American Iron Magazine Special Issue TruePDF-November 2018 PDF

2018 Special
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
TO ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM
MOVES YOU IN WAYS YOU’VE NEVER BEEN MOVED BEFORE.

If you want to make short work of twisting roads, take a ride on the all-new FXDR™ 114. This is where Milwaukee Eight®
torque and a drag racing inspired air intake meet weight saving components like an all-new cast aluminum swing arm
and the agile ride of the Softail® frame and suspension. From stoplight to switchback, it’ll give you a ride like nothing else.
Take a test ride. h-d.com/testride
Tribute Bikes 54 Tin Man’s Trike
14 GENERAL RICK’S TIME MACHINE
NY State Police ’47 Knuck
20 SPORTSTER SUI GENERIS

Rare military-only 1972 XLA
24 GARY WRIGHT’S AT-ATTENTION BAGGER

A rolling reminder of POW and MIA
28 FALLEN HEROES
Stunning artwork tribute
34 IN MEMORY OF THE CHIEF

Build for an airman
42 FREEDOM, STRENGTH, TRADITION

Finding values in Harley’s spirit
46 WAR AND PEACE

Russian-American replica XA
52 LOYAL WARHORSE
0RGHUQ6FRXWßQGV::,,LQàXHQFH
54 LIVE TO RIDE
MC Missions builds the Tin Man a trike 20 Rare Military XLA 46 Replica WWII XA
60 HOME FROM THE WAR 14 NY State Police Knuck

WWI H-D sidecar rig returns
24 Rolling Art Memorial
4 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

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WWW.ARLENNESS.COM
Home Front 68 Rolling Thunder XXXI 64 Patriot Ride
64 2018 PATRIOT RIDE
Annual Minnesota ride hits the mark
68 ROLLING THUNDER XXXI

6WLOOßJKWLQJIRUWKRVHOHIWEHKLQG
72 RIDING AT EASE
Veterans Ride to Sturgis aims to move
DEPARTMENTS
8 Staffbox
10 Guest Column
12 Mailbag
80 Widgets
81 Ad Index
82 Gunny’s Send-off
72 Veterans Ride to Sturgis

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Editor in Chief Buzz Kanter
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Contributing Writers Karen A. Avitabile, Jim Babchak, Steven

Blackburn, Charley Charles, Tony Frey,
Jay Hirsch, Alfonse Palaima, William
Robinson, Wayne Scraba, Steven
Stanphill, Greg Williams
Contributing Photographers Glenda Faye Photography, Tony Frey,

Jay Hirsch, Don Kates/Shooters Images,
Jazmine Mondragon, Liliana Moreno,
Alfonse Palaima, Manny Pandya, Siwer
Ohlsson, Dino Petrocelli, Stephen Michael
Timko, Oliver Touron
President/Publisher Buzz Kanter
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Guest Column Greg “Edge” Scheuer
Adrenaline Rush
Home Remedies
THE NEXT FRACTION OF A SECOND MOST adrenaline surges through my veins. safer place because you breathe is price-
likely will determine if I spend the rest Time slows down. less. It has a sense of peace to it.
of my life in a wheelchair. This isn’t 7KLVLVQÖWP\ßUVWDGUHQDOLQHVXUJ- But the party can’t last forever.
a Hollywood parachute jump. Holly- ing, life-or-death moment. Years before, Sometimes things do leave a mark, and
wood jumps are during the day when thinking I was a bulletproof 16-year-old, \RXUPHGLFDOßOHJHWVDOLWWOHWKLFNHU
you can see what you are doing, with I rode my Honda CB350 way too fast each time. We age. After 22 years it
nice big drop zones (DZ) so you can into a corner. Same thing. Adrenaline. was time for me to let some young gun
take my spot.
Motorcycles have been a I don’t relish the transition to the
civilian world for people without mo-
transitional drug of choice torcycles. Adrenaline is addictive. Two
wheels is methadone. Motorcycles have
since World War II

been a transitional drug of choice since
World War II. Vets came back from
LQWHQVHßJKWLQJRYHUVHDVDQGVWDUWHG
have a little space between the para- Time slows down. I have had a lot of riding. Hollister was packed with vets,
chutes. Hollywood jumps are without these moments. There is no panic, only and that makes perfect sense to me.
the extra 110 pounds of weapons, reaction, an element of the warrior It’s not an easy transition to a life
ammo, C4, and radios. Hollywood spirit. Someone always says, “Can you without extreme highs and lows. In
jumps are from a respectably high believe they pay us to do this?” America, we can go from air condi-
altitude so if anything does go wrong, The answer is always sincere, tioned or heated cars to comfortable
there is more than a few seconds of re- always the same. “This is the best job RIßFHVDQGKRPHV(YHU\SRVVLEOHULVN
action time before you hit the ground. in the world,” and I mean it. That’s the LVLGHQWLßHGDQGWKHUHLVVRPHRUJDQL-
Tonight, it’s a tiny DZ, low altitude big secret most vets don’t talk about. zation hell-bent on eliminating it.
for a jump, and the night is so dark When someone says, “Thank you Maybe I’m saying a life without
\RXFDQÖWFRXQW\RXUßQJHUVLQIURQWRI for your service,” I’m always appre- risk is bad. It slowly strangles the war-
your face. When the jumpmaster says ciative, but I also have just a touch of rior spirit.
“Go” the last guy in the stick drives guilt. I think “Thank you for waiting The world on a bike is not enclosed
everyone in front of him like he is tables so that I can travel all over the or constrained. Cracking a throttle and
pushing a sled at football practice so world and do crazy s#!* that most feeling the rush of intense accelera-
that we tumble out of the plane in a people only see in movies.” tion isn’t “virtual.” There will always
mass. Tumbling out en masse is all It’s almost easy in this age of “victim- be an amount of physicality to riding.
right, but a tangled mass is deadly. hood” to think of vets as another group Weather matters. Rain and cold have
My chute opens. I can’t see my of victims. Sure, sometimes there are meaning. Danger is real. Decisions
feet, but beneath them is the nylon of extremely miserable conditions, but have real consequences.
another parachute. The protocol is to that’s an adventure, too. Some vets have Why do so many vets ride? I be-
immediately pick a direction and run. seen or done disturbing things that can’t lieve that at the end of the day there is
If you run off the edge of the chute be unseen. We are not victims, though. a transcendent connection between the
\RXDUHßQH,I\RXUXQWRWKHPLGGOH We were not drafted. We chose this motorcycle and the warrior spirit.
well…not so good. The parachute reality, and it’s a reality where the highs Maj. (ret.) Greg Scheuer, aka Edge,
below you steals your air and collapses. are as extreme as the lows. served 22 years in the Army as a Green Beret
The normal consequences of falling I honestly feel I was born to be a DQGDPLOLWDU\LQWHOOLJHQFHRIßFHU+HKDV
through the air and hitting the ground warrior. To have a job where you fall written for a variety of motorcycle publica-
without a parachute happen. It’s go- asleep knowing that what you do has tions and has run The Smoke Out Motor-
ing to leave a mark. Another shot of meaning and that the world is a better, cycle Rally for the last 18 years. +
Participating manufacturers subject to change and may vary among the markets.
Mailbag
W
Sean McNamara served in the US Army from
1990 to 1993 as Stateside support for Desert
Shield/Desert Storm. He was attached to the 577th
Engineers as Missouri’s EOD at Ft. Lenard Wood.
This is his 2012 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide Classic
103 Stage II kit with Screamin’ Eagle pipes. He is
currently the commander of the American Warriors
Motorcycle Association in Joliet, Illinois.
From Sean McNamara

W
Breanna Matthies, an engineering project as-

sistant for Indian Motorcycle, also served in the
Air Force before going to work for the Warbonnet.
She started riding at a young age, beginning on dirt
bikes and eventually moving up to a 750. Eventu-
ally, she landed on Victory and Indian baggers and
KZ]Q[MZ[WN_PQKPPMZNI^WZQ\MQ[\PM;XZQVOÅMTL
with the Chieftain a close second. She served as a
crew chief aircraft mechanic with the Air Force from
1991-1997, being deployed during the First Gulf War
theatre in Saudi Arabia, Italy, England, Panama,
Germany, and Italy, as well as serving Stateside.
From Breanna Matthies

W
Rob Pizzi is the owner of Central CT Arms, LLC.

in Portland, Connecticut. His business sponsored
a poker run on September 15, 2018, for the Con-
necticut Citizens Defense League (CCDL). Growing
up in North Branford, Connecticut, Bob wasn’t the
typical kid: he spent a lot of time outdoors hunting,
Å[PQVOIVL\ZIXXQVO0Q[XI[[QWVNWZ\PMW]\LWWZ[
IVLIЄMK\QWVNWZÅZMIZU[TMLPQU\WRWQV\PM=;
Army. He only wanted to be an infantryman because
of his love of guns and the outdoors. He was also an
armorer in the Army. In 2017, he left his full-time
job to focus on opening his gunshop in Connecticut:
Central CT Arms, LLC.
From Rob Pizzi Jr. +

Tribute Bike
General Rick’s
Time Machine
1947 Harley-Davidson
Police Knucklehead

Harley-Davidson and law enforcement have had
a long mutually bene¿cial relationshiS for over
1 years Harley¶s website states “The ¿rst
order for Solice motorcycles in 19 went to the
Detroit Police DeSartment DPD”
by Jim Babchak • Shotos by Dino Petrocelli
American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 15

The DPD Motor Unit is steeped in traditions, at least WRUF\FOHV+'PRWRUF\FOHVKDYHQÖWMXVWZLWQHVVHGKLVWRU\Ô
two of which carry on to this day. One of them is that motor WKH\ÖYHPDGHLW$QGWKH\ÖUHVWLOOPDNLQJLWÙ
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In addition to his police at a time when the US publicly denied such
work, Rick served three activity. After Vietnam he joined the National
tours of duty in Vietnam Guard, eventually attaining the rank
with the Army, and his of brigadier general.
career was one suc- Last year, 2017, the NY
cess after another. He State Police celebrated
ZHQWWRRIßFHUWUDLQ- its 100th anniversary.
ing school and at 19 Rick decided he wanted
he was the youngest soldier to honor that milestone by
to attain the rank of second lieutenant. In building a 1947 Harley police bike to display
Vietnam he was a paratrooper and a mem- during the anniversary year at various
EHURIWKH3DWKßQGHUVDQHOLWHIRUFHZKRVH events. Through some connections he met
PLVVLRQZDVLQßOWUDWLRQ+HDOVRDQGRYHU- Bill Nigro of American Motorcycle Parts in
saw the Command and Control Unit South East Greenbush, New York, who had begun
for the Study and Observation Group building a S&S-powered Knucklehead
(SOG). He also commanded cross-border motorcycle for himself. After some arm twist-
initiatives ahead of the Cambodia invasion ing, Rick bought it and commissioned Bill to
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Tribute Bike
Sportster Sui
The rare oddity of a ’72 XLA
Few things attract motorcycle riders and owners quite like mental, technical, valuation, or a combination of the three.
exclusivity. How often do we hear guys say “My bike is Nonetheless, most bike models on the road are about as
one of a kind” or “There’s nothing else like it”? Granted, common as streets called Main in America’s cities, our
each of our bikes represent our own tastes, be they senti- own additions or subtractions or one-year-only features

by Stephen Long • photos by Stuart Tielens
Generis
notwithstanding. But bikes like Stuart Tielens’ 1972 XLA
standout not just for impeccable restoration work, but for
WKHYHU\WKLQJWKDWGUHZKLPWREX\LWLQWKHßUVWSODFH
exclusivity.
As Stuart wrote us, he has spent a lifetime on and
around two-wheel tomfoolery. He owned several Harley
MT500s, a motorcycle with Italian and British roots that
Harley had hoped to sell to the US

military. (Harley’s hopes of a contract
with the US military were crushed resided somewhere in the back. Stuart
because it only wanted diesel-powered felt a twinge of curiosity, the skip of
vehicles). Owning the rare MT500 a heartbeat—he instantly quizzed the
(according to rumor only 500 models employee on the bike to no avail. It had
were produced) gives some insight into been there for over 30 years, and cus-
6WXDUWÖVWKRXJKWSURFHVVDQGDIßQ- tomers were not allowed in the back.
ity for rare, old military bikes, which “By this time my heart was thump-
brings us to the WLA. ing. I thought, ‘Could I have found the
Stuart had always wanted to own Holy Grail of WLAs?’ I didn’t want
and restore a WLA, having served in him to know how excited I was, and I
the Army himself and as the son of a tried to remain nonchalant. I told him
Navy man. He fondly recalls visiting that I had been hunting for an old bike
World War II surplus stores with his to restore and that I would sure like to
father and growing up in post-war see it. He excused himself and returned
America bursting with a plethora of a few minutes later, saying, ‘Alright,
wartime supplies. It wasn’t until a few let’s go have a look.’”
years ago that serendipity intervened Dirt and dust awaited Stuart and
in San Pedro, California. He stumbled his unwitting Sherpa, wading through
upon a World War II surplus store, a mountain of boxes until eventually
and what awaited him inside nearly arriving at a crate covered in more
stopped his heart. junk. He helped the clerk remove the
7KHVWRUHSUDFWLFDOO\RYHUàRZHG REVWDFOHVDWRSWKHFUDWHDQGßQDOO\JRW
onto the street. When Stuart joked a look to quench his thirst. It wasn’t a
about the abundance of supplies that WLA—the engine was a Sportster and
reached the ceiling, the clerk men- the frame featured a swingarm—but he
tioned that they even once had a Jeep recalled Harley’s attempts at making
inside, and a motorcycle currently a military-ready Sportster in the ’70s.
He had tried to purchase a 1971 XLA interested buyer and would like to
at a Mecum Auction a few years prior. know how much he’d like for the bike.
He went deeper into the crate (Holy The dreaded answer: “He said, “How
Grail? Stacks of boxes and crates? much will you give me?”
Where have we seen this before…oh, What ensued was a negotiation that
my), taking a good look at the serial will go down in the history books. Back
number on the engine. and forth, back and forth, two heavy-
His friend at Laidlaw’s Harley- weights exchanging blows in the center
Davidson in Covina, California, was of the ring. Eventually, they settled on
excited to hear the number that Stuart a price. As the great Larry David once
anxiously repeated to him over the said: “A good compromise is when
phone. “He said, ‘Wow! That’s a mili- ERWKSDUWLHVDUHGLVVDWLVßHGÙ&RVW
tary bike. Never for sale to the public.’ aside, Stuart experienced anything but
The military only sells to dealers and dissatisfaction. Thrilled with getting
surplus stores.’” it? What am I doing here?” He nearly his hands on a rarity, he had the bike
Now the sweat was really running broke his 30-year cigarette-free streak repacked, loaded on a truck, unloaded,
GRZQKLVEDFN4XHVWLRQVàRRGHGKLV just to ease his nerves. and unpacked. Giddyap, right?
mind: “How much do they want? What Stuart calmly asked the clerk Well, enthusiastic as he may have
should I pay? What will I even do with to inform the owner that he was an been, Stuart fell victim to the same
chrome, I realized there was no chrome not an authentication, provides enough
anywhere. Everything was painted, validation for him.
and I thought the chrome was covered Either way, the amount of work
in some secondhand paint.” he put into this restoration is stagger-
That’s not quite the case, Stuart ing. He restored every single nut, bolt,
soon learned. In speaking with a ZDVKHUßWWLQJZLUHJDVNHWDQGEHDU-
Sportster parts house in Colorado, he ing. He tried to the best of his ability
learned that the Navy never ordered to keep everything original. He only
anything with chrome. If Stuart’s bike strayed when seeking out original tires
had no chrome, it could very well be a (he went with Goodyears).
Navy-issued motorcycle, not a repro- The engine got a thorough run
duction or replica. Armed with this in- through, getting rebuilt from top
formation, Stuart went digging further, to bottom; the clutch, transmission,
speaking with dealers and collectors, cables, and gears were all replaced
and eventually reaching out to Harley- or refurbished. That done, Stuart has
Davidson directly. yet to actually start the bike. Given
Harley responded to his letter, the as-new condition of the XLA,
in which he had included photos of no gas has gone into the refurbished
the fully restored XLA. It stated that WDQNDQGDOOßWWLQJVVHDOVDQGEHDU-
sickness that plagues far too many of Harley doesn’t produce letters of au- ings are sealed and odor-free. We all
us: forgetfulness. Yes, once the bike thentication, but using the information know how bike projects can get away
had been unpacked, Stuart parked it in that he provided, it came to several from us, and Stuart is no exception.
the corner of his garage and promptly conclusions: H-D was still producing He spent well over the $9,000 he
ignored it for a year and a half. Hey, it motorcycles for the military in 1972; thought it would take to restore the
happens to all of us! DIDFWRU\RULJLQDOXQPRGLßHG9,1 ;/$7KHßQDOSULFHWDJQRWLQFOXG-
Well, what jogged his memory? beginning with 4D would indicate a ing the purchase, shipping, and labor)
“One day, I started unpacking things military Sportster XLA; the company resides somewhere in the $20,000
and found that the XLA had a match- registry does not include military bikes, stratosphere.
ing frame number,” Stuart writes. “And so Harley cannot provide details on He has since considered selling the
I knew it was a military bike. So, I original color, delivery point, etc. bike, though for a bike as exclusive as
started the restoration.” First thing on From his correspondence, Stuart this he wanted something a little less
the docket was to get it running. IHHOVFRQßGHQWWKDWKHKDVRQHRIWKH crowded than a regular auction in Las
“The motor was in pieces, and I only 30 XLA models produced in 1972. 9HJDV:KHQKHLQTXLUHGDERXWWKH
knew that was going to be expensive, He can’t be 100 percent sure, though Monterey, California, auction, he was
so I just coasted for a while. Then I his investigation shows that of the six WROGWRJHWDQDSSUDLVDOßUVWZKLFK
got the urge to just get on with it. As I Sportster models produced in 1972, the nearly knocked him off his feet. He
separated everything, with the inten- ;/$GRHVLQGHHGKDYHD9,1VWDUWLQJ learned that it’s valued at over $70,000.
tion on sprucing up the paint and with 4D, and Harley’s response, though How’s that for exclusivity? +
Tribute Bike
Remembering
Forgotten
Heroes
Tribute bagger carries the load

The tolls of war know no bounds. And when soldiers return home, they often return a shell remains of 55 soldiers from North Ko-
rea. Gary Wright, retired Army MP,
of their former selves. We continually see this among the heroes who have served, with
decided to honor and memorialize the
Salute having covered a multitude of veterans who ¿nd respite in motorcycles. But what of oft-forgotten MIA and POW military
members by building a motorcycle,
those that don’t return at all? These are the POW and MIA soldiers left on foreign soil with further strengthening the link between
Stateside families, wondering if they’ll ever see their father, son, mother, or daughter again. two-wheeled therapy and members of
the armed forces.
Major rallies such as Rolling Thun- former war zones. And yet this issue Gary wrote to us, detailing the
der work to remind both the public remains recessed in the public con- motivation for this build. “I thought
and the US government that country- sciousness, even as the government of those who were MIA or POW,”
men and women are still trapped in recently secured the return of the he writes. “No one could imagine the
by Stephen Long • photos by Jazmine Mondragon/ Wanderlust Shoots
MP duties, which included escorting

prisoners throughout Korea and from
Germany to maximum-security Ft.
Leavenworth in Kansas.”
During the Vietnam War, he was going to serve as the platform for the
torment, pain, and suffering these assigned to Fort Douglas, Utah, where tribute build; he considered buying an
prisoners went through. The mental he played the bugle for graveside original WLA 45 to be transformed
and physical torture must have been services and assisted the families of into his rolling memorial. When he
horrible. We can be quick to forget fallen soldiers, which included making ßQDOO\IRXQGD:/$LWGLGQÖWßWKLV
these heroes.” the always-challenging task of arrang- budget. No problem—he would work
He joined the Army just a few LQJIXQHUDOVØ$V,UHàHFWRQP\WLPH with what had been right in front of
weeks before turning 21, enlisting as in the service, I realize how lucky I am him the whole time.
a member of the military law enforce- to have done my part for my country. Gary’s vision for the Road King
ment. He was assigned to Pusan, ,WZDVGLIßFXOWWROHWWKH$UP\JR was to make it appear as though it
Korea, where his experiences were My MP Road King helps me keep my were a WLA. Given the 95” engine in
a mixed bag of good and bad. He’s memories,” Gary writes. the Road King, he decided to call the
quick to point out, however, that he His Road King, featured here, bike his “WLA 95." He relied on the
always enjoyed being a MP. He found underwent several changes as he expertise of mechanic Tim Erickson
the opportunities rewarding, helping worked through all the ways he could and Dan Worth, owner of Motorcycle
fellow soldiers and policing the poor honor the military’s POWs and MIAs. Paint Midvale, both of Midvale, Utah,
behavior of others. “I performed basic Initially, the Road King wasn’t even to assist in his gallant project.
Over the course of the next nine TECH SHEET
months, Tim and Dan went to work to Owner Gary Wright (Ret. Army)
Builders Dan Worth, Motorcycle Paint, Midvale,
bring Gary’s vision to life. The throaty
UT; Tim Erickson, Midvale, UT
exhaust note of the Vance & Hines Year/model 2003 Road King FLHPI
2-into-1 setup will make sure that the Time to build Nine months
cries for justice for POWs and MIAs Painter Dan Worth
are never silenced. Feeding breath Color Olive Eggshell
into the lungs of the WLA 95 is an air Graphics Dan Worth
cleaner from Paugcho.
Make no mistake about it—this POWERPLANT
bike is a rider. Gary notes that when- Engine 2003 Twin Cam
Heads Diamond Cut, Diamond Heads
ever he pulls into a restaurant, bar, or
Displacement 95"
event, he’s often approched by curious Horsepower 78.35
bystanders hoping to get the deets on Torque 92.43 ft-lbs.
the Road King. The paint obviously Air cleaner Paugcho
draws a crowd, Dan opting for Olive Exhaust Vane & Hines 2-into-1
Eggshell with the white Army star on
the air cleaner, WLA 95 and Military CHASSIS
Police printed on the side covers and Motorcycle and Car show in Sandy, Air Shocks Arnott
saddlebags, and the Flying Tiger decal Utah, and First at a show called Run Rear fender 7" Stretch by Dan Worth
on the tank. All this attention helps with the Pigs, hosted by the Utah Saddlebags 4" Arlen Ness liners by Dan Worth
Gary remind people about the POWs County Deputies Association.
ACCESSORIES
and MIAs who have served this coun- Gary writes, “I consider my Har-
Headlight HogWorkz Halo
try for generations, lost to the annals OH\WREHDàDJVKLSIRUUHPHPEUDQFH Running lights HogWorkz Halo
of time and circumstance. Whenever of all those that were and are POWs Turn signals Custom Dynamics
he draws a crowd, he’s always sure to and MIAs. I am proud to bring their Taillight Custom Dynamics
declare this as the bike’s intent. memories to the forefront of the Handlebars Wild 1 16" apehangers
And with such noble intentions, conversation.” It’s an honorable cause Front footrest Kuryakyn Iso-Pegs
comes deserved recognition. The WLA taken on by an honorable man, and Extended cables Magnum Shielding
95 has taken home awards at several KLVZRUNLVDUHàHFWLRQRIERWK<RX Mini handlebar mount Ambient temperature gauge
VKRZVßUVWDWWKH2Ö5HLOO\$XWR5DPD are not forgotten. + and analog clock

Tribute Bike

liams
by Greg Wil s
Kates / Shooters Image
on
photos by D
c e m a c h i n e
Rem e m b ra n
s a w o r k
remain
in p ro g r e s s

While this tribute bike, dubbed Fallen He- -RVKFRXOGQÖWßQGDJRRGßWZKLOH
roes, looks ²nished, oZner -osh 'avis of VHDUFKLQJRQOLQHKHGLGQÖWIHHOFRQß-
dent that any of them could accurately
5ochester, Minnesota, is alZays re²ning do the portraits. Then, while scanning
his 200 Harley-'avidson 6treet *lide

Facebook, he came across a post featur-
ing Curry’s Inc. This family-operated
business located in Nixa, Missouri,
is owned and operated by Tony and
Built to pay his respects to the Cindy Curry and their son Nathan.
Marines, in which he served during the Although building and painting street
early 2000s, Josh continues to make rods in the 1980s and ’90s, Curry’s Inc.
changes. But just getting Fallen Heroes is now best known for its bagger builds
to this stage has been quite the process. and a line of components that modify
“I’ve always been into stuff with Harley-Davidsons.
motors,” Josh explains. “Whether Positive that he’d now found the
it’s snowmobiles or motorcycles, I’ve team to bring his ideas to life, Josh met
always enjoyed them.” with Tony and Nathan to discuss the
Josh joined the Marine Corps in build. Tony would handle most of the
2001 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003 hands-on construction, while Nathan,
and 2004. He left the Marines in 2005. with his deft touch with the airbrush,
“I bought this ’09 Street Glide in would capture the likenesses of Josh’s
2013,” Josh says. “I wanted to build a fallen Marine Corps friends and add
custom bagger and knew a lot of the other graphics.
work was going to be air-brushed graph- In 2014, Josh delivered his Street
ics, so I began searching for a painter Glide to Curry’s Inc., and Tony got to
who could pull off portrait work.” work by stripping down the Harley-
Davidson and removing the stock At that time, Tony had just
fender and bags to replace them developed the Reaper Series bags
with a set from Curry’s Slant Back series. and fender. While the Slant Back bags are 5"
Tony also worked over the front end, adding down and 6" back, the Reaper Series is much more
an HHI 26" neck kit and HHI 16-gauge wrap- aggressively stretched, measuring 7" down and 16"
around steel fender to cover the 26" Renegade back. As Tony says, the design gives a motor-
rim and Avon tire. A Curry’s nitro outer cycle equipped with the Reaper kit much
fairing was installed, complete with a solid more motion, and that’s the system Josh
windshield. wanted installed on the rebuilt Street Glide.
That done, Tony painted the bike white With the back end straightened out and
with Gold Pearl. Josh came to pick it up— the Reaper Series bags and fender mocked
without the air-brushed graphics—so he XSDQGPRGLßHGZLWKDEDFNXSFDPHUD
could ride it during Sturgis’ 75th an- above the licence plate, Tony painted
niversary rally in 2015. the repaired areas white to match the
“That fall, I was riding the bike rest of the bike. Nathan then con-
and got rear-ended,” Josh recalls. sulted Josh again about the art.
“That wrecked all of the work on Ø:KHQ,ßUVWWDONHGWR-RVKKH
the back of the bike that we’d just wanted all the graphics to be done
done, so it was returned to Curry’s black and white,” Nathan says. “I’ve
for repair and more paint.” been doing this for 20 years, and
combat, but the insurgent dropped a TECH SHEET
Owner Josh Davis
OLYHJUHQDGHGXULQJWKHVFXIàH'XQ-
BuilderCurry’s Inc., Tony Curry/Nathan Curry
ham then removed his helmet, placed it
Year/model 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
over the live grenade, and laid on its top Time to buildOngoing
to shield others from the blast. PainterCurry’s Inc., Tony Curry/Nathan Curry
“He saved many lives, but lost his ColorPPG custom mix White Pearl with
RZQÙ-RVKVD\VRIWKHVDFULßFHIRU patriotic airbrush work by Nathan Curry
which Dunham was posthumously Diamond cutting Diamond Heads
awarded the Medal of Honor.
-RVKDGGVØ+HZDVWKHßUVW0D- POWERPLANT
Engine 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
rine since Vietnam to get the Medal of
Builder S&W Motorcycles, Rochester, MN
Honor.” So, Nathan started on Fonte-
Displacement 107"
chio’s and Dunham’s portraits. Horsepower 200
“I did the black and white portraits Connecting rods S&S Cycle
with the scrolls and other artwork,” Cylinders S&S
Nathan tells me. “But I wanted to Pistons S&S
make the art pop, so while I left the Heads Revolution Performance Stage III
portraits black and white I added color Valves 2.0 intake, 1.63 exhaust; .375
RQO\WRWKHàDJVDQGRQ-DVRQÖVVLGH max-lift springs
Pushrods Screamin’ Eagle
the gold in the Medal of Honor.” On
Carb 58mm throttle body/CMP turbo setup
the back of the bags and fender, Josh
Air cleaner CMP
gave Nathan the opportunity to paint Exhaust CMP
WKHPDVKHVDZßW Ignition ThunderMax
“I came up with the image of the Oil pump Screamin’ Eagle
soldier on one knee, beside another sol- Cam cover CMP
dier’s boots, gun, helmet and dog tags,” Clutch Barnett
Nathan says. “And then I added the Final drive D.I.D. chain
eagle’s wings with feathers painted red
and white, almost hugging him, while CHASSIS
Rake HHI X-26 Rake Kit
there’s a blue glow around the soldier.”
Stretch HHI
Not all of Nathan’s airbrush work
Front forks Stock/HHI/AirFX
was done at the same time – it snow- Rear suspension Curry’s Inc. air kit
balled from that start, and, in stages, Front wheel 3.5-26" Renegade
art has been added to the Tour Pak lid, Front brake HHI six piston
the gas tank, and the side covers. Next, Front tire 120/55-R26" Avon
Nathan will paint the fairing. Rear tire 180/65-R16" Dunlop
In search of more power and per- Front fender HHI Slim Cut
I try to do stuff outside the box and formance, Josh made serious mechan- Rear fender Curry’s Inc. Reaper Series
Saddlebags Curry’s Inc. Reaper Series
thought I could do the Fallen Heroes ical changes just last winter when the
theme a bit differently.” engine was worked on by S&W Mo-
ACCESSORIES
Most importantly for Josh were torcycles in Rochester. The cases were
Headlight NightSun LED
the portraits of the men who served split and the motor completely rebuilt Taillight Custom Dynamics Plasma rods
alongside him, including Gunnery with S&S cylinders, pistons, connect- Fuel tank Stock/Curry’s Inc. overlays
Sgt. Elia Fontechio and Cpl. Jason ing rods and Revolution Performance Handlebars Reapers 14"
Dunham. Josh says in August 2004, Stage III cylinder heads. All of this Seat Accurate auto trim and canvas
Fontechio, while on a routine patrol was done to support running a CMP Pegs JH Choppers, Joel Harrison
in Al-Anbar province, Iraq, died Motorcycles turbo kit that includes an Speedo Dakota Digital gauges
from injuries sustained during an exhaust, blow off valve and wastegate, Dash Curry’s Inc.
License bracket Curry’s Inc.
insurgent attack. Accufab Racing clamps, billet cam
Mirrors Back-up camera in the rear fender
And in April 2004, Dunham and cover, oil feed, and drain lines, pre-
Hand controls HHI
his unit, while investigating an attack programed ThunderMax tuner, and Foot controls JH Choppers
on the battalion commander’s convoy KLJKàRZLQMHFWRUV Levers HHI
near Husaybah, Iraq, became engaged 2IWKH\HWWREHßQLVKHG)DOOHQ Kickstand MRI centerstand
in a skirmish when searching insurgent Heroes tribute machine, Josh says, “I Windshield Curry’s Inc.
vehicles for weapons. ride the bike every opportunity I get, Radio Kenwood
:KHQRQHGULYHUDWWHPSWHGWRàHH but with family and work, that’s mostly Amp JL Audio
Dunham resorted to hand-to-hand on weekends.” + Speakers Hertz

Tribute Bike
emory of
In M
The Chief

r a t i n g a
m e m o
Co m m a n
- a - k i n d
on e - o f by Steve Sta
nphill
y
Glenda Faye Photograph
photos by

This Air Force tribute bike was The Chief had many hobbies,
including gardening, camping, hunting,
built by my brother-in-law, Justin SOD\LQJFDUGVDQGHVSHFLDOO\ßVK-
ing. His sense of adventure was most
Krumholtz, in memory of my father, VDWLVßHGZKHQKHZDVGHHSVHDßVKLQJ
around various hot spots in his home
Chief Master Sgt. Vince Stanphill state of Florida. His vegetable gardens
were legendary—if it could be grown,
Jr. retired US Air Force. he grew it the tallest and tastiest. His
fruit trees seemed to always have fruit
regardless of the time of year. When-
I, too, reached the rank of Chief Mas- for 63 fruitful years, producing rich ever someone would visit, he always
ter Sgt. in the Air Force, though I’m memories and countless grandchildren, supplied them with a garden care pack-
now retired. great-grandchildren, and great-great age to take home. The Chief made sure
Vince Stanphill Jr., or “the Chief,” grandchildren. no one left hungry.
as he was widely known, hailed from Although not an avid rider, Chief
Plant City, Florida. Born in 1929, Chief Stanphill was known to indulge in a
Stanphill loved his family, adventure, ride from time to time. At one point,
and his country. he owned a red 1966 Triumph TR6.
Chief Stanphill married the love of He even brought home a black 1964
his life, Margie—also from Plant City— Honda C200 90cc for his 8-year-old
when he was 22 years old. The father of son. The Chief took great delight in
four daughters and then a son, the Chief watching him ride.
was busy for many years, brushing his In 1946, Vince Stanphill entered the
daughters long hair and judging puppet Army at the age of 17 by convincing
shows. Then his son came along and the recruiter he was 18. As a para-
afforded him the opportunity to enjoy trooper, The Chief was stationed in
things such as baseball and stock car New Mexico and Kentucky and had
racing. Vince and Margie were married many adventures in the airborne corps.

denniskirk.com ∙ 800-564-1822
After jumping out of airplanes for eight years for the Army, The Chief’s tireless efforts, contributions, and policies laid
Vince decided, much to the delight of Margie, to transi- the foundation for the USAF PMEL unit. After 26 years
tion to the Air Force. Because of his intellect and aptitude of honorable service, Vince retired, having achieved the
for electronics, he was specially selected for an elite and Air Force’s highest possible rank for enlisted personnel,
brand-new Air Force unit called Precision Measurement chief master sergeant.
Equipment Laboratory (PMEL). While diligently serving Justin Krumholtz’s wife, Linda, gave him a brand-new
as a PMEL Specialist, Vince 2005 FXD in 2004 as a 50th birthday present. This stock FXD
played a key role in ensur- ultimately became the basis
ing the proper calibration of his War Bird build in
and readiness of numerous tribute to the Chief upon
and critical weapon systems his passing two years ago.
defending the homeland. Justin himself is retired law
His service to the country enforcement, and he wanted to
also helped to keep the peace commemorate his father-in-law
through readiness and strength, using talents gleaned from over
especially during the Cuban Missile Crisis 30 years of building bikes. The work began in
when conditions required customized and earnest, though as we all know, builds have a
high-precision surveillance equipment at the habit of slipping away as the ideas continue to
ready. The Chief’s Air Force days took him àRZDQGWKHSULFHWDJFRQWLQXHVWRFOLPE
to such places as Colorado, Texas, Guam, The wheels came off a 1200 Sportster
and Tampa and Homestead, Florida. Custom, with Justin having to swap out the
TECH SHEET
Owner/Builder Justin Krumholtz
Year/model 2005 Harley-Davidson
FXD Dyna Glide
Time to build Two years
Chromer Tedd Cycle
Painter Trick Concepts, Inverness, FL
Color Chopper Blue with silver flames
POWERPLANT
Engine 2005 Twin Cam 88
Carb Mikuni HSR 42
Air cleaner Performance Machine Jet
Exhaust Stock with Tailgunner Fighter
bearings on the FXD. The rear fender mufflers
is a stock H-D piece, albeit off a Dyna
Wide Glide. The fairing, Corbin’s aptly ZKHUHKHVSRNHZLWKDPHPEHURIWKH CHASSIS
named War Bird, took some nuance &RORU*XDUGZKRKDGUHWLUHGDURXQG Frame Stock
WRLQVWDOOLWßWVDQGQHZHU6XSHU the same time as the Chief. He aided Front forks 2"-over Custom Cycle
Glide models, so Justin needed to Justin in his research and search for Engineering tubes
modify the brackets and inside dash to period-correct materials. The War Bird Shocks 1" lowered
ZRUNRQKLVÖ'\QD$QGWRWRSRII KDVSDWFKHVORJRVDQGLQVLJQLDV Front wheel 2005 1200 Sportster Custom
WKHIURQWHQG-XVWLQZHQWZLWK&XV- scattered throughout its body. Rear wheel 2005 1200 Sportster Custom
tom Cycle Engineering fork tubes. The paint presented a bit of a chal- Front tire Dunlop
6SHDNLQJRIWKHGDVK-XVWLQ lenge. Justin enlisted the help of Patrick Rear tire Dunlop
KRRNHGLWXSZLWKDYROWPHWHUDQG %XVE\RI7ULFN&RQFHSWVRI,QYHUQHVV
air temperature gauge, both from a )ORULGD:KHUH-XVWLQPHUHO\ZDQWHG ACCESSORIES
Harley FL. Flanking those instruments that Corbin fairing painted to match the Headlight 1200 Sportster Custom
LVDKDQGOHEDUIURPDQ6SRUWVWHU stock color of the bike, Patrick sug- Fairing Corbin War Bird
Chin spoiler Dougz
FRXSOHGZLWKULVHUV<RXPLJKW JHVWHGSDLQWLQJWKHZKROHELNHEHFDXVH
Handlebars 2005 Sportster 883 Low
KDYHQRWLFHGWKHJULSVIHDWXUHWKH$LU the colors couldn’t quite match. Justin
Risers 2" Tedd Cycle
)RUFHÖVLQVLJQLD-XVWLQZUDSSHGERWK ZDVKHVLWDQWEHFDXVHKHZDQWHGWRVDYH Seat Corbin Gunfighter
the grips and footpegs using shoulder the Harley decals on the tank but didn’t Pegs Performance Machine with Air
HSDXOHWWHVWKDWZRXOGKDYHEHHQIRXQG WKLQNLWSRVVLEOHLIWKHHQWLUHELNHZHUH Force covers
perched atop the Chief’s shoulders painted. Patrick assured Justin that it Mirrors 2005 Sportster 883 Low
ZKHQHYHULQXQLIRUP FRXOGEHGRQHZKLOHUHWDLQLQJWKHRULJL- Foot controls Tedd Cycle
-XVWLQLVJRRGIULHQGVZLWKUH- QDOGHFDOVQRZRQO\DYDLODEOHRQSODFHV
QRZQHGVDGGOHPDNHU0LNH&RUELQ OLNHH%D\Ô-XVWLQFRXOGQÖWUHVLVWFKHFN-
7KH);'ZDVUXQQLQJDFRPSHWLWRUÖV LQJLWRXW:KHQ3DWULFNUHYHDOHGWKH VFKRRO6RXWKHUQJHQWOHPDQ2QHRIWKH
VHDWIRUDZKLOHEXWDV0LNHFRQWLQXHG &KRSSHU%OXHSDLQWMREVXUHHQRXJKWKH 86$)FRUHYDOXHVLVØVHUYLFHEHIRUH
WRWHDVH-XVWLQKHßQDOO\UHOHQWHG GHFDOVZHUHLQWDFW-XVWLQZDVWKULOOHG VHOIÙDQGKHHSLWRPL]HGWKRVHYDOXHV
HYHQWXDOO\HQJDJLQJLQVRPHROGWLPH and highly grateful to Patrick for the E\WKHZD\KHOLYHGKLVOLIH+HZDV
EDUWHULQJ-XVWLQWUDGHG0LNHDUHYROY- PHWLFXORXVZRUNLWWRRNWRWDSHRYHUWKH DOZD\VKHOSLQJRXWKLVIHOORZPDQ
HUIRUD&RUELQ*XQßJKWHUFXVKLRQ decals and still paint the Chopper Blue DQGZRXOGJODGO\JLYH\RXWKHVKLUW
ZLWKVWLWFKHGàDPHVIRUJRRGPHDVXUH DQGVLOYHUàDPHVDURXQGWKHP RIIKLVEDFN+HDOZD\VKHOSHGRWKHUV
Those recognizable exhaust $V-XVWLQSUHSDUHGWRWDNHWKH:DU EHIRUHKHOSLQJKLPVHOIDQGZDVGHHSO\
PXIàHUVDUHIURP7DLOJXQQHUÔ\HV %LUGWRÖV%LNHWREHUIHVWLQ'D\- UHOLJLRXV+HZDVDVPDOOWRZQPDQ
they really rotate Gatling-style like a tona, the battery conked out on him. ZKRZRXOGORRN\RXLQWKHH\HJUDE
0PLQLJXQ +HUHDFKHGRXWWRKLVJRWRMXLFHUV DEHHUZLWK\RXDQGPDNH\RXODXJK
-XVWLQUHDOO\ZDQWHGWKLVWULEXWH ThrottleX Batteries of Grand Rapids, KDUGHUWKDQ\RXHYHUWKRXJKWSRVVLEOH
ELNHWRFDUU\ZLWKLWWKHHQRUPLW\RI 0LFKLJDQIRUDQHZRQH:KHQKH &KLHI9LQFH6WDQSKLOO-USDVVHGIURP
WKH&KLHIÖVVSLULW$VKHUHVHDUFKHG PHQWLRQHGWKHEDWWHU\ZDVIRUKLV$LU WKLVOLIHWRWKHQH[WLQ+LVKXPRU
patches, logos, and insignias to include Force tribute build, ThrottleX pro- KXPLOLW\DQGORYHRIOLIHDUHPLVVHG
on the bike, he came to a dead end at YLGHGWKHEDWWHU\DWKDOISULFH1RWEDG E\DOOZKRNQHZKLP-XVWLQÖVEXLOG
KLVORFDOWDFWLFDOJHDUVWRUHZKLFKRQO\ for a build that had already run a bit his dedication and grit in getting the
KDGSRVWVXSSOLHV7KH&KLHI RYHULWVEXGJHW MREGRQHULJKWDQGGRQHWKRURXJKO\
UHWLUHGLQWKHÖVVR-XVWLQÖVMRXUQH\ For all of his successes in life, the greatly honors the Chief’s legacy in a
took him to the local military cemetery, &KLHIZDVDKXPEOHPDQÔDQROG PXOWLWXGHRIZD\V+
Tribute Bike
ckburn
by Steven Bla
m , s t r e n g t h , photos by Liliana Moreno
Fre ed o
tra d i t i o n
A US airman builds a tribute illus- upon yet another correlation between

7KH0RWRU&RPSDQ\DQGDVSHFLßF
trating Air Force and H-D values branch of the military while research-
ing ways he could customize his 2015
Street Bob.
One of the many, reasons why support and honor for those who have Jose—who’s stationed at Travis Air
Harley-Davidson has successfully and still serve our great nation. Air Force Base in California—began plan-
managed to garner the respect of Advisor Jose H. Cruz of the US Air ning to build his Harley as a tribute to
countless Americans throughout the Force’s 571 Mobility Support Advisory his 15 years in the US Air Force almost
years is because of its renowned Squadron just so happened to stumble immediately after receiving the Dyna
“Who I am is thanks
to the Air Force.” Ever
VLQFHKLVßUVWGD\VDV
a Loadmaster in 2002,
Jose learned about the
EHQHßWVRIZRUNLQJDV
a team and as a family.
“The Air Force teaches
you that it takes others
to help you grow,”
-RVHFRQßUPV
With such fervent
passion for his branch
of the military, Jose
he remembers. As Jose dug deeper, wanted to pay his respects in more
he learned that this Harley symbol ways than just applying some wings
VLJQLßHGIUHHGRPDQGVWUHQJWK-RVH on a tank. So he had 777 freehanded
was intrigued by his discovery, seeing using Silver Leaf with a bronze color.
as these wings were similar to ones The 777 represents many things to
that the US Air Force began issuing to Jose including his faith. They also
enlisted members in 1947. It’s surely no act as a reminder of an incredible
coincidence that these military wings moment during his military career,
represent similar values as Harley’s: one that undoubtedly tested—and
freedom, strength, and tradition. strengthened—those religious beliefs.
Jose needed one on his Street Bob. “I was lucky,” he begins. “I survived
So, he enlisted the help of Adam at an accident doing airdrop missions
for Father’s Day in 2015. Almost two Blinky Striping to create his own ren- over Afghanistan in 2007.” Those
decades of service covers a lot of terri- derings of these iconic symbols and to three numbers also have historical sig-
tory, including missions involving three make them the bike’s main attraction. QLßFDQFHWKH\DUHDQRGWRWKHWK
US presidents and the late comedian For inspiration, Jose gave Adam his Bombardment Squadron. Activated in
Robin Williams. RZQà\LQJZLQJVZKLFKKHHDUQHGIRU 1943, the 777th went through many
That’s right. Three US presidents. being a US Air Force Enlisted Aviator. changes before engaging in the War
And Robin Williams. Understandably, the day Jose re- on Terrorism after 9/11. “Being part of
“One day, the idea hit me when I ceived those wings from the Air Force this mission and time frame in history,
saw older Harley-Davidson models transformed his life. “The Air Force is I had to add something to the bike
with some sort of wings on their tanks,” everything to me,” Jose says proudly. that meant a lot to me,” Jose remarks.
Jose further articulated his already emphatic appreciation
for both the modern- and early-day Air Force by positioning
his custom in a special place during the magazine photoshoot:
right in front of an iconic air vessel—a B-29 Superfortress
bomber named Miss America 62 at the Jimmy Doolittle Air &
Space Museum. “It was the most sophisticated bomber from
1944,” says Jose about Miss America 62. “She is a survivor
and has more history to be proud of.”
While not everyone builds a tribute (let alone one that
pays homage to the Air Force), Jose still wanted the same
things as every other Harley owner, includeing a ridable
bike that has better performance than stock. Jose obtained
And although the paint is stock, Jose still refers to it as all that and more, thanks in part to a chain conversion, af-
though it were something more by likening it to a certain termarket suspension, and seat. “The chain conversion made
warplane—an US Air Force B1 or B2 Stealth Bomber. He the bike a lot more responsive, so when you hit the throttle,
explains: “My Dyna blends in with other bikes until she is it’s like dropping a bomb,” he says of the former, adding that
close, and then the wow factor hits you when you look at the latter two make riding smoother. “It’s a bike you want to
the clean details.” ride all day and enjoy it without breaking your back.”
SERVICE AS AN AIRMAN
2002: Started as a loadmas-

ter on the C-17 Globemaster III
aircraft at Charleston Air Force
Base in South Carolina. Jose flew
many missions around the world,
taking cargo and people where
help was needed. He even sup-
ported presidential missions for
three US presidents.
2004: Participated in bringing

humanitarian aid during the Hai-
tian coup d’état.
2007: Flew Robin Williams

as part of the United Service
Organizations USO Chairman’s
Similarly, Jose related yet another pipes “to make it a ripper.”) Mean- Holiday Tour.
common goal he shares with many while, Jose installed some aftermarket
Harley riders—despite pursuing an pegs to enhance the aggressiveness of 2008: Became a recruiter. “It
uncommon endeavor. He wanted a his bike, partially meant to emulate a was my chance to give others in
bike that would stand out. Jose ac- hard-hitting bomber. the community the same great
complished this by essentially doing Today, much like the wings on opportunities in life I was given
every mod (besides the motorwork) his Street Bob that will always repre- by the Air Force,” says Jose, who
in his garage, much like the DIYers in sent freedom, strength, and tradition, recruited 108 people in three
American Iron Garage, our sister publica- Jose continues promoting these very years. He also had the good for-
tion of home-built bikes. In his pursuit values beyond his motorcycle to people tune of crossing paths with a few
thereof, Jose chose a black-and- around the world as an air advisor—all of them. “Some have been going
chrome combination with an aluminum for the betterment of humanity. to school, traveling the world, or
polish exhaust. (He also went with the Jose, we salute you! just being part of something big-
ger in life,” he relates.
TECH SHEET
Owner Jose Cruz, Fairfield, CA 2015: Selected to become an
Builder Jose Cruz CHASSIS air advisor with the 571 Mobil-
Year/model 2015 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob Frame 2015 Harley-Davidson FX
ity Support Advisory Squadron.
Time to build Two years Front forks Stock, Progressive monotube with
Chromer Ap Show Chrome, Anaheim, CA Jose advises countries on how
external adjuster
Painter Adam, Blinky Striping, Vacaville, CA Mods JD Custom Fabrications TSport to improve their military by ad-
Color Black with silver wings Shocks Progressive 970 series vising in aviation operations. For
Front wheel Harley-Davidson Low Rider, chromed example, if a country gets hit
POWERPLANT Rear wheel Harley-Davidson Low Rider, chromed by an earthquake or any natural
Engine 2015 Harley-Davidson Street Bob Front brakes Dual disaster, its people can now help
Builder OFP Cycles, Vacaville, CA Front tire Dunlop K591 themselves while additional aid
Displacement 103” Rear tire Dunlop K591 is on the way.
Horsepower 90.62 Rear fender Full fender
Torque 100.65 ft-lbs. Fender struts TrueG chrome
2017: Helped the people of
Cams Woods 777 575
Rockers Chrome boxes Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
ACCESSORIES
Pushrods Screamin’ Eagle Headlight Custom Dynamics LED struck the island. “They were
Air cleaner Arlen Ness Big Sucker; with Imzzelite Taillight Custom Dynamics LED 16-hour days, but it was worth it,”
chrome custom intake cover Handlebars Lucky Daves T Bars Lucky 13 pull backs Jose remembers. “I was so proud
Exhaust FAB28 Industries Seat Saddlemen silver diamond stich of my work crew because they
Inner primary Chrome custom didn’t care how tired they were.
Outer primary Chrome Pegs Boosted Brad They just wanted to continue
Transmission Stock with chrome cover Chain guard TrueG chrome landing airplanes so people could
Mods Imzzelite rear chain sprocket Dash Chrome
get the help they need.” +
Final drive Chain conversion Levers OFP Cycle Shorty

Tribute Bike
War & Peace

The Russian-American

by Charley Charles • photos by Siwer Ohlsson

Erik Asp of Stockholm, isn’t your photoshoot. All the same, the for-sale
regular biker dude but more of a
ad made us laugh: “PLEASE NOTE—
NOT AN ORIGINAL MODEL XA!”
petrolhead with a huge interest in Yeah, Asp, we could have guessed; the
asking price not being a hundred thou-
military history. sand euros was a pretty decent clue.
Erik Asp, 60, turned out to be an
interesting guy. He reluctantly admits
He found out that Harley-Davidson carbon copy from the other side of the to having owned 30 or 40 Willys Jeeps
tried to copy Nazi Germany’s BMW Iron Curtain. and having restored several different
R71 during World War II by build- We stumbled across this unique armored vehicles. He’s taken his
ing the model XA. Upon learning this, bike on the Internet purely by chance, Willys Jeeps to the D-Day landing
Erik decided to build his own replica seeing it for sale by Erik. Of course, sites on the beaches of Normandy
based on a Russian 1954 Ural, a BMW we called the builder and asked for a several times.
THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON XA HISTORY
Eighty years ago,

BMWs were so
superior that both
the Soviets and
Americans copied
them (not to men-
tion the Chinese).
The fighting in
North Africa in
1942 was the start of the whole thing. Field Marshal
Erwin Rommel’s flathead BMWs didn’t have any
problems with overheating or desert sand getting
stuck in drive chains, and the Wehrmacht soldiers
didn’t get concussed from bouncing around on rigid
frames. The US Army asked Harley-Davidson to
come up with a carbon copy of the side-valve BMW
R71. The result was the XA, shorthand for Experi-
mental Army.
There were plenty of improvements over the WLA V-
twin. The XA was a shaft drive, carried larger 4.1-gal-
lon fuel tanks, absorbed bumps via rear suspension,
and had a four-speed gearbox. Perhaps most impor-
tantly, those cylinders sticking out reportedly kept
the oil temperature at 50 C cooler than the WLA.
Some versions also had Harley-Davidson’s first-ever
telescopic fork, years before the 1949 Hydra-Glide.
There were also a few experimental XAs with over-
head valves.
The US Army built 1,011 XAs for testing. The Army
also tested the experimental Indian 841, which was
basically a Moto Guzzi copy with transverse V-twin
and a shaft drive. But current events changed the
Army’s plans. Rommel was getting his behind kicked
in Africa because Hitler figured he should be able to
wage war without the supplies that went to Stal-
ingrad and the rest of the Russian front. Also, the
Willys Jeep had become a good alternative to mo-
torcycles, and the XA was a lot more expensive than
the standard V-twin. The US Army paid around a
thousand dollars each per XA, a price which includ-
ed design, tooling, development, etc. “We practically
First of all, I asked Erik why he has put his unique bike gave it to them,” William H. Davidson commented
up for sale. “Ahhhh, I had some trouble the last time I went bitterly. In the end, the Army decided to keep buying
for a ride, the transmission stopped working and the fuel more WLA V-twins, 88,000 in all, plus enough spare
was leaking. I got so pissed off that I put out a sales ad on parts to build tens of thousands more.
the Web. But then I calmed down and took the gearbox Everybody knows how thrill-seeking American
DSDUWDQGß[HGWKHSUREOHP$FKDUPWRZRUNZLWKÔDIWHU soldiers started motorcycle clubs after the war to
all, it was originally designed by German engineers, you put some excitement in their dull civilian lives. Some
know. Now I’m not so sure I want to sell it anymore.” ex-Army men knew about the Model XA and hopeful
(ULNVWLOOUHPHPEHUVWKHßUVWWLPHKHVDZD+DUOH\;$ rumors spread about a civilian version of the Harley
“It was at the annual War and Peace convention south of boxer. But that never happened, and no one seems to
London, where thousands of people like me get together. A know today why. Too bad! Just try to imagine a bunch
ER[HUHQJLQH+DUOH\]RRPHGE\DQG,GLGQÖWXQGHUVWDQG of XA boxers with flashy two-tone paint jobs and tons
what the heck it was. Sure, I knew about the WLA, but of chrome cruising down Sunset Boulevard. Q
what kind of bastard was this?”
Back home in Sweden, Erik spent
time with Google and Wikipedia to
ßQGRXWPRUH+HEHFDPHPRUHDQG
PRUHIDVFLQDWHGZLWK+DUOH\'DYLG
VRQÖVDWWHPSWWRFRS\WKH:HKUPDFKWÖV
VXSHULRU%0:ÖVDQGVWDUWHGWRWKLQN
DERXWDVLPLODUDWWHPSWRIKLVRZQ
Ø7KHSURMHFWUHDOO\JRWPRYLQJ
ZKHQ,ERXJKWDFKHDSROG
8UDOVLGHFDU,NHSWWKHHQJLQH
frame, and wheels and added the
ULJKW+DUOH\SDUWVWRPDNHP\RZQ
YHUVLRQRIWKH;$Ù
Model XAs in the world today, most
of them in museums.”
Authentic or not, Erik is pretty strict
about choosing the right stuff. For in-
stance, the saddlebags are actual 1940s
US Army parachutist combat bags from
WWII. The rear blackout lights are
standard military equipment used for
lots of different vehicles on two or four
wheels or even half-tracks. Up front is
a so-called convoy light that gives the
rider an idea about the distance between
you and the vehicle in front of you, two
tiny spotlights revealing the distance by
the number of inches between the light
being 2" longer. In retrospect maybe I spots. You don’t want to ride around
should have gotten an XA replica fork your sector of the front with your head-
instead, but that’s just a minor detail, light on and get strafed by some blasted
and I think the bike looks great the Messerschmitt, right?
way it is.” The Thompson machine gun in
Erik used normal Fat Bob gas the holster on the front fork is just a
tanks, quite logical because the XA replica, although it looks very realistic.
had fuel in both tanks, unlike the WLA When we asked Erik to pull it out to
The steering geometry of the where one half was a hollowed-out oil pose for a picture, he declined, saying
Russian sidehack had the front forks tank. He found the replica XA badge it would look pretty stupid and not
pointing straight to the ground at an on the gas tank at a bike shop named very serious. Guess he’s got a point.
H[WUHPHO\VWHHSDQJOHVRWKHßUVWWKLQJ 45 Flathead Service in Holland, and 6RDVDOZD\VRXUßQDOTXHVWLRQEH-
Erik did was chop off the steering head the special contoured steel plate on top fore we pack up our cameras and leave:
DQGJHWDQHZRQHßWWLQJDUHSOLFD of the tank was made by a German XA What will be your next bike project?
Harley springer fork and welding it on enthusiast—quite expensive. “No more projects. My next project
with some extra rake. “The springer “I’m involved in a XA online com- will be really riding this thing! Guess I
fork, made in Holland, was the most munity, even though I’m not very have decided it isn’t for sale anymore.
expensive part of the whole project,” active. I’m not in the same league as Next June 6 will be the 75th anniversa-
Asp remarks. “When I bought it I those guys because they have real ry of D-Day. It sure would be a thrill to
didn’t know that there’s a difference XAs and mine is just a replica. I’ve ride my XA replica around Normandy
between WLA and XA forks, the XA been told there are only 46 surviving and on Omaha Beach.” +
Tribute Bike
Loyal Warhorse
WWII recon unit in³uences a Scout
STEPHEN MICHAEL TIMKO OF CORTLAND, forms of opportunity and betterment

Ohio, may never have served in World “to a large portion of society that just
War II (he couldn’t have even if he doesn’t have access to them otherwise.”
wanted to, seeing as he was born in He then took it a step further: “Glob-
the wrong generation), but he put an ally, our military keeps a check on the
extensive amount of time into studying bad apples of the world and keeps
the various battalions and units that them from spreading.”
did—all in an effort to identify a mili- What spurred Stephen on to build
tary theme for his 2016 Indian Scout this tribute is his close ties to the mili-
Sixty. Once he did, Stephen spent even tary. Essentially, everyone in his family
more time building it. (six, to be exact) served at one time
Stephen’s drive to create an ac- or another, including his grandfather,
curate tribute makes it clear how much a WWII Marine who Stephen was
he loves and respects those who’ve named after.
served—but his words do an even “I knew nothing would be accurate to
more effective job. Stephen says that, a real WWII bike,” Stephen remembers
nationally, the military offers various of the planning stage. “But I still wanted
by Steven Blackburn • photos by Stephen Michael Timko
to capture the soul of the real deal and
that meant actually learning about them.”
He soon found the right unit, one that
consisted of single, fast-moving bikes that
carried urgent information in unforgiv-
ing territory. Recon. It was, as Stephen
exclaimed, “Perfect!” Even more so
as reconnaissance originally began on
horseback. “A bike replacement for a
OR\DOZDUKRUVHVHHPHGßWWLQJÙKHVD\V
After narrowing his theme down
further to the 1CAV 302nd, Stephen
realized that this unit was comprised of
famous Native American Code Talkers.
“I had accidently picked a unit of In-
dian scouts to theme the Indian Scout
after!” he relates of this serendipitous
happenstance.
Much of this 1CAV 302nd tribute
now revolves around Stephen’s “mes-
senger” bags since they make his bike
ORRNROGHU%XWLWZDVGLIßFXOWßQGLQJ
ones that worked. As Stephen reveals,
“There’s not a lot of room on the Scout Model A light, which he broke down And although he never said it
with the stock exhaust.” Luckily, he to the circuit board and installed a GLUHFWO\ZHFDQÖWKHOSEXWßQGD
IRXQGVRPHWKDWßWØ7KH\ZHUHDOVRDI- waterproof box for by making a small correlation between his recon theme
fordable so messing one up wouldn’t be module tucked under the seat. “The light to stories Stephen heard about his
devasting if mounting didn’t go well or changes things from just a paint job and grandfather who, ostensibly, stole sup-
paint didn’t stick,” he says. “Lettering some decals into a real project,” he says. plies and jeeps from other units during
them was a little sloppy and ragged, but While “just a paint job,” Stephen the World War II. While not strictly
it made the bike feel more authentic.” applied the Chrysler/Jeep’s tank reconnaissance missions, we’re gonna
The main spotlight, however, is the green himself. say they are. +

Tribute Bike
Motorcycle Missions
and the quest to ride
by Wayne Scraba
photos by Manny Pandya

Mark Graunke Jr. (aka Tin Man) Following boot camp, he went
through Military Occupational Spe-
joined the US Marine Corps two cialty (MOS); he served as a crypto
tech, a micro-miniature repairman, and
days after he graduated from Marine security guard. He eventually
made the decision to become an Explo-
high school in Texas. sive Ordinance Disposal tech, meaning
he was essentially a guy who defuses
and disposes of explosives. In January
2003, Tin Man’s unit was deployed in of his right hand, and he eventually
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. made the decision to have his right leg
Initially, his team operated in direct amputated above the knee. He was
support of the 5th Battalion, 11th medically retired from active duty on
Marines. Staff Sgt. Graunke notes that August 31, 2004.
the primary mission for him and his As you might have surmised, Mark
unit was to safeguard personnel and is a highly decorated Marine, and
equipment by detecting, rendering those decorations include the Purple
safe, or clearing all explosive hazards Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Com-
that could pose a threat to the battal- mendation Medal with a Combat “V,”
ion’s operations. Following the main Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential
push, Mark became the assistant team Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good
leader in Karbala, Iraq. The focus of Conduct Medal, National Defense
his mission moved to clean-up opera- Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal,
tions, which (obviously) would ensure Global War on Terrorism Expedition-
the safety of allied personnel and ary Medal, Global War on Terrorism
improve relations with the locals. Service Medal, Sea Service Deploy-
According to Mark, on July 2, ment, Overseas Service, and the
2004, he was severely injured while Marine Security Guard Ribbon.
working on a piece of US ordnance. Obviously, Mark is a special person,
That piece of ordnance failed to func- but he’s also an avid motorcyclist. Be-
tion as designed. Mark lost his left fore his deployment he rode a Harley-
H\HOHIWKDQGWKXPEDQGLQGH[ßQJHU Davidson Big Twin. And all the while
he was convalescing, he dreamed about the freedom a see that Lehman moved the foot brake to the left side and
motorcycle offered. Mark spent a lot of time burning up the the clutch is a foot-controlled arrangement, too. We asked
telephone lines looking for someone who could build him a 0DUNLILWZDVGLIßFXOWWRULGH+LVDQVZHUØ'LIßFXOW\OHYHOV
motorcycle he could ride. Some people even hung up on him can be judged by desire.” In Mark’s case, there was a huge
(what!) when they learned what he needed. But between his DPRXQWRIGHVLUHDQGWKHGLIßFXOW\EHFDPHDQRQLVVXH
prosthesis and Lehman Trikes, they came up with a solution. Of course, like most AIM readers, it was hard for Mark
Mark immediately to leave the motorcycle
bought a brand-new Fat DORQH+HKDGDODXQGU\OLVW
Boy complete with Lehman’s of things he’d like to change
trike conversion. Along with RQWKHELNHWRUHßQHLWDQG
it came a special ball/socket make it his. That’s where
handlebar arrangement the folks at Motorcycle
that works in conjunction Missions stepped in.
with his prosthetic arm to 1RZWKLVRXWßWLVVSH-
control the trike. That setup FLDOWRR0RWRUF\FOH0LV-
allows him to insert a ball VLRQVLVDQRQSURßWRUJDQL-
(mounted on his prosthetic zation that was founded and
arm) into the socket on the is still headed by Krystal
left handlebar. The design +HVV.U\VWDOLVDSHGLDWULF
is such that with the correct and surgical nurse, and she
combination of motion and also operates a custom bike
friction, he can quickly pop shop, Ricochet Customs,
the ball out of the socket and along with a powdercoating
exit the trike. Look closely company. She has a special
at the trike, and you’ll also SDVVLRQWRØXVHWKHSRZHURI
TECH SHEET
Owner Staff Sgt Mark H. Graunke Jr.
Builder Lehman Trikes/Motorcycle Missions
Year/model 2004 Harley-Davidson Fatboy Trike
(Lehman Trikes)
Time to build Two months
Powdercoater Metroplex Kustoms, Pantego, TX
Painter End Fab, Dallas, TX
Color Black and Charcoal
POWERPLANT
Engine 2004 Harley-Davidson
Displacement 96"
Flywheels 4.00"
Cylinders 3.75"
Pistons 8.8:1
Final drive Lehman Trikes
CHASSIS
Frame 2004 H-D/Lehman Trikes
Mods Lehman Trikes
Swingarm Lehman Trikes
Shocks Legend Air Ride
Front wheel 16" Centerline
Rear wheel 15" Centerline
Rear brake Lehman drum brakes
Front tire 130-90-B16" Dunlop
Rear tire 205/50-15" Remington
Front fender Klock Werks
Rear fender Lehman Trikes (Raider)
ACCESSORIES
Headlight Custom Dynamics
Taillight Custom Dynamics
mechanics and fabricators (in this case,
Handlebars Mooscraft
the folks at Mooscraft).
Seat James Carter
The team for this build partially Pegs Drag Specialties
stripped the machine and detailed it Speedo Dakota Digital
using a mix of Mark’s ideas and their Dash Klock Werks
own. There were many subtle changes. License bracket Custom Dynamics
bikes to help save even more lives.” Es- For example, most of the factory- Mirrors Drag Specialties
sentially, she uses motorcycle therapy chromed hardware was stripped and Hand controls Custom
to give people, including herself, a new replaced with black powdercoating by Foot controls Custom
lease on life. Metroplex customs. Meanwhile, the
Mark handed his trike over to paint is a two-tone charcoal and black Wounded Veteran run, and it was
Krystal and her Motorcycle Missions scheme by End Fab of Dallas. The bot- donated by 22Kill, another veteran
team (the work was actually performed tom of the fenders along with the bed QRQSURßWRUJDQL]DWLRQ
at the Mooscraft shop in Denton, area were given a truck bedliner treat- When Mark’s trike was completed,
Texas). For this build, the team con- PHQWE\7UX[[2XWßWWHUVLQ'HQWRQ Motorcycle Missions arranged for the
sisted of four US military vets: Master Texas. Upstairs, the handlebars were bike to be unveiled at Strokers of Dal-
Sgt. David M. Walther, US Army; swapped for a set of Mooscraft bars. las on February 2, 2018. To say it was a
Sgt. Justin Kelly, US Army Airborne The lamps are from Custom Dynam- success is an understatement. Mark is
Ranger; Sgt. Roger Max Denton, ics, and the saddle is a James Carter delighted with the machine and pretty
USMC; and Lance Cpl. James Netha- creation. The dash was swapped for a much rides the wheels off it. He tells us
way, USMC. These guys are enrolled custom job from Klock Werks, and it’s he lives to ride. And you really have to
in the Motorcycle Mission Build ßOOHGZLWKD'DNRWD'LJLWDOVSHHGR give Krystal plenty of props for what
Mentorship Program. The program The license bracket is also from Custom she accomplishes with Motorcycle Mis-
strives to get its participants connected Dynamics. Finally, the mirrors are from sions. She comes up with the resources
with the community, allowing them to the folks at Drag Specialties. so that vets and others with post-trau-
work with their hands and learn new ,QRUGHUWRßQDQFHWKHUHFRQ- matic stress can use motorcycling as a
skills under the leadership of trained struction, funds came by way of the tool to get on with living. +
Tribute Bike
obinson
by William R
hotos by Oliv ier Touron
p
A century-old war 7KHPRWRUF\FOHZDVVKLSSHGIURP

6DLQW1D]DLUHZKHUHLQ:RUOG:DU,
machine comes home $PHULFDQVROGLHUVFDPHWRßJKWZLWK

WKH)UHQFK,WODQGHGLQ0RELOHZKHUH
LWZDVRQGLVSOD\DWWKH*XOI4XHVW
1DWLRQDO0XVHXP
After 100 years, the World War I ULJZRXOGVRRQEHJLQWKHORQJMRXUQH\ :KHQLWßUVWDUULYHGLQ)UDQFH
YHWHUDQßQDOO\UHWXUQHGIURPWKH IURP0RELOH$ODEDPDWR-DFNVRQ- WKHPRWRUF\FOHFUHDWHGDVHQVDWLRQ
EDWWOHßHOGVRI)UDQFHWR$PHULFD1RZ YLOOH)ORULGDDQGWKHQEDFNWRLWV (XURSHDQVDFFXVWRPHGWRVPDOOGLV-
UHVWRUHGWRLWVIRUPHUJORU\WKH ELUWKSODFHLQ0LOZDXNHHWKHQRQWR SODFHPHQWVLQJOHVSHHGF\FOHVZHUH
+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ-VLGHFDU 6WXUJLV/DV9HJDVDQG6DQ'LHJR DPD]HGE\WKH9WZLQRYHUKHDG
Both are lifelong
motorcycle riders and
collectors, owning
some notable American
bikes. There is a rare
1936 Indian “upside-
down” Four and a 1930
Henderson Four in
Pierre’s 60-bike stable,
and Christophe enjoys
his Harleys, including
a 1927 Model J and
a 1929 JD. Both, of
course, are proud of the
Harley they are riding
across this country, a
coming to their aid in the two World WUXHEDUQßQGWKDWIRXJKWSURXGO\LQ
Wars. They could think of no better The War to End All Wars. The bike
way than bringing home the motor- was purchased by Christophe and lov-
cycle that stands for the freedom and ingly restored by Pierre, all for a total
liberty that the two countries have cost of over $40,000.
fought so hard to retain. After considerable deliberation,
“France and America are like an old they named the Harley Bony, after the
married couple,” Christophe says. “They French village that is home to the Som-
have been together so long, sometimes me American Cemetery where 1,844
valve Harley with a three-speed they forget to say, ‘I love you.’” of our soldiers are at rest. The rows of
transmission. It produced a prodi- Christophe and Pierre took their white crosses stand as testimony to the
gious 18 hp and was capable of hit- time on the 5,600-mile adventure, VDFULßFHRQHFRXQWU\PDGHIRUWKHRWKHU
ting 55 mph with a sidecar attached. basking in American culture, making They were accompanied on their
About 20,000 of these robust bikes new friends, and taking good care of adventure by two French journalists,
arrived in Europe during World their means of transportation. Nearly Olivier Touron, the photographer of
War I, ready for battle. three months will have passed before the bikes you see in this article, and
It has been the shared dream of they return home to celebrate Armi- Thierry Butzbach. Both rode new
close friends Christophe de Goulaine stice Day on November 11, when they Harley-Davidsons across the US, Ol-
and Pierre Lauvergeat to express the will proudly ride the Harley down the ivier on a Softail Heritage Special Edi-
gratitude of the French for America Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. tion and Thierry on an Ultra Limited.
The result of their work will be a documentary that explores SUHSDUDWLRQVZHUHPDGHIRUWKHOHQJWK\WULSWKDWZRXOGWHVW
the unique bond between their nation and ours, one that the ancient Harley. Veteran Cannonball Run rider Norm
KDVH[LVWHGVLQFHWKH)UHQFKFDPHWRßJKWRQWKHVLGHRIWKH 1HOVRQZKRZDVSUHSDULQJKLVRZQ5HDGLQJ6WDQGDUG
Americans in the Revolutionary War. IRUWKH&DQQRQEDOONLQGO\RIIHUHGKLVDGYLFHDQG
$ORQJWKHZD\WKHUHZDVDZHHNORQJVWRSLQ-DFN DVVLVWDQFHRQFURVVLQJWKHFRXQWU\RQDYLQWDJHPRWRUF\FOH
VRQYLOOH)ORULGDZKHUH&KULVWRSKHÖVORFDOIULHQG-RDQHOOH The local HOG Club escorted Pierre and Christophe
0XOUDLQFRRUGLQDWHGWKHLUVWD\$GDPHF+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ WRQHDUE\6W$XJXVWLQH$PHULFDÖVROGHVWFLW\ZKHUHWKH\
JHQHURXVO\VHUYHGDVKRPHEDVHIRUWKH%RQ\7KHVHUYLFH ZHUHZDUPO\JUHHWHGE\0D\RU1DQF\6KDYHU$YLVLWWRWKH
ED\ELNHVWDQGDQGWRROVZHUHSXWWRJRRGXVHDVßQDO KLVWRULFOLJKWKRXVHZDVRQHRIWKHKLJKOLJKWVRIWKHGD\
Christophe, Pierre, and Bony visit the Somme

American Cemetery and Memorial in France.

Christophe’s family can trace its
history back hundreds of years to
France’s Loire Valley near the city of
Nantes, where the current journey
began. His direct ancestor, Huguenot
explorer Captain Rene de Goulaine
de Laudonniere, traveled to the new
world with Jean Ribault to establish
a foothold in Florida in 1564. They
established Fort Caroline, located on

what is the north side of Jacksonville,
which Christophe visited.
“This is one of the reasons we came
to America,” he says, “to experience
the place where my family member
landed so long ago. We are very proud
of what my ancestor was able to
accomplish here.”
/HDYLQJ-DFNVRQYLOOHWKHßUVW
stop was the Barber Vintage Motor-
sports Museum, where Christophe
and Pierre were shown the sights
by Brian Slark, one of the world’s
foremost authorities on antique and
vintage motorcycles. Then it was on to
Indianapolis where they were reunited
with members of their families before
heading to Bony’s original home in
Milwaukee, site of the celebration
of H-D’s 115th anniversary. They
referred to their quest as “Operation
Twin Links.” Christophe’s home of
Nantes is the twin city of Jackson-
ville; America and France were allies
in the two World Wars, and their
Harley-Davidson is also a twin.
“Twice Harley-Davidson came to
(XURSHLQWKHWKFHQWXU\WRßJKW
for peace and freedom, and twice
they brought friendship between our
peoples,” Christophe says. “This is our
way of saying thank you for all Ameri-
cans have done for us.” +
Event by Tony Frey
2018 Patriot Ride

A humbling and heartfelt experience
Riding with your buddies is a great time. Riding with over 5,000 riders from all walks of life purpose of the event is to recognize
WKHFRQWULEXWLRQVDQGVDFULßFHVWKDW
coming together to honor military and law enforcement of¿cers is a blessing that should be members of the military, law enforce-
experienced. There are tons of charities that honor the military, and the motorcycle commu- ment, and their families make to ensure
the freedoms we enjoy.”
nity supports them like no other. The Patriot Ride has historically been focused on bene¿ting Severe weather was forecast for
the event, but it held off, which led
local active military, veterans, and their families. This year, the organizers added local law to a beautiful day. The ride was a
enforcement End of Watch families to support the event. 70-mile roundtrip that commenced at
QRRQ$VULGHUVOHIWWKH\SDVVHGàDJV
The Patriot Ride, held in Blaine, safe, Dennis Kirk wanted to recog- around from every branch of service,
Minnesota, started 13 years ago as a QL]HWKHFRQWULEXWLRQVDQGVDFULßFHV including the local police and sheriff
fairly small ride to honor local veteran military personnel and their families departments. A custom bike show
families. As men and women of the mil- were making to protect us at home. with vendors, food, and music was
itary and law enforcement are serving One of the event’s founders said, “It’s hosted by legendary builder Donnie
to make our country and our streets about honor, dignity, and respect. The Smith, who arrived despite recovering
severe injury or death. Husbands and
ZLYHVORVLQJWKHLUVSRXVHVIDWKHUVDQG
PRWKHUVORVLQJWKHLUFKLOGUHQVLVWHUV
DQGEURWKHUVORVLQJWKHLUVLEOLQJV
VRQVDQGGDXJKWHUVORVLQJRQHRUERWK
of their parents. Rehabilitation from
multiple severe injuries is expensive
DQGPHQWDOO\GUDLQLQJ7KLVDOOWDNHV
WKHNLQGRIVXSSRUWJRYHUQPHQWDJHQ-
cies do not provide. These families are
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of an insurance policy payout for which
the family pays a monthly premium.
The support families receive from the
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Every year the Patriot Ride raises
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charities: The Minnesota Patriot
from a minor motorcycle accident. Since our military and law enforce- *XDUGWKH0LQQHVRWDQÖV0LOLWDU\$S-
The festivities end when the families PHQWDJHQFLHVDUHYROXQWDU\ZHDOO SUHFLDWLRQ)XQGWKH0LQQHVRWDFKDS-
of fallen service members and End NQRZWKHVHVDFULßFHVDUHZKDWPDNH WHURI7ULEXWHWRWKH7URRSVDQG%DFN-
of Watch are honored with a presen- RXUFRXQWU\JUHDW%XWZKDWPRVWRIXV LQJWKH%OXH/LQH$OORIWKHVHFKDULWLHV
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SOD\LQJRIWDSV OLHVJRWKURXJKLQWKHDIWHUPDWKRID you would like to donate. +
Event by Jay Hirsch
Rolling Thunder XXXI
Honoring our fallen heroes who never returned
Rolling Thunder XXXI, the active military, veterans, and bikers ride for POWs/ MIAs WKHUHWRDWWHQGWKHDQQXDOFDQGOHOLJKW
YLJLOWRNHHSDOLYHWKHPHPRU\DQG
took place from May 24 to 28 (Memorial Day) in Washington, DC. The overriding QDPHVRIWKHVHUYLFHPHQDQG
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message to members of Congress, the President, and the American people is Located on the National Mall,
that there are people who served this country in wars and conÀicts who are 7KH:DOOFRQVLVWVRIWZR
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not accounted for. The families of the missing deserve an answer. QDPHVRIWKRVHZKRJDYHWKHLUOLYHVIRU
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On Thursday afternoon, May 24, DUHDFFRXQWHGDVPLVVLQJLQDFWLRQ7KH
all the members of the 3rd Infantry ßUVW$PHULFDQVROGLHUNLOOHGLQ9LHW
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VROGLHUVRIWRGD\KRQRULQJWKHVROGLHUV all nurses and all volunteers. They did
of yesterday who ensured that all of us QRWKDYHWRJRWR9LHWQDPEXWFKRVHWR
could be here today and live in peace,” do so to help their brothers.
6JW6HDQ+DFNVKDZVDLG)ULGD\ $WWKHDSH[RI7KH:DOOVWRRGD
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SHRSOHJDWKHUHGDW7KH:DOORIßFLDOO\ members of the Gold Star Family. A
called the Vietnam National Memorial. Gold Star Mother is a mother who
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7KXQGHUDQGRWKHURUJDQL]DWLRQVZHUH our country. Each woman will pass a
lighted torch to another mother, each
saying her name and the name of her
child—and child is the word. To all
mothers, sons or daughters are the
children they brought into the world
DQGUDLVHGWKURXJKVRUHWKURDWVàXV
bloody knees, and reprimands for
“breaking the rules of the house.” Then
suddenly that child’s life is taken away
in some far-off land.
Ron Spector, a professor of history
at George Washington University, was
a Marine corporal in Quang Tri in
1968-69. 1968 was the bloodiest year
during the Vietnam War, with 16,592
Americans killed. Professor Spector re-
members: “You counted the days until
you were going home to ‘The world’,”
which is what most soldiers called the
United States. “You just wanted to do
your job and get home alive!”
On May 25, 1968, 87 US soldiers
were killed. More were killed on other
days, but on this day the alphabet was
covered. The list began with Sgt. Jes-
sie Alba, 20, of Ft. Lavaca, Texas, and
ended with Pfc. Robert Zeske, 23, of
Milwaukee. In May 1968, 2,403 Ameri-
cans had their lives taken from them.
The annual barbeque and welcom-
ing to all Rolling Thunder riders was

on Saturday, May 26, at the Harley After riding from Florida, the threat
Davidson dealership in Ft. Washing- of rain meant little to Shelly and her
ton, Maryland, On this special week- faithful travel companion, “Big Mike.”
end, the repair shop only services the Shelly operates a facility for veterans
bikes of Rolling Thunder riders. One with stress disorders in Florida.
of those emergency repair jobs was on For 30 years, Rolling Thunder rid-
the bike owned by Artie Muller, the ers and veterans have spent time with
executive director of Rolling Thunder. friends from previous rides or encoun-
Sunday began with overcast skies tered long-lost friends, unseen since
and the threat of rain all day. Whether Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan. All
due to the overcast sky, the forecast of are at Rolling Thunder to remind the
rain, or the heavy rains of last year’s nation that there are Americans who
Rolling Thunder fresh in the minds of were left behind in previous wars, and
many riders, about a third fewer bikes their remains need to be brought home
could be seen at the Pentagon at 9:30 for their families.
am. One eye-catching bike was the red, At noon, the ground at the Penta-
ZKLWHDQGEOXH$PHULFDQàDJWKHPHG gon starts to shake from the rumble of
trike owned by Shelly from Florida. more than 150,000 motorcycles as they
begin their journey over the Memorial
Bridge onto 23rd street, down Consti-
tution Avenue, and then back to the
JUDVV\ßHOGVQHDU7KH:DOO
As the bikers turn to enter 23rd
Street, standing there at attention on
the concrete divider near the end of
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and thanking all those serving in the 0RQGD\PRUQLQJ0D\6RPHVDW
military, those who served, and those in lawn chairs, others lay on blankets
who never returned to their families DQGPDQ\KDGFRROHUVDQGSLFQLFEDV-
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barbecue on Memorial Day, but they 7KHDYHUDJHDJHRIDOOWKRVHQDPHG $UOLQJWRQZKLFKZDVRSHQHGDVRWKHU
should remember who made that bar- RQ7KH:DOOLV6RPHZHUH sections became full with veterans
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a sales day event,” even though that NLOOHG6WLOOXQDFFRXQWHGIRUDUH UHVWLQJLQ6HFWLRQDUHWKRVHNLOOHG
is why those whose lives were snuffed Americans who never returned from LQ,UDTDQG$IJKDQLVWDQ7KHLUORYHG
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Ride for Freedom, veterans and family WKHWRSLV/DQFH&SO5LFKDUG0XUSK\ uncle, aunt, brother, sister, and you
members and the friends of those listed Massachusetts, killed in action by a should never forget them and what
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Event
Riding—At Ease
One vet’s therapeutic journey for others
Ask someone to de¿ne what therapy is, and you might get
more than a few answers. Be it psychological or physical ther-
apy, he would probably never include an activity the maMority
of Americans considers to be dangerous riding motorcycles.
But that’s exactly what one man Carry On
does to help his fellow servicemen While many consider riding a motor-
and women. Dave Frey is not only a F\FOHGDQJHURXVRWKHUVßQGLWWKHFORV-
veteran, he’s a man making a difference HVWWKLQJWREHLQJDELUGLQàLJKW(LWKHU
in the way returning veterans are being activity is relatively safe when com-
treated and helped: a multiday training SDUHGWRWDNLQJHQHP\ßUHLQDQ\RIWKH
session on two wheels. And an annual many wars our men and women face.
motorcycle ride to what many call the Full disclosure: I have never served.
world’s largest party. Nor has anyone in my immediate
by Alfonse Palaima
INTRODUCING DAVE
Upon returning from his own tour of
family. I used to see it as something I duty and during his annual pilgrim-
“never got into,” as if protecting the age ride to Sturgis, Dave discovered
country were a hobby, sport, or some- he wasn’t the only veteran on two
thing of general interest. I didn’t realize wheels looking to clear his mind, enjoy
what service actually meant. This one To return to our freedoms—our the scenery, and work through vari-
motorcycle ride—The Veterans Charity KRPHRXUQDWLRQÔDQGßQGSHRSOH ous personal demons. For many—on
Ride—has greatly opened my eyes. To showing disrespect for both the nation two, three, or four wheels—the open
have served in a branch of the military, and those that have served it, adds to the road is the best medicine. The horizon
I have learned, is to not only love the pain that vets carry. Internal struggles cures. That’s when Dave realized that
country you live in, but the people that can weigh vets down, and eventually perhaps this might be the way for his
live in it as well. their struggles may need to be alleviated fellow riders—those that have put their
And if never returning home from a through therapy. Substance abuse will lives on the line for the rest of us—to
Sunday ride due to an accident scares never help. get through it together.
you, maybe motorcycles are not right Therapy is a prime concern of His personal tour of duty has
for you. If it doesn’t, you might be what veterans everywhere, but assistance become the Veterans Charity Ride
our country needs. Not everyone re- is weighed down by bureaucracy and (VCR), which in August completed the
turns home from our foreign wars, but scandal. The Veterans Administration 2,000-mile, ten-day journey from Los
those that do often carry not only the has become a resource many do not Angeles to Sturgis for its fourth time.
memories of battle, but the additional consider reliable. Enter the saving grace This year, we were invited to ride along
weight of pain and suffering that ac- of one man on two wheels: Dave Frey with this rolling therapy session to see
companies the loss of friends and family. and his Veterans Charity Ride. exactly how vets are helping other vets
on their own, without the intervention ously an exercise to bring the team
of medication. Out there, the battle together. You wouldn’t know many of
against the pain they’ve brought home these riders were vets by just look-
continues, but the camaraderie of those ing at them; others were more obvi-
with similar mental and emotional ous, given their various injuries and
problems helps them persevere. These subsequent disabilities. The inability
riders are not unlike a squad going into to walk, however, is not the same as
battle. inability to ride.
Three of the riders on this journey
Joy Ride URGHRQPRGLßHGVLGHFDUULJVRQH
Some might call it a joy ride—and ZDVVSHFLßFDOO\GHVLJQHGWRFDUU\WKH
who would seriously begrudge a dis- two double amputees and included
abled combat veteran some fun?—but handshift and braking controls. They
the VCR is far more than just a 10- instantly became—by personality and
day group ride. The ride has grown design—the rock stars of the VCR.
into a community of both riding and Josh and Neale piloted the custom-
non-riding vets, helping to clear each built Indian Scout, swapping positions
others’ hurdles. between saddle and sidecar regularly,
Four days into the journey, we while the somewhat more able-bodied
spent a few extra nights along the Col- Richie was left to remain in the sidecar
orado River, just outside Moab, Utah. because, given his paralyzed legs, he
Aside from the traditional closed- hadn’t yet learned to operate the ma-
door, round-robin dialogue sessions, chine from the saddle but he will soon.
these guys and gals also participated The remaining 15 riders might have
in unconventional therapy sessions, been in some way “damaged”, but you
including riding horses through the wouldn’t know it. To be on this ride
desert, rafting along the Colorado, and means that you’ve served our country,
crawling around Arches National Park and you’ve been lucky enough to be
in side-by-sides. selected from the list of nearly 500 ap-
Sure, it was fun, but it was obvi- plicants. To join the VCR has become
HD00526 - Black with Sculpted Black Tips
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• Includes O2 sensor ports, plugs & mounting hardware
• 0DGHLQWKH86$ZLWK$PHULFDQ6WHHO
HD00527 - Pitch Black
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freedomperform.com | (951) 898-4733

who want to bring us down. It’s these
veterans that protect us from the
SHULOVVXFKDGYHUVDULHVZRXOGLQàLFW
upon us. Unfortunately, volunteering
for the daunting task of shielding the
general public from these traumatic
horrors can lead to various issues
upon returning home. Learn from
Dave’s example—do something for a
veteran. Be Dave Frey.
Taking Stock
Upon my arrival home from this
ride, with a heart on the verge of
not only helpful to the souls of these tion will reveal that it also hosts a re- exploding from compassion, I sat
veterans, but a chance to achieve a goal treat, known as WellVet, twice a year. down to unpack all that I learned,
they feel the US government is falling 7KLVLQWHQVLYHßYHZHHNSURJUDP everything I’d seen, and all that I felt
to reach. Dave and his equally passion- is designed and aided by doctors to when my father took his last breath a
ate wife, Susan, are changing the way wean battle-worn and system-weary few days later. I was already feeling
veterans are getting help, one person vets from addictions and help develop that I could never do justice to all
at a time. better coping strategies for insomnia the love that I had witnessed through
or trauma. Dave’s organization, and then my
But Wait Taking a look at myself, a lifelong own world collapsed.
For those of you still wondering how a RSSRQHQWRIßJKWLQJ,UHDOL]HWKDW 0RQWKVODWHU,ZDVßQDOO\DEOHWR
motorcycle ride can be therapeutic, I’d this ride taught me just as much about apply some of the lessons I’d learned
wonder why you’re reading a motor- myself as it did about the men and through Dave, only this time I needed
cycle magazine. But I digress. women on the ride. Servicemen and to apply them to myself. Not only was
As impressive as the Veterans women aren’t killers sent out into I helping in my own way, I was being
Charity Ride has become—garnering the world to do the country’s bid- helped yet again by those that served
attention from sponsors like Indian ding; they’re a most impressive team our country. This time they unwit-
Motorcycle, Monster energy drink, of people protecting the country we tingly helped me. Thank you all. As
and compassionate gearhead Jay live in. We created a great country a “Doc” once put it, “The only thing we
Leno—there is no way one annual long time ago, something that gener- are guaranteed is our next moment.
ride can help all those in need. A ates resentment the world over, and It’s ours to own and to decide how we
closer look at the VCR’s entire opera- there are scores of belligerent groups spend it.” +
®
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AIMag.com • American Iron Salute • 79
Products Cache
Maxpedition Riftblade Backpacks

Maxpedition has introduced two new backpacks in the
Advanced Gear Research (AGR) lineup. Building upon
the success of the Riftcore design introduced in early 2016,
Maxpedition now offers the larger 30L Riftblade and the
more compact 15L Riftpoint to round out this trio of ergo-
nomic concealed carry-
capable backpacks.
This latest release
reinforces Maxpe-
dition’s mission in
the creation of
the AGR line: to
build military-
grade tactical
gear based on Ready for All Terrain
cutting-edge One of Magpul’s three new glasses designs, the Terrain is
research using designed for most demanding riders, and it’s well-suited
custom developed for those who require ballistic and safety protection for
materials and PD[LPXPFRYHUDJHLQDODUJHUIUDPHWKDWEHVWßWVPHGLXP
components and to large faces. Constructed from TR90NZZ, the strongest
with modern- thermoplastic material available for eyewear, the Terrain
ized aesthetics. SURYLGHVH[WUHPHLPSDFWUHVLVWDQFHGXUDELOLW\DQGàH[-
Maxpedition’s pursuit of the best ibility in a lightweight package. The Terrain’s oleophobic-
since 2003 has cultivated a clientele that has come to expect treated lenses shed liquid and won’t be degraded by water,
only products of uncompromising quality, durability and sweat, or chemicals, and they’ve been both impact-tested
innovation. These bags are perfect for packing all your trav- and safety-rated, providing all-around protection for eyes.
eling needs while going out for a weekend-long ride or just Its eight-base wrap and over molded anti-slip rubber nose
commuting to work. Maxpedition, Maxpedition.com. and temple pads prevent slippage and make sure the Ter-
rain stays put while you’re in motion. Its lenses come in
a range of polarization, color, and mirror options to
Wear It With Pride give you the premium clarity and contrast you
The new Shoei RF-1200 Dedi- need from a great pair of shades, support-
cated Helmet expands Shoei’s ing many high-energy activities in vari-
popular full-face RF-1200 able light conditions and environments,
lineup with a graphic that to include running, hiking, skiing, and
dons the stars and stripes other outdoor activities. On the range,
in black and gray for where high levels of ballistic protec-
some solid style that’s tion are a must, the Terrain will exceed
not overpowering. The expectations. The design of the Terrain’s
latest generation in the ORZSURßOHWHPSOHVLQWHJUDWHVZHOOXQGHU
most prestigious pedi- helmets, headsets, and over-the-ear
gree of premium full-face hearing protection, ensuring that you’re
motorcycle helmets, the protected and able to perform naturally
RF-1200, like its many RF wherever you put them and yourself to the
predecessors, is the pin- test. Other key features include ballistic-rated
nacle of helmet performance Z87-plus lenses that meet both high-velocity impact
and technology. A lighter, protection and safety ratings, oleophobic and anti-glare
more compact, and streamlined lenses that repel liquids and provide oil, sweat, sunscreen,
helmet with next-level functional- DQGRWKHUFKHPLFDOSURWHFWLRQ/RZSURßOHWHPSOHVLQWH-
ity, SHOEI’s RF-1200 rules every grate with over-the-ear hearing protection and commu-
aspect of the road, and then some. It’s your turn to experi- nication headsets, and coated stainless steel pins provide
ence the excitement of riding in an RF-1200. $589.99. Shoei simple but dependable hinge functionality. $149. Magpul,
Helmets, Shoei-Helmets.com. Magpul.com.
ADVERTISER INDEX
Please support our advertisers! They support us!
Arlen Ness arlenness.com 5

Bad Dad Custom Motorcycle 260/407-2000 65
Big Bike Parts 888/244-2453 65
Bikershades Bikershades.com 81
Custom Cycle Engineering 800/472-2953 78
Dennis Kirk 800-564-1822 7,37
We’ll Lift You Up
Direct Cycle Parts 800/745-6830 27
HMC Industries manufac- Faarken Biker Stirrups 203/439-7060 81
tures a motorcycle lift with the Freedom Performance 310/324-0415 75
US Army’s colors and theme, Fueling Parts Fuelingparts.com 78
which Motorcycle Mis- Geico Direct 800/442-9253 83
sions uses in its own Harley-Davidson Motor HD.com C2,3
shop. Quality-built for HHI 877/442-5837 67
Hill Country Customs 877-755-4455 8
the most demanding
Indian Int’l Show 424/353-1505 11
mechanic, HMC lifts are Indian Motorcycle Indianmotorcycle.com 40,41
powered with dependable, reliable air Legendary Products LegendaryUSA.com 79
cylinders that are manufactured in house. LoveJugs Love-Jugs.com 13
These are made of laser-cut steel and CNC-machined parts Moto Bike Jack Moto Bike Jack.com 79
to build a dependable lift capable of repetitive use. It is 24" Russ Brown 800/4Bikers.com C4
wide by 82" long, and it offers up to 40" of working height. Wiley-X H-DSunglassesByWileyX.com 9
These lifts will accommodate nearly every powersport

The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Iron Salute readers. American
vehicle. With a common frame and cylinder, you can buy
Iron Salute is not responsiblefor omissions or typographical errors in names, web sites,
multiple lift models and have consistent lift height, closed
page, or phone numbers. If your company is not listed here, please contact us at
height, air valves, and common interchangeable parts. From
203/425-8777 ext. 114 to rectify.
$1,195. HMC Industries, HMCIndustries.com. +
AIMag.com • American Iron Salute • 81

Last Page by Karen A. Avitabile Photo by Steve Lita
R. Lee Ermey (Gunny)

Okinawa, he was promoted to staff
sergeant and spent the remainder of his
military career there.
In 1972, following several inju-
ries—was shrapnel still lodged in his
He’s probably best known for his acting roles playing Gunnery Sergeant back and arm—Gunny was medically
discharged after serving 11 years active
Hartman in the 1987 ¿lm, Full Metal Jacket, Mayor Tilman in Mississippi GXW\+HXVHGKLV*,%LOOEHQHßWVWR
enroll at the University of Manila in
Burning, Jimmy Lee Farnsworth in Fletch Lives, Sheriff Hoyt in The Texas the Philippines where he studied drama
Chainsaw Massacre remake, and lent his voice as the plastic army and was cast in Apocalypse Now.
Some 30 years after his discharge,
men leader Sarge in the Toy Story ¿lms. Gunny received an honorary promo-
tion to gunnery sergeant by James
The voice, actor Ronald Lee may not know is that his years spent L. Jones, the commandant of the
Ermey, went on to host two programs in the US Marine Corps gave him the Marine Corps. He was also retro-
on History, Mail Call and Lock n’ Load natural background to be typecast in actively awarded the Marine Corps
With R. Lee Ermey, and the military roles he played. Drill Instructor Ribbon and numerous
GunnyTime With R. Lee Ermey on the In 1961, at 17 years old, he en- commendations and citations. He often
Outdoor Channel, in addition to tele- OLVWHGLQWKH860DULQH&RUSVßUVW visited United States troops in Iraq,
ßOPVLQFOXGLQJ+%2ÖVWeapons of Mass VHUYLQJLQWKHDYLDWLRQVXSSRUWßHOG Afghanistan, and Kuwait, and por-
Distraction, TNT’s The Touch Riders and for a few years before becoming a drill trayed Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in a
You Know My Name. instructor at Marine Corps Recruit USO-type show. For several years, he
After a decades-long acting career Depot San Diego. was also the face of the Armed Forces
DQGGR]HQVRIDFWLQJFUHGLWVLQßOP He went on to Okinawa, Japan, Bowl game which aired on ESPN.
and television roles, Ermey, who was where he was a member of the Ma- Gunny represented products he be-
nicknamed Gunny, died last April at rine Wing Support Group, and did lieved in and was the 11-year spokes-
the age of 74. While Gunny was an a 14-month tour of duty in Vietnam. man for GLOCK, SOG Specialty
accomplished actor, what most people When he was transferred back to Knives & Tools, Rugged Ridge, and
Victory Motorcycles. Robert Pandya, a
press representative for Victory, fondly
UHFDOOV*XQQ\DVDßWWLQJVSRNHVPDQ
Having beat out rap artists, stand-up
comedians, and other Hollywood ac-
tors for the role, he said, none resonat-
ed with riders more than Gunny.
More importantly, Pandya added,
Gunny actually rode a motorcycle and
was “loved by grumpy old guys and
was always respected by young guys.”
Pandya praised Gunny’s appeal.
“I have to say he was one of the most
generous and pleasant celebrities,”
Pandya said. “He had fans every-
where! Gunny was appreciative of
their attention and respected their
[motorcyclists’] lives.”
When in Sturgis, for the annual
rally, Victory set up a little autograph
competition and called it the Gunny
vs. the Bunnies. Playboy Bunnies were
signing autographs too. “We had to stop
because Gunny’s line was 10 times as
long as it was for the Bunnies.” +
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2018 Special

On Sale Until 1/13/19

American Iron Salute US $6.99

MOVES YOU IN WAYS YOU’VE NEVER BEEN MOVED BEFORE.

20 SPORTSTER SUI GENERIS

24 GARY WRIGHT’S AT-ATTENTION BAGGER

34 IN MEMORY OF THE CHIEF

42 FREEDOM, STRENGTH, TRADITION

46 WAR AND PEACE

60 HOME FROM THE WAR 14 NY State Police Knuck

24 Rolling Art Memorial

4 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

68 ROLLING THUNDER XXXI

72 Veterans Ride to Sturgis

6 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

Executive Editor Steve Lita

Art Director Matt Kopec

Assistant Editor Stephen Long

Copy Editor Keith Blair Powell

Contributing Writers Karen A. Avitabile, Jim Babchak, Steven

Contributing Photographers Glenda Faye Photography, Tony Frey,

President/Publisher Buzz Kanter

Senior VP/Associate Publisher Gail Kanter

Creative Director Tricia Szulewski

Senior Staff Accountant Claudia Garavito

Staff Accountant Kathy Greco

Administrative Assistant Rosemary Cafarelli

Terry O’Brien 203/994-9518

Tony Frey 605/645-6875

since World War II

From Sean McNamara

Breanna Matthies, an engineering project as-

From Breanna Matthies

Rob Pizzi is the owner of Central CT Arms, LLC.

From Rob Pizzi Jr. +

14 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

by Jim Babchak • Shotos by Dino Petrocelli

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 15

16 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

20 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

Harley had hoped to sell to the US

Tribute bagger carries the load

MP duties, which included escorting

26 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

28 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 29

his 200 Harley-'avidson 6treet *lide

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 33

34 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 35

36 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

m , s t r e n g t h , photos by Liliana Moreno

A US airman builds a tribute illus- upon yet another correlation between

2002: Started as a loadmas-

2004: Participated in bringing

2007: Flew Robin Williams

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 45

War & Peace

46 • American Iron Salute • AIMag.com

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 47

Eighty years ago,

STEPHEN MICHAEL TIMKO OF CORTLAND, forms of opportunity and betterment

American Iron Salute • AIMag.com • 53

his 200 Harley-'avidson 6treet *lide