President Keith Peters 612-825-9219 [email protected]

Vice President Dave Rademacher 763-755-8520 [email protected]

Secretary Gloria Peters 612-825-9219 [email protected] DECEMBER Newsletter of the Viking Chapter 2004 Antique Club of America Inc. Treasurer Kathi Rimnac 612-825-2550 [email protected] Published Quarterly March 1st, June 1st, September 1st & December 1st Newsletter Paul Meisel 952-472-2097 http:www.vikingmc.org Editor work 952-746-2361 [email protected] [email protected] Keith’s Kickstand Graphics and Greg Claflin 612-529-5812 From the Editor: Layout [email protected] s we find the holiday season upon us, our thoughts turn to Agift giving. Some people are harder to buy for than others, Historian Tom Jones 763-533-9163 Directors but there is one gift that almost everyone will enjoy, and that gift Kerry Rasmussen Jim Kojola is America’s beloved “Chia Pet”. So with this in mind, Greg 651-430-1332 612-374-8913 Claflin and I are pleased to present this special “Tribute to Chia [email protected] [email protected] Pet” issue. Paul Meisel

Stan Mewhorter Gene Hostetler 763-561-3922 952-472-5063 [email protected] [email protected] Deputy Judge Jerry Richards 651-482-0096 [email protected]

Future Club Events

December 8, 2004 BOD Meeting (7:00pm) (Wed.) Betty’s Bikes and Buns 600 E Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (612) 378-4988 December General Meeting (none) January 5, 2005 BOD Meeting (7:00pm) (Wed.) Gene and Marilyn Hostetler 6168 Sinclair Crt, Mound, (952) 472-5063 January 8, 2005 Holiday Party & Gen. Mtg. (Sat.) (4:15 pm - 9:00pm) Richfield Community Center 7000 Nicollet Ave, S. Richfield (612) 861-9360 February 4-6, 2005 Cycle World Show Mpls. Convention Center, Contact: Dave Rademacher to show your bike. February 9, 2005 BOD Meeting (7:00pm) A Message From Keith Peters, President (Wed.) Kathi and Roger Rimnac 5516 -13th Ave.S., Mpls. hat a great country and let’s try and keep it that way. Dow Jones Equity (612) 825-2550 WNews service, writing about Harley Davidson on 10/13, listed all kinds of facts (Florida February 16, 2005 General Meeting (7:00pm) weather, favorable foreign exchange rates, increased cost of steel, etc.) that affected H-D’s quarterly (Wed.) Leo’s South profits. Sales were down 10% from last year’s same quarter (their Anniversary year.) But the 16375 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville strangest thing is the article was “(sales were) down 10.2% in Japan, where a rule prohibiting (952) 435-5371 March 9, 2005 BOD Meeting (7:00pm) more than one rider on a motorcycle is hurting sales…” Oh please, government, save me from (Wed.) Stan and Carol Mewhorter myself. 8249 Scott Ave.N., Brooklyn Park A few days later Newsweek said “This year cycle sales are expected to top 1 million for the first (763) 561-3922 time since the post-‘Easy Rider’ days of the early ‘70’s.” March 16, 2005 General Meeting (7:00pm) The article called “Full Throttle” said that motorcycle sales have doubled since 1999. (Wed.) Fury Motorsports continued on Page 3 2000 Concord St., S. St. Paul (651) 451-1313 Farmington theme 2005

The British Invasion will be the theme for next year’s Farmington National AMCA meet. Final details, wording and colors for the logo will be worked out within the next few weeks. This year’s theme was submitted by Dave Moot. It was voted on by the general membership at the November meeting at Kokesh.

“DO YOU BELONG” (reprinted from The Colonial Chapter Newsletter) Are you an active member, The kind that would be missed, Or are you just contented, that your name is on the list? Do you attend the meetings, and mingle in the flock. Or do you meet in private And criticize and knock? Do you take an active part, to help the work along? Or are you satisfied to be kind who just belongs? Do you work on committees? To this there is no trick. Or leave the work to just a few, and talk about the clique? So come to meetings often, and help with hand and heart. Don’t be just a member, but take an active part. Think this over members, You know what’s right from wrong. Are you an active member OR DO YOU JUST BELONG? Gothic American 2004 by Grant Wood / Additional artwork by Greg.Claflin [email protected] Gothic American 2004 is our tribute to the American motorcyclist and his or her spirit of indepen- Ten Commandments of the Motorcycle dence. A person who’s willing to stop and lend a helping hand to a fellow rider and who appreciates Collector. Commandment I. T hou shalt the things money can’t buy, good friends, great scenery and the open road. Greg.Claflin not store thy motorcycle out of doors, except thy modern iron. A Message From Keith Peters, President Sturgis Ride continued from page 1 Sightings, Marriages, s many Sturgis ’04 attendees can probably by Paul Meisel Averify, it was different in the Hills this year. Awards Convictions: Cable TV’s “American Chopper” is “turbo- e had another good club turnout for our charging” the cycle business, not just for sales of by Keith Peters Wannual ride to Sturgis. The weather was the big bikes but also for scooters and rockets. > Matt & Carl Olsen of Aberdeen S.D. were much cooler this year which was probably better The difference at Sturgis last August was featured in Traverse Electric Cooperative’s for the old bikes. This year at least five members incredible with all these chopper-like bikes. The newsletter of August 2004, with an article and four rode antique . This is rather owners are all future AMCA/Viking Chapter color photos. Matt and Carl are even on the cover remarkable when you consider that this is well members but maybe we’ll have to wait a few and their restoration business and some bikes are over a 1300 mile round trip! decades. I always think of those as “B to B” bikes profiled. Not quite the same as being the fold out, but being Cover Boys is good. (bar to bar). But coming home across South After breakfast, we left the Hilltop restaurant about Dakota on 90 in Tom Mathieson’s car (sick Indian 8:30am. We rolled into Wessington > Scott Schneider (former Pres) won a top award Chief on trailer, behind) we were passed by several Springs around 5pm. Our official hostess at at the Minnesota State Fair for his antique post card Wessington Springs is Sue Johnson, a long-term of these bikes with a sleeping bag strapped on display of Minnesota manufactured motorcycles. resident and friend of the club who lives only a almost a rear fender. What a great country where (see article on page 12) we have the freedoms to ride anything, free of few blocks from the campsite. Sue knows about many big-brother regulations. > Marriages: Tom (former RE-CYCLE editor) and what time we arrive, and usually stops on down Dianne Whittles were married during July. So were to the campground to welcome us. On a different subject, earlier this Fall I heard Duda (former Board Member) and Lisa Father Gregory Boyle of Los Angeles interviewed Hungerford. The weather was warm as we set up our tents, and on Public Radio, talking about his work helping No juicy stories about Viking Chapter the pool looked mighty inviting. The pool always gangbangers and homeys (his words) transition members sentenced to hard time this month. Because closes from 5pm to 7pm, so the lifeguards can go of our strong moral compass and RE-CYCLE’s to real jobs in the company he started in the 1980’s, to supper. Well this day, the pool did not reopen. tasteful subject matter, the Club may be The lifeguards apparently decided to play hooky, HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES. He has a life- underrepresented by CEO’s and CFO’s in our ranks. which meant no swimming! That was the first threatening illness, leukemia, and he said he and Let’s get recruiting in those board rooms. the homeys try to focus on “celebrating time this has ever happened! Sue our hostess made impermanence.” He reminded me of the pleasure a few phone calls, but wasn’t able to find anyone of being a temporary caretaker of old motorcycles who could get the pool open. Sue and her fiancée and about celebrating the use of them with friends Long Photo Framers Macy Muilenburg, accompanied some of us for and at our Viking Chapter events. (High five/ by Keith Peters dinner, and who should be at the next table but the finance officer for the city of Wessington group hug.) Here are several places to get those long Springs! Sue introduced her to everyone at our Farmington photos framed. You’ll need to talk table, and she was quite interested in the pools’ And, one final story not necessarily connected to the businesses directly and make your own closing. She assured us that we would not be with anything else, either. I was walking through arrangements. Paul Meisel referred Casey finding the pool closed in the future! (I expect Home Depot one afternoon in September, minding Dickerson of Artist’s Choice (3901 Foss the lifeguards received some type of reprimand). my own business, and this little belt buckle height Road, St. Anthony, by Apache Plaza, kid walks over, looks up at me strangely, points 612/706-6020) who said that he will frame Saturday night brought a strong wind, which and says “hey, you could be Santa Claus.” Well the photos for $95. John Schiffman says almost collapsed the tents, but very little rain. We then, HO, HO, HO. Have a great that he recently received a “50% off” card awoke Sunday morning to a beautiful day. We Holiday Season. See you at the from Michael’s Crafts (chain store) and was arrived at the KOA in Deadwood mid-afternoon. January party. able to have a photo framed, with matting, Tents were set up and some of us rode the shuttle for $60. The store he went to was in the bus to Deadwood for dinner. Burnsville Center. Correction On Monday, the club was invited to Jerry and In the September 2004 Recycle, in Trudi Richard’s cabin for food and the judging section of the article refreshments. Trudi said that there must have been more people than last year because her guests on the Farmington meet, the not only ate all of the chili, but also managed to correct wording should have been: drink all of the pop! Luckily, Jerry had an ample “Jerry roped off the area in a way supply of cold beer. After a pleasant visit, that allowed restorers and someone suggested we go to the Moon Shine interested persons to be close Gulch saloon. I had never heard of the place, but How about a Chia-Harley this Christmas? was told it was Willie Jensen’s favorite place for enough to see how each bike was In our never beer and hamburgers. The Saloon is only about judged”. I apologize for any failing effort to 18 miles from the Richards’ cabin, but for many confusion this may have caused. keep our readers years (perhaps the last 80 years) the road to the informed, we’d Saloon was at least partially gravel. This might Paul Meisel like to to pass on the following be why few bikers knew about the place. This safety tips. year we found that the road had finally been Remember II it’s a dangerous world out there! blacktop all the way. Commandment . T hou shalt not Besides, we needed to fill the space. Continued covet thy neighbors motorcycle, nor his garage, nor his battery charger. I have to agree with what Willie said, as the beer, the hamburgers, and especially the atmosphere of the old place, were great. Kind of like stepping back in time about 100 years!

The Trinity United Methodist church in Lead, SD recently began serving breakfast as a fundraiser. Since I had to leave for home on Tuesday, I headed over to the church in the morning and Trudi and Jerry enjoyed a great breakfast. I met the pastor, Rev. Richards’ cabin Wilson and had a nice chat. He told me his dad at Cheyenne Crossing used to ride an Indian motorcycle. The outside of Stugis. congregation put on a terrific breakfast for a $5.00 Another excellent Viking member turnout for breakfast at the Hilltop donation. I went back to camp and spread the word. (The word about breakfast, that is). I’m restaurant. All Antique bikes shown here are headed for the long trip to Sturgis.. sure this new breakfast packing spare parts, etc. The weekend before I option will turn into a club had test ridden 100miles to make sure that this tradition for many years to orchestra of abused parts was all playing the same come. song. Even expecting major oil leaking, the Exxon Valdez was ready for the trip. On Wednesday is the day many club members go trout On the Saturday ride from breakfast at the Hilltop fishing. Gene Hostetler’s to Wessington Springs, SD, it made it all but the son Derek shared with me last 50 miles. When it started running bad, I put his concern that fishing new plugs in but it still wouldn’t run-battery was would just not be the same kaput. (I had run with the headlight off and it this year. He was referring overcooked the gelcel, pushing out the sides.) At to the fact that we lost Roger Wessington, Keith Braun loaned me a new 6V Lundmark last year and that Keith Peters and Tim Hungerford look on as Tom Jones Harley lead-acid battery, still wouldn’t run. The Grease could not make the installs a new set of points on Keith’s Indian. finest brain cells of Stan Mewhorter, Mark trip this year due to a Raffe, me and others couldn’t figure it out. Of medical situation. Derek course Tom Jones looked at it and saw right away told me how the Roger and Grease had such great that the points were burned. He put the new points enthusiasm for fishing, and how they would Riding an old bike in and Sunday I rode about 300 miles until it challenge everyone to see who could catch the wouldn’t run anymore-burned points again, maybe most fish. This year, Bob and Laurie Zick, Gene to Sturgis indicating a bad condenser.Bought a new 6v and Derek Hostetler, and Tim Hunderford (aka condenser in Lead, then I broke the spring steel Duda) tried their luck. But unlike last year, the by Keith Peters atop the rotor and couldn’t find another rotor. Tom fish weren’t biting. Only three fish were caught, Mathieson & son, Scott, graciously trailered the compared to last years 43. Never the less, the or the third time, I rode this 53+ year old Valdez when needed, including back to Wednesday evening’s cookout was a lot of fun FIndian Chief to Sturgis. (53+ because this mutt Minneapolis. with about 20 people attending. has an earlier front end on it, not Indian’s hydraulic It is risky riding the old stuff, especially if you’re one it left the factory with.) I did all the usual just barely able to call yourself a junior bird-man This had to be one of the coldest Sturgis trips preparation like changing the oil, tightening nuts, ever, although it was nice not mechanic and ride something saved from the to have it so hot in downtown landfill. But the club’s support in pushing it to Sturgis, it was pretty cool up start, troubleshooting, trailering, and wrenching in the Hills. One morning Jim usually comes through. That is what’s great about Jones had frost on his seat riding to Sturgis with the club. The astronauts (the seat of his bike), and have a flight surgeon along, we had Tom Keith Peters found his wash Jones. cloth froze to the fence. If there was one thing that could be classified as a “noticeable The Ride of the change” at Sturgis this year, it would have to be all the Century choppers. Perhaps the cable (Geritol meets Marvel Mystery Oil) TV show- “Orange County by Tom Jones Choppers” influenced this Viking Club members enjoyed a visit to the historic entury: Any period of a hundred years. trend. After fading in Moonshine Gulch. popularity for about 20 years, CIf you bike is 50 years old and your are 50 years old, then you are a Century Rider. choppers are back with a vengeance. adjusting the chain, aligning the rear wheel, replaced lamps, stocking up on 70 weight oil, On August 7th five Century Riders left for making sure the charging system was working, Commandment III T hou shalt not love thy Sturgis. motorcycle more than thy wife and children: as much, but not more. Our first stop in Evan, Minnesota. Pictured from left to right are: Dean Hansen (who rode his Indian over to meet us). Viking members riding Antiques to Sturgis are, Keith Braun - HD, Tom Jones - Indian, Keith Peters - Indian, Joel Hamel - HD, and Harvey Berquist - BSA.

Harvey Berquist: ‘50 BSA (123 years total for using the bike will get the bugs out, and lead to a of 17, but it would be close. bike and rider),Tom Jones: ‘41 841 Indian (122 dependable machine. Next year, Harvey thinks years total), Keith Peters: ‘51 Indian (109 years the Century Riders should ride bikes that go at Keith’s Chief ran well, but was becoming total), Keith Braun: ‘41 Indian (110 years total), least 100 mph. I reminded him that most of our waterproofed by the time we got to Evan. The 70 Joel Hamel: ‘44 Harley (107 years total). A week motorcycles would have to be dumped out of a weight oil was working its way out. Before we later 4 out of 5 returned on their own power. 80% cargo plane to hit those speeds! Yes, it’s true; got to Wessington Springs, the Indian was down ain’t bad when you’re old. Harvey could ride a Gold Wing next year and still to one cylinder and no spark. Sunday morning, be a Century Rider. new points got it running again. One hundred and o what’s it like to be a Century Rider? This fifty miles down the road, the points were burning Swas Keith Braun’s first ride to Sturgis on Keith Peters (The Club Prez) rode his ‘51 Indian, again and, hard as we tried, we couldn’t find any an old bike. His reaction, “It’s not boring!” ‘The Exxon Valdez”, to Sturgis back in ‘92. It compression on the front cylinder. The only way Keith’s Indian looked and ran great. It did have leaked oil but made it. He then rode it to to start it was with the help of a big hill. Still, that characteristic “Indian engine rattle”. Davenport. It leaked oil but made it. This year Keith motored on only stopping to add oil before Whenever I was convinced the 841 was about to Keith thought he could possible get as much as attacking the “big hill” at Cheyenne Crossing blow up, I would listen to Keith’s exploding ball 100 miles to the quart. At that rate, he would need (that’s the hill that looks like Niagara Falls frozen bearing factory and remind myself it’s not the rattle 12 to 14 quarts to get him to Sturgis and back.That in time). Fifty miles from Sturgis, the Chief could you have to worry about, it’s the big bang. wouldn’t be enough to break Tim O‘Keefe’s record no longer be coaxed to life. continued

Keith’s machine had plenty of mechanical power, but it was a bit short on electrical power. He ran the whole trip without lights!

Joel Hamel was on his first trip to Sturgis and his first long, old bike ride. His ‘44 “knuckle” with a Dave Monahan engine ran superbly. The engine was so smooth and quiet; we had no doubts as to why the Indian Motorcycle Company went under. It was like comparing a turbine and a rock crusher when the Harley and Indian were sitting next to each other. The rule is, oldest, slowest (bike that is) leads. Following the 841 Indian left Joel in 3rd gear most of the trip. His bike is geared for autobahn speeds.

Harvey Berquist planned to ride his ‘78 Triumph this year, but fate stepped in and broke his throttle cable at the last minute. No problem, Harvey just Viking Chapter members gather at Jerry and Trudi Richards cabin in the Black Hills. rolled out this ‘50 BSA for its 17th trip to Sturgis (Harvey’s 30th trip). It was trouble free the whole trip. Harvey believes that careful preparation and The Indian had gone to the happy hunting garage for keeping the bar open for their single patron, I and now awaits a future resurrection. The Annual Bike Ride to could hear the door lock and see the lights go out. Well so much for a sincere smile and a friendly The 841 was my 7th Indian to make the trip to attitude. Sturgis. (26 different bikes in 30 trips). As usual, “When is it going to blow up?” was always in the Or Puddle Jumping on the On that ride, besides Tom, I met Harvey, Keith, back of my mind. There always is a certain Doc, Steve and Joel and we’ve been riding to amount of anxiety along with the challenge of Freeway Davenport together even since. Each year the riding an old machine. The best part of riding a group going on this ride gets larger than the year classic motorcycle is the people you meet along by Greg. Claflin before. the way. Whether it’s the Native American family who came to admire the Indians parked at he annual bike ride at the end of summer Among our group heading down this year was, McDonald’s, or the sheriff who visited our Tto the swap meet in Davenport is an event that Harvey (the pathfinder) Berquist, Tom Jones, campsite to see the old bikes. People see you in a I’ve looked forward to every year for the past three Keith Braun, Joel Hamel, Paul and Doris St. different light when you’re riding old iron. I love years. At work, regardless of who’s on vacation John, Dave Rademacher, Rick Wyatt, Bill it! or what’s going on, they know that I won’t be Bune, and Steve Magnuson. John Wright was also a Sturgis Century Rider. around that weekend, so they plan around my His ‘47 Indian (103 total years) was ridden to annual run through the hills and cornfields of that On the way, we stopped at the Antique Sturgis on Thursday accompanied by his son state just below ours. My boss is originally from Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa Iowa and I’ve Forest, who rode all the way up from New Orleans Iowa, which helps, so he’s always been more than only got one thing to say about it. Awesome!!!! on a ‘99 Harley. John’s Indian is probably one of sympathetic to my needs to explore the back roads On display besides a large inventory of vintage the most magnificently restored Chief’s in of his native state and my Lemming-like attraction Harleys and Indians are a number of lesser known Minnesota. However, he still stopped every 50 to one of the best motorcycle swap meets in the brands as well as flat and board track racers. miles or so to the “bugs” out. The really great country. There were also a few celebrity bikes in the thing is, he rode it out and made it back home on collection (including Steve McQueen’s Indian a 57-year-old motorcycle. On my first ride to Davenport three years ago, I chopper and a signed Peter Fonda Captain Editor’s note:All century riders who are Viking rode my ‘73 Honda 350 Scrambler. I figured it America Harley panhead). Chapter members and who complete a was a safe bet due to the fact that I had put about Club ride of over 500 miles will be eligible 1500 miles on it over the past summer. for a Special Century Ride Award. WRONG!!!! The one thing I hadn’t planned on was the hills and I pushed it a little hard and blew a five dollar Chapter Presidents Meeting and thirty-five cent oil seal on the way back, just at Davenport outside of Minneiska. Thankfully this was just on by Keith Peters the other side of the road from the Eagle’s Nest n Saturday September 4, about two dozen Bar. Now some people might think this was a Heck it must be real, its even got his signature. OChapter Presidents met at the second annual lucky break, but after 8 hours of waiting for a meeting. The purpose is to discuss rescue vehicle, I felt like I had to reassure the 19 common issues and to make sure year old that the AMCA Chapters have the bartender that direct ear of AMCA President, Pete I really did Gagan, who presided. As usual, our break down own Trudi Johnson-Richards did and wasn’t an excellent job of arranging and some sort of coordinating the meeting. serial killer on the loose. The release of liability form and This process (to minimize the risk of reoccuring A couple of flat track machines that look as good as litigation and to keep premiums feeling of the day they first rolled onto the track. down) was discussed. AMCA has desperation provided a form to the Chapters and only became may investigate using one annual more accute form (like the HOG groups do) to as the set and a heavy remove the irritation of having to Eagles Nest Bar on Lake Pepin Stranded in Minnieska Mn. with nothing to do thunderstorm sign and track additional forms for but drink beer, buy pull tabs and shoot pool. road runs and field events. It was a rolled in from good forum to hear what issues the the west. different Chapters are dealing with and to meet Suddenly the thought of sleeping under the deck the Chapter reps. in the picture above didn’t seem like a bad idea. In fact, after my tenth beer, it sounded like a darned The guys discussing some finer points of interest. good one! From Anamosa, it was on to Davenport and the Commandment IV. T hou shalt not Thankfully, my ride eventually did show up a little swap meet at the fairgrounds there. On Friday read thy Hemmings on company time, lest after midnight and as I turned to thank my hosts nights, they have dirt track rides and it’s one of the thy company make it impossible to continue thy bike payments. few places in the country where you can see pre- little hairy at times, but it sure 1920’s vintage machines competing. It can get woke you up after long ride. I pretty wild and those old bikes sure can fly. got to say the ride home was Davenport’s also one the premier meets if you’re quite an adventure and one of looking for vintage Harley and Indian parts. What- the best I’ve ever been on. ever you’re looking for, (if it’s for an American brand) it’s a good bet you’ll find it there.

The trip down to Davenport usually takes a day, arriving there early Friday evening and returning Chicken home on Sunday. On the way home, we usually Bar-B-Que stop in Cassville WI. and take the ferry there which crosses the Mississippi to the Iowa side and Derrick Hostetler - ‘67 Honda 305, Gene Hostetler -’68 Honda 450, Ralph Smith - ‘69 then drive onto North Buena Vista for the Labor Shovelhead, Neal Punchard - ‘53 Vincent Black Shadow. Day chicken dinner put on by the Our Lady of by Paul Meisel Lourdes Catholic Church. During the weekend, we had been expecting rain, he BBQ had a record turn but thankfully it held off until late Sunday after- Tout. Over 100 people! noon. Steve Magnuson usually turns off at Red- I tried to take a picture of every wing to table, sorry if I missed anyone. head over Many thanks to all who volun- to the Wis- teered, and a special thanks to consin side Dean Hansen who brought and to make the donated all the corn on the cob. return trip Dean Hansen pays for the to Shell corn himself and won’t accept Lake and any repayment from the Club. There were also a pair of excellent Triumphs and a well restored Indian on display as well.. Tom Jones, Keith Braun and Rick Wyatt enjoying had donned the cruise on the Cassville ferry. his raingear Thanks Dean. before heading out of town. I turned to Tom and said I was pretty sure it would pass. Thirty min- I tried to get people with old utes later, it was pouring and the wind was hitting bikes to gather after the meet- 50 MPH in places. At one point it was coming ing for “old bike pictures”, but down so heavy that the only thing I could see was had a great deal of trouble get- Tom’s tail lights 10 feet in front of me and the only ting people to cooperate. Suf- thing Tom could see was Harvey’s. We don’t know fice to say, we had a very good what Harvey was following. At one point, we turn-out of old bikes. I managed stopped for a Harley rider who was parked under to capture at least a few of them. a bridge to see if he needed help. He advised us to be careful as parts of the freeway ahead flood dur- ing downpours. Parts of Highway 61 were still un- der construction and some parts were flooded with at least 2 feet of water. It’s a really weird feeling Ron Spargo -’39 BSA, Kerry Rassmussen - ‘46 Indian Cheif, Paul St. doing 55 MPH and suddenly feeling like you ran into a pillow, but that’s the way it felt. It was a John - ‘42 Harley 45. A word about Square Dude by Paul Meisel Many readers know that my wife and I have a mail order catalog business. We sell project plans to home hobbyist woodworkers. One of our customers, Ray Haefy, of Houston, Texas created “Square Dude”. We developed the plans so anyone can now build their own wood Square Dude project. For those who don’t have any time or inclination to cut out, assemble and paint their own Square Dude, completed projects are available through Ray’s website http:// stores.ebay.com/rays-crafts-and-gifts Here’s where you, the Viking Chapter member come into the picture. Ray has produced a monthly comic strip, which he offers for sale to motorcycle magazines. However, he has offered to provide the comic strip free to the Viking Chapter. I took the liberty of providing the first two strips in this issue. Please let me know if you would like to see more strips in future issues. Commandment V. T hou shalt not despise thy neighbors Indian, nor his Vespa, nor even his 1967 . A special thanks to our cooks - Derek St. John, Rick Wyatt, Dean Hanson, Dave Rademacher and Jerry Richards.

September Meeting at Motoprimo by Keith Peters

ur September 15th meeting was at Motoprimo Motorsports. Treasurer Kathi Rimnac reported to three dozen attendees that we have over O $11,000 in the treasury and now have 264 members. Paul Meisel (attended) and Greg Claflin (in absentia) were thanked for the great job on composition and timely delivery of RE-CYCLE. The Viking Chapter donated $200 to the City Park of Wessington Springs, SD, where many Club members camp on the way to Sturgis. Tom Jones reported that funds were donated to thank the City and to help them with park maintenance costs, including keeping the swimming pool open for that Saturday night every year. Club Historian Tom Jones is also working on a “Century Club” patch for members who ride over 500 miles to either Davenport, Sturgis, or on a National AMCA ride, where the combined age of bike and rider total over 100 years. Rumor has it that in only 31 years Harvey Berquist will be able to ride a new British bike from a showroom to Sturgis and get the patch.

Elections were held for the positions of secretary, two directors and VP. John Wright (with that beautifully restored black ’47 Indian Chief, first seen at Farmington ’04) was elected Secretary, replacing Gloria Peters. Kerry Rasmussen was reelected Director, Tom Broich was newly elected as Director and Jim Kojola was elected V.P. Thanks to Dave Rademacher, Gloria Peters and Jim Kojola for serving in their previous positions. Thanks to Doris St. John for also running for a board position and for helping on so many activities. No additional nominations for positions came from the floor. These newly elected folks’ jobs start January 1, 2005.

Dave Rademacher said that he has signed the Club up to display bikes at the Cycle World Show next February, with the new “BYOB” rule, (bring your own bike-Dave and Rick Wyatt won’t pick up and deliver display bikes like they’ve done before.) A new member won the $25 Motoprimo gift certificate. He was overheard discussing ’47 Indian restoration and parts tips with John Wright. Thanks go to Motoprimo for hosting us. Despite the cold weather, with off and on rain showers there was a remarkable good turnout of some very nice vintage bikes. We found out that the owner of Motoprimo is an antique bike enthusiast. Although he wasn’t available for us to meet that evening, we were able to see his beautiful Ariel Square Four and a nice old BSA. They were polished and standing proud in the back room. Motoprimo’s Mike Masso couldn’t have been a more cordial host.We also got to meet Wayne Willey and Dwain Doherty. Mike told us they have a customer appreciation brunch every Saturday. I asked Mike if “every Saturday” included winter and Commandment VI. T hou shalt not he assured me it did. If you would like to stop by to taste test the free burgers and brats, be sure to show up between 11am and 1pm. let thy daughters nor thy sons marry during the holy days of Sturgis. ur second annual Swap Meet was another success! We brought in a profit of about O Rollie $700.00. Although this is down slightly from last State Stoehr year, plans are in the works to insure the meet will Fairgrounds be bigger and better next year. Swap Meet Kathi and Roger Rimnac

Dave Rademacher and Rick Wyatt relax after a Stan Mewhorter and Jim Jones hard day of selling.

Keith Peters Henry and his Hack Vintage between parts bargain- delivery ing truck. sessions.

I think Harvey found himself a new ride.

Fall Appreciation Mystery Buffet Ride by Keith Peters by Paul Meisel n Wednesday evening, November 3, 40 ineteen Viking O Viking Chapter members plus eight guests N members met at met at the Old Country Buffet in Highland Park Rick Wyatt’s house for for the annual “thanks for volunteering” dinner. This recognizes volunteers throughout the year, coffee, hot cider and do- Pictured are: Mike Koda-’39 BSA, Tom Jones-’68 Norton, Harvey Brequist-’50 BSA, Stan Mewhorter- whether they be visible “gate/registration table” nuts on Saturday morning. ’66 Triumph, Sean O’Neil-’67 Harley, and Bill Potter-’60 BMW . workers at Farmington or behind the scenes folks at many other club events and activities. Dinner was paid for by the Viking Chapter to recognize We had an excellent turn out for Rick led us on a 75 mile and thank these volunteers. One member was this fall’s Mystery ride. heard coaching another, “you can’t actually eat at ride, which included a the buffet’s serving line, you have to take the food lunch stop at the Old Log back to your table.” This was an enthusiastic Cabin restaurant just out- group! The unfortunate sequence of the evening was that we followed a large high school (band?) side of Scandia MN. Six group that included some football players. There bikes made the ride and was no ham or beef to be seen from 7:15 PM until all ran beautifully. It was closing. Thank goodness for the curried tofu-I a perfect fall day. Cold think that’s what it was. A bunch of hearty soles delivered their stomachs yet the full sun made for via two wheels on this slightly above freezing colorful fall scenery at evening. Role model and WWII veteran John the peak of “leaf turning”. Eiden, in his cold weather coveralls, rode that Commandment VII. T hou shalt not WWII vintage H-D 45 all the way from New deceive thy wife into thinking that thee is Thanks Rick for a great Hope. Other riders are listed on page 11. Most of us light-weights came in all-weather taking her for a romantic Sunday drive, ride! vehicles (too ashamed to say “car”). when, indeed, thou art going to look at another motorcycle. Ride For Points Joel Hamel JUNE 20, MEETING AT 1944 EL Harley By Stan Mewhorter Bob Battin DIAMOND’S COFFEE SHOP AND 1948 Norton International Ride your motorcycle to a Viking club meeting Keith Peters RIDE TO BLIND LIZZARD 1951 Indial Chief or road run and you could win a free member- Jim Kojola 1952 Allstate scooter Ron Spargo 1939 BSA M-20 ship to the National or the Viking Chapter. For 2005 Daryl Schnieder 1962 BMW Paul St.John 1942 Harley 45 we will have a first and second place. First place Sean O’Neal 1967 Sportster Paul Benassi 1949 Harley Pan (National dues) goes for the member with the most Neal Punchard 1968 BMW with sidecar Dave Moot 1956 Velocette points and second place (Viking dues ) goes the Deb Riggs 1969 Honda Dave Benassi 1961 Sportster next person on points. Pete Pupeza 1971 6x6 2 1/2 ton Kaiser Stan Mewhorter 1966 Triumph TR6SC The winners will be announced at the Holiday Dave Rademacher 1974 BMW Dick Porting 1971? Honda 750 party. John Swonger 1975 Harley Dave Rademacher 1974 BMW One point for 35 years or older ----- 0000 - 1970 Tom Broich 1980 Yamaha Tom Tapani 1980 Yamaha 650 3/4 point for ————————— 1971 - 1984 Rick Wyatt 1982 Yamaha Ralph Knauss 2001 Harley 1/2 point for —————————— 1985 - 2005 Paul Meisel 1996 Kaw. with icecream Jerry and Trudi Richards 2002 Harley Here’s the standing so far this year. Roger Rimnac 1998 Harley Sue Stoehr 2004 Milano Scooter JAN 10, HOLIDAY PARTY Kathi Rimnac 2000 Harley Roland Stoehr 2004 B&W Scooter Paul St.John 2000 Ural Doris St.John JUNE 26, FARMINGTON 2002 scooter FEB 18, MEETING AT LEO’S CYCLE . (OLD BIKE RIDE) AUG 29, CHICKEN BBQ - CHASKA MAR 17, MEETING AT ROY’S REPAIR John Eiden 1942 Harley 45 Ron Spargo 1939 BSA M-20 MAR 21, BIKES AT ALDRICH CYCLE Joel Hamel 1944 Harley EL Paul St. John 1942 Harley 45 SHOW (NO POINTS) Richard Syverson 1945 Harley 45 Kent Slavik 1942 Harley WL Dave Rademacher 1918 John Wright 1947 Indian Dan Olberg 1945 Indian Chief Tom Jones 1918 Thiem Keith Braun 1941 Indian Kerry Rasmussen 1946 Indian Chief Ron Spargo 1939 BSA M-20 Joe Grayden 1950 Moto Guzzi Paul Benassi 1949 Harley FL Paul St.John 1942 Harley 45 Tom Tapani 1952 Harley Panhead Neal Punchard 1953 Vincent Black Shadow Stan Mewhorter 1944 BSA M-20 Loren Morris 1964 Harley Panhead Dave Benassi 1961 Harley XLH Mike ? 1946 Harley 45 Roland Stoehr 1956 Harley K Derek Hostetler 1967 Honda 305 Jerry Richards 1958 Harley Pan Head Daryl Schnieder 1962 BMW Gene Hostetler 1968 Honda 450 Rick Wyatt 1961 BSA Stan Mewhorter 1966 Triumph TR6SC Ralph Smith 1969 Harley FLH Gene Hostetler 1967 Honda Scrambler Gene Hostetler 1967 Honda Scrambler Tom Kiskovich 1972 Kerry Rasmussen 1971 Trimph Daytona Sean O’Neil 1967 Harley Sportster John & Claire Pfleiderer 1972 Triumph Tiger Pete Pupeza Rat Scooter with Sidecar Bradley’Wright Forest 1968 Triumph T120 Dick Snyder 1972 BMW R75 APRIL 21, MEETING AT BULLSEYE Dave Moot 1969 Royal Enfield Dennis Bussell - trailerd 1973 Triumph Daytona CYCLE Neal Punchard 1973 Triumph Hurricane and 1942 Harley 45 Ron Spargo 1939 BSA M-20 Hardy Baehni 1974 Condor (Military) Dave Rademacher 1974 BMW R90/6 Harvey Berquist 1950 BSA Don Johnston 1979 Triumph Bonneville Stan Mewhorter 1966 Triumph TR6SC JULY 17, PRESIDENT’S OVERNIGHT John Swonger 1982 Honda Gold Wing Doug Sather 1971 Honda 350 Scrambler RIDE TO ZUMBROTA Jim Kojola 1983 Harley Matt Dhillippi 1972 Laverda 750 S Paul St.John 1942 Harley 45 Kathleen Schiffman 1996 Honda Dave Rademacher 1974 BMW Gary Erickson - trailerd 1965 BSA Bob Sopkowiak 1999 HarleyLarence Jim Kajola and Deb Riggs 1983 Harley Mary Erickson - trailerd 197? Honda Roland Stoehr 200? Kawasaki Gene Hostetler 1988 Honda Gold Wing Stan Mewhorter 1966 Triumph TR6SC Sue Stoehr 200? Suzuki Paul & Doris St.John 1990 Harley Keith Peters 1970 Triumph Bonny Larence Everson 2003 Triumph America Paul Meisel 1996 Kawasaki with Rick Schunk 1975 Honda ice cream sidecar Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs 1983 Harley SEPT 15, MEETING AT MOTOPRIMO MAY 22, MEETING /MYSTERY RIDE Ky & Jodi Michaelson 1996 Kawasaki John Eiden 1942 Harley 45 (THE COFFEE GALLERY) Paul Meisel 2000 Harley Dave Moot 1954 Paul St.John 1942 Harley 45 Neal & Nick Punchard 2001 Suzuki Stan Mewhorter 1970 Triumph T100C Ivar Natins 1946 Indian Sue Stoehr 200? Suzuki Bob Steck 1971 Honda 750 Tom Jones 1968 Norton Roland Stoehr 200? Kawasaki Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs 1980 Yamaha Dave Moot 1969 Royal Enfield Keith Braun 2003 Harley John Swonger 1982 Honda Gold Wing Stan Mewhorter 1970 Triumph Gloria Peters Chase Truck Paul St.John 1990 Harley Hardy Baehni 1974 Condor (Military) JULY 20, MEETING Paul Rognlie 1997 Harley Dave Rademacher 1974 BMW AND VETERANS HOME RIDE OCT. 9, FALL MYSTERY RIDE Rick Wyatt 1982 Yamaha Dave Moot 1931 BSA Sloper (AT RICK WYATT’S) Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs 1983 Harley John Eiden 1942 Harley 45 Mike Koda 1939 BSA M-20 Joel Hamel 1983 Yamaha Paul St. John 1942 Harley 45 Harvey Berquist 1950 BSA 650 Dena Natins 1986 Harley Stan Mewhorter 1944BSAWDM-20 Kent Slauik 1993 Harley Marlene Slauik 1998 Yamaha Bill Potter 1960 BMW Stan Mewhorter 1966 Triumph TR6SC Sean O’Neil 1967 Harley Sportster At the show, he put a Tom Jones 1968 Norton Project - 1971 Yamaha post-it note on the tank Doc Denneson 1971 Moto Guzzi XS 650 pointing to the plastic Dave Rademacher 1974 BMW Pete Pupeza priest which said “Good Marc Raffe 1978 Yamaha SR Padre, blessing my Rick Wyatt 1982 Yamaha Crystal, MN bike”. The bike is now Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs 1983 Harley known as “Little Joel Hamel 1983 Yamaha (763) 533-1226 Padre”. Pete has now Gene Hostetler 1988 Honda Gold Wing painted “Little Padre of ete bought this bike Paul Meisel 2000 Harley Sleepy Hollow” on the about four years gas cap. It turns out the Bill Bofferding 2002 Suzuki P ago. Rick Wyatt knew Padre has been Dave Moot 2003 Ducati Pete had been looking knocked off and lost Jerry & Trudi Richards 2005 Harley for just such a bike, and Pete and his Rat bike “Little Padre”. twice, and each time, put Pete in touch with Bill Ofstedal. Bill sent Pete finds him again. The other thing is, Pete OCT. 20, MEETING AT BOB’S CYCLE pictures and , although the bike was a “wreck”, hasn’t broken down since he added the little John Eiden 1942 Harley 45 Pete never-the-less sort of “fell in love” with padre! Pete says “no rat bike is complete Kerry Rasmussen 1946 Indian Cheif it. without some lamp cord”. So Pete went to the Stan Mewhorter 1971 Triumph Tiger hardware store and bought lamp cord to wire It was in pretty rough shape. It didn’t run, didn’t Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs 1983 Harley the 1940’s Dodge school bus tail light. The have a tank, a seat, mufflers, a headlight or bike can be described as a Frankenstein, or Tom Jones 1988 Harley Sportster even any wiring! a Hodge podge of parts. The rear fender struts Paul St.John 1990 Harley and from a bicycle front basket. Plumbing Hardy Baehni 2001 Ducati Pete decided to make a sort of striped down parts are used as well as many other found Sue Stoehr 2002 scooter bobber. Tom Jones gave him a gas tank. Pete parts. Roland Stoehr 2003 scooter scrounged a solo saddle which he recovered, added a bates headlight, and dug up some NOV . 3, APPRECIATION DINNER It was fun to interview Pete for this article mufflers. He replaced the original front wheel because he is so excited about the bike. He’s (OLD COUNTRY BUFFET) with one from a Kawasaki because it had a had a lot of fun building it.I know he enjoys John Eiden 1942 Harley 45 drum brake which Pete thought made the bike building things from pieces he picks up in John Swonger 1946 Harley Knucklehead look more like a racer. various places. Pete has an excellent ability Jim Kojola & Deb Riggs 1983 Harley to see a use for a part others might think of as Paul & Doris St.John 1990 Harley Pete got it running but admits it’s not the junk. Stan Mewhorter 2004 Sportster smoothest. The bike leaks, it’s loud, it’s very temperamental, but Pete loves it! He says Project - it’s his favorite bike 1965 Honda 305 Jensen Scholarship Award and he doesn’t have Dream over $600.00 into it. Erik Rabe received the second annual Jensen He describes it as a John Schiffman scholarship award at Hennepin Technical low budget, hard tail, College. Because of a mail screw-up, the rat bike. Yet Pete Shakopee, MN says he wouldn’t award ceremony was missed and he has not have a problem riding (952) 445-0770 yet been interviewed. But, congratulation to it on a long distance Erik Rabe anyway! trip. Perhaps even to ohn saw this Erik sent us a great thank you letter showing Sturgis! Jformer Shriner his appreciation for the scholarship. John’s restored Shiner’s bike. bike advertised in a Dear Keith; Pete says that he’s motorcycle I want to thank you very much for the Antique never actually washed the bike since he’s publication. The bike was complete but in Motorcycle Club Scholarship. I have always had owned it. He did win the “Best use of religious pretty rough shape. John said that he a passion for fixing older trail bikes and dirt bikes. imagery” award at the concourse de’ not-so- requested pictures, reviewed them, and I built my first go kart with my dad at the age of elegant show put on by the Norton Owners decided it was a very unique bike. “So like a ten years old. I had a 10 horse power Briggs and Association. fool I sent a check and the bike arrived at my Stratton engine. Since that time I have aquired door”. Upon arrival and inspection, John said various old bikes and learned from tinkering with Here’s the story: Pete and Doc were at the that he felt that it was represented accurately them in the back yard. Now to have a chance to Scale Model Shop in St. Paul and Pete found by the seller. hone my skills at school learning is even more of this model of a train that was in a wreck. It a highlight. Your funds have helped a lot with came complete with dead people and even a It had some unique items such as the siren tuition cost and I appreciate it. I plan to work on Priest with a bible in his hand. Pete bought and the flashing lights, but none of them an old Suziki Gopher 100 and a Yamaha Chappy the whole thing and glued the Priest to the worked. Likewise, the electric starter didn’t scooter for practice. Thanks again and “Let the top of the headlight rim. work. Also, the bike had a lot of surface rust. good times roll”. Sincerely; Erik Works in Progress continued They had previously painted other bikes and John showed the bike at Farmington in 2003 After some carb work, John was able to kick old cars for John so he knew he would be happy where he received a Junior First. Since the start the bike and found out that the motor did with their work. John learned that Coker Tire bike was finished a number of people familiar run, but just barely. That was when he made was soon going to be offering the needed with Honda Shriner’s bikes have seen the the decision to go ahead with the restoration. replacement tires. The restoration was nearing bike and no one has reported seeing any He enlisted the help of Gary Sowers of New completion so John asked Corky at Coker if he other Honda Dream restored to such a Ulm, Minnesota. John served as what he could get the first two tires to come off the new premium condition. One person even said it described as “the general contractor” for the mold. Corky saw to it that he did. After may be the finest restoration of a Honda project. Gary took everything apart, and John contacting Shriner Headquarters, John was Dream in the world. John asked to give a saw to it that every part was returned to like able to get suppliers catalogs needed to order special thanks to Gary Sowers. new condition. This included repainting or the official Shriners logos and medallions. replating existing parts or replacing items with NOS parts. Bolts, wheel rims, spokes, etc. The entire project took about a year. John said were replated in either silver cadmium or that one of the most interesting things was chrome as appropriate. Painting was done by digging through a huge pile of parts at Sport Pro-Finishers of Prior Lake. Wheels searching for a starter. Interested in Antique Motorcycles? Scott Schneider Wins State Sign up now! Below are the applications for both the National AMCA Fair Awards and our local Viking chapter AMCA. Please note that to join the any Viking members know that Scott Viking chapter you must also be a member of the National. Mcollects motorcycle license plates, but now he has expanded his interests to postcards. Scott finds motorcycle postcards at swap meets and on E-bay, but the one his mother gave him has special meaning. It is a postcard of an old Harley with sidecar and four men. Two of the men are related to Scott’s aunt.

Scott assembled his postcards in a display and entered them in the Creative Activities building at the State Fair. To qualify, all postcards had to be from 1920 or earlier. Scott won first place, a sweepstakes award, and a plaque for best display from the Twin Cities Postcard Club. Congratulations Scott!

Commandment VIII. T hou shalt not tell thy spouse the entire cost of the latest restoration, at least not all at the same time. A company which over the years fended off Not knowing whether young mister Fulton’s the slings and arrows of the competition, one declaration was American bra- world-wide depression and near bankruptcy vado, a serious consideration, in order to maintain it’s hold on the American or just plain lunacy, he told psyche. When you mention motorcycling as in him that their meeting was the phrase “American Motorcycling” to a for- indeed fortunate because he eigner, only one image comes to mind. That just happened to be ac- image is one of a big beefy American dressed quainted with some engineers in Levis and leathers and astride the saddle of that worked for a certain motorcycle company an even bigger and beefier bike. On the side that just might be willing to equip him for such of that motorcycle, in his minds eye, are al- a journey. ONE MAN ways two simple words emblazoned on its tank. “Harley-Davidson.” CARAVAN As young Robert was soon to find out, that As a kid growing up on a steady diet of “Easy ‘certain motorcycle company’ turned out to be Rider” magazines and “Biker Gang” flicks at By Robert Fulton Jr. Brough-Superior, which in it’s day turned out the local drive-in movie theater, I guess my Reviewed by Greg. Claflin some of the fastest and most advanced bikes idea of American Motorcycling wasn’t too dif- of it’s time. hile returning home to America after a ferent from the one previously stated either. (Jap bikes were for “wet behind the ears” kids Wfew years study of architecture at the So began the journey around the world of one with little money and less sense. If you break Bauhaus in Germany, Robert Fulton Jr. made Robert Fulton Jr. One that would take him to it, fix it with a hammer and crowbar, get back a stopover in England. some the most desolate and dangerous places on and ride it until it don’t ride no more.) While attending a dinner party at a country on the planet and once you’ve read the story Well all that changed one day while tooling estate just outside of London late one evening of his travels, you’ll realize they still are. down the road on my trusty companion, my in 1932, it was during the course of casual I really enjoyed this book. I must have, be- Schwinn Sting Ray, off on an adventure to who dinner conversation, that one of the guests cause I read it from cover to cover in a day knows where. turned to him and asked when he planned to and a half and believe me, I’m not the fastest Behind me, I could hear the low rumble of make the crossing. reader in the world. someone approaching on a motorcycle. Know- In those days, before busy airports, metal de- The thing that was really interesting is that it’s ing that Japanese bikes of the time made a tectors, fingerprints and bomb-sniffing dogs, not a traveloque type of journal of the sights high pitched whine and British bikes where “The Crossing” meant several days journey along the way. You really get an insight into fairly loud and short winded, I turned expect- on an Ocean Liner with the passenger held Mr. Fulton’s thoughts about the people and ex- ing to see a Harley rider passing by, oblivious hostage to, and at the mercy of the fickle and periences he encountered. Also due to the war to all but his bike and the open road. sometimes treacherous weather of the North in Iraq and Our Country’s experience in Viet To my surprise, even though the rider looked Atlantic. Nam, you can follow his route and recognize as I imagined him, the bike he was riding did Often the result of this trip was spending most the cities and towns from the Headlines. not. of the time hanging over the rail and deposit- In other words it’s a real “rip snortin’ yarn” Sure it looked like a Harley, a full dresser,... ing ones breakfast, lunch and dinner over the and page turner. well.. sort of, but the engine was different and side due to the constant rocking of the ship. This book is published by Whitehorse Press, it had these weird kind of scooped out fend- After thinking about the question for a mo- sold by Aerostitch of Duluth for $24.00 and ers on the front and back. ment, Robert turned to his fellow dinner guest can be ordered from their catalog. The phone Slowly it passed me by like an aging dowager, and replied that he hadn’t planned to make number is 1-800-222-1994 and their cata- still retaining a hint of the beauty she once the crossing. log is free. In fact, recalling a suggestion made by his fa- knew earlier in life, but still magnificent in all ther, he planned on going in the other direc- The Illustrated her faded glory. tion. Directory of She was dressed in plain red. No, the gaudy Assuming that the great grandson of the CLASSIC bright metal flake so popular at the time just inventor of the steamboat planned return- AMERICAN wouldn’t do. To do so would be like dressing ing home on a ship by way of Australia, he MOTORCYCLES Pat Nixon up as a street walker and dropping asked him his travel plans and sat back wait- By Tod Rafferty her off on the nearest corner. ing for the expected reply . If a piece of machinery could have had a soul, Without giving it much thought, “On a motor- Reviewed by Greg. then I was sure this one would have been cycle.” Robert quickly answered. Claflin smiling contentedly for the chance to prom- “Alone?” enade down the boulevard on such a warm “Sure.” t the time when I was growing up in the and sunny Sunday morning happily greeting At that point, I’m sure the dinner guest’s jaw Alate Sixties and early Seventies, there was passersby with her warm and throaty tones. must have dropped at least two feet because only one American motorcycle company in ex- She wore one simple piece of jewelry on her up to that time, no one had ever attempted a istence and as most people know, that com- tank and it bore just “one” word done in a tasteful script, “Indian”. trip around the world on a motorcycle or even pany was Harley Davidson.. continued entertained the thought of making such a trip alone!!!!! Continued from Page 13

As she pulled into the Skelly station just ahead of me and came to a stop, I excitedly peddled harder to catch up so I could admire her, all the time worrying that she would vanish like a vision on a passing cloud. When I arrived, there she stood, leaning on her kickstand and look- ing even better than she did in her passing, as if to say, “What took you so long?” That was my first introduction to a world long since vanished like penny loafers and winged tip shoes. One that existed long before the onslaught of foreign bikes produced by the mil- lions in order to quench the thirst of an Ameri- can riding public with an unstoppable hunger for two wheeled excitement. This world unknown to most us born in the 1950’s and beyond was populated by more This book can be purchased through Barnes bike with the owner’s name, bike brand than just Indian and Harley-Davidson. and Noble (some of the larger stores keep it and model. If you’re interested in display- In fact The Illustrated Directory of Clas- in stock) and is published by MBI Publishing ing a bike at the show, contact Dave sic American Motorcyles gives you a de- Company.It also may be available through the Rademacher @ (763) 755-8520 . tailed glimpse of just how populated that world distributer at www.motorbooks.com or it Feb. 13, ‘05 Anoka Armory, was. can be ordered by calling Classic 408 Main Street (Adm. $4.00) Until I read this book, I never realized that for Motorbooks at 1-800-825-6600 (they a period, there were over three hundred Ameri- also have a free catalog which includes many Feb. 20, ‘05 St.Paul Armory, can-made motorcycle models and brands vy- motoring video tapes as well) 12th and Cedar (Adm. $5.00) Just 2 blocks ing for the dollars of a country hungry for in- west of the State Capitol Building. expensive and reliable motorized transporta- Mar. 13, ‘05 Duluth Convention Center, tion. 350 Haror Drive (adm. $4.00) East exit 256B Most of these companies came and went off I-35. at a time before the model T Ford was inexpensive enough for the average Mar. 26, ‘05 Aldrich Arena Motorcycle working man to afford and this book 2004-2005 Show and Swap Meet, 1850 White Bear Ave., Maplewood (Adm. $6.00) 1/2 mile gives you a fairly good glimpse of that SWAP MEETS South of Hwy. 36.Attention Viking mem- time. bers: Show your old bike. Contact Rick I really enjoyed this book as it gives a short Wyatt @ 763-784-4086 history of some of the lesser known American Dec. 12, ‘04 East St.Paul Armory, brands of motorcycles as well as specs and 1530 East Maryland Ave. (3 miles east of Feb. 18-20, 2005 AMCA Omaha photographs of each particular model covered. Interstate 35E) Chapter National Winter Indoor I especially liked that the author also included Jan. 2, ‘05 Mankato National Guard Meet:Where: LeMars, Iowa Location: the prices these bikes sold for and their top Training Center, 100 Martin Luther King Plymouth County Fairgrounds Meet Hotel speeds as well as some of the innovations the Dr. (take Madison Avw. east to Martin (Recommended): AmeriHost Inn & Suites. manufacturer came up with. This is one book Luther King Drive., turn right or south) Special Meet Rates (Tell them you are behind water tower by Mankato Ford. attending the Meet). Make reservations I’ve gone back to and reread many times. It Jan 16, ‘05 St.Cloud Armory, before January 22, 2005. Located on Hwy includes a short reference of each brand as 1710 8th Street N. (adm.$4.00) 75 South. Phone 712-548-4910. Other well as photographs of rare motorcycle post- I-94 west to 15 right go past Division, then Motels: Super 8, Phone 800-800-8000 or ers. right on 8th St., look for Armory on the 712-546-8800. Amber Inn, Phone 800-338- I’d recommend it to anyone who is in- right or Hwy. 10 west to west 23 to 9th 0298 or 712-546-7066. Super 8 and Amber terested in antique motorcycling. It re- Ave., North (right) to 8th St., left & look Inn are located on Highway 75 South. The ally gives you an excellent timeline of the evo- for Armory on the left. fairgrounds are located in the northeast lution of motorcycling from bicycles with primi- Feb. 4-6,‘05 Cycle World Show, corner of LeMars, Iowa which is 20 miles tive gas engines strapped to them to the ma- Minneapolis Convention Center. Downtown northeast of Sioux City, Iowa. Meet Hours: Minneapolis. We’ll be having a booth Friday 8:00am to 8:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 chines we’re familiar with today. and display again this year and will a.m.-8:00 pm; Sunday 8:00-1:00 pm. need about 10 bikes to display. It’s a Please: No Pets. Vendor Registration: Commandment IX. T hou shalt not really neat deal, Last year the people that Rich Schultz, 712-546-5042 Judging Pre- put this show on supplied plaques for each Registration: Wanda Schumacher, 563-323- promise thy wife a new addition to the house 8643, 2219 W. Central Park, Davenport, IA and then use it to store motorcycles. T hou shalt not store bikes or parts in the attic. For Sale -1928 Indian Chief and Sidecar - 74ci SWAP MEETS Bits and Pieces engine, recent engine top end, tranny and magneto work. Older cosmetic restoration. Looks and runs continued by Paul Meisel great. Left mount sidecar hasfreshly Indian Chief Primary Chain Failure upholsteredfiberglass tub on correct Indian frame. 52804. or online at http:// Patrick Gentner wrote an article for the Rusty Digital pictures available upon request. $23,500. www.antiquemotorcycle.or/. Judging Rebel (newsletter of the AMCA Confederate [email protected] CO Pre-Registration Deadline: Feb. 4, 2005. Chapter) reporting that there was an inferior For Sale -1938 Indian Four – In excellent cosmetic Meet Information: Rich Schultz 712-546- primary chain still in circulation. These chains and mechanical condition. Starts, runs and sounds 5042 or Paul Jensen 712-323-1576 or were originally made in India, then China, and terrific! Black with gold stripping. The only e-mail [email protected] This is sold as “American” made. The brand name is incorrect part on this bike to my knowledge is the the First Winter National Meet in “Rolon” and is easily identified by the Rolon later year, Indian ignition switch. Digital pictures Cold Country!!. Indoor (Heated) marking on every link. Patrick describes the available upon request. $40,000 Vendor Spaces; Indoor Judging; Catered chains as “waiting time bombs”. Not only can email:[email protected] Banquet; Indoor Fellowship in heated they destroy an engine and primary, but can kill For Sale 1944 Chief – The 74ci engine, 10,000 sq. ft. bldg. a rider. To check your bike, simply remove the transmission, distributor and carburetor have just inspection plug and look for the Rolon name. Note: All Swap Meet hours are 10- been thoroughly rebuilt by one of the best in the Cycle World Show 3 pm. (except Aldrich 10-4 pm., the world. Complete records of the build tolerances, Minneapolis Convention Center. Downtown Cycle World Show which runs from specifications, parts and labor will be provided to Minneapolis. We’ll be having a booth and dis- 10am - 9pm. and the Omaha Meet the new owner. One year warranty. The frame is play again this year and will need about 10 will run Fri.- Sat. 8:00am-8:00pm, powder coated. I have obtained the correct fenders bikes to display. If you’re interested in display- Sun. 8:00am-1:00pm) for the front and rear but they need to be painted. ing a bike at the show, With the exception of the Omaha meet, These are the “open”, pre-skirted fenders. The contact Dave Rademacher @ (763) 755-8520 Aldrich Arena, and the Cycle World Show, original tank is in excellent restored condition. Viking Chapter clothing line Dates may be subject to change so be Original Motolamp headlight. Original Hoyt Watch for the new Viking Chapter clothing line sure to call (612) 598-1974 to confirm ammeter. Original speedometer and 18" wheels. to be introduced at the January Holiday party. first. I will complete the restoration according to your Motorcycle Website . preferences for color, style of Indian tank logo, Do you know a motorcycle website that would seat, and other items. Parts have been sourced to Tool Definitions be of interest to Club members? If so, send it make this a rare wartime police bike, if so desired. to Paul Meisel so we can share it in this news- Digital pictures available upon request. Best MECHANIC’S KNIFE – Used to open and slice letter. Meanwhile, check out Serious Offer. Call Jon at (720) 350 6883 for through the contents of cardboard cartons www.virtualindian.com . more details. CO delivered to your front door; works particularly Need Help or Advice For Sale -Indian Sidecars - 1940 Indian Chief well on boxes containing seats and motorcycle Need help or advice on how to fix, repair or sidecar #SC40-402, 90% complete, will fit any jackets. restore a certain bike or part? Put a free want Chief 1940 to 1953, needs restoration $5,000; and HACKSAW – One of a family of cutting tools ad in this newsletter or raise the question at the 1920’s Indian sidecar frame, fender, and rim, $650 built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms next general meeting. Club members are always Tom Freed(303)670-8469, human energy into a crooked, unpredictable willing to help. [email protected] CO motion, and the more you attempt to influence its Thank you from Hennepin Technical For Sale -1959 Triumph T100 – Hard-to-find 1959 course, the more dismal your future becomes. College Foundation pre-unit Triumph T100. Matching engine block, VISE-GRIPS – Used to round off bolt heads. If Keith Peters received a thank-you from the transmission case and frame numbers (027467) nothing else is available, they can also be used to Hennepin Technical College Foundation, bike has 13,337 original kilometers on it; all-alloy transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your Thanking the Viking Chapter for the $500.00 engine is the 500cc twin cylinder with a single hand. donation, which was designated for a scolarship Amal carburetor. $5,800 (970) 426-9697, (970) OXYACETYLENE TORCH – Used almost for a student in the Motor/Marine program at 426-9393, [email protected] CO entirely for lighting various flammable objects in the Eden Prairie campus. your garage on fire. Also handy for igniting the Omaha Chapter Indoor Meet For Sale -1972 BMW R75/5 - Pearl white toaster grease inside a brake drum you’re trying to get See page 14 for all the details. Feb.18-20, 2005. tank. New battery, new seat, always garaged, well the bearing race out of. maintained. Full face helmet, half helmet and DRILL PRESS – A tall upright machine useful original spare parts included. Very good shape. for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of want ads $3,000. Call Steve at (303) 931 3650 or e-mail your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and [email protected] CO flings your beer across the room, splattering it For Sale -1973 R75/5 Racer - This bike was used against that freshly painted part you were drying. in WERA Vintage 3 Class competition and placed TIMING LIGHT – A stroboscopic instrument for 13th in the nation recently. Raced for 4 years illuminating grease buildup. (about 6 races per season); 750cc high WIRE WHEEL - Cleans rust off old bolts and performance BMW engine that has a polished and then throws them somewhere under the workbench balanced crank, new pistons and rings, Carerra with the speed of light. Also removes the valves and springs, stock cam, new carburetors, fingerprint whorls and hard earned guitar calluses new clutch, and new race tires. Use for racing or in about the time it takes to say ouch!! take the engine, transmission and other parts and HOSE CUTTER - A tool used to cut hoses 1/2 Wanted - Engine and seat for 1914 Excelsior put them into a tired stock R75/5. Digital pictures inch too short. Twin, fork for 1917 Indian Powerplus. Brent (651) available upon request. $2,900; 462-1189 [email protected] CO Commandment X. T hou shalt not buy thy wife a motorcycle lift for Christmas. For Sale - 1978 Triumph Bonneville T- 140E 750cc 5-speed 20,400 miles 2nd owner. A good solid fast bike. Reluctant sale. $3700.00 or very nearest offer. Harvey 952-472 2223 Newsletter of the Viking Chapter For sale: Airplane - Childs amusement Antique Motorcycle Club of America Inc. ride from Excelsior Amusement park. c/o Paul Meisel, P.O. Box 258 Mound, MN 55364 Spoil your grandchild. $138.67. Some- what firm. Dave Rademacher 763-755 8520 For Sale -1975 (first year) Honda Gold Wing with a low serial number (in the 150’s) for sale. It has a Texas title and has had the engine rebuilt but has not been started. It is currently stored outside. Also, 1972 Honda CB 350 (current owner bought it new) and Texas titled 1982 Honda CM 250. Last two bikes have been stored in a shed. Wants reasonable offers. Glen in Annandale MN, (320) 274-3178. Wanted - 46-47 Indian Chief speedo, (usable) or dash. If you have one for sale, call Kerry @ (651) 430-1332. Wanted - Straight unbent headlight brackets for 1976 or ‘77 Suzuki GT500 A or B, and clean unrusted seat pan for same. Contact Greg - (612) 529-5812 Email @ [email protected] For Sale - Homemade trailer 4’x6’ 3/4” plywood bed w/ 2x4 side rails. Can be used for motorcycle or single snowmobile transport. Never titled, but will supply bill of sale. $250.00 Greg - 612-529-5812 leave msg. For Sale - 1967 Jawa 350 Cal., 1968 BSA 441 Victor Special, 1975 Norton 850 Commando, 1979 MotoGuzzi 1000SP, Early Bultaco 200 Metralla. Steve (218) 879-5889 Please leave message. Email [email protected] Wanted - 1953 BSA 650 A10SF Engine and Trans., Norton 500 Model 7 twin en- gine. Steve (218) 879-5889 Please leave message. Email [email protected] For Sale or Trade –1976 MGB Rebuilt 1972 engine. This is a fun little car that needs TLC. Comes with a bunch of extra parts. Would consider trade for British Twin (Triumph Bonnie), or a single late ‘70’s R100R (s) series Beemer, bikes, basketcase, pile o’parts or ??? Contact me if you have something interesting Call or email Tim O’Keeffe (651) 455- 1839 email [email protected] For Sale-2003 Harley Anniversary Sportster XLH883. Brand new, 50 miles on it. Sales promotion award that was never given out. Must sell $6500. Located downtown Mpls. Don (612) 819-3456. [email protected]