The Zen of Neato: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Southern Motorcycle

When asking about Houston on the Southern Fried Choppers forum two shops kept coming up - MC Creations and this place, Southern Motorcycle. So on my second day in Texas I decided to check it out.

The owner and kingpin at the SM is "Uncle Bob" shown here on the left. Southern hospitality was indeed kicking as I was again given the grand tour along with getting into some of Bob's typically off-limits back rooms where he keeps his own personal stash. Bob proved to be a true southern gentleman and took us Northerners right in.

The main shop where day to day customer work is carried out.

The vintage area which is still under construction (so to speak) was where the real fun began.

Tipsy and Bob sharing a laugh - probably right after Tipsy made an offer on one of Bob's prime pieces.

Three projects getting underway here in the vintage area.

Uncle Bob painted this banana tank back in the day, I think it may have been for a friend of the female variety.

I was drooling while taking this picture ...

Tasty bits hang all over the place - I'm sure many missed my lens as I was overwhelmed by the gobs of stock in the shop.

Bob was a big time top fuel drag racer in the not so distant past. He mentioned 140mph in 1/4 mile on this chassis...

Not your typical sporty mill here.

NFS - I tried.

I love big flatheads and we found a lot of them in Texas!

Yes those are WR tanks - check the slimmer proportions. NFS - I tried.

Bob's father and friend back in the day and above is Bob lighting the wick on one of his drag bikes.

This boss knucklehead was a drag racer from the git-go. Bob owns it now and this is what it looked like back in the day (early 50's). I know, I know, it was love at first sight for me too.

Bob's daily rider.

Spending time with Bob was a blast. He could not have been more polite and made our day for sure. If you live down south and need some old parts, advice or just a cool place to ride to check out Southern Motorcycle.

"Stuff everything, I've always got my bike..." Well said. Thanks again Uncle Bob. We will see you next time we are in the Lone Star State.

Cycle Porn #121

Max harmony in the sissy bar to fork rake department.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Hang in there Dennis.

I saw some footage of Dennis Hopper receiving his star on the sidewalk in Hollywood today. I was shocked at his appearance. Those of you who are familiar with my other blog "National Rain" know I just saw him in Taos recently and he inspired me to take the camera a little more seriously. I can only say this blog hopes only for the best for Dennis and his family. We are pulling for you Billy. Please hang in there to ride another day.

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"Big Greg" and MC Creations

MC creations in Houston, Texas. Last week "Big Greg" opened his doors and let us peek around the place in detail. We found lots of cool old stuff, overheard some good story and spoke sickle with the man himself...

Everywhere you looked there was another case with interesting old Harley/Indian bits. Some even for sale. But Greg new what he had and it was priced fair and accordingly.

"Big Greg" at the controls. I had met him a couple times at Eustis and knew he had the good stuff. He was kind enough to let us into his shop and even snoop around where most customers don't go. Thanks Greg!

This pic gets my gears turning... the potential projects sitting right there on one table was mesmerizing. "Tip of the ice burg" said Greg.

Greg's personal machines. A nice old knuck and a period trick 80" flathead.

1931 VL restored a very long time ago and a UL bobber project waiting for a customer.

The tricked out UL was from a late Friend and Greg kept it untouched in his honor.

The shop was packed with the good stuff and more.

You always know when your in Texas when your in Texas. Texans just don't do subtle.

Milwaukee style corner burner parked out front looking tempting.

Big Flatty and nicely restored VL sit side by each.

Maximum tankage.

It was bike night in 1/25th scale on this counter.

Big Greg's personal gauntlet from the 70's was my favorite piece at the shop. Thanks again Greg for letting us into your castle. More to come from Texas soon....