| Author | Message | ||
     Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 513 Registered: 01-2003 |
Watched that American Chopper show last night. Saw them building a bike that was commissioned by Snap-On. He's using sockets for the bar grips and wrenches to hold up the fenders. The even more interesting part was Paul Jr. toured the Snap-On factory. Showed the processes of making sockets and those s-shaped wrenches. Interesting tour that's worth watching, but I'm sure the Craftsman factory tour is better quality.  | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2214 Registered: 02-2002 |
Paul Jr. whould have lit them up for not producing their annual girlie / tool catalog anymore. Damn PC police are ruining everything. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 667 Registered: 03-2003 |
That was an awesome episode last night. That tour of the Snap-on factory was just incredible. Cold forging of the sockets and wrenches. No wonder the Snap-on sockets don't expand under load as much as other sockets do, even though they're thinner. What struck me as especially interesting is how Uptown Orange County Choppers is going. They had that new KRL7002 in the shop, and their Makita and Dewalt cordless drills are now replaced with a Snap-on drill. Even Vinnie's cart had a new set of Flank Drive Plus combinations on it. And that new hottie secretary is replacing that dumbass Mikey at the phones. Total Uptown. We'll see how the bike turns out. So far that Flank Drive Plus handlebar riser is just awesome. | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Koby Post Number: 720 Registered: 02-2002 |
I like the kickstand | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 620 Registered: 03-2002 |
i was really impressed with the work the frameshop in oklahoma put in on that hex "tubing." | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 668 Registered: 03-2003 |
What did you guys think of Paul Jr.'s new girlfriend? | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 621 Registered: 03-2002 |
easy to look at, if you don't look above the neck. but, i am sure she would get on my nerves pretty fast. | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 182 Registered: 07-2003 |
"i am sure she would get on my nerves pretty fast" Who gives a F*! Trade her in like a stock 24 spline axle. | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 622 Registered: 03-2002 |
;) maybe i am gettiing old...i just can't take dingy chicks anymore... best bathroom wisdom ever: "no matter how good looking she is, somebody, somewhere is sick of her shit." i guess i am already that guy. | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 516 Registered: 01-2003 |
I agree on the show is going way up town. I'm sure OCC did well before the show, but now it looks like they are bringing in the bucks. John - How about a EE edition chopper? | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 669 Registered: 03-2003 |
An EE edition chopper? Well, it's not exactly a chopper, but I have serious wood for this bike: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/dakar/BMW-R1150GS-Adventure-2002.jpg http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/new_models/r1150gs_adv/wallpaper/la rge/4.jpg http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/new_models/r1150gs_adv/wallpaper/la rge/5.jpg http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/new_models/r1150gs_adv/wallpaper/la rge/1.jpg http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/new_models/r1150gs_adv/wallpaper/la rge/2.jpg http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/images/machine/new_models/r1150gs_adv/wallpaper/la rge/3.jpg I almost have this bike too. All that is left for me to do is win the lottery. | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) New Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 20 Registered: 09-2003 |
That is a beast of a bike. It is big and heavy. Have you seen this? http://www.touratech-usa.com/f650rr_instl/images/f650rallye.jpg Much better for an adventure bike IMHO. | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 517 Registered: 01-2003 |
I have a buddy out here in SLC who is big into bmw bikes, he is always trying to get to buy one to go touring. He dragged me to a dealer last year and was I close to getting one. For what I wanted the dealer thought this fit my riding needs better; http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/f650gs_dakar.jsp Doesn't have the big power of the 1150gs but is suppose to be easier to handle on a trail. That 1150gs would be a better long haul expedition bike though. I'd love to jump on a bike run to Colorado and run some of those mining roads and camp way up in the mountains. I too need one of those lottery tickets and need to convince my wife that they aren't "donorcycles". If your a biker, never get hooked up with a ICU nurse or ICU doctor. They tend to not look at motorcycles as a source of passion or fun, but as death and bodily harm. | ||
| Rick Neff (Lostinboston) Member Username: Lostinboston Post Number: 232 Registered: 06-2003 |
The Dakar is AWESOME i have an '02 Its a little heavy on the trail compared to a 250 or 400, but can also hit 103 on the highway. The 1150 is also awesome but pretty big for most trails i see. For desert expeditions though itll be hard to beat. I have some friends who are EMT's. I just block out what theyve told me about motorcycle accidents. I watched some of the american choppers episode until my nyquil kicked in. The boke looked great, but not as badass as the mud bogging vette in Monster garage right before. John, if you ever get it, EE should have a rover/bmw baja run. then do some fishing in cabo. ill drive out from NJ for that. | ||
| Greg Hirst (Gregh) Senior Member Username: Gregh Post Number: 384 Registered: 10-2002 |
That BMW is a great bike. Since we're talking dreams here, here's mine: http://www.dhpmoto.com/Reports/Barcelona%20Moto%20Show/6-KTM%20-%20Paris%20Dakar /KTM.htm | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2215 Registered: 02-2002 |
Yep, those Bimmer Bikes are the shit! I love watching the Paris to Dakar Rally every year.  It's amazing how any guy can ride that far on a bike. Speaking of Dakar, last night on Speed TV I saw the VW Toureg Dakar entry. Sweeeeet! | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 670 Registered: 03-2003 |
LOL. I guess I'm not the only one who wants an adventure bike. We have two customers who are into adventure bikes as well as Rovers, Aaron Shrier and Kristian Meyers: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/aaronshrier/ http://www.expeditionexchange.com/km/ Aaron has a 1150 GSA and Kristian has a F650 and a KTM 950. I tempt them with Rover goodies and they tempt me with their bikes. Reciprocity in action, and just desserts for me. I really do want one of these bikes, as well as the full-on Snap-on set dedicated just to the bike. I half-kid Ho that when I end up getting one of these bikes, EE will start selling stuff like Touratech, Wunderlich, etc. in addition to the Rover stuff. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2712 Registered: 02-2002 |
As a little kid I grew up on a Honda XR dirt bike.... haven't been on a bike since I got the T/A... Not-so-long ago, I started wanting a bike again, and really fell for that 1150GS.... sticker shock set in, tho'..... Then, I spotted a Triumph Tiger, and really liked it too... I could do w/o the stripes, lol, but it's a kindred bike... a Speed Triple would be nice too, but a Four would be more affordable... The hitch to any of it is, the missus has "PUT HER FOOT DOWN!!!" She won't even discuss me getting a motorcycle, not after the wreck my brother had a decade ago... I'm trying to work the problem, but, it's a slow process.... no biggie, I've got to finish the Series first anyway, but.... I wholly agree, John, if I hit the lottery, I know what would be bought w/in the first week.... -L | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) New Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 21 Registered: 09-2003 |
Oh, that KTM 950 is it!!! Close to half as light as the GS Adv and just as much grunt. I would trade my '01 F650 Dakar for it in a heartbeat. The 1150 is work in the sand or on a trail compared to the 650. Anybody ever think about doing this. http://www.transamtrail.com/ | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 262 Registered: 02-2003 |
Rubbish The 1100/1150 is fine in the rough, you just need to know what your doing. It helps having fairly decent tyres. This is my GS after a weekend spent in the peak district, Even dropping it twice, still comes back for more. This is exactly the same as most LR owners who never venture off road, same as the BMW crowd, and they all spout the same nonsense, stick some knobblys on and find out for yourself.  And if you want to see a real bike,  And John, I think you and me share a lot of the same tastes, downright spooky! Pete S | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) New Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 22 Registered: 09-2003 |
Peter, I assume this is directed at me: "This is exactly the same as most LR owners who never venture off road, same as the BMW crowd, and they all spout the same nonsense, stick some knobblys on and find out for yourself." I never said it couldn't be done. What I did say: "The 1150 is work in the sand or on a trail compared to the 650." I have ridden both off road, I own a f650gsd and would take it off road over the 11xx. It is lighter and easier to manuever in low speed situations. Have you ridden both off road? As far as the implication regarding the Rover(s) goes, both do see more than just the mall parking lot and go over more terrain than just the occasional speedbump. I can't argue with the HPN prototype based on the 1100 though. That is a sweet machine. It really is too bad they don't sell them. Although the R80gs and R100gs conversions are pretty cool as well. | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 263 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Sean No this was not directed at you, and yes I have ridden a 650 dakar and was really underwhelmed, I am just saying to people who say something can`t be done, try it for yourself. Granted a 1100 trial bike is not the best start for a newbie, but if that is what is in the garage, go for it. I wonder why people buy these kinds of vehicles, why if you never intend to do something with it? And if you want to know what performance GS is all about, I once sampled the late great John Deacons GS900RR around a disused open face coal mine in south Wales, it howled like a banshee, just the most fantastic machine. Pete | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 673 Registered: 03-2003 |
"I think you and me share a lot of the same tastes, downright spooky" Spooky indeed. You like guns? | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 264 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi John Here in the UK we don`t go for it. Although saying that, I am ex army and have had oppurtunity to fire off all manner of hardware, from pistols to milan anti tank. I was in the artillery and to us guns had wheels. It has been a long while since I fired anything. I get broody when I see squaddies patrolling Basra. My wife thinks I am sick. Pete | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 674 Registered: 03-2003 |
"Here in the UK we don`t go for it." Damn, that's a pity. Some really nice guns come from the UK: http://www.mcdonaldsgunshop.com/archives/rigbydouble.htm http://www.drake.net/VM15aL.jpg http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/images/ops/ig_sniper_hr.jpg | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 265 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi John I sometimes get to go clay pigeon and skeet shooting, I thought we were talking your 9mm stuff. We are not allowed anything but shotguns, and then you need a licence, Our Olympic shooting team were criminalised overnight and now have to go to France to practice. Funny thing is, Gun crime is increasing out of control here, and more and more police are carrying H+K around the streets of London. I am afraid I live in a peculiar country, it is illegal to own a knife but OK to sell them, makes little sense. That is one pricey shotgun though, is it really worth that? The Adventure is a great machine, but it is far from perfect, if you go for one don`t bother with the BMW panniers as they are not up to a pounding, go for something like al jesse. I still say go for an older 1100 as they are getting cheap now and are exactly the same as the 1150, apart from looks,gearbox and engine displacement. I have WP suspension and MCE karoos, and I get to go most places. We are very limited as to what tracks we can drive here now, and any that will cut up bad have restrictions placed on them, so having a KTM EXC is irrelevant most of the time. I am not bothered about dropping it or scratches, plastic tanks are more resilient, new ones are all steel. Pete | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) New Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 23 Registered: 09-2003 |
Pete, Since I was the only one on this thread who had made an adverse comment about the qualities of the 11xxGS related to the 650gs I assumed you were referring to me. My apologies for an incorrect inference. Would love to give that 900RR a little test spin. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 675 Registered: 03-2003 |
Peter, That Rigby's .470 Sidelock looks like a shotgun, but it's a rifle. Actually, I thought $40k for that was a real bagain. They truly do not make them like that any more. John Rigby & Co. recently went out of business and the name was bought by some American investors. "Rigby" guns are now manufactured in Paso Robles, California. I can't believe how ugly the current "Rigby" guns are. Also gone is that bad ass engraving on the barrel: "John Rigby & Co., London". So the original Rigby's command a premium. Also, ejector doubles in .470 Nitro generally command a premium. Here is the current "Rigby" double: http://www.johnrigbyandco.com/pages/SidelockD.html It's total pimp with the coin finish on the locks and the gold stripe on the barrels. And that deep relief engraving is pure Guido Pimpolini. Gone also is the very unique and very elegant Rigby sidelock shape. If you're shocked by that $40k price on that Rigby double, that used Army & Navy .600 Nitro boxlock is selling for $75,000! And that's nothing. I think .600 Nitro rounds are something like $80 or $100 a shot, if my memory serves. As Ripley said, "believe it..... or not". | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 266 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Sean No Offence was taken, I admire anyone who rides a GS. I just see so many land Rovers and GS`s that have never seen any off tarmac action. Here in the UK they argue over sticking wheels and tyres off a R1100s onto their GS`s, it makes me want to cry. I honestly think that slow speed handling and balance is far superior in the flat twin. The best quality of the 650 was the ease of picking it up. I get tired after the 3rd or 4th time. That 900RR was a treat, but I would love anything from the HPN stable. I am running out of space though, I also have a C1 for commuting, my Disco and a company Ford Focus all on my driveway. My Wifes polo gets to park in the corner. I often think about getting all the parts from HPN and turning a 100GS into a Rallye sport, would make a great winter project. Enjoy your GS Pete | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 518 Registered: 01-2003 |
..."This is exactly the same as most LR owners who never venture off road, same as the BMW crowd, and they all spout the same nonsense, stick some knobblys on and find out for yourself" That's the kind of people I like, then I can pick up a mildly used one and ride it like it was intended to, sort of like my discovery. The reason I want a the 650 is because I would be a newbie. Although one of those 1150's or 1100's would be nice, I don't think it would make a good first bike for me. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 919 Registered: 04-2003 |
oh man, that "new" Rigby... oh shit. let me guess....Ho wants one | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 677 Registered: 03-2003 |
Yeah, that's the Rolex of the gun world. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! | ||
| Matthew A. Barnes (Discoveryxd) Member Username: Discoveryxd Post Number: 187 Registered: 08-2003 |
you know you're rich when you can buy a 40,000 dollar gun! You couldn't shoot it, I know I wouldn't go target practicing with a $40K gun. I'd take the $$$ and put it into my rover. | ||
| Lewis Jones (Cutter) Member Username: Cutter Post Number: 205 Registered: 10-2003 |
american chopers getting better this season...it used to just be pimp looking bikes they showed 'em building...Big Paul must of been a Barris fan growing up1 | ||
| EricV (Bender2033) Senior Member Username: Bender2033 Post Number: 272 Registered: 08-2002 |
If you like adventure bikes, check out this site: http://www.advrider.com/ Good stuff, GREAT photos. | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 267 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Andy I do not advocate trial carnage of any vehicle, the true definition of a good off road driver is that they get both themselves and their equipment home in one piece. The thing about a trial bike is the regularity in which you get off it, so you really need to know your best route, hopping between ruts is tricky on an 1100GS, you don`t want to be wedged in a rut! I do not carry any spare tyres/ hi lift jack, just what goes around my waist, this leads to some wacky repairs. I repaired my gear lever with a set of vice grips once, and it still got me to work on Monday. But I never worry about odd scratches and such like, I console myself by saying one day I will restore this machine, as soon as I get something better. Pete | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) New Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 24 Registered: 09-2003 |
Pete, It makes me sad to think of all those poor GS's with the wrong "shoes" on. Why, oh why would you do that? Just buy the S and be done with it. If you haven't yet, check out the link above for the Trans American trail. Mostly off road ride across the US. I'm sure we could find you a suitable bike if you came over for the journey. | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Senior Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 268 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hey Sean Now your talking! Hell I`d even buy a used 1100 just for the experience. Better talk to some mates about this. If you can get them in the States go for Metzeler MCE Karoo`s they are just awesome off road, leave the TKC 80`s for the wannabee`s. I swear, with these tyres it will climb out of a slimey rut, I love them ( very noisy on pavement though and less than inspiring on roundabouts!) But well worth the trade. And they come in the right size with an unbelievable speed rating of 105mph! They also look totally awesome, people in towns stop and point at them. Stay upright.   Pete | ||
| Sean Clawson (Jacintyre) New Member Username: Jacintyre Post Number: 25 Registered: 09-2003 |
Pete, I had a set of Perelli MT21s on. They were a bit squirrelly on the road as well, but decent off road. Those TKCs are very popular over here. Might have to make those Karoos my next set though. I have always like the tread pattern. | ||
| Jack Parker (Jack) Senior Member Username: Jack Post Number: 258 Registered: 03-2002 |
Odd thing about episode 1 of the Snap-on bike, in several shots, there was a covered roll cab with a very big Matco logo. I'd never seen it before and for some reason it's clearly visible in this show. I've seen Matco and Craftsman roll cabs and carts in the background, but not a one with a very large Matco logo. Paul Jr.'s driving the Prowler (I think that's what it is), dating the blonde (whatever you think of her, I rather look at her than Paul Sr. or Mikey) and now we've got a real improvement in the secretary. They are going uptown. I couldn't believe what an ass Mikey was on the phone with people - and thought it was funny. That kind of shit pisses me off. | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Koby Post Number: 756 Registered: 02-2002 |
Man, how many of you guys are sick and tired of dinosaurs after Tool Bike 2? | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 702 Registered: 08-2002 |
I am. I finally turned ot off after watching Monster Garage and the first half hour of Tool Bike 2. No more dinosaurs please. I haven't watched American Chopper the last few months because they were in re-runs, and I missed Tool Bike 1, so when I tuned in last night I was somewhat surprised to see that they are still using hte exact same script from the first 4-5 bikes. Paul Jr designs, Vinny looks at him funny and Paul Sr yells and screams the whole episode. It has become quite boring, except for the bike parts. I have to wonder how long before they lose all of their audience? Ideas to make it better? Have Paul Jr move out into his own shop. Paul Sr would lose all of the creativity and Paul Jr would screw up all the bookkeeping and back-office work. Either that or the Pauls Kill each other and Mikey takes over.... | ||
| Jack Parker (Jack) Senior Member Username: Jack Post Number: 259 Registered: 03-2002 |
Koby and Craig, I agree w/ both of you. That freakin dinosaur promo ran during every break, sometimes twice. Not only are the scripts the same, the theme bikes are basically made the same way. Granted the Snap-on frame was different due to the hex tubing, but the formula is the same - get one of their frames from stock, and add some parts related to the theme. I know it's not that simple, but it seems that some of the things that would make a chopper unique is a custom frame (size, reach, etc.), custom bars, exhaust, etc. I'm talking out of my ass here, as I don't ride or own a chopper. Just thinking that a chopper that fits someone 5'9" wouldn't fit a 6'2" person too well. That Snap-on bike had to be heavy as hell with the hex tubing bored from solid stock, and all of those tools used as functional parts or accents had to add some serious weight, which must affect the handling, braking, etc. I guess since these bikes don't get ridden, these things are not as important. But honestly I didn't think it looked that great, I still like the Fireman's bike best. You used to see all brands of tools in their shop, especially Craftsman, but now everything they pick up is Snap-on. And looking around you'll see lots of banners and signs from various suppliers, I'm sure they are selling that space now. LOL. Every shop/mechanic in the country should be so lucky!! And, Snap-on sends a Lear to pick-up the guys -gotta love that kind of class. My wife commented that "You know, you helped buy that jet..." It's still a very entertaining show, and the new American Hot Rod coming in January '04 looks to be interesting. | ||
| Matthew A. Barnes (Discoveryxd) Member Username: Discoveryxd Post Number: 203 Registered: 08-2003 |
Jack, The bike does look really heavy. Pual Sr. said that he thought that would be the problem, but he said it rides and handles great on last nights show. Vinny is probably getting tired of Pual and Pual Jr. argueing, like we got tired of seeing those damn dino commercials. Those guys get in arguements on every show. Maybe that's what the producers want because it adds drama. | ||
| laszlo nemeth (Laz) New Member Username: Laz Post Number: 13 Registered: 03-2003 |
get a tivo or equivalent. makes watching tv fun again. i just wait 10 minutes into the show before i start watching and skip all comercials. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2257 Registered: 02-2002 |
Watched the delivery of the Snap-On bike last night. I like the rims the best. But, week after week it's same old crap. It's doesn't matter if it's the stealth bike or the fire engine bike. Frame, Motor, ••••••, theme trinkets, paint, and arguing. Paul Sr: "My shop is dirty. Your late. Listen to me know or hear me later" Paul Jr: "I don't like that. I am going to do the hole thing over because I do not like the blue handled Snap-On Allen keys. Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know I am late. I don't like this" I wish Vinnie would come out and say, "Both of you overweight hyper tense mofo's just Shut the fuck up!" | ||
| Tim (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 616 Registered: 12-2002 |
Vinnie is certainly the most level-headed guy in the shop. Their constant ranting is getting a bit much and I have been surfing back to ESPN when it gets too heavy. I wonder how they actually make any money in that shop to support a decent payroll for everyone with all the filming, yelling and goofing around. |
