Just in case John was bashful and didn't want any notoriety, I was pretty quiet re: his acquiring Big Red. Just a quick blurb up here on another thread. Now that he's "come out" (hee hee) and is a poster not just a reader, I'll yak a bit more.
Thanks for all the kind words from you guys. A great group one and all. I'm very lucky to have rubbed shoulders with most of you in person and always enjoyed your company and friendship. In the big scheme of things, we V8 riders are a rare breed and share a lot in common both with the bikes and beyond. Really glad to have added John to the group of friends I've met through the V8 bikes. A super guy and if you get the chance to meet him, I think you'll see how John and Big Red were a match made above. Both very big and badass. Ever get the thought our gas tanks resemble a 300 lb gorilla? Take a look at John's biceps. I looked in the mirror after he left and wanted to beat the crap out of myself. In any case, saw the posts from the Jersey guys, Joe and Ed, and hope you and the other N.E. guys have a chance to hook-up and ride with John. He mentioned by the way, Americade. I just read up on it and via their own sites, reference no tolerance for loud pipes, baffles necessary, zero tolerance, checkpoints and all kinds of law enforcement, etc. If anyone else is going, please prepare to bail John out of jail. Big Red will set off car alarms 1/4 mile away with it's exhaust note and the 3" pipes!
The V8 choppers have been a bunch of fun and Gary and I have found a number of items that have been improved upon after some riding and wrenching. They are much simpler than the Boss because they lack many creature comforts the Boss enjoys. In spite of some of my factory bashing over the years where I thought they could build a better mousetrap, I've come to appreciate the many comforts that make the Boss a truly great V8 cruising machine. Whether hitting up a spot for suds or cruising many miles, it is a versatile and rugged ride. In spite of the rag-tag dealer network, it still offers the best factory support out there.
My plans are to hang on to the chopper for a while, ride the FJR in the mountains, and get another Boss once our new house gets built next year. Most likely to be the 3 wheeled variety. If anyone ever gets to see Geezer's or Neil's trikes, they will understand. The '57 I had was too much fun and I hope Stuart and wife are enjoying it half as much as I. I simply ran out of garage space as John, Neil, Gary and others can testify to and my 4 wheeler was tired of all the bird **** in the driveway, hee hee. Have also been talking to and seen some pics of Tom's new 3 wheeler which is one wild ride. Converting a Boss 2 wheeler to t 3 wheeler! Who but Tom!!!
Well, the king of "long winded" did it again. Unfortunately, a real busy summer prevents me from enjoying what I'm sure will be a great rally with you guys, but Daytona is a sure thing. Hope to see as many of you guys in Daytona at Biketoberfest as 4 days permit. I look forward to reading and talking with you guys via this board til then. If anyone is going to be in or around SW Florida anytime, I'd be pissed if I didn't hear from you or get a chance to visit. Very best regards to my friends here.
Elliot
