Normally, I take this thing for what it is. Made for TV motorcycles. A season end side show of the big names in prime time television. A ratings ploy to see off the decades long soap opera and usher in the new guys that will replace it. But I was impressed and surprised to see the finished product of what I was suspecting to be another circus act of cobbled up theme bikes. In fact, there's only 1 this time. And I normaly wouldn't give this thing a mention, but I was so surprised with the switch in thought and execution that it got me thinking. Has real motorcycling finally made it back around?
Granted, most of these bikes are still purpose built mega dollar trailer queens, but as an example of Jesse James' bike, 2 of the 4 bikes have some serious time in engineering and performance. Stress member framed, aluminum and CroMo through out. Even the idea of flipping the trans to get the drive train and wheel base into a more performance oriented geometry. This is the kind of stuff Jesse has been playing with while he took his sabbatical from TV. It still has the WCC/ Jesse James flair to it, (reminiscent of the VTX powered Cafe bike) but there's a lot more race bike influence going on here. I'm glad to see he stepped away from the big chopper idea and went the performance route.
What's even more impressive is what came out of OCC. The current crew in NY may still be playing to the OCC business model, but when they are allowed to let loose with their ideas, they can produce some very interesting pieces. Even if they are a bit impractical. (Flame Throwing Electric Track Vehicle?) Quite honestly, from a design and execution stand point. I think they knocked it out of the park with this one. And I am by no means a fan. There's a lot of function and engineering in this that I would have no problem shaking their hands in congratulations. The monocoque frame, billet girder, F1 carbon suspension. It's like an updated version of the Confederate Wrath. I'm sure it could use a few geometry tweaks but I bet it's still a serious road burner in the right hands.
This was what I was really hoping to see from Gas Monkey. And they didn't disappoint. A super clean period inspired chop built by a couple of real enthusiasts for very little investment. Even if they paid too much for an old shovelhead. This is a really nice example (even in pink) of classic chopper. This is the kind of bike any one of us could build in our garage with a couple extra bucks and a few weekends wrenching with your buddies. And still be able to ride it whenever we want. I love it. Simple and clean with nice detail. Split rocker shovel, hardtail made in house with a bender and cut off saw. Spool hub and drum drive rear. You can't go wrong with it. Much props to these guys. I would probably vote for this just because it's a real bike that was done well and not over thought.
And then there's this grabage. Sadly though, It will probably still win just because the brain washed masses are still stuck on flat black and red wheels. And what little they know of Hot Rod culture will overwhelm them into thinking this is cool. The only wild card is that there will be an actual chopper on stage. Once you stick them side by side, some people may have a moment of clarity. At least I can hope.
Granted, most of these bikes are still purpose built mega dollar trailer queens, but as an example of Jesse James' bike, 2 of the 4 bikes have some serious time in engineering and performance. Stress member framed, aluminum and CroMo through out. Even the idea of flipping the trans to get the drive train and wheel base into a more performance oriented geometry. This is the kind of stuff Jesse has been playing with while he took his sabbatical from TV. It still has the WCC/ Jesse James flair to it, (reminiscent of the VTX powered Cafe bike) but there's a lot more race bike influence going on here. I'm glad to see he stepped away from the big chopper idea and went the performance route.
What's even more impressive is what came out of OCC. The current crew in NY may still be playing to the OCC business model, but when they are allowed to let loose with their ideas, they can produce some very interesting pieces. Even if they are a bit impractical. (Flame Throwing Electric Track Vehicle?) Quite honestly, from a design and execution stand point. I think they knocked it out of the park with this one. And I am by no means a fan. There's a lot of function and engineering in this that I would have no problem shaking their hands in congratulations. The monocoque frame, billet girder, F1 carbon suspension. It's like an updated version of the Confederate Wrath. I'm sure it could use a few geometry tweaks but I bet it's still a serious road burner in the right hands.
This was what I was really hoping to see from Gas Monkey. And they didn't disappoint. A super clean period inspired chop built by a couple of real enthusiasts for very little investment. Even if they paid too much for an old shovelhead. This is a really nice example (even in pink) of classic chopper. This is the kind of bike any one of us could build in our garage with a couple extra bucks and a few weekends wrenching with your buddies. And still be able to ride it whenever we want. I love it. Simple and clean with nice detail. Split rocker shovel, hardtail made in house with a bender and cut off saw. Spool hub and drum drive rear. You can't go wrong with it. Much props to these guys. I would probably vote for this just because it's a real bike that was done well and not over thought.
And then there's this grabage. Sadly though, It will probably still win just because the brain washed masses are still stuck on flat black and red wheels. And what little they know of Hot Rod culture will overwhelm them into thinking this is cool. The only wild card is that there will be an actual chopper on stage. Once you stick them side by side, some people may have a moment of clarity. At least I can hope.
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