7 of us took a riding trip recently to my home state of Texas and just had a ball! Gordy, Nick, “The Prosecutor,” B. Wilson, uncle BIG, The Alien, and myself corralled at 6th street in Austin this May.

Steve Klein was a real savior and one hell of a good host while we were in town. I met Klein a few years ago at the Barber Viintage festival where he promised if I made it to town I’d get to ride a 1912 Harley Davidson….and like most Texans he kept his word!

Pulling a motor-bike (and I mean that literally) out of this era out and giving her a whirl seems quite harder than I imagined. There are 13 steps to get it running! Check one of the vids below and you will see one fire up and on the street. I’ve been playing around in this Industry for nearly a decade and have only seen a couple teens motorcycle on an actual public road.

It had problems that day. Belt broke, then the pedal, but finally she gave her wares and he let no less than 4 of us take it for a spin…what a treat! It was wobbly, seating position in the classic “gentlemen’s” style like you would saddle up on a horse. Seems what shocked me the most was the speed it wanted. Like a modern sportbike it just wanted to fast. Of curse the difference is that she does speed without your consent and doesnt stop or clutch easily.
Really one of the rides of my life.

Another one of Steve’s gems is the Indian four (cylinder.). I you listen to the Rhythmic sounds of the attached video it will shock you about how it’s almost like dance music. Key is as I found out later is to retard the timing via the right grip for this interesting sound.

Fours are the most sought after and valuable of the vintage Indians. Controls are weird: Left hand throttle (worse part).. Left foot clutch, Right hand tank shift. Totally fun but weird!

Thanks again to the fellas and the Texas Crew! Humm, where to go next year???