans, but I'm converting the little Aermacchi to full-on race bike to run in the Vintage class. It's just a short track, so should be fine.
Dang FUN!

GI You raced in jeans?! Do you have to remove the front brake lever for that class?
GB: Jeans and VANS! Crazy or stupid I guess... I can really see how that hotshoe would be helpful! Almost kicked myself in the head. Next season will see some more protective gear... Brake stays on for Hooligans.
The guy who won the class was on a wild KZ750. He raced open pro later in the night. I stayed within a length of him in the heat race, but during the main he pulled away a bit, and I also got beat by a cb360. We lapped the field up to 5th. I got called a "sicko" by one of the riders, but there were a couple guys out there on choppers who I think were the real sickos.

GI: Did your buddy with the green Sporty race too?
Yeah, his name is Barry, he raced too. He's got that very cool Shawn Murray trackmaster tank.
It was his first time on a track of any kind, and he did very well considering he was on a 400-plus pound bike!

Interview: Matt Wes

We have two new sticker packs out, each with five stickers and a custom-designed label. One is by Sideburn regular Maxwell Paternoster, the other from new collaborator Matt Wes. I met Matt when I attended the first Mama Tried Show in Milwaukee, in early 2014. He was the tattooing in the show and wearing an old Sideburn hoodie (before he got too hot). His illustration style is wild and soaked in colour, featuring chubby monsters, waxen skulls, heavy-browed panthers, multi-teated bats... Certainly no Winnie the Pooh with a balloon. I always thought it would make great stickers and finally got around to it.

Get these limited edition stickers packs from the New Arrivals section of the Sideburn shop. We've redesigned the shop, so have a snoop around.

Here's a quick interview we did with Matt. He wrote the captions for his photos too.

Who are you, where you from and where are you at? 
My name's Matt Wes and I came from hardcore punk, graffiti and skateboarding in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I'm currently living in Oakland, California tattooing at the best shop I've ever worked at FTW Tattoo Parlor. Still skating and going to shows as much as possible.

Do you ride bikes?
Yes I do. The weather in the Bay Area is great for riding motorcycles though I do miss riding my '89 YZ250 on frozen lakes with my Wisconsin buddies. Bikes I own: 1979 Yamaha XS650; 1972 Yamaha DS7; 1977 XT500 flat track bike; 1970s Yamaha RD350 in a champion frame.

How would you describe your illustration style and what influenced it?
What I try to do with art is take a traditional tattooing technique and apply it to not so traditional subjects. There are a lot of tattooers I'm influenced by. When I was 15 or 16 I saw an article in International Tattoo Art magazine about Jeff Rassier and that was sort of the beginning of knowing what I wanted to do with tattooing. There are so many names I could list, but mostly I like tattoos that look like tattoos. Aside from that I look at a lot of old action figures, toys, skateboard graphics and old D and D [Dungeons and Dragons] art and try to make tattoos out of it.

What do you miss about Milwaukee?
I miss my friends mostly. I was part of a great shop called The Valley where we all hung out and worked on bikes. I could also go to my hometown motorcycle shop Red Line Cycles and hang out with Tony Giorno and my buddy Don Lupi and shoot the shit about flat track racing. I haven't found a shop space here in California and my welder and other tools are in my closet at the moment. Also Milwaukee is the city where you can find an above average cup of coffee almost everywhere you go and I miss that.

Riding across the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee on the XS. Photo by Death Science Dusty 

What's your dream bike?
Before I moved I was building a flat track bike out of a '77 XT500 using one of my dad's frames. That bike will be a dream come true if I ever finish it!

Motorcycle hero? 
My dad is probably my motorcycle hero. The first time I ever rode on the ice was when I was 3 or 4 years old. He'd sit me on the tank and we'd go rip around on a frozen lake somewhere. I've learned a lot about bikes from him and he's still racing and going fast in his 60's. A close second is Terry Vestal because he's a mad man and has given me more tips for racing than almost anybody else.

This photo was taken in 1982 or 83. At an ice race probably in Wisconsin but I'm not sure of the lake. Maybe Silver Lake, WI or Twin Lakes, WI or someplace further north. My mom took it. I was less than a year old. I may have only been eight months old. My dad still races that bike. It's a DT250 Yamaha I think (could be a YZ though). Brakeless. He's running a compression release lever on it these days, but I don't know if he was back then. I remember when I was 5 or 6 helping him stud his tires for the ice and also pushing this bike up the basement steps to get to the van by myself for the first time at 10 or so. I wish I knew more about photos from the time period.

Finish this sentence, Racing is life...
 ...go fast as fuck!

 My first vintage race at Wauseon Ohio two summers ago. On my friend Don Lupi's XT500. 

See more of Matt's tattoos and artwork at his website: pvzzledpanther.com or on instagram @pvzzled_panther

Vintage Supermoto

From Daniel in Chicago... We like new bikes, really like them, but we love it when old bikes show them a thing or two. GI

Seeing how Ben popped the cherry on his CCM, I figured I'd share my first vintage supermoto experience.
This is my '79 XT500 street tracker that I worked on all winter here in Chicago.
It's set up for flat track but I haven't made it to an FT oval yet. Most of my buddies ride supermoto so I skipped visiting the Springfield TT and took it to an SM track day last Saturday to scrub the rubber a bit.It turned out to be a great decision - the Goodyears hooked up well and my 31-year old bike was able to keep up with some of the more modern machinery.
Next step - a dirt oval. I can't wait.
Cheers~Daniel
P.S. Here's a short vid of me following my buddy Eddie:

The Beat Goes On

'She's terrific, she's cute, she's talented and she's also my daughter...'
Famous drummer Buddy Rich introduces his 12-year-old offspring to sing a big favourite of mine. I think I originally heard the All Seeing I version of this, but regular Sideburn event DJ Dave Taylor clued me up on this video.
The visual quality is poor, the lyrics are gobbledook, but it's well worth four minutes of your time.

Don't worry, motorbikes tomorrow. G

Street Trekker

From John in America.

Hi, Gary,
My mate Greg (from NZ) and I just finished a 5,580-mile trip around the American west on a pair of '81 XS650s. One of the attached photos is from Death Valley, where it was 110 degrees F when we went through (we caught it on a moderate day; it
was forecast to be 122 degrees the following weekend). There's a ratty street tracker under all that gear, believe it or not.

Repair was a daily event. One good scare was coming off I-80 to the Bonneville Salt Flats after a few hours of running at 70 mph, and Greg finding the swingarm pivot shaft sticking out a few inches; the threaded end, nut, and locking tab had broken
off somewhere. It was a happy accident that we had happened on Speed Week. When Greg rolled to a stop he landed next to the camp of Guy Warner and his dog Buddy, who attends the events just because he likes them, and brings a trailer full of tools and parts in case anybody needs them. We borrowed the stuff to drill and tap the remaining stub of the shaft for a bolt that held it together for the next few thousand miles. Guy refused any kind of compensation, just telling us that if we saw anybody that needed help, we lend a hand. A low-key guy, and one of my current heroes.

We saw Jacqui van Ham, a friend of yours, at the informal car show outside the casino just over the Nevada state line that night. I wondered why anybody would be taking a picture of my loaded up bike with all those nice cars around...it was the Sideburn sticker on my lid. Proof positive that Sideburn attracts the right sort.
And, Sideburn #6 was waiting for me when I got home; thanks!
John Bishop

Lennard Schuurmans

Lenny is a buddy of mine from Amsterdam. A talented graphic artist. When he's not up a ladder painting murals or scribbling on scraps of paper, he's downloading motorcycles from the internet by the tonne for his blog Bubble Visor. This boy has the hunger of a Japanese whaling trawler. And likewise, he shows no mercy. Blogger even momentarily shut him down as he was over capacity.
Back to art... Lenny has an exhibition in Luxembourg at the end of the month. We're lining him up to do something for SB#6. BP