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Blanton Cycle Supply #438

Blanton Cycle Supply #438

The Fast Life Podcast Oct 28, 2025 220 min
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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.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

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.

Company

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.

Part

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.

Car

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.

Company

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.

Part

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.

Part

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.

Term

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.

Company

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Term

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.

Part

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.

Company

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.

Part

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.

Part

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.

Part

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.

Concept

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.

Part

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.

Part

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Term

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.

Car

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.

8 cars featured

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