Blanton Cycle Supply #438
About this episode
Brooks Blanton, a well-known figure in the FXR and vintage motorcycle scene, shares captivating stories from his experiences in the motorcycle community. He discusses his journey of walking across the country, the challenges faced, and the unique people he met along the way. The episode dives into the camaraderie of motorcycling, the culture surrounding it, and the evolution of bike ownership. With insights on the value of older bikes and the thrill of adventure, this conversation highlights the passion and dedication of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Brooks is a well-known face in the fxr and vintage motorcycle scene, especially at swap meets across the country. Based in Canton, Texas, Blanton Cycle Supply has some of the rare parts you're after. In this episode, we hear some of Brooks' stories about buying and selling parts, along with a surprise story that blew me away — you'll just have to listen to find out!
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FXR
"...early days of the FXR kind of revival thing. And it's like at the end of the end of the day..."
The FXR is a type of Harley-Davidson motorcycle that many riders love for its good handling and performance. It's often customized and has a strong following among motorcycle fans.
The FXR is a model of motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson, known for its performance and handling. It has become popular among custom builders and enthusiasts, especially during the revival of interest in classic motorcycles.
Suzuki
"...it's $800 brand new from Suzuki."
Suzuki is a car and motorcycle company from Japan. They make a lot of different vehicles, including popular motorcycles.
Suzuki is a Japanese automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and all-terrain vehicles. They are recognized for their reliability and performance in the motorcycle segment.
ignition module
"So I had just boxes of these stock Evo ignition modules that were of no use to me. And I did a shop clean out and I was like, and I'm throwing these things away like I'm never going to touch these."
An ignition module helps your car's engine start by controlling when the spark plugs fire. If it fails, your car might not start or run properly.
An ignition module is a crucial component in an ignition system that controls the timing and firing of the spark plugs in an engine. It ensures that the spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture at the right moment for optimal engine performance.
Chevrolet Corvette
"I mean, you could go up there and buy a couch or a Corvette."
The Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car made by Chevrolet. It's popular for its speed and design, and many people admire it.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and sleek design. It has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in 1953.
Arlenes
"Arlenes is a one-stop shop for some of the baddest custom motorcycle parts in the industry. I have had the opportunity to ride with many of their products including their forged wheels..."
Arlenes makes special parts for motorcycles that help customize and improve their performance and look.
Arlenes is known for producing high-quality custom motorcycle parts, catering to enthusiasts looking to enhance their bikes with unique components.
forged wheels
"...including their forged wheels, plug-and-play bagger mid-controls..."
Forged wheels are made from a single piece of metal, making them stronger and lighter than regular wheels, which helps improve motorcycle performance.
Forged wheels are made from a solid piece of metal that is shaped under high pressure, resulting in a stronger and lighter wheel compared to cast wheels.
custom brake calipers
"...some of my favorites have been their custom brake calipers."
Custom brake calipers are special parts that help improve how well a motorcycle stops, and they can also look really cool.
Custom brake calipers are specialized components that enhance a motorcycle's braking performance, often featuring unique designs or materials for improved aesthetics and functionality.
shovel head
"...that's why shovel heads, you know, in their own right, just got terrible reputations because when they were brand new, they weren't worth the shit. See, that's why you're having problems with your shovel."
A 'shovel head' is a type of motorcycle engine made by Harley-Davidson. It has a unique design and was used in their bikes for many years, but it gained a reputation for having some issues.
The term 'shovel head' refers to a specific type of engine design used by Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 1966 to 1984. It is known for its distinctive shape and was part of the company's effort to modernize their engines during that era.
AMF
"...Blame that on AMF."
AMF is a company that used to own Harley-Davidson. Their ownership is often blamed for some quality problems in the motorcycles made during that time.
AMF, or American Machine and Foundry, was a company that owned Harley-Davidson from 1969 to 1981. During this period, the quality of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the shovel head, suffered due to production ramp-ups and cost-cutting measures.
Volkswagen Bus
"...and we looked at this VW bus. They were asking, like, two grand for it or something, which back then was, you know..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a famous van that many people recognize. It was used for family trips and has a unique, retro design that makes it popular among collectors today.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Type 2, is a classic vehicle known for its distinctive boxy shape and versatility. It was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with counterculture and road trips.
Volkswagen Type 2 (VW Bus)
"Is it a VW bus? Yeah. It's a 69. Those things are worth a lot of money."
The VW Bus is a famous van made by Volkswagen that people love for its retro style. The 1969 version is especially popular and can be quite valuable today.
The Volkswagen Type 2, commonly known as the VW Bus, is a classic vehicle that has become an icon of the 1960s and 1970s. The 1969 model is particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique design and cultural significance.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
"...too much American Pickers and they think their evo is worth $50,000. Yeah..."
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a fast car that's built for racing and performance. Many people love it because of its powerful engine and ability to handle well on different types of roads.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, often referred to as the 'Evo', is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer. It is known for its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and rally heritage, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
alternator
"...I didn't know if it was a battery. The alternator had Uber take me to Walmart, bought a battery, came back,..."
The alternator is a part of the car that helps keep the battery charged and powers things like the lights and radio while you're driving.
An alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle's electrical system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the battery and power the electrical systems when the engine is running.
battery
"...bought a battery, came back, put the battery in the truck, started up,..."
The battery is what starts the car and provides power to things like the lights and radio when the engine isn't running.
A battery stores electrical energy for starting the engine and powering electrical components when the engine is off. It's essential for a vehicle's operation.
Motorcraft
"It's like, well, the Ultima is $1,500 and the motorcraft is 18."
Motorcraft is a brand that makes car parts, especially for Ford vehicles. They are often cheaper than the original parts but still work well.
Motorcraft is a brand of automotive replacement parts and accessories, primarily associated with Ford vehicles, known for offering reliable and cost-effective alternatives to OEM parts.
short reach plugs
"if I tell you short reach plugs, you're just going to look at me like a dipshit. So I was like, you know, I'm looking for the panhead, the short reach panhead plugs."
Short reach plugs are spark plugs that are shorter than usual. They help start the engine and keep it running smoothly, especially in certain types of cars.
Short reach plugs are a type of spark plug designed for engines that require a shorter thread length. They are crucial for ensuring proper ignition and engine performance in specific applications.
flathead
"...I bought a flathead is the one you rode out of Chico, Texas, and it has WRTT oil tank, gas tank stuff on it."
A flathead engine is a type of engine where the cylinder head is flat, making it simpler and smaller. It was commonly used in older cars.
A flathead is an engine design characterized by its flat cylinder head, which allows for a simpler and more compact engine layout. This design was popular in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in American cars.
gas tank
"...it has WRTT oil tank, gas tank stuff on it."
A gas tank is where a car stores its fuel, like gasoline. It's important for the car to run.
The gas tank is a crucial component of a vehicle that stores fuel for the engine. It is designed to safely hold gasoline or diesel until it is needed for combustion.
Daytona race
"...that bike was made for the Daytona race. And those bikes, the WR was the..."
The Daytona race is a famous car race that takes place in Daytona, Florida. It's part of NASCAR and is known for being very exciting and fast-paced.
The Daytona race refers to the Daytona 500, a prestigious NASCAR event held annually at Daytona International Speedway. It is known for its high speeds and competitive racing, attracting top drivers and teams.
linkered carb
"...and the thing starts and this thing is, it's got a linkered carb. There's no accelerator pump..."
A linkered carb is a part of the engine that helps mix air and fuel for combustion. It uses a system of links to control how much fuel goes into the engine, which can make the car run better.
A linkered carburetor is a type of carburetor that uses a linkage system to control the air-fuel mixture delivered to the engine. This design can improve throttle response and performance compared to simpler carburetor designs.
accelerator pump
"...There's no accelerator pump..."
An accelerator pump is a small part in a carburetor that gives a quick burst of fuel when you press the gas pedal. This helps the car speed up faster without lag.
An accelerator pump is a component in a carburetor that provides an extra shot of fuel when the throttle is opened quickly. This helps prevent hesitation and improves acceleration response.
V-Twin
"RWD V-Twin has 100% made in America's suspension for your touring, inmate soft tail and dyno models,"
A V-Twin engine has two cylinders that are set at an angle to each other, which gives it a unique sound and feel. It's often found in motorcycles.
A V-Twin is a type of engine configuration that features two cylinders arranged in a V shape. This design is commonly used in motorcycles and some cars, providing a distinctive sound and character.
RWD
"RWD V-Twin has 100% made in America's suspension for your touring, inmate soft tail and dyno models,"
RWD means that the back wheels of the vehicle are the ones that get power from the engine. This can make the car handle differently, often better for sporty driving.
RWD stands for Rear-Wheel Drive, a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup is often favored for performance and handling characteristics, especially in sports cars and motorcycles.
suspension
"made in America's suspension for your touring, inmate soft tail and dyno models,"
Suspension is the part of a car that helps keep the ride smooth and stable. It connects the wheels to the car and absorbs bumps in the road.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in handling, comfort, and stability while driving.
Ford Ranger
"and they were following me on the Ranger because I rode that flathead"
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that people use for carrying stuff and driving on rough roads. It's known for being tough and useful, making it a good choice for both work and fun.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been popular for its versatility and off-road capabilities. Known for its durability and practicality, the Ranger has been a favorite among those who need a reliable vehicle for both work and leisure activities.
Honda Accord
"...I was in a Honda Accord To door sick. Yeah, what year? It was 96. Oh, that's a good one..."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people trust for its reliability. The 1996 version is part of a series that many drivers liked for its comfortable ride and good fuel economy.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability and practicality. The 1996 model is part of the fifth generation, which featured a more rounded design compared to its predecessor.
Honda CRX
"...n't want the the rice rockets or the you know The CRX is going up and down the street. You know I'm say..."
The Honda CRX is a small, sporty car that many people loved for how fun it is to drive. It's also known for being good on gas, which makes it a favorite among those who want a quick and efficient vehicle.
The Honda CRX is a lightweight, sporty compact car that gained a cult following in the 1980s and 1990s for its fun driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. It is often celebrated for its agile handling and has become a popular choice among car enthusiasts and tuners.
1949 Harley-Davidson
"...it's a fucking sparkling burgundy cone shovel with a factory sidecar on it and I'm like this ain't a 49. Yeah, and she's like she argues. She's like, yeah, it's a 49..."
The 1949 Harley-Davidson is a classic motorcycle that many enthusiasts admire. Harley-Davidson is a famous brand that makes motorcycles, and this model is from a long time ago, making it special for collectors.
The mention of a 1949 Harley-Davidson refers to a classic motorcycle model known for its iconic design and performance. Harley-Davidson is a renowned American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history in the motorcycle industry.
Limo Zine
"...we're going to get this limo zine now. Yeah And so I offered him two grand..."
A 'limo zine' is probably a type of limousine or a car made to look like one. Limousines are big, fancy cars often used for special occasions.
The term 'limo zine' likely refers to a limousine or a vehicle modified to resemble a limousine, which is often associated with luxury and spaciousness. It can also imply a specific style or customization of a vehicle.
VIN number
"...I sent him that ven number and he messes me back and he's like..."
A VIN number is like a car's fingerprint. It's a special code that helps identify each car and can tell you important information about it.
A VIN number, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It is essential for tracking the history of a vehicle, including ownership, accidents, and recalls.
Volkswagen Jetta
"... gone. That's the same guy. I got that Volkswagen Jetta from that we drove in the pond So, I mean, you're..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that is good for everyday driving. It's known for being comfortable and getting good gas mileage, making it a popular choice for many people.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that combines German engineering with practicality and comfort. It has been a popular choice for drivers looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle, often praised for its spacious interior and solid performance.
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