Beantown Baggers

Why We Ride: Wild Weather & Photos

May 7, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

Last year, during our Iron Butt 1,052 miler from Boston, MA to Knoxville, TN we saw some of the nastiest weather any biker would ever dare stare down. Only The Axe Murderer, Vanderlei Silva of the formerly Pride Fighting Championship would knowingly seek this out. Hitting a storm that instantaneously flooded the interstate, causing almost life-ending accidents and one which spun a tornado was enough for us. But, as the story goes it wasn’t all unsympathetic and at times blasé Mother […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations, Trip Journals

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It looks like an angry bug… But at least it runs

May 1, 2014 by Road Captain

The Journey: A few weeks ago we asked our readers where they would ride if they had no financial constraints and received a full blessing from their other-halves. Many people suggested Europe… so this is what we’ll be documenting for the next two weeks. Beantown is traveling from Boston to Madrid, across the South of France to Italy, down the Amalfi Coast, up to and across the Alps to the Pyrenees and back to Madrid via San Sebastian. This route […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations • Tags: europe, Madrid, triumph

Motorcycle Superstore | Bagger Project & The Art of Custom

April 28, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

Motorcycle-Superstore and Mark Daley of ThunderStruck Custom Bikes teamed up to build a custom bagger off a stock 2012 Road Glide that any guy could build, and do so with a particular vision in mind. To build a bike that had character and a motif that followed from front to rear. With of course, all the resources of Motorcycle-Superstore. We appreciate the call out that not all of us have such resources or means and can also revere the art that is […]

Categories: Amazing Bikes, Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations

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Airbrusher Cory SaintClair

April 28, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Some great photos submitted by one of our writers (Ken McGraw) of artwork done by Cory SaintClair. These are pretty vivid photos and may be offensive for some. We have had the debate in the past around Creative or Crass. Click to read.

Categories: Amazing Bikes, Art in Motion

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Childhood Creativity becomes Adult Obsession

April 27, 2014 by Road Captain

Hours of my life spent removing wheels, punching out bearings, adjusting stiffness of the ride. Time not dedicated on the mechanics was devoted to imagining new designs for the most exciting intersection of transportation and adventure! Do you remember the first hobby that allowed you to unleash your creativity, learn mechanical skills and prepare for speeds far exceeding those your unaided feed could provide? The effort, time and dedication – all for a hobby encumbered by the harsh New England […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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US Rides you need to take

April 26, 2014 by Road Captain

Last week we asked readers where in the world they would like to visit if they didn’t have to worry about depleting funds, lip from the boss-man or scowls from the head of homeland logistics (your spouse). Answers ranged globally but US destinations came up with great frequency. Many of the rides are our favorites too and as a result you’ll have some photos and route reviews to better inform your travel plans. This is Part 1 of 2 – the follow […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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3 months in asia | A riders worst nightmare

April 21, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

Three months in Asia Pacific will give you legitimate and far reaching perspective; as will any amount of time spent outside the comfort of what you know. The ability to see the same situation at a different angle and with a second lens. As time passes however, a rider who doesn’t ride will suffer from great angst causing them to sharply focus on anything and everything that looks or sounds like it’s on two wheels. This has become reality. A soft […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations

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Rebirth of the 1997 Road King by J&D cycles

April 18, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Owner: Joe Boune Original Bike: 1997 Harley Davidson Road King All work performed at J&D cycles in Hyde park Boston, MA Upgrades include: 21 inch 52 mamouth spoke front wheel Willie G front fender trim HD white diamond braided clutch and brake lines HD deep cut levers Arlen ness deep cut series windshield trimgrips,shifter linkage and saddle bag latches Arlen ness rad 2 mirrors HD chrome front end Kuryakan spike axel covers Dragonfly concepts front fairing with focal 6x9s powered by a rockford Fosgate […]

Categories: Readers Bikes

Why would you spend your day riding 300 miles?

April 15, 2014 by Road Captain

5:30 AM on a late May Saturday morning. The sun is just starting to peak out over the horizon and the scent of morning dew rises from spring soaked lawns. Rigors of the workweek are merely a distant memory as you secure your hard-bag latches and complete a final inspection of the roadworthy machine standing regally in your driveway like a hound dog ready for a day’s hunt. The air is brisk; you will need a leather and gloves to […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations, Trip Journals

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Whoa Black Betty…Lambda Lamb

April 9, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Motor is stock with a Trask turbo, neck is cut and raked with using HHI rake neck builders kit. Blacked out motor, custom made to match front wheel 18 inch front rotor with 6 piston caliper, Cut and sectioned front fairing to compensate light for the rake. All wires are run through the frame for a clean look. Bars have wires, brake line and clutch line ran inside the bars to give a very clean look. – Neck HHI, blacked out – DNA […]

Categories: eBay bike of the week

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$50 Ride to the Coast – Lobstah and Cigars!

April 9, 2014 by Road Captain

Motorcycles are expensive, enjoying a day out doesn’t have to be! We are starting a new series called the $50 Ride series and want you to send in your ideas to share with our readers. Let us know how many miles you rode, your route, what you bought along the way and share a few photos of the ride (like we’ve done here). There is definitely reader interest in these rides and you’ll be helping your fellow biker find great […]

Categories: $50 Rides, Rides & Destinations, Whiskey and Cigars

Bar Harbor: Acadia and Cadillac Mountain Video

April 7, 2014 by Road Captain

A quick rendition of Paradise City through Northern Maine’s Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain. This ride was done on a 2013 Harley Davidson Road Glide from August 31, 2013. Traffic on Cadillac Mountain can be rough during the summer but the roads and views are beautiful! VOLUME ON FOR THIS.

Categories: Videos: Riding & Event

Motorcycles are like Pizza and Sex

April 5, 2014 by Road Captain

Have you ever taken a girl home and been less than proud in the morning? Of course you have but you probably had more fun that night than you would’ve had sitting with your douchebag friends at the South Street diner talking about all the “game” you had at the bars that night. Have you ever had a piece of pizza at an ice skating rink. It’s no Santarpio’s but it definitely hits the spot more than a nature’s valley […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations

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eBay Bike of the Week – 2014 Street Glide

April 2, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

$6,000.00 grey with carbon fiber graphics paint job custom black front end custom black fork sliders custom complete blacked out engine kit black primary satin black derby cover with grey 103 logo black custom dash panel black harley davidson 19-inch front wheel with harley rotors black harley davidson 16-inch rear wheel black true dual vance & hines exhaust system black ops vance & hines mufflers power commander pc5 black ops roland sands breather with stage 1 kit black arlen ness […]

Categories: eBay bike of the week

Harley Davidson acquired by Japanese owned Kawasaki Motor Company LTD

March 31, 2014 by Road Captain

Breaking News Milwaukee, April 1, 2014 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (HOG) has announced agreement to be acquired by Japanese owned Kawasaki Motor Company LTD today, Tuesday, April 1, 2014 for an undisclosed sum. The public is invited to attend an audio webcast with Kevin Wardell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and John Only, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Central Time). A downloadable slide presentation will also be available as support […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors

Video: Chumash Highway CA RT 154

March 20, 2014 by Road Captain

An incredible ride video taped over the shoulder giving an amazing view of the Chumash Highway stretching between Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara. Also, check out the background music – after this summer they’ll be the best band to ever play Fenway Park (except for the Dropkick Murphy’s… of course). Short of riding, watching this video is the ONLY way to start your day!

Categories: Videos: Riding & Event

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Happy St. Patrick’s day!

March 17, 2014 by Road Captain

Categories: Amazing Bikes, Art in Motion, Letters from the Editors

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Early season riding in Plymouth, MA

March 15, 2014 by Road Captain

A great trip down 3A to the Shanty Rose in Plymouth where we encountered these incredible scenes!

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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Beantown Baggers FREE Roadside Assistance Program

March 9, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Have you ever broken down? Been stuck roadside looking for gas, a cell phone, a push start or even a tow? Of course you have – at the least, this ruins a great day of riding. Thankfully good samaritans often come by to help when we most need it but what happens when nobody is around. You’re stranded and in a really tough spot. We are announcing the Beantown Baggers Free Roadside Assistance program. At Beantown we have almost 16,000 […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations, Trip Journals

Sumax Blown Softail Bagger

March 3, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

A year ago we saw this bike on the pages of a few bike magazines and were impressed with the attention to detail and dedication to flip this softie into a legitimate bagger. Now that it’s up for sale on eBay we wanted to share the details from the seller’s ebay listing. Sumax Blown Softail Bagger Kirk VanScoten had purchased a new Heritage Softail from Utica HD a couple years ago using it for new model fender and saddle bag […]

Categories: eBay bike of the week

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roads like ribbons, gently draped across the landscape

March 1, 2014 by Road Captain

The definition of a perfect ride differs from person to person but a few themes will come up in every conversation. Curvy roads, smooth pavement, great scenery and fantastic food are present in every great ride story. These tangible elements are simpler to describe than locate but with the right effort and dedication to mapping, good rides, even great rides are everywhere. A truly perfect ride has one intangible quality. It is a feeling difficult to define but easily recognized. […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations

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Redrum and the 30 inch killer

February 28, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Original Listing found at http://btbaggers.com/1dIafNJ Beantown Baggers is not responsible nor associated with the sale of this bike.

Categories: eBay bike of the week

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The Dime Show – Australia Ridin’ Video (we’ve found a perfect 10 ride!)

February 24, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

This video was shot a couple hundred miles northwest of Sydney with the GoPro Hero3. It’s very rare, we come upon a rated 10 ride (according to our rating system). Special thanks to Simon and Mick at Eagle Rider Sydney!! This may have been the best ride ever. Full account of the day to come. To start – watch this! Volume up.

Categories: Rides & Destinations, Videos: Riding & Event

So you think you can ride? Check these guys out.

February 22, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

Thank you loyal BTB reader Kyle Bishop for sending in this video. We know how much you all like wheelies. This is the one.

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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Barbwire and a 23″

February 19, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

This week’s ebay bike of the week is a clean build found in Northport, Alabama and features a 2005 Roadglide with 28k miles. The bike and work on this slightly older HD is pretty nice and though the miles are higher than we normally like, the current buy it now price could be a good fit for some of our readers who don’t want to drop $20k on a newer Glide and then an additional $10k into parts. Original ebay […]

Categories: eBay bike of the week

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Tired? A Distracted Rider is a Safer Rider…?

February 13, 2014 by Road Captain

Tired riding brings out the animal instinct in all of us. We all have our own tricks to stay awake but before this summer’s trip from Nevada through Utah I had never taken inventory of my idiosyncratic behavior. The sun had faded behind the majestic mountains of Bryce Canyon and we would finally make our way out of the national park for the final 175 mile chunk of the day ending at our resting place of Salt Lake City, Utah. […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations

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Need versus Want

February 10, 2014 by Road Captain

Man faces no greater motivator in life than the quest to fulfill his needs. We work, hunt and toil to fulfill our barest necessities and it is that determination that evaluates the worthiness of our survival. Sometimes our disposition to accumulate leads us to mistake desires for needs. Motorcycles perennially live at the crossroads of need and want. Contrasting needs and wants can be identified both in the assembly of the machines we ride and in the methods we pack […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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The Wise Ones: Out with the old, in with the new

February 10, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

There’s a whole heap of nostalgia in the early motorcycles of our forefather’s time. All varieties of bikers may share the same sentiment, as what was once “the way” to build machines is different now. High tech industrial utility replaces artisanship as Peter Egan in Leanings 2 has so eloquently acknowledged. We think those who truly appreciate the aura around two wheels and what it represents find a kind of peace with the world in the prideful craftsmanship and aesthetic […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors

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Harley Paradox – examining the Harley Snob

February 8, 2014 by Road Captain

Every time a metric cruiser graces the pages of our site, we are reminded of a principle we call the Harley Paradox. This is the schism between Harley Riders and everybody else. Normally metric cruisers receive a little love from the general public evenly balanced by a handful of people showing their distain toward our publication for featuring non-US baggers, an insult to their core sensibilities. Now before anybody thinks this article is “un-American” you should know that as writers […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors

Monthly Metric

February 7, 2014 by Road Captain

It’s rare that we post metric cruisers but when we find one with such great attention to detail, it’s tough to pass it by! This brings back fond memories of first bikes as they were always metric (couldn’t afford much else in my teens). The aspiration of customizing them never looked anywhere near as good as this! {MORE Below} Better yet, this is apparently for sale (though Beantown Baggers is not associated with or responsible for the sale.) It is […]

Categories: Amazing Bikes, eBay bike of the week

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Creative or Crass

February 4, 2014 by Road Captain

Recently, we at Beantown Baggers posted a picture of a paint job featuring explicit art work (click here to see). All sheet metal was covered with women in seductive poses. The attire was minimal and if had been passengers on the bike, we only hope they applied sufficient sunblock – otherwise their UV exposure would be unimaginable. Of course, as upstanding pillars of the motorcycle community we censored some of the photos and warned users that the content may not […]

Categories: Art in Motion, Letters from the Editors

Snow’d King

February 4, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Another snow storm is scheduled to hit New England tomorrow. This might be the only type of motorcycle portrait we’ll be taking for some time. Specs for the bike at the bottom. 2009 Road King Raked and Stretched frame for the 26″ Front wheel 26″ Rampage baja front wheel 13″ matching front single brake disc 18″ matching rear wheel 6 piston PM chrome front caliper Ness smooth lower legs Ness fork cans HHI triple trees – chrome lower Ness modular […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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Fan until the end (or a major blowout!) – Broncos Bagger on eBay

February 2, 2014 by Road Captain

Apparently tonight’s monumental choke by the Denver Broncos has even soured some die hard fans. This Broncos Bagger has just gone up for sale on eBay. And the faithful will exit to the left. ebay listing found here http://bit.ly/1bT0lId

Categories: eBay bike of the week, Letters from the Editors

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Lewd bike of the week

February 2, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

We saw this bike and thought the paint had to be shared. It’s unique, lewd, artistic and hotter than hell! Not for those who are easily offended.

Categories: Amazing Bikes, Art in Motion

Victor’s 18 Year Old Project

February 2, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Victor Kaelin, owner of Crossroads Custom Cycles in Malden submitted some of the work he is doing on his personal 1996 FLHT. A few improvements include: Wiseco 10 to 1 pistons Black diamond valves Andrews ev5 cam Dyna ignition Thunderheader exhaust Send your letters to beantownbaggers@gmail.com

Categories: Readers Bikes, Rides & Destinations

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Eric Lavoie’s Letter to the editor re: a Ridable Bagger

February 2, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

Dear Beantown Baggers, I have seen your post on about the ride-able bagger. I sure hope this is the way they go – a 30 wheel on any bike is stupid. I thought I would send in some pics of my Road Glide and though it’s still a work in progress, this is my take on a ride-able bagger. -Eric Lavoie Send your letters to beantownbaggers@gmail.com Now I just have to finish putting everything together. I’ll be adding shorter brake […]

Categories: Performance & Repairs, Readers Bikes

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The interruptions are the journey

February 1, 2014 by Road Captain

The road of a story worth telling is littered with the debris of plans gone awry. Serene days of riding pristine roads, mechanical perfection and clear skies are the recipe for painfully boring stories by the campfire. Instead, human nature favors stories of trials, tribulation and ordeals stitched with threads of hardship to outfit our tales of adversity. Any ride worth sharing includes challenges worth overcoming. Many of our rides have had smooth spots but more include something gone wrong. […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors, Rides & Destinations, Trip Journals • Tags: Eagle Rider motorcycle rental, kryptonite lock

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Land Down Under – Original Video

February 1, 2014 by Road Captain

The trip to the Blue Mountains of Australia (click to read entire story) was incredible and this video was captured on the ride. If you’ve ever wondered how it is to ride on the “wrong’ side of the road – try this on for a starter! Turn the volume up for the soundtrack. Video captured on a handheld iphone camera.

Categories: Videos: Riding & Event

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2012 Easy Riders Show Winner” Best in Class, Anaheim, California

January 28, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

“2012 Easy Riders Show Winner” Best in Class, Anaheim, California. Genuine Harley Davidson Motorcycle. 2005 Road King Classic. 5,727 Original Miles. 103″ Bored Out Engine. Diamond Cut High Polished Heads. Engine is Completely Chromed Out. 6-Speed Baker Overdrive Transmission – Chromed. Hydraulic Racing Clutch. $10,000 Paint Job – Base Coat Candy Root Beer, House of Color Black, Candy Gama Gold Lace Patterns, Gold Flake Stripe. 18″ Buky Bars – Triple Show Chrome. Completely Chromed Out and Engraved Front End. Head […]

Categories: eBay bike of the week

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The one upgrade for your stock bagger

January 27, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

On a recent fly and ride I had the chance to ride a completely stock 2012 Road King for a few hundred miles through the Blue Mountains of Australia. During this most enjoyable ride I thought about the pieces of a bike that could be changed, should be changed and absolutely need to be changed. After taking a few overzealous corners and failing to recover, as I’m accustomed, it was clear that suspension is the one thing that can make […]

Categories: Parts you Need, Performance & Repairs, Rides & Destinations, Upgrade Everything

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Rate this Wolverine Bagger

January 26, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

Categories: Art in Motion

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The Bagger’s Creed

January 20, 2014 by TheTravelWriter

When I ride, I ride hard. On the highway – an open throttle. In the corners – on rails as pavement is left searing from the sparks of aggression. The wind tears at the far corners of my eyes and numbs my skin. I am at home in the left while others move aside as I pull on. My days, they’re measured in 100 mile increments. And under moonlight I keep focus as darkness tries to drain my will. On the […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors

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Blue Mountains of Australia by Roadking

January 20, 2014 by Road Captain

The snow is gathering outside your window. Your bike is collecting dust in your garage. There is no relief in sight. Time for a fly and ride! This story isn’t your usual fly and ride. Often we cover areas such as Phoenix, Key West, PCH through California or Texas during the cold months. Such reviews are all on the way. This is the most remote fly and ride we have ever done. Sydney Australia by Roadking provided some of the most […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

We don’t live forever – do your trip of a lifetime this year!

January 19, 2014 by Road Captain

For most of us the winter really starts as salt coats the frozen pavement of the frigid New England roads. Our bikes sit lonely and under-heated in garages throughout the region. The hobby of motorcycling is lived vicariously though websites, videos, personal photos and the occasional documentary. My week was monopolized by air travel. The destination was Sydney Australia – a 21 hour flight from Boston including a stopover in LA. 21 hours gives a lot of time to catch […]

Categories: Letters from the Editors

How many bikes is the perfect number?

January 15, 2014 by Road Captain

In tough economic times when people are simply working hard to make ends meet, the answer to this question is simple: One. One bike as long as it runs is enough to improve my life by orders of magnitude. But let’s say for a moment that money is not the biggest concern. You can afford to buy the bikes and somehow you can afford the maintenance (either done yourself or at a local shop). Now, how many bikes do you […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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Ultimate Bruins Bagger

January 5, 2014 by thebeantownbaggers

This bagger may not have been made for a Bruins Fan but should have been! The First Image has been adjusted to fit our vision of the bike. Maybe you’re a fan and you decide you’ll complete it the way the seller should’ve done originally! Ask yourself, what would Cam Neely do? Original eBay Listing Here.

Categories: eBay bike of the week

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Bold Predictions for Baggers in 2014

January 2, 2014 by Road Captain

As the calendar year changes, so do trends in motorcycling – this is a story that dates back to the earliest productions of the Indian in 1901 or Harley Davidson in 1903. 2014 is the year of the ride-able bagger. Not only do trends come and go but similar patterns of evolution occur from one bike style to the next. The phases are standard and people’s tastes morph as the trends become more unattainable and less practical. Baggers have been […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

New Years Resolutions – 2014

December 31, 2013 by Road Captain

Here are some great suggestions for New Years resolutions. 1. Ride More. If you did 5k miles last year, ride 10k in 2014. 2. Do a fly and ride this winter (Arizona or California are great options – Florida with the exception of Key West is a terrible choice) 3. Ride to Daytona in March – bundle up and get your heated gear in advance of this one. 4. Ride to the Wall in May – show support for the […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

‘Twas the night before sturgis

December 24, 2013 by Road Captain

‘Twas the night before Sturgis And all through the shop Not a tool was in use Not even a mop The baggers were washed, waxed and buffed shiny with care Packed full with snacks for the White Knuckle Ride there. Half the crew drinking at Faneuil Hall Ned’s Not concerned of the hangover soon to pound on their heads And Jimmy with his Patron and I on my mac In the midst of an article – methods for readers to […]

Categories: Rides & Destinations

10 Most popular articles of 2013

December 23, 2013 by thebeantownbaggers

Video: Throttle in my hand Beantown Bagger Contest Where ya going to run to.. Where ya going to hide! – Video An honorable retirement from distinguished service Winter projects under $500 Maps for the White Knuckle 300 White Knuckle 300 Ride Video The Old Timer who dropped his Harley (and those who helped him up) The Tree of Shame That Place is really in the United States! Holy Crap!

Categories: Rides & Destinations

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