Classic Chrome

Special Guests: Jim Walther, President of Indian Four Cylinder Club

                        Nelson Citta, Member of Indian Four Cylinder Club

                        Drew Crafton, Member of Indian Four Cylinder Club

Modern day motorcyclists are accustomed to the commonly produced twin cylinder motorcycles of various marquees. The sound of a v-twin exhaust note is heaven to folks all over the world. But, there is something incredibly special in hearing a motorcycle pass by with more than just two cylinders. The same holds true for the antique motorcycle industry, specifically four cylinder machines. Four cylinder motorcycles hold a mystique about them that few other machines can boast. Dating back to the early 1900s, the various manufacturers of four cylinder motorcycles always marketed them as the ultimate gentleman’s machine. This prestige still remains today, and this week on Classic Chrome we are joined by members of a club that celebrate exactly that prestige. 

www.indian4club.org

Special Guests: Stephen “Doc” Hopkins, Owner of Doc’s Harley Davidson, Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiast/Collector

Ask any motorcycle enthusiast in the Midwest to name their favorite Harley Davidson Dealer, and undoubtedly “Doc’s Harley Davidson” is one of the first on the list. Along with owning an incredibly successful franchise of the Motor Company, our guest this week is a passionate vintage motorcycle enthusiast who is all about promoting and preserving the two-wheeled history of both American and overseas manufacturers. Doc is well known throughout the vintage motorcycle world for his impressive collection of vintage machines, and fantastic adventures in racing, restoring, customizing, and promoting old bikes. Doc is the caretaker of such machines as the “Timeline Bike,” which is a representation of every type of engine produced by Harley Davidson set in one frame, as well as the famous “Road Dog” built by “Wild Bill” Gelbke! 

www.docshd.com

Special Guests: Lars Nielsen, Builder, Bonneville Salt Flats Competitor

For every motorcycle and car enthusiast, the Bonneville Salt Flats hold a special place near and dear to our hearts. The Salt Flats are the home of speed; every year, motorheads from all over the world travel to the state of Utah in an attempt to push their machines and themselves to the limit. Speed is the name of the game, and some of the most incredible pieces of engineering in the world are in attendance to play that game. This week on Classic Chrome, be sure to tune in as we interview our first international guest. Joining us this week from Denmark is Mr. Lars Nielsen, who is in the process of building what is undoubtedly going to be the world’s fastest Nimbus motorcycle. Nimbus motorcycles were produced by the Danish firm Fisker and Nielsen from 1919 until 1960. These machines were powered by a 749cc, single overhead cam, inline four cylinder engine that produced between 18-22 horsepower, hooked up to a three speed transmission with shaft final drive. A stock Nimbus is capable of cruising at 55 mph with a short top speed burst of 75 mph; Lars is in the process of building a rip-roaring example which he will be campaigning at Bonneville this year. Lars’ Nimbus is set into a custom, low-slung frame and the motor comes complete with a supercharger. No matter how fast his machine goes, it will likely become the fastest example of the Danish four cylinder in the world.

Special Guests: Patrick Simmons, Musician, Collector, Vintage Bike Enthusiast

                         Cris Sommer Simmons, Author, Motor Maid, Vintage Bike Enthusiast

Many folks find it hard to take the time to really hit the road on their motorcycles. Work schedules and family obligations often get in the way. But what do you do if you find yourself touring with one of the biggest rock and roll bands in the world throughout most of the year, or writing award-winning books, and you need a motorcycle fix? This week, we are joined by friends of the program, Cannonball finishers, and serious motorcycle junkies Pat and Cris Simmons. When Pat isn’t hard at work touring with The Doobie Brothers and Cris finds herself a free moment from writing bestselling books, the two of them are on the lookout for their next motorcycle adventure. In 2013, the couple decided to celebrate the 110th Anniversary of Harley Davidson in a very special way; Pat and Cris hopped aboard their 1914 and 1915 Harley twins and rode from the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in South Dakota to the Harley Davidson Museum in Wisconsin. Their trip went off without a hitch, and was a great way for the couple to spend time together. 

www.doobiebrothers.com

www.theamericanmotorcyclegirls.com

Special Guests: Pete Young, Historian, Blogger and Veteran Bike Enthusiast

When looking at the English motorcycle market, one of the most renowned names that comes to mind is the legendary Velocette. From the early teens until 1970, the Veloce Ltd Company produced, sold, and raced these famous motorcycles, winning numerous championship titles in the process. The Velocette name came into play on their 2 stroke models produced in 1913; previously, the four-stroke machines had been badged as “Veloce” models. These early Veloce models have become extremely rare, and known examples number in the single digits. Our guest this week came upon a 1913 four-stroke model in 2010 which was in poor shape to say the least. Given the rarity of the machine and Pete Young’s love for veteran English motorcycles, he jumped into a complete restoration of the machine. Pete is well known throughout the vintage motorcycle world for his widely successful blog “Occhio Lungo” which covers all of the exciting projects that come across his workbench, incredible looks into the history of early motorcycling, and the wonderful riding events around the world for these early machines. 

www.occhiolungo.com

Special Guests: “Panhead Jim” Mahaney, Historian, Blogger and Vintage Enthusiast

Ever since the widespread introduction of automobiles and motorcycles, their owners have set out to see the world around them from behind the controls. The early days saw most enthusiasts trying to cross the United States from coast-to-coast; not an easy task when the majority of the country was still unpopulated and lacking proper roads. These trips were often treacherous and long, but still the popularity grew. Today, the thought of touring the country is still exciting, but is nowhere near as treacherous. Cross-country trips today are usually done from the comfort of a climate controlled auto or large touring motorcycle. But, this week on Classic Chrome, we are joined by an old bike enthusiast who is setting out on his own to prove that old machines can still reliably make the journey. “Panhead Jim” Mahaney, who lives in North Carolina, is well-known for his antique motorcycle blog “Riding Vintage”. Jim is also a contributor to numerous magazines, such as American Iron, and has ridden many thousands of miles on old machines. Currently, Jim is in the process of building a 1933 Harley Davidson VL which he will be riding solo across the United States from California to North Carolina.

www.ridingvintage.com

Special Guests: Steve Klein, President of AMCA Cherokee Chapter,  Greg McFarland, Vice President of AMCA Cherokee Chapter, Jon Neuman, Owner of Sagebrush Cycle, Kirk Sharp of Just Kickers, John Parham, Owner of National Motorcycle Museum, Mike Carson, Motorcycle Cannonball Finisher and Owner of Carson Classic Motors, Scott Byrd, Motorcycle Cannonball Finisher, Kyle Shorey, Owner of Shadetree Fabrications

This weekend, Classic Chrome is live at the Cherokee Concourse D' Pate show at the Pate Transportation Meet in Fort Worth, Texas. This event is being held at the famous Texas Motor Speedway, and is the largest transportion meet in the United States. We will be posting some photos of the incredible old machines on display at this massive meet, and will be broadcasting live with some of the industry leaders who are at this event.

Special Guests: Matt Olsen, Restorer, Builder at Carl’s Cycle Supply

                         David Monahan, Collector, Historian

                         Anthony Rutledge, Collector, Historian

In 1936, Harley Davidson began a new era in their history with the introduction of the overhead valve v-twin model known as the Knucklehead. Prior to this motor introduction, Harley Davidson was primarily known for its sidevalve and F-Head powerplants that combined both overhead and sidevalve technology. The Knucklehead marked the first production run of an entirely OHV model and would forever turn the course of design for the Milwaukee-based company. The Harley Davidson Knucklehead was produced for 11 years, from 1936-1947 and has remained as one of the most desired collector’s pieces for decades now. Of these years, the models produced prior to World War II have remained as the king when it comes to value and rarity.

This week on Classic Chrome, we sit down with friend of the program Buzz Kanter. Kanter is the owner and editor of American Iron Magazine, but more importantly is a dedicated lover of old motorcycles. A veteran of 3 Motorcycle Cannonballs, Buzz has also achieved many other feats in motorcycle racing. Hear about some exciting upcoming vintage events that Buzz is organizing, as well as hear some of his tales of racing on the track and across the country. 

www.aimag.com

Special Guests: Steve Alexander, President of AMCA Smoky Mountain Chapter

                         Michael Goehring, Vice President of AMCA Smoky Mountain Chapter

                         Keith Kizer, Executive Director of Antique Motorcycle Club of America

One of the most important things about owning an antique motorcycle is the chance to interact with others who have the same passion as you do. And what better way to accomplish that than to join one of the largest old motorcycle clubs in the world: The Antique Motorcycle Club of America. The AMCA provides a nationwide network of old bike enthusiasts who are looking to interact and further the good, clean sport of vintage motorcycles. In addition, the AMCA is also comprised of smaller regional chapters of the club that allow you to meet the people in your area that share your passion. But, what if you don’t have a chapter near you and still want to have an AMCA affiliation? Our guests this week have answered just this question by forming the newest affiliate of the AMCA: the Smoky Mountain Chapter.

www.antiquemotorcycle.org