Psuedo-complaints about bikes and biker culture

Lately I've been putting in a lot of thought into what I want to do with my pipes. Approximately three years ago I replaced my stock pipes with Vance & Hines' Short Shot pipes. I really loved the look and the sound of them. My bike's performance didn't seem to take a dive so I thought, "perfect". Well, time goes on and tastes change. I've been thinking about how cool it would be to make my own pipes. Looking at different bikes for inspiration I've come to the conclusion that, unfortunately, the best looking pipe designs are usually not made with a passenger in mind. I like the option of having my girlfriend hop on the back of my bike. I know some guys don't build their bikes with their wives/girlfriends/random ladies in mind but I prefer to have a two-up bike. I've seen a couple of pipe set-ups that I'd like to imitate and I'm still not sure which I'd prefer. I'll probably stick to the two muffler look but have played around with the idea of making a two-into-one set-up for my bike. I'll probably use a pair of old cocktail shaker mufflers. I like that look. Now I just need to finish up the other modifications that I've been playing around with forever. Sunday I should have my new gas tank all squared away. Blue Collar Moto is coming over to weld on a bracket to my gas tank and help me with some wiring for my taillight. Sure would be good to finally have that stuff completed.
Ok, on to my second pseudo-complaint. I'm exactly what Harley is marketing towards and I think that's funny! I saw a video for the new Iron 883 a while back. Haha! I could be the guy in that video. Cuffed Levis? Check. Western/plaid shirt? Check. Tattoos? Check. Late 20s/early 30s guy that listens to punk/metal/post-rock? Check. Haha! I'm a hipster!

Just take a minute to think...

First time on a bike!

This must have been in '79 or '80.

Three of my favorite things

Back in the saddle

Two years ago, summer of 2007, my dad had a serious stroke that left him completely paralyzed. The doctors didn't have much hope for him. He was in the hospital for a couple of months, thankfully he has good insurance. Three months later he was in a wheelchair. He'd regained the use of the left side of his body but his right side was still paralyzed. I wasn't sure if he'd ever walk again. Flash forward to last Saturday; he got on his Harley and took off. I wasn't around to witness it but was a little choked up when I saw him Tuesday and he told me about the ride. He didn't do much, just go a couple of miles but he fuckin' got on it. His motivation to work out has always been to get back on his Harley. At times I doubted that he'd ever get back on it, so it was great news to hear that he'd taken his bike for a spin.
I can't wait to go on a road trip with him.

Thirsty?

Bratstyle inspires art

This has inspired me to paint an amazing picture. My ego-centric tendencies have chosen myself as the subject!