The Jockey Journal: Direction & Changes

[Ryan]

Hey fellas,

We've gotten a ton of feedback the last few weeks about the direction of The Jockey Journal and where it has been heading. Put shortly, we've taken it seriously. After considering all of the positives and negatives we received, it became pretty obvious (to me anyway) that most of the issues we face are basically the result of us not really narrowing the direction of this forum to a point that is understandable by everyone. As such, we are doing that now...

I realize this is going to upset quite a few people, but from here on out we are going to dedicate The Jockey Journal to traditionally influenced Euro and American bikes only. While we will let a few Jap based threads roll every now and then, we are no longer going to host the majority of them.

The decision was a hard one... I think we all realize that there is some great Jap based threads out there. However, The Jockey Journal needs more focus and less traffic at this stage in its life and we are hoping that narrowing the topics down does that for us. This decision in no way means that we (as a group) think you are lesser of a man if you are into the Jap scene... It's just not where we want to be right now.

We may or may not get even more focused in the future. Time will tell...

We are also working on other changes. In the next few days, our classified section will be closed down, all ads deleted, and a new classified section opened. It will be divided by "for sale" and "wanted". Both shops and individuals will be welcomed to post ads in the section. However, we are working on a way to label each in the future.

In fact, we are hoping to launch a new forum version in a few months with a number of new features. One of which is an expanded user page that allows users to upload their own photo galleries, create groups, etc... We are testing on the Jalopy Journal right now and folks seem to really dig it.

Anyhow, that's where we are and where we are headed. Please be patient with us on all levels... we are working hard to make this place better.

Thanks!

[MobyNick]

I'm going to Disneyland!

Seriously though, thank you.

[alteredpilot]

thanks. we needed this.

and i own a jap bike.

[front st cycle]

Thanks. Welcome the change!

[NewYorkAndy]

Thanks Ryan for the heads up and all of the work / BS that goes into dealing with this place. Looking forward to the new.

[Dr. Benway]

Angels sing.

Thanks.

[2_wheel_nation]

thank You.

[davidabl2]

Hope this means their will be a JapperJockeyJournal as well?
Or kind of a corral for them?
what about EVOs?

[Bugles]

Thumbs up!

[Ryan]

Hope this means their will be a JapperJockeyJournal as well?
Or kind of a corral for them?
what about EVOs?

We don't have one planned at the moment.

As for Evos, we don't mind seeing an evo every now and then at all...

[dez6485]

Hope this means their will be a JapperJockeyJournal as well?
Or kind of a corral for them?
what about EVOs?

dude, EVOs are American...

[billydean]

Looks like i better refinance the house so I can be cool on here now

[seymour]

finally!

[sure666]

these will be welcome changes. I'm ready to see more quality and less quanity more like it was when I lurked. I too ride a jap bike and will still visit the jj as much as I do now after the changes are made. keep up the fine work fellas.

[dez6485]

also, i applaud the change. i used to come here and read/look long before i joined, and the influx of little beater-ass jap bikes lately is insane. i have nothing against buying a little jap bike on the cheap and riding it, but doing so and then taking stuff off and putting on mismatched shitty looking stuff doesnt make it "cool".

and i am a big fan of stripped down, minimalist bikes, and rats as well; unfortunately even rats and such have a "vision"- something many of the beater looking bikes ive seen on here lately are lacking.

sorry for the rant, and theres also many people on here that have been here much longer than i, that have more of a right to say this than i did, but it was on my mind and figured this was the place to voice it.

and thanks, jap bikes or not, this is one hell of a forum!

[shook]

Looks like i better refinance the house so I can be cool on here now

I don't know if your house is in a 3rd world country but my basket was $800. No need to take this transition personal.

The JJ2 has changed quite a bit in the past few years and I for one have not liked the direction. Hopefully we can bring back some of the quality participants who left because of these changes.

Thanks Ryan, this transition isn't going to make you popular but it's the right decision.

[InvisibleKid]

Great News!
.

[Dr. Benway]

Looks like i better refinance the house so I can be cool on here now

OR...find an XS650 specific place to hang out. Just sayin'.

[MCKENNA209]

Sounds like you are going in the right direction! Good decision. Thanks

[tickface]

Thank You

[boondocker]

Cool Ryan,
I hope this brings some of the quality builders back to the board that have gone silent... I ride a jap cafe but I'll still be here to read and absorb... I'll prolly be working a little more on my Brit bike too.

This is a great board and a great source of inspiration.
Thanks for all the work that you all and the moderators put into it.

Cheers,
Claude

[Scorcher]

Another thing that was left out......

Events.

ALL Events if, are going to be here will go to the "Calender" All ads for events will be deleted on the main board. Event coverage is still welcome on the main board.

Here is a link, or the link can be found at the top of the forum:

http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/calendar.php


-Jason

[joe-the-fish]

Nice it was gettin a little xs sixfiftyish on here, not that I haven't seen a few I like.

[CShroom]

I guess this begs to be asked.

What are those limits gonna be? I mean, I am piecing together a true 70's chop. Is that off limits now? What does "occasional" mean exactly? I like seeing all the different styles of bikes. I do have a soft spot for the 70's styles more than any other, but definitely can see the beauty in other styles also.

So while you say these things are being changed, you are pretty vague on what the lock down will be.

[Kev Nemo]

So when a thread with Jap content is posted, it will be autolocked until posting stops? Wonder how long it'll take til it sinks in...

The cb750 is the first in the stable, but I'm pretty sure there's a Trump in my future. This'll definately benefit everyone.

[shook]

Also, is there anything that can be done to cut back on the "my bike won't start" posts?
I would like to think that the members of this board know the proper steps and research to take for the really basic stuff...

[Spiderman]

この停止新参者intro' sか。

[lowlife_slim]

makes sense, but i hope this place doesnt go all HAMBy in the attitude department. why not just do a sub-forum for the Japanese builds?

looking forward to seeing some of the new features.

[JLeather]

I don't really see how an Evo in a Flyrite frame is any more "traditional" than a CB750. The Denver's post was one the best I've read on here ever. Is shit like that gonna get auto-locked to be replaced by "look what I did with my Buell engine"? I'll still hang here as well, but I too liked seeing the real honest 70's jap stuff. Yeah, the XS650 bobber stuff is outta hand, but sometimes there's good shit too.

[magnet]

I don't have anything against jap crap.. err i mean jap bikes :-) .. some quality engineering and technical machine work went into them.

But ...

"traditionally influenced Euro and American bikes only" i think is a good idea..

.. but the emphasis on "traditionally influenced" shouldn't be taken lightly.

[Matt289]

EDIT:
Looks like some of you were typing the same thing as I was. Sorry for the repeat.




I know some one is going to ask it so I might as well stick my neck out and do it.



" While we will let a few Jap based threads roll every now and then, we are no longer going to host the majority of them."



Being a owner of a Triumph and a Japper cycle I just am wondering whats going to make a Jap thread worthy or not? I have seen a few well thought out builds such as
this :
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20080&highlight=yup+xs650

which judging by the post counts of it, people don't mind seeing a well done cycle.

But I do get annoyed with the "Yamaha into a captain america" , XS400 CDI questions and such...


Just wondering if there is some guide lines for anyone with a Japper in the garage as well, or did I pretty much sum it up?

Thank you
Matt289

[ol_scratch]

There are a thousand and one forums out there for Japanese and Japanese custom bikes. And while I would chime in occassionally on a cool one, it was really getting to drown out why I came here a lot in the past. Truth is there aren't too many boards that mixed history and bikes and true customizing - and that is what drew me to it originally, and glad to see it going back.

Now somebody mention they were looking for a cool Brit project they didn't have to mortgage their house - check my BSA classified. :)

[littlebike]

Welcomed Changes, THANK YOU

[mad750]

The change should be interesting. I'll be here regardless and I believe this change up is necessary. Let the shake down begin!!!

[Scorcher]

I know some one is going to ask it so I might as well stick my neck out and do it.



" While we will let a few Jap based threads roll every now and then, we are no longer going to host the majority of them."



Being a owner of a Triumph and a Japper cycle I just am wondering whats going to make a Jap thread worthy or not? I have seen a few well thought out builds such as
this :
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20080&highlight=yup+xs650

which judging by the post counts of it, people don't mind seeing a well done cycle.

But I do get annoyed with the "Yamaha into a captain america" , XS400 CDI questions and such...


Just wondering if there is some guide lines for anyone with a Japper in the garage as well, or did I pretty much sum it up?

Thank you
Matt289


Good question,

The bike will have to be well built/engineered, something that took a lot of time with attention to detail.

If its a stoker with a wassel tank, ebay bates seat you can forget it.

-Jason

[2_wheel_nation]

i find it interesting that there are people on this board who don't know that cb750's are "traditional" in the chopper scene. i'm sure this is what Ryan is getting at when he says some jap bikes will be allowed. ed roth was chopping them the second they came out. viragos, kz's, xs's, rebels, intruders, savages, on the other hand...

[HD48FL]

Sounds good!

[chopperking]

good call. thanks.

[CShroom]

i find it interesting that there are people on this board who don't know that cb750's are "traditional" in the chopper scene. i'm sure this is what Ryan is getting at when he says some jap bikes will be allowed. ed roth was chopping them the second they came out. viragos, kz's, xs's, rebels, intruders, savages, on the other hand...
I don't think it is so much that. More of "what is going to be classified as traditional?" I mean, what will the cut off style be? 40's, 50's, 60's, etc. There are a few folks on the board that think that anything that was built in Japan should be outlawed. I just want to know if what I am trying to (re)build here is an acceptable bike, or if I should take that stuff elsewhere.

Kinda makes you wonder when the whole thing is set up in such an arbitrary way. What stops one mod from saying that a bike is worthwhile and another from saying, "fuck that <model style, country> bike, it is gone."?

[Yamaha_chop]

The bike will have to be well built/engineered, something that took a lot of time with attention to detail. -Jason

I spent almost two years building mine. In my mind chopper sites were more about the differing forms of fabrication and skills that go into completing works of imagination, not so much about the origin of the bikes.

I like this site, and I too get sick of people posting basically stock bikes saying all the plans they have for them, then you never hear from them again. I think a better guideline would be that you at least had to have a fair amount of the project started before you can post up, not just a couple pictures of your crappy stock bike. And that goes for any Mfg. not just jap bikes.

If nothing else, I'd have to hope that you guys would agree to add a jap sub-forum. From the prevailing attitude so far that doesn't seem likely though.

Again, I appreciate this board being here, and giving me a chance to show what I've done.

Sky

[Matt289]

Between
2 wheel nation & Scorcher you guys hit it right on the head!
I think that basically answers my question.
Hope that people use that as a guideline before posting jap content now.
-Matt289

[Scorcher]

i find it interesting that there are people on this board who don't know that cb750's are "traditional" in the chopper scene. i'm sure this is what Ryan is getting at when he says some jap bikes will be allowed. ed roth was chopping them the second they came out. viragos, kz's, xs's, rebels, intruders, savages, on the other hand...



Doesnt mean we have to like it. We didnt like it when Honest Charley built ground effect kits for El Caminos.

This goes back to executing a very well built hand fabbed bike. The Hondas that are on this board arent of the caliber of the "70's" traditional chopper scene.

-Jason


-Jason

[telecaster_6]

I've been lurking on this forum for quite a few years, and I say this change is the best thing i've seen on here, or the hamb...ever! I too have, and have owned jap cafe bikes and bobbers, and i have no problem with not seeing the mass amounts of posts related to them.

I wish the HAMB would start to weed out some of the B.S. as well. I have almost abandoned the HAMB, it has simply gotten out of control with the number of posts, more specifically the number of practically useless posts. I started frequenting the jockey journal more because its wasnt flooded with the same ol' crap that the HAMB was being choked with. This isnt taking a shot at Ryan or any of the other moderators on the HAMB, its simply out of their control.
Though this may seem as a virtual two wheeled ethnic cleansing, I think it will restore alot of the quatlity this forum has to offer.

[Speed King]

Really looking forward to the changes. Great deal for the classifieds too. I don't look at the forum changes as a matter of negativity but as a matter of focus. I like checking out cool vintage Jap stuff and I remember a time when that was all anyone I knew could afford. That segment is large enough to have it's own forum and would be better served as well.

[joe-the-fish]

Looks like i better refinance the house so I can be cool on here now

It does take alot of commitment to build bikes, time , money, both my bikes have set me back in other areas in my life, ive sold things i loved for the glory of choppers ive spent money i didnt have, ive pissed off my girl to no end spending hours in the garage, your comment offends me a little, ive seen so many slapped together xs650's! When i see a guy with an era correct pan or shovel thats full of vintage and hand made parts thats commitment that bike cost him somthing other than money that's respectable....

[TJSTILES]

First of, thank you for having this board in existence, i feel privileged to be able to have such an amazing resource of knowledge at my fingertips.

Im never one to take things personally really and i totally understand bringing something like this board back to the roots and im in full support.
im a sponge for knowledge and i love reading about the bsa's Royal Enfields, trumps and harleys on here and that always sets me off running to some websites to look at and learn more about bikes that i want to learn how to work on.
so im not in any way biased to the metric crowd.

I built an 06 shadow into a sweet little ride,
sure some of it looks like crap and some of it looks cool, and im pretty confident some people will call my bike a pile of horse manure.
im ok with that, i ride on two wheels and an engine. and i have fun, =)

Everything ive done to my bike ive done myself with hand tools, borrowed tools, and from trial and error. and with the little resources i had, ive spent hours learning everything on my own, i have however gotten some good help and ideas form this board. awesome place really. ill be sad to see some of the metric crowd go away but i do think having a section for metrics only would be cool. not that what i think really holds any weight.

im in full support of the redirecting, but i would definitely appreciate a small metric section, stuff like the cafe's and the "bobber" style bikes.

keep up the good work and again, thank you very much

[Hammered]

I dont care what the bike is. If its here, I think I can learn a little from the build.

[fuckwinter]

well i will prob get crucified for this but oh well.

when i started lurking here a couple years ago, i never even knew there was some sort of a "mission statement" regarding what was cool/what was allowed/etc. I didnt create this forum and as such i am free to leave, join, lurk or post. I have never been one who had a sworn allegiance to 1 brand or another. I prefer American things, but have respect for those who buildwhat they can with what skills and parts they have.

i too have noticed an influx of far more general questions like "how do i change my oil" or "will this seat fit my Flyrite". they may be trite to some, but to the person asking the question it may mean a lot. course they could be a lazy ass and just not doing any research. Yes there are a billion forums out there but I was inspired MOST by this one. If there is a thread i dont dig i just dont read it.

It seems a bit elitist to fashion out a certain population based on engine make in order to essentially try to get as close to 100% "cool" threads. Seems like it could end up being a group of 15 people who just talk all day with each other instead of hundreds that might offer different ideas. I guess in a perfect world it would be a great blend of well thought out posts and info meshed with the cool factor that the old iron and brit iron bring.

I have a basket BSA and a bunch of jap shit and 2 newer HD's - one i spent 2 years on and 1 i just signed a loan for. I may not be happy that the place no longer welcomes what i have worked hard to build, but i also respect that a line has to be drawn somewhere and it is the right of the forum developers to decide what that line is. I'll still be on here and hope to be able to contribute in some way and learn as I have been. There will still be a ton of inspiration.

sorry for long post. look forward to seeing how the site grows.

[mad750]

"This goes back to executing a very well built hand fabbed bike. The Hondas that are on this board arent of the caliber of the "70's" traditional chopper scene."

-Jason




I lurked for a while before posting. I posted my CB750 only because it is a "traditional" custom from the 70's and only post pics in the right thread. 2 wheel was right when he said CB750's are part of the traditional chopper scene. Some of you might have seen it and even laughed at it when I lost a header and didn't realize it. LOL!! I contribute when I have the knowledge and post pics when asked for and rib cats when a ribbing is called for. Lately it has been the influx of stock stuff and nothing else. When someone posts a build from stock to custom I'm all for it but like Guy said, putting a pair of ace bars on a CB, XS or otherwise doesn't make it a custom. The change will be interesting. I will continue to stick around and be part the of the great Vegas crew of JJr's. Bottom line for me is that I'm visiting and trying to respect the heads of this board. Now let's share a drink, tell a story, make some friends and ride till the wheels fall off the bike.

Late.

[Hoofhearted]

I haven't been here that long but what appealed to me was the wide openess of the board. We are all riders/builders (of varying skill levels)/enthusiasts. There was an M20 bobber here a while back. To me an M20 is a boat anchor but some guythought it cool to build one. More power to him. And a lot of others thought it cool too. Wes posted that CB750 drag bike/cafe racer tat caused penal arthritis. There is such wonderful range here unlike most other forums. It seems a shame that theres going to be more fences on the prairie.

[Tman]

I don't really see how an Evo in a Flyrite frame is any more "traditional" than a CB750. The Denver's post was one the best I've read on here ever. Is shit like that gonna get auto-locked to be replaced by "look what I did with my Buell engine"? I'll still hang here as well, but I too liked seeing the real honest 70's jap stuff. Yeah, the XS650 bobber stuff is outta hand, but sometimes there's good shit too.

The Denvers thread has TWO things, History AND Quality, trust me threads like that we will leave open.

[nickle axe]

If there is the interest amongst you all, I can host a Jap bike forum. Thoughts?

[jscoma47]

Thank you to everyone involved with making the journal what it is,Ryan,Scorcher and all the moderators.
I look forward to the upcoming changes and cant wait to see.
as far as the jap bikes threads I wont miss them,there have been a few good ones and I am sure we will see more.
Denvers thread...goes without saying..one of the finest anywhere.

How about that alliance thing on here?

[TJSTILES]

If there is the interest amongst you all, I can host a Jap bike forum. Thoughts?

i would be all for it, i would enjoy a metric forum but i would like to see one that is just the custom, classic, DIY, Cafe racer stuff, no cruisers or sport bikes, because theres already a few forums out there that cater to that style of bike.

just my .o2 cents, leave it on the bar or put it in the bucket, either way, there it is. =)

[El Greco]

I don’t own a bike, but have been reading great posts on here for a year or two.
When I started browsing this site everything seemed to be really cool Triumphs. Then I started seeing really cool XS650s.
Now I see a big mix, but I just look at what interests me. And I find a lot interesting posts. Good work is good work, whether on an American, English, or Jap bike.
I agree that there are a lot of posts now that most could do without. A lot of those may be from guys that are young and have no one to learn from. People that work on there own stuff are few and far between. I am 47 and have been doing working on cars since 15, and other things way before that. I was lucky though, I had someone to bounce things off of, as well as books.
Some of the posts may be making up for the lack of someone to learn from.
Limiting posts to certain makes, models, years, or country of origin is up to those that run this site, but sometimes things have to be allowed to change as time goes on.
Sort of like a corner lot with the trail where everyone walks “cutting the corner”. It is better to not get mad about it, just pave the path that everyone has made.

[Troy Fab]

That's the best news I have heard all day!!

[Dragon]

I don’t own a bike, but

........ sometimes things have to be allowed to change as time goes on.
Sort of like a corner lot with the trail where everyone walks “cutting the corner”.

It is better to not get mad about it, just pave the path that everyone has made.

No, they dont "have to be allowed". That is what dilutes and distracts and kills the basic format, and is what got us to this point.

We walk the trail that the man who owns the lot says to walk.

You want change, there's other forums.

Or obama.

[fuzzy75]

awesome,awesome,awesome. thank you

[hahnda]

If you are looking for forums that are geared more towards jap builds here are a couple of good ones that have been around for quite a while.

http://www.thechopperunderground.com/
http://www.chopperfix.com/

[swinewerx]

looks like the ones who whined the most won, like there was a fight! squeeky wheel gets the grease

[MIKE47]

As of this week all I own is a Honda (and an Evo motor, no bike to go with it) and I welcome the changes. I got tired of the crap like everyone else. I still love this place. It's the only bike board that I am on regularly. It is the only board I will remain on regularly. Hope you guys will still let me play with you.

[ABSINTHE]

well I gues its a litle sad for me to hear I loved it here got a lot of advice and yeah sorry to see it go this way and as for HD of any vintage there aint gona be one in my garage any time soon when you pay 15000 + for A late 80s stock bike in australia so I am sorry to see it go. And to the guy above yes please make a forum dedicated to metric ill be there :)

[Boylecomm]

Damn, I just got that SR 500 done and I've been riding it through the corner lot all weekend.

[hatch]

I still really dig Denvers stuff...or Tony Carlini's Black Bart.....but my heart is in the british and american stuff. (Personally, shovels and older bikes). I can relate to all bikes, but it has been full of jap stuff around here lately. I don't see a honda cb350 as ever being a trad bike. Good moderation is the key, and that takes someone who has either lived more than a couple decades, or is up on their history....or both. I currently own four daily rides....german, american, british, and jap.....no prejudice here.

Thanks Ryan...I still dig what you are doing.

[nog00der]

than you.

[bigassbike]

all seems to have been well thought out.

[lackluster]

Cool. I kind of saw this coming. Should make for some interesting changes!

[lotus]

Also, is there anything that can be done to cut back on the "my bike won't start" posts?
I would like to think that the members of this board know the proper steps and research to take for the really basic stuff...

I think that would be a mistake. there are these types of posts on the hamb and it is not a problem.

I am here to learn and ask STUPID questions. A lot of us are here for that reason. Not everybody is a builder that knows all the proper steps and research for the really basic stuff...one persons really basic stuff could just as easily be someone eleses nightmare.

I do agree with research it first...search here/google it. but a lot of the times that does not get you an exact answer.

[SlmLrd]

Forward MARCH!

Moderating a forum the size of these is no easy task. Good job Cap'n!

[billydean]

makes sense, but i hope this place doesnt go all HAMBy in the attitude department. why not just do a sub-forum for the Japanese builds?

looking forward to seeing some of the new features.


Sounds reasonable? Right? Just organize this place a bit and there wont be too many problems


Anybody wanna trade a panhead for 2 1/2 xs's?!


Jesus liked 9-11, and panheads-Jason Jessee

[spud]

[quote=lowlife_slim;371217]makes sense, but i hope this place doesnt go all HAMBy in the attitude department. why not just do a sub-forum for the Japanese builds? quote]
Sounds good. Lately the post did not apply to me. I agree about the HAMB period perfect and retro, live today build today.

[JPV]

Focus is a good thing. I welcome it and look forward to growing my knowledge and friendships with this forum.

[fur biscuit]

And to the guy above yes please make a forum dedicated to metric ill be there :)

yup, that Whitworth and BSF ;).

I was leary about posting the G9, as I didn't know how this site would take to reconditioning and preservation. As opposed to modification and customization.

[jaywalker]

What a shame. I always thought that this board was organized in a weird kind of way. I belong to a number of other forums and the thread categories are all highly specific. You never had to plow through the kind of stuff that you know you don't want to read. Always a separate area for introductions, then sub categories for the stuff that interested you most. The forums I speak of are mostly firearm related with some motorcycle boards also. I sincerely hope that my interest in motorcycling does not morph into an attitude about motorcycles. Hand fabricated is hand fabricated. Two wheels are two wheels. Riding is riding. Funny, I never met a limey rider or American bike guy who turned down my help on the side of the road
because of what I was riding. Understand, that I am grateful that this board is here. I will continue to be here . My hope is that we as motorcyclists and builders can remain unified at least as far as the important stuff goes. I am a little disappointed that my ability to learn from you guys has now been greatly hampered.

[lotus]

someone rush out and register metricjournal.com....just kidding.

[NewYorkAndy]

someone rush out and register metricjournal.com....just kidding.

really, why not? great idea if you ask me, but nobody has....

[Moped]

Hand fabricated is hand fabricated.

Cue hairy seat face.

[motomotard]

looks like the ones who whined the most won, like there was a fight! squeeky wheel gets the grease


oh please.



thanks to those who made the decision, very welcome.

i have absolute faith in Dragon and the other administrators to weed out the "crap" posts. its a great idea.

to all those bitching about the jap stuff being outcast. i think the Denvers thread and the-rodster's XS650 build thread are two great examples of jap content threads that still fit here on the JJ. threads like that im sure will still be allowed and hopefully we'll see more of them and not "look i put struts on my CB350" threads.

the intro sticky is a fantastic idea too, everyday it seems like there are 2 or 3 more intros on the main page.

thanks again

[nickle axe]

There does seem to be support for a separate forum for metrics, I have hosting to be used, and be more than happy to set it up. Ryan, I'm shooting you an email now, I wouldn't want to start anything without your blessing.

[S.Krelborn]

very VERY nice. the "change" is welcome. gets us BACK to the roots of the board.

[Natester]

Just playing devil's advocate here but it sounds like you guys want a forum with as few posts as possible, little content, low diversity of bikes and no tech advice? Cool, I'm in........

[hotsos]

Good idea,
This will help give the site more "vision", an unspoken concept of direction. It will give more power to the mods to define the vision on a post by post basis without the need to constantly explain their actions.

Long live the Jockey Journal !

[lotus]

really, why not? great idea if you ask me, but nobody has....

I have ran some forums and it is a pain in the ass...not sure how many accounts/active users are here but we had around 10k accounts and it was a friggen nightmare.

[cornfed]

Doesnt really matter to me either way (Ill own almost any brand) but Id say either allow jap bikes or dont allow them at all. It will turn into a nightmare after about a week, deleting all the posts from jap bike owners trying to say theirs IS good enough to make the cut...

[Duane]

I can understand limiting post but what about the guy with the brit or american bike that hasn't had shit done to it. Why single out the Jap bikes. Pretty fucking weak. - Duane

[=mike=]

I don't think it's weak at all . You don't go into a Italian joint for Chinese food . . . same will apply here .

The people who run the forum want it to be about a certain type of bike , built a certain way .

Jap bikes got singled out because they don't want them to be part of the focus of this board . That's not weak or cool or anything to get upset over , that's just how it is .

[KIRK!]

Focus is a good thing. There are plenty of boards on the interweb machine for every type of bike.

Now if there was just a "rat bike" filter.....

[Dragon]

Focus :



from here on out we are going to dedicate The Jockey Journal to traditionally influenced British Euro and American bikes only.


As the old biker axiom goes -

"If you understand, no explanation is necessary. If you dont understand, no explanation is possible".

Like the Classifieds subtitle on the index page "Vintage chopper and bobber artifacts only"...

It's what this place started out being about, vintage and historic machines, not johnny-come-lately new-builders fresh off craigslist.


Obviously, stock vintage and historic machines have been and will continue to be well-received here.


Funny how the majority of the complainers about board direction and policy (just as in the many threads on the Questions board) have been here only a few months (or less).

[62rambler]

Just playing devil's advocate here but it sounds like you guys want a forum with as few posts as possible, little content, low diversity of bikes and no tech advice? Cool, I'm in........


LOL Who would have thought owning/riding/building a Jap bike would make you a outlaw? I guess it does now.

"When Jap bikes are outlaw'd, only outlaws will ride Jap bikes.":D

I really thought the prefix thing would work.

Oh well. I guess i will go buy an "american" bike. Put some Z-bars on it, make a shitty seat,ad some struts, and start posting away...

[blackcrown]

you're missing the point...

[haring]

Thanks for the thoughtful changes, guys.

I own a 70s-era 750 chopper, and comfortably know that it's welcome here because of it's history, styling, and continued approach. But I don't push it on anyone, either.

I'll look forward to new board.

.

[Yamaha_chop]

Looks like my build thread has already been deleted. I thought maybe mine was innovative enough and had enough hard work in it to stick around, but then again, it obviously embodies the new style of building bikes. I thought there was enough positive response to it to keep, but maybe those are the types of people you're trying to weed out.

Oh well, your guys' board, your rules. I appreciate you letting me show what I had until now.

[Billdozer2]

Thanks for trying to make the JJ better.

So far, I like the changes to the HAMB that I've seen.

Focus is good, and people who are getting wrapped around the axle now about it will figure it out once it's in use.

I'm just stoked that a mission statement (even if vague and highly subjective) is in place and gives everyone a benchmark.

[62rambler]

you're missing the point...

Ok if it's about the "Quality" of "traditionally influenced" bikes then the mods are going to be very busy locking American non "traditional" too then right? Just saying. I like this place don't get me wrong. It's the first place i go to . but i think a little more effort into the Prefix thing would make this place great.

[nog00der]

Looks like my build thread has already been deleted. I thought maybe mine was innovative enough and had enough hard work in it to stick around, but then again, it obviously embodies the new style of building bikes. I thought there was enough positive response to it to keep, but maybe those are the types of people you're trying to weed out.

Oh well, your guys' board, your rules. I appreciate you letting me show what I had until now.

well, i guess i was a little mad. not anymore though!

it just boils down to what =mike= said, "you dont go into an italian joint for chinese food" its such a simple concept, everybody whining should just think about that one statement! maybe read it a couple times till it sinks in...

[Tman]

oh please.



thanks to those who made the decision, very welcome.

i have absolute faith in Dragon and the other administrators to weed out the "crap" posts. its a great idea.

to all those bitching about the jap stuff being outcast. i think the Denvers thread and the-rodster's XS650 build thread are two great examples of jap content threads that still fit here on the JJ. threads like that im sure will still be allowed and hopefully we'll see more of them and not "look i put struts on my CB350" threads.

the intro sticky is a fantastic idea too, everyday it seems like there are 2 or 3 more intros on the main page.

thanks again


Ding ding ding! We have a winner!

Maybe this will up the ante for some guys playing with Import stuff? The Denvers thread shows that you can make your mark using ANY canvas.....IF you got skills.

[lotus]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p238/kevinhogpics/101guy.jpg

[Tman]

Yeah Lotus, that one is pushing the limits of tastefullness. I am sure he enjoys it though.

[2_wheel_nation]

Funny, I never met a limey rider or American bike guy who turned down my help on the side of the road
because of what I was riding.

you're missing the point. the JJ2 has grown a lot recently, and in order to keep the board focused on what Ryan wants it to be, it will be limited to a certain theme. bandwidth costs money. none of us pays a penny to be a member here. Ryan foots the bill and wants this place to have a mission; traditional customs. it's got nothing to do with anyone thinking they're better than anyone else, or anyone looking down their nose at others.

like MIKE said, you don't go to an italian joint for chinese food.

[hertz750]

Ryan may have made this board, but his lack of direction and his contradicting statements have let this forum grow to what it is today. And I say that is a GOOD thing!! Why dictatorship when anarchy has done so well?

"My only fear is scaring away new folks... I'd rather encourage than scare away." Aren't these the new guys with crappy Jap bikes that are now being outlawed?

"Who's got guinea bikes to show off?" not Brit or American?


In response to question: " are cafe racers welcome here" "hell yes they are..."
So it's okay to embrace the British heritage, but not our own (Jap choppers are part of our history)



Ryan - Have you ever fed a bird all summer long just to watch them starve outside the window in the winter time? Then why let the Japper bikes exist for so long, just to cut them off?

I am not playing devils advocate here. I just wish you would let the board decide the direction, rather than make a decision based on who's bitching the loudest.

I vote for another board entirely. Is that a possibility?

[shook]

There are a shit-ton of jap chop boards to go to that are already thriving. Check them out.

If this board does what it's meant to it will be one of a kind again.

[Youngblood]

Thank you. I have nothing against Japanese bikes or people that ride them, this just isn't the forum for them. I can now go back to lurking daily. If you are upset by this turn in direction let me suggest;
http://www.proboards.com/
http://thinkofit.com/webconf/hostsites.htm
http://www.boardhost.com/choose.html

[76Cbobber]

so for us poor bastards that cant afford the nice bikes, can you recommend somewhere we can go?

its a shame someone that loves building choppers and riding them cant be here because it came from Japan.

[Apehanger Hank]

Change is good. I like all motorcycles..really anything with a motor and wheels, but I respect and understand Ryan's decision to limit the focus.

Hank

[Buford Powell]

As Mr. Natural sez; "Don't Mean Shit." Other than the entertainment value of the place, I'm mainly here to steal ideas, and gain some fab knowledge. It doesn't matter if it's a Flying Merkel or a naked Goldwing, the necessary fab skills remain almost universal. It's all in the application.

Having said that, what irks me is the "wont start" or "running rough" crap that belongs in Autoshop 101, right along with a mandatory copy of the service manual for your ride and the URL bookmark for Google.

In short, I believe this is the place for creative aspects of motorcycling rather than a tutorial on timing. Whether that's a front-end swap or a lengthy diatribe on frame geometry, I'd rather learn it here than read one more word about common practices related to standard service and maintenance.

There's always some very worthwhile stuff on this board, it would be or will be refreshing to avoid wading thriough a lot of crap to find it.

[62rambler]

Just wondering why this thread hasn't been removed?

http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40158


I don't remember 3" Primaries and $180 jeans being "Traditional"? But yeah we need more stuff like this...see my point..

Its just sad that so much knowledge and help will be gone...

[El Kabong!!]

I agree with a focus on direction. This place can't be all things to all people. It's gonna be difficult for awhile and some people will be alienated, but the board will come out the other side where it needs to be. Just don't let the culling smell of elitism. Nothing worse than a snob, whether he's wearing a suit and tie or Dickies and a pair of Chucks. A snob is a snob.

[JonnyRtn]

Guess my 71 Shovel build will keep me in good graces.. but...

my XS hardtail wont. (yeah its got a Sporty tank)
My 97 Hardtail, barebones Sporty won't
My Pseudo Scout (got some plans for it) wont...

One out of 4 aint bad ... but it was nice seein a decent mix of bikes... but I have to agree... the "my bike wont start" posts and the... stockers ... kinda suck...

[skajaquada]

very good point rambler...my thread about my new thrux just got canned and it fits into "...but from here on out we are going to dedicate The Jockey Journal to traditionally influenced Euro and American bikes only."

hmmmm

[Larry T]

I'll be curious to see what happens here. I sure liked it in the "early days".

Since this place is supposed to be a hands on site and to work on your scooter you REALLY need a service manual, I'd like to see the questions with answers in the service manual slow down. Yea, you need to know what weight oil to run, how stock shift linkage hooks up, how much air pressure to run in your tires, etc. but it's in black and white in the book. R&R stuff is covered there a lot better than it can ever be explained here.
Larry T

[Frosty]

Congrats on the new direction.I look forward to the new look and welcoming back some of the old time members that used to post.No mater what happens this site is only going to be as good as those who contribute their ideas and get us back to the traditional bikes and Bikers.

[vorhese]

I am very happy to read this!

[73750K]

I`m a new-ish guy with a Jap bike soooo take my point of view with a grain of sal.....errrr rice. What happened to all of the threads that did`nt "fit in"? I did a qwik look back a few pages and alot of stuff appears to be gone. I think that would be a shame based on the loss of creativity in some of those threads, whether it fits or not there was some pretty inspring stuff scattered around. I don`t know if it`s a good direction or not, and either way I`ll still lurk at least cause there are some super talented folk here. I just hope it all works out, heck it might even inspire me to get the brit bike I have wanted for sooo long.

on edit...will I have to change my screen name to something more appropriate?

[Allen BFC]

So much for the alliance... Long Live the jj2.

[beanhead78]

looks like i got that harley just in time, so long suckers. just kiddin, but if i see another cafe bike im going to puke

[WATKINS BOYZ]

amen

[Greaser_Mike]

THANK YOU!

I have nothing against ANY brand of motorcycle, but I share the concesus that this board was put in place to preserve a particular kind of bike. I'm glad steps are being taken to put forth a mission statement and keep things focused.

[Dragon]

so for us poor bastards that cant afford the nice bikes, can you recommend somewhere we can go?

its a shame someone that loves building choppers and riding them cant be here because it came from Japan.

http://network54.com/Hide/Forum/13357


http://images.mccoveychronicles.com/images/admin/BeatDeadHorse.gif

[rigid72]

How come a chick can post a thread on her new stock jap bike and it gets 3 pages long? Not American, Euro or traditional.

[tag617]

Being new and not have contributed much yet I can't say what to do or not to do. Not that it would matter anyway. Seems the mods minds are made up since a lot of "jap" posts are already gone. I think it's shit. And I think a lot of knowledge will be lost. But whatever I'm not going to sit here an whine about it, I will find another board where jap bikes are accepted. I ride with all kinds of motorcycles, jap bikes, sport bikes, harleys, whatever And have built and worked on all kinds of bikes because I like bikes not brands. I thought a motorcycle was a motorcycle and we do it because we like to ride. I'm sure everyone on this board started off with something they wouldnt ride now. But then you loved it because it was yours. I'll continue to check the site out and steal ideas. Peace.

[76Cbobber]

http://network54.com/Hide/Forum/13357


http://images.mccoveychronicles.com/images/admin/BeatDeadHorse.gif

wow what a great forum:rolleyes:

[Billdozer2]

How come a chick can post a thread on her new stock jap bike and it gets 3 pages long? Not American, Euro or traditional.

Because she has a vagina and this is a virtual hot dog stand.

[Dragon]

How come a chick can post a thread on her new stock jap bike and it gets 3 pages long? Not American, Euro or traditional.

Since this thread was posted ?



Anyone with 'issues' on any threads, just use the http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/hamb/buttons/report.gif button and they will be reviewed.

[Scorcher]

How come a chick can post a thread on her new stock jap bike and it gets 3 pages long? Not American, Euro or traditional.

Because she has a vagina and this is a virtual hot dog stand.




HA HA HA HA HA.


-Jason

[EldoMike]

I've got all kinds of bikes....I never had a problem with figuring out what thread I wanted to read.....that said...is this tradional? Just looking for guidelines...

http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24089

[Tman]

I've got all kinds of bikes....I never had a problem with figuring out what thread I wanted to read.....that said...is this tradional? Just looking for guidelines...

http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24089


Overall, yes. The FXR has its roots in the earliest swingarm bikes from the Factory. Remember the words...........TRADITONALLY INSPIRED.........natch.

[Dragon]

I believe this thread is about going forward into the future, the way the Owner wants things.

You guys could stay up for weeks pulling old threads out of the archives, which are no longer what is the point or wanted here.

And that is just counter-productive.

[Tman]

Thanks Dragon, good point!

[EldoMike]

Sorry Dragon, that thread is on the front current page...I'm just trin' to figure out what Ryan wants...doesn't matter...I'm here to stay...

[Luke Nosewalker]

I look forward to the change. I have been here since the beginning. I too own a jap bike but the recent influx of the jap kind has been a bit much. Don't get me wrong there are some I like ... alot done by very talented people but then again they are of the more"traditional" inspired bikes. I have seen alot of cool knowledgable people with good taste leave, threaten to leave, or just frequent the board less and less. Example: Tony Bones.

They are many forums that support Japanese stuff. I am even a member of one or two.

The whole I can't afford a "cool" bike or am not rich enough mentality is rediculous. I don't make very much money but have sacrificed, saved, sold things I have loved to get what I have. If it has to be explained you just don't understand or belong here like Dragons quote.

Thank you Ryan.

[BLACK13]

Well .that being said .........this is Ryan's board so what he says goes i guess?......but i for one like change ....but to exclude one brand of bike is a great travesty ......i mean everyone is free to ride what they want .....hate or like .....but i have found this board to be a great knowledge builder and a good laugh to boot .....yeah some posts are lame or miss guided for sure ....but i think your going in the wrong direction ....its like a club bikes|cars etc ..it starts off great but as it gets bigger there is more rules and regs ...then it loses its point and becomes lame ......i realize it takes alot of time and effort and so far the board has been great except for a few "Dick heads "...but i really feel you could keep the bike brands and exclude new bikes .say anything after 1975 ?....that would free up the space and you could still help a brother out with his cb750 chopper .....because isn;t that what it is about anyway ?.......

[calicruiser]

WOW! pretty shitty that this place is becoming elitist, not that I didnt think it was in the first place but COME ON. You mean to tell me that a nice looking bike (regardless of it's origin) cannot be appreciated here???? Of course I help build jap bikes and I believe it is the LOOK and STYLE of a bike that makes it what it is, NOT the make, cc's or any other bullshit. BOOOOOOO.

josh

[fur biscuit]

How come a chick can post a thread on her new stock jap bike and it gets 3 pages long? Not American, Euro or traditional.

Because she has a vagina and this is a virtual hot dog stand.

all the condiments and no where to put them. just like the HAMB.

[big steve-o]

Kinda lame, but no big deal. I do feel a little alienated since I only have jap bikes, but it's just the new-ness of the whole thing. It'll wear off. I don't really have useful tech input here anyway, so this site isn't losing much. I'm sure there's some other site. I'm not bitching, I totally agree with Dragon. The guy who owns the site says no japs. So there it is. Does that mean I have to take my name out of the JJ travel assistance thing? Nah, kidding. Maybe I'll but that trump basket so I can get back in.......

[Lil' Billy]

I don't really ever have much to say, because I don't know enough to post. But I like the decisions made and I enjoy the focus that the JJ is going to go. Kudos to you Ryan, mods, etc...I'm looking forward to the new and improved JJ.

[Nick32vic]

thanks.

[Marco.Creep]

Wow...I think this is actually gonna shape things up. Its important for everyone to know this is not a "bike builder" forum its a forum for traditional motorcycles....Period! I like jap bikes too, but I dont come here for that. I think it was Mike that said you dont go into an italian restaurant for chinese food...Enough said!
Thanks again for all the work you guys (admins) are putting in, its a thankless job that makes you the enemy to alot of people and the fact that you do it without monetary compensation is what makes this place TRADITIONAL.
-Marco

[grail21]

I'm a little hesitant to chime in on this one because at the end of the day, as others have pointed out, this is Ryan's board. His hood, his rules, we can choose to abide them or go to another board all together. I ran my own board for awhile, and I took the same stance, so I get that.

And while I'm a building a jap chop myself, I'm not as bummed about that rule as I am about the change in how events can be posted or promoted on the site. Of course I'm a little biased; I used this board to promote my event, and it did a great job of getting the word out to the crowd I was putting the event on for. Plenty of members used this board to learn about the event, ask question, co-ordinate rides and plans with other members, etc. The calendar system built into the forum software seems to lack the conversation part - no questions can be asked or answered, no plans made, nor can any input be given. Sure, you can make an argument that folks MAY learn to use the calendar system to look for local events, but as it stands now, how many people actually check it? I've talked to people who surf this board daily and didn't even realize it was there, I know I forget about it myself. How many other killer, grassroots, D.I.Y events has this board acted as an integral forum for? I can think of quite a few… the EDR, the gypsy run, the rogue run, the ground zero throwdown, the chop meet, the lowbrow bash, the ironhorse party, countless dice parties, … I'm sure the list goes on and on. How many of the small events, promoted on and only to the JJ will no longer happen (or have less of a turn out) because folks aren't allowed to get the word out? Those events embody what THIS is all about to me, those events end up being the culmination of a lot of what's talked about on this board, to say nothing of the fact that they're being put on by active members (not fly by night, 1 post promoters). To see that aspect of this site get stripped away and tucked into a corner is kind of a bummer. I would have understood a separate forum just for events - where people could still have a rolling conversation and ask/answer questions, but I think it's a shame to see it turn into a simple post on a calendar.

That said, I'll go back to my original point: this is Ryan's board - his house, his rules - so it's his shot to call. If event promotion, planning and conversation are not included in his vision for the JJ, then there isn't much else to say about it. If you can't dig on it, there are plenty of other forums out there to visit. I'll miss it, and I'll miss finding out about other events that similar minded dudes are putting on. But at the end of the day there are too many cool bikes, tech articles and people to keep me away from this board.

[Tman]

This is like helping on the Short Bus. Nobody said "no japs", no one said we are going "elitist" and getting rid of lesser bikes/folks, nobody said the make "makes" the bike. Ryan, Jason, and the rest of us that are fortunate enough to help out here decided to FOCUS on a smaller section of our two-wheeled love. Nothing more, nothing less. Like I said in a prior post, if you can build a bike like Denvers......it WILL be welcome here.

If you need more guidance check out Ed Roths short lived magazine or early issues of Street Chopper or ChopperDaves blog or the vintagent. Lots of clues there.

[Tman]

Grail......understood. I agree.

[jon volk]

Glad to hear it. Fuck the whiners.

[JayBee]

Im all for quality not quantity in posts, But a cool bike should be respected no matter what the powerplant. JockeyJournal has been a daily read for me or the last few years. I wont post here till i am done my honda and move to my 69tiger.

Till then,
JB out

[mad750]

And while I'm a building a jap chop myself, I'm not as bummed about that rule as I am about the change in how events can be posted or promoted on the site. Of course I'm a little biased; I used this board to promote my event, and it did a great job of getting the word out to the crowd I was putting the event on for. Plenty of members used this board to learn about the event, ask question, co-ordinate rides and plans with other members, etc. The calendar system built into the forum software seems to lack the conversation part - no questions can be asked or answered, no plans made, nor can any input be given. Sure, you can make an argument that folks MAY learn to use the calendar system to look for local events, but as it stands now, how many people actually check it? I've talked to people who surf this board daily and didn't even realize it was there, I know I forget about it myself. How many other killer, grassroots, D.I.Y events has this board acted as an integral forum for? I can think of quite a few… the EDR, the gypsy run, the rogue run, the ground zero throwdown, the chop meet, the lowbrow bash, the ironhorse party, countless dice parties, … I'm sure the list goes on and on. How many of the small events, promoted on and only to the JJ will no longer happen (or have less of a turn out) because folks aren't allowed to get the word out? Those events embody what THIS is all about to me, those events end up being the culmination of a lot of what's talked about on this board, to say nothing of the fact that they're being put on by active members (not fly by night, 1 post promoters). To see that aspect of this site get stripped away and tucked into a corner is kind of a bummer. I would have understood a separate forum just for events - where people could still have a rolling conversation and ask/answer questions, but I think it's a shame to see it turn into a simple post on a calendar.




I agree on the the event/calender issue. I only realized that there was a calender a couple of days ago and you can't even comment on it. Not only is this place for tech, questions, etc... but this place is great for networking for like minded souls. The chopmeet and other events wouldn't be as big or popular as they are/were if not for being able to post and ask questions to find a group to ride and meet up with etc.

I believe forum by definition means a place where ideas and views on an issue (motorcycles and their by products) can be exchanged. This topic about events only being in a calender format needs to discuss in depth more or some of the events and meetings will fall to the waste side due to lack of knowledge and attendance.

[FRISCO67]

[quote=grail21;371473]I'm a little hesitant to chime in on this one because at the end of the day, as others have pointed out, this is Ryan's board. His hood, his rules, we can choose to abide them or go to another board all together.

There it is above ! Plain and simple!
There are other boards out there that aim dirrectly at XS650, Honda 4's, Cruisers sites that also like to see bobbed/ chopped Viragos,Intruders,etc.. The benifits are obvious if you on a site that deals with your model(s) of bikes. Yes I have a Triumph and a 750 Honda and I have posted friend s Viragos and Intruders,but I also hang around other sites not gonna name them. All YOU gotta go to the GOOGLER and type in _______ (model of your bike in the blank) forums and bang there they are in all THIER glory.

[disturber]

People seem to miss the point. No one's saying Jap bikes aren't cool...just not relevant. People keep clamoring for a metric board...can there be one? Sure, there already are. They're not good enough? Start your own. Too much work? Ryan did it.
Start your own, do it your own way, keep out the Americans and Brits and Euros. It's as true here as in all things, Everything in its place and if you can't find one make your own.

[Pistonbroke]

Thanks Ryan, As the old man used to say, "My house my rules"

[Too Many Projects]

Well crap. There goes my plan to post the total rebuild of my friend's Honda Trail 70.
To echo others, it's Ryan's board, rules, game and decision. It'll be interesting to see how this shakes down and though I agree with the concept of focus I'm afraid there will be a loss of a lot of good input along with the space wasters. I doubt we'll see anything like sub-forums for subjects like American, Brit, Jap, Event, Misc. That would make it too easy to just read about what you wanted and skip stuff that doesn't interest you.
It's a ton of work to maintain a board and in a lot of cases a thankless job. That said, thanks Ryan and the other moderators that take the time to do it. I'll root for the new direction and hope for the best.
Does this mean Dragon will quit threatening to quit all the time? Just wondering.

[Sporticus]

Ryan - Have you ever fed a bird all summer long just to watch them starve outside the window in the winter time? Then why let the Japper bikes exist for so long, just to cut them off?

I am not playing devils advocate here. I just wish you would let the board decide the direction, rather than make a decision based on who's bitching the loudest.

I vote for another board entirely. Is that a possibility?

Good idea, Hertz! I'm waiting for you to start it. Let me know when you've got all the bugs worked out so I can post photos of my KZ400 chopper/bobber/cafe racer.

[glorydays]

hell, i'd just like to know how many moderators on this forum? and their handles???

[Ryan]

I knew we would alienate some folks... I hate to do it, but like I said - we need to. We REALLY want more focus - less is more.

And hell, if I had my way the forum would be dedicated to pre-65 only stuff... The fellas talked me out of it. :)

[irishjon]

I don't exactly have a lot of money as half of what I earn goes to keep my ex wife and my son but I have still managed to fill my garage with 6 Harleys including my wife;s 2 Sporties. Having said that, I don't expect that my bikes would get posted even though one is a 62 Pan in a 71 Shovel fram with everything cut off it, and another is a 75 Shovel rigid. They are both my takes on how I want my bikes to look but probably not traditional or intersting enough.
I will still be on here every day though, as the only sort of bikes I am interested in now are the old ones and I can still learn a lot. I think it is a great move.

[bishopfred]

Thanks Ryan, I think you are going in the right direction.

[todd]

... Plenty of members used this board to learn about the event, ask question, co-ordinate rides and plans with other members, etc. The calendar system built into the forum software seems to lack the conversation part - no questions can be asked or answered, no plans made, nor can any input be given. Sure, you can make an argument that folks MAY learn to use the calendar system to look for local events, but as it stands now, how many people actually check it? I've talked to people who surf this board daily and didn't even realize it was there, I know I forget about it myself. How many other killer, grassroots, D.I.Y events has this board acted as an integral forum for? I can think of quite a few… the EDR, the gypsy run, the rogue run, the ground zero throwdown, the chop meet, the lowbrow bash, the ironhorse party, countless dice parties, … I'm sure the list goes on and on. How many of the small events, promoted on and only to the JJ will no longer happen (or have less of a turn out) because folks aren't allowed to get the word out? Those events embody what THIS is all about to me, those events end up being the culmination of a lot of what's talked about on this board, to say nothing of the fact that they're being put on by active members (not fly by night, 1 post promoters). To see that aspect of this site get stripped away and tucked into a corner is kind of a bummer. I would have understood a separate forum just for events - where people could still have a rolling conversation and ask/answer questions, but I think it's a shame to see it turn into a simple post on a calendar....


i 2nd this....it was the JJ that allowed people from all over to learn about and attend the IH party in DC. some rode hundreds of miles to do so. i'm bummed that such events are being moved to calendar only. i still forget to look there, and as grail said most people i know on here don't even know it exists.
but alas it is your forum.

re: jap bikes i'm of mixed opinion.
i love the fine example of jap bike modification that was posted earlier. and while my personal tastes always lean more towards H-D powered machines... i've always loved that this place was agnostic and a forum of very eclectic tastes. or at least it appeared to be so in the beginning.

i've seen how JJ has changed from when i first joined and before i ever was associated with IH. and yeah sometimes the growing pains haven't always been for the good. but i certainly never want to see this turn into the cool kids network. and its always been much better than the alternatives. i love the fact that people you've NEVER heard of drop bombs in the form of posts that display ingenuity, creativity, craftsmanship and skill.

the challenge:
how to keep those posts coming without creating a chilling effect via policy.
i wonder if i would have ever seen boondocker's killer cafe'd KZ. mike 47's lil blue waste of time, the rod-ster's xs build and even jcs64 showed us that he started out modifying a jap bike

So please guys, keep this in mind when your bashing the noob w/ the Jap bike: If I had been harrased here while building that XS, I may not have posted the HD or worst yet, maybe lost intrest in bikes and the HD would still be rotting away in that barn.and look how many people lost their GD minds on that post. would that have happened had this policy been in place 3 years ago? i dunno.

but regardless theres something i dig about seeing bikes that otherwise have been left to junk made into well executed visions of a cafe or chop or dragster....whatever.
and no im not talking about throwing a set of clubman's at a jap bike and calling it a day.

i have no solution for managing the XS jap "bobber" tsunami except perhaps the sub-forum as someone else proposed.
if im tired of seeing xs posts i don't read them. but i understand the frustration others are voicing about having to weed through them.

as many others have said thanks to all of you that mind the day care center we call the Jockey Journal. And while I don't agree with every policy I'm damn glad I don't have to do the job of moderating it. This forum has been a place of inspiration and a welcome alternative to all of the dogma / cliques previously available to those that just want to talk about, build and ride cool bikes.

[Ed]

let's see how it works out regarding the jap stuff. i've been on here long enough to believe if someone has a mind blowing jap build/rebuild it will be posted and freaks will enjoy. if the work is real good, most will overlook the country of origin.

i've been following this guy and his rd350 project. if he was a jj member and wanted to post it, i would hope it would not be deleted:
http://www.usa2strokers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=27373&PN=1&TPN=1

again, let's see how it works.

[Dragon]

And hell, if I had my way the forum would be dedicated to pre-65 only stuff... The fellas talked me out of it. :)

Wait, I said pre-evo.

You were ruling out a Panhead.

[Too Many Projects]

By the way, how does this work for the guys that have Jap bikes or other "questionable" submissions? Do they post and wait to see if it's deleted, or do they have to submit it to a Mod only page for approval? It probably sounds like I'm trying to be an ass here but I mean it as a serious question. And how will this affect questions or info posts about tools, tech or whatever? Will anything posted have to be screened? I've seen some really nice posts that were for things that could have been used on any bike. MachBuck's metalworking posts for instance. I'd hate to see stuff like that get lost. And thanks again for JJ being here in the first place.

[mad750]

Will these be deleted also?

Japanese choppers
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17455


Hondas
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=23357



Yamahas
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=717


If so, I better get an extra hard drive so I can save some of the pictures!!

Plus with all this italian and chinese talk, I'm getting hungry!!LOL!

[bigassbike]

ouch.

[Hoofhearted]

I just want to say one more thing. On this forum there is a huge number of contributors. Go to, say, Cycleworld and you have five or six contributors and thats it. The forum as it stands has great variety. It would be a shame to lose that. But like a bike build, its your baby build it the way you want.

[Billdozer2]

ALL Events if, are going to be here will go to the "Calender" All ads for events will be deleted on the main board. Event coverage is still welcome on the main board.

I just re-read that "events" post.

Grail and Todd, I agree with the myopia as it concerns events.

I think I'll post "No Talking About the Internet" at the campground next time.

It ain't all about working on fashion accessories here fellas, some of us actually ride these things. Sometimes even with friends.

It's your sandbox, if the cats shit in it too much I'll play somewhere else.

[ALKAY191]

bummer.
I came here to see cool builds of all brands and era.
Eliminating good portion of bikes and people will only hurt your cause. It should be up to the longstanding members to police the newcomers and incourage or discourage the direction of the posts.
I don't have a Jap bike, but I'd like to see some. It takes a lot of creativity to build a metric bike with style. Probably much more than I've seen applied to some H-Ds on here.

[RetroRob]

Great job guys, looking forward to the changes.

[glorydays]

Who cares!?!?!!!!! All you people complaining for or against said changes,that goes for events, honda, harley, and euro people are still going to be here regardless... you might just post less...

[lotus]

personally i think the jap bikes are to youth today like harleys were to older people...

and with ANY type bike there are good builders and shit builders...it does not matter what type bike the person owns...it is the person building it.

can not say I agree/disagree with the changes as I am a newbie here. but I will say I have seen some really nice jap bikes posted on this site and I will be sad to not see them on here.

[BobCherry13]

I can't wait for Trents input!

[Onerigidrider]

So is it traditional as in traditional chops or traditional as in the way they came traditionally or traditional as in what people traditionally did to them?

I have an 85 motor in a 70 frame which is definately not traditional...A rigid Sportster which is definately not the way it traditionally came, but it is my take on what was traditionally done with them as choppers! Am I still allowed here?:confused:

[hooktool]

But where will one go for "One line, leg-humping posts about other shitboxes in a vain attempt to appear road-weary, posts"?......Paraphrasing Neo-Dutch in the best line to appear in an internet motorcycle forum.LOL

I hope this works out the way the core group wants it to.

John

[oldcro]

WOW! pretty shitty that this place is becoming elitist, not that I didnt think it was in the first place but COME ON. You mean to tell me that a nice looking bike (regardless of it's origin) cannot be appreciated here???? Of course I help build jap bikes and I believe it is the LOOK and STYLE of a bike that makes it what it is, NOT the make, cc's or any other bullshit. BOOOOOOO.

josh

i was scrolling through, waiting for you to post. i know you guys build sicko jap "crap"

[jinx13]

I don't know how I feel really. I have a Triumph in the works as well as an XS650 and a CB650. The thing I think that sets bikes apart from hot rods in limiting specific years and makes is that you cannot take a new car or Japanese car and remove the fenders and hood and chop it to make it look like a traditional hot rod. A bike you can. There's the difference. Sounds like the popular kids got their way here.

[blackcrown]

I don't know how I feel really. I have a Triumph in the works as well as an XS650 and a CB650. The thing I think that sets bikes apart from hot rods in limiting specific years and makes is that you cannot take a new car or Japanese car and remove the fenders and hood and chop it to make it look like a traditional hot rod. A bike you can. There's the difference. Sounds like the popular kids got their way here.

well, as stated a million fucking times already...

Ryan IS the most popular guy here...and its only fair that HE get's his way.

[Natas1979]

Does this mean I have to move to Califuckinfornia, buy a Pan, an original wishbone frame, a flaked out peanut tank, Skinny ass tires, Triumph rear fender, bates seat, some z-bars, and some tight ass girl clothes?

[Big Sexy]

Yes,yes. Fine, fine. On with the show.

[Rudehog]

Does this mean I have to move to Califuckinfornia, buy a Pan, an original wishbone frame, a flaked out peanut tank, Skinny ass tires, Triumph rear fender, bates seat, some z-bars, and some tight ass girl clothes?


No...just some tight assed girls clothes!

-Eric

[63CadGuy]

Glad to see the changes, much needed!

[daytonabobber69]

Does this mean I have to move to Califuckinfornia, buy a Pan, an original wishbone frame, a flaked out peanut tank, Skinny ass tires, Triumph rear fender, bates seat, some z-bars, and some tight ass girl clothes?


THats how all of us roll In CALIFA........

[Jimmy the saint]

Why is this so difficult to comprehend for some? You don't show up at a hockey game with figure skates and a ice dancing outfit.

"some men you just can't reach"
Captain,road prison 36

[concrete guy]

I like the outlook of the new board to come. Haven't been here long enough to have an opinion that counts but oh well. My first draw to the board 2 years ago was some of the unbelievable talent that was here and what people were building, wether jap, HD, Brit, or whatever. I have to admit that this board has brought me into the world of old iron and I will be forever thankful. I am hooked forever. It was getting carried away at times with some of the bikes. Hope you still give props where props are due. Thanks

[spasticreject]

to all the dudes cryin' "elitist" this discussion was had 3 years ago when the board was founded, pre' 69 american and european bikes. Nothings changed, you just didn't take the time to figure it out before blowing this place up with pics of your sweet dropseat Honda NightHawk BobTracker.

I for one welcome the focus, and also welcome the original mentality that went with the early HAMB. If you post up a ridiculous piece of shit that you've spent hours building expect to be made fun of, a lot.

flame on, faggits.

[SamIyam]

My opinion is that this board should be about doing it yourself and making it cool.
If you're buying your way into it... nope.

If you think it'll make you cooler... nope.

If you want to create something in your mind's eye that is cool... yes.

This should be a place for motorcycle misfits... people who are not understood by "bikers" and members of "owner's groups" who like to put their old lady on the back and go on a "tour".

Fuck that... land speed racing, drag racing... street racing, homebuilt, bobbers and choppers that keep the sheeple (people who are like sheep) scratching their heads.

If you have to explain your bike to the casual observer, you need to be here.

If you have to read your owner's manual to understand how shit works... I better not catch your ass reading the manual next year at "oil change time"...

If you build jap bikes like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SamStrube/02a56c5e.jpg

I would hate to not have you around here.

If you like to hear yourself talk and aren't here to learn... or teach... beat it.

That's not a directive... just an opinion.

Sam

[SamIyam]

Would that mean that Denver's Honda choppers thread be taboo?

That would be a shame...

Sam

[Deadbird]

I knew we would alienate some folks... I hate to do it, but like I said - we need to. We REALLY want more focus - less is more.

And hell, if I had my way the forum would be dedicated to pre-65 only stuff... The fellas talked me out of it. :)


You just can't be all things to all people. Direction is good. Bring it on. Thanks Ryan.

[dropoutjohn]

thanks. we needed this.

and i own a jap bike.

same here.

[motomotard]

Would that mean that Denver's Honda choppers thread be taboo?

That would be a shame...

Sam

obviously you havent read the whole thread

[evobuilder]

damn.... I like Evos! Guess I am going to have to go back to hdforums :) and rebuild my bike.... anyone got a stock frame, bags, front end, wheels, turn signals, horn, and oh yeah.... a shiitload of gold eagles and some bullet hole stickers. Just my 2 pennies though.... lumping Evos in with jap bikes and "non-traditional" is cool with me. I like the fact that everyone hates Evos. 15 years ago everyone hated shovels... so I guess in 10 more years, my bike may be cool. Who knows!
Do whatcha do.... but just know.... Evo's Rule!
I will still hang out, take good advice, ribbing and so on... I am just glad to have sites like these to get good advice, connect with friends and see cool bikes.... carry on my wayward sons!
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32335&stc=1&d=1217312219

[bungle]

ut oh,..my bike is brit/jap/american? i see why there is so much frustration, there's guys on here wanting this site to be about people who build their own stuff with tons of sacrifice and hard work, and then there's ryans vision of why he wanted to create this site in the first place. just to add another saying, you don't go to the zoo look for the tiger and see a house cat painted with stripes. so yhea i understand the change, i'm just sad that i wouln't have access to guys who love traditional bikes, and have experience over the years to ask questions from. there are metric forums, but there's certain peoples opinions on here that i've come to trust...and for that matter buy stuff off of. i hardly posted questions just because most of what i was looking for was already answered in other posts so i guess i will stay in with the lurkers. good luck with the changes, and thanks jj for helping me while you did.

[ABSINTHE]

honestly doing this is same as walking into a library and saying ok everything thats not writen by an american or a pom before 1962 should be baned and burned. What atracted a lot of guys myself included was the show that went on at this place with all kinds of bikes and parts to narow it down to just one particular era is plain silly due to the knowledge that will go away with the guys taht will say yeah I know how to fix that i have seen it done real easy but fuck the guy fixing it he has a 1962 hd and I ride a yamazuki cach the drift. So I hope this gets scraped and we go on like usual and if the posts about bike runs like shit litter the place just remove them :)

[Konaboy1972]

It ain't all about working on fashion accessories here fellas, some of us actually ride these things. Sometimes even with friends.

Not only does this gentleman get me a sweet new helmet to ride with but he hits it on the head with this quote. I love this place and plan to keep getting ideas and learning from all of the knowledge on here!!

[andyinvain]

personally im bummed. i havnt been a member that long but ive met alot of great people on here from so cal that have helped me along with my jap bike project. i sure hope you can add a metric bike section on this forum. i have a panhead project in mind too and i love this place because it had a lil bit of everything.

[skidlid]

Oh fuck !! me gotta an Evo and a Pan and a shovel am i now Bisexual

Ride Long & Safe Bros

Vinny
http://ministryofchoppers.blogspot.com/

[Homebrew]

I am hesitant to chime in one way or the other. I do agree that change was needed as I found myself the past couple of months just quickly looking at the first two pages and logging off because I was about done with the over population of Xs's (I own one too and a Harley) and dumb questions ( I have made some too). But I also don't like to see the deletion of all of them as some were done very well and in the correct (in my eyes) style. I came to this board because I really liked the bikes you talented guys put together, to have all the makes and styles in one place is great, and the knowledge is unsurpassed on the internet. I won't be going anywhere ,I am just hoping these changes will help clean up the board some but just like my bikes I don't want it too clean.

[zedboy]

Does this mean I have to move to Califuckinfornia, buy a Pan, an original wishbone frame, a flaked out peanut tank, Skinny ass tires, Triumph rear fender, bates seat, some z-bars, and some tight ass girl clothes?

Looking that way, pity, it shouldn't be about what you start with, but what you do with it.
A separate section for Japs/Wops/whatever-the-fucks, along with dedicated moderators/administrators to filter out the shit posts would make some sense. Sadly there aren't enough "cool" bikes to go round, so sometimes you got to make do with what you got.

[Twig]

The JJ members are not just in the 48 states we are from all over the world. $800 gets you a set of forks from a brit or USA bike where I'm from. 8K for a stocker and even then its a shit heap. So Jap bikes have become a way for people to particapate in what should be a love of building bikes and enjoying the history. We know there are lots of Jap sites out there but most come to the JJ because of it's memebrs taste and build style not because of Brands. Sounds like a bit to cool for school to me. But who gives a fuck what I think I live in a big cow feild island with 20million people standing around in it.

[shitbird]

Where is Patina Turner when you need 'em?
Insert positive response.

[Gazachop]

Getting back to basics - Focus is good!

Ryan ... Nice call!

[chopaweeza]

No argument Twig. With the recession being full pelt , cost of living through the roof and the price of a half decent Trumpy being over the $7000 mark in Australia we work with what we have and chop what we have . Many of us including myself are having a tough time just keeping our heads above water in "The Land Of Plenty" let alone saving up $12,000 for a worn out Shovel . The reality is that this is Ryans board , this has a focus on certain types of bikes and most of us are intruding on that . So , while it has it's faults the place I go were I find real people that live in a world were they chop what they have is the Underground . And by that I mean www.thechopperunderground.com were people don't get shouted down for asking a normal question or daring to chop a Jappa or a Brit or anything else .

[skidlid]

Back in the day London 69-75 i was around a lot of choppers owned by Hells Angels, Road rats ,Twickenham twits , 80% of these were Brit or Jap as was most of Europe, the bikes we are looking at today, Pan flaked out cool as can be were rarley seen on the roads and normally at shows

Just like in maybe twenty years from now OCC WCC crap will be seen every where and deemed cool

Just a little insight to my childhood.

A lot of the Jap guys are knowlegeable , would be sad to lose them . just make another forum within JJ


Vinny
http://ministryofchoppers.blogspot.com/

[Finch]

Hum ... I know I haven't been super active around here in a while, but I'm not so sure this is a great idea. I mean, there's a lot of sweet XS650's and similar bikes rolling around here, and they have every right to be here. In fact, probably more right than somebody who just went to S&S and bought a shiny new Evo and pre-fabbed frame. Same goes with Honda 750's ... you can't really exclude them from the mix since they had a pretty good history with the 70's chopper scene.

Now, I can understand maybe classifying "jap bikes" as crotch rockets, or the new cruisers that are slowly replacing H-D, but not bikes that have a man's sweat in every weld. That's just so wrong to the people who are already on here (and respected) and to the culture as a whole.

But on the other hand, I guess I can see where you're coming from. Even when my activity on the Journal could be considered high, I did notice our somewhat small community changing quite a bit. I'm sure many of us would much prefer a smaller forum as well, hell, I know I do. Even so ... I think this is a mistake.



I apologize if this has been covered, or if you had a change of heart at some point. I'm way too out of it to read twenty pages.

[Threadkiller]

Hum ... I know I haven't been super active around here in a while, but I'm not so sure this is a great idea.

But on the other hand, I guess I can see where you're coming from. Even when my activity on the Journal could be considered high, I did notice our somewhat small community changing quite a bit. I'm sure many of us would much prefer a smaller forum as well, hell, I know I do. Even so ... I think this is a mistake.

I apologize if this has been covered, or if you had a change of heart at some point. I'm way too out of it to read twenty pages.

Ditto! While it IS Ryan's place and therefore Ryan's rules, to simply shelve a section of the bike riding/building populace seems "trendy" to me. Haven't some of us started out on some not so cool vehicles? and can't that knowledge be helpful to others that are in the same situation? Granted, being barely able to "drag and drop", I have no clue about running a forum, and (to me) the laughable bandwidth thing, the possibility of a creation of metric subsection appears to be a good idea. I'm a "motorcycle enthusist" who happens to prefer non-metric shit I can still appreciate the time and effort anyone puts in to anything. (racing barstools and lawnmowers excluded) TK.

[greasystain]

I'm all for it!

[BlueMoonKustoms]

I'm all for it!

Me too!!! Something needed to be done or else this board would have turned into the shitbox CB350 bobber/chopper/cafe forum.
I was getting very sick of seeing the first pages full of posts like "my XS is running rough". I would much rather see fewer posts, but with quality content. Good choice Ryan. Thanks!!!

[=JL=]

Unlike some, I didn't come here to see "all kinds of bikes." I can go down to the local cafe for that. I come here for a specific reason.
Also, there is no outright ban on Japanese bikes, read it again if you think there is.

[gearheadchoppers]

would you concider if one (or 2) was stepping up to rule that board?
i mean there are lots of good jap bike treats on here.......4 example the xs650.........
maybe one or 2 guy's can rule it...........

not me..........i ride/work on american, european, jap bikes what ever, bikes is bikes for me. but i don't have the time or skills to run a board.
i come hear to read what i like (don't look at the rest) post what i like (that will suit this forum) and reply to what i can tell about/explain (tech stuff)

We don't have one planned at the moment.

As for Evos, we don't mind seeing an evo every now and then at all...

[2_wheel_nation]

No...just some tight assed girls clothes

tough words from a trophy whore!!!

seriously though, all you guys saying "i have a metric bike, so i guess i'm not welcome", no one said you weren't welcome. no one said "get lost jap-bike guy". what was said was:

"I think we all realize that there is some great Jap based threads out there. However, The Jockey Journal needs more focus and less traffic at this stage in its life and we are hoping that narrowing the topics down does that for us."

no one said you were a lesser being because you chopped a metric bike. no one said you lack style or vision or talent. no one said your bike was an unworthy POS.

[JLeather]

no one said you were a lesser being because you chopped a metric bike. no one said you lack style or vision or talent. no one said your bike was an unworthy POS.

If you think no one said that, then you must have skipped a few pages of this thread.

[pinupchk]

I have been loving this site for awhile now because the people on here are extremely knowledgeable and I have learned shit tons just treading through the threads...sadly, I think with some of these new changes some valuable contributors may be lost.

I am also thinking a seperate area for events may be in order, there are tons of event postings (I am guilty of this) and I think it is important to have them, but some might not want to have to weed through them...

[JLeather]

And I don't think it gets any more vague than "traditionally inspired". Which "tradition" are you all after? The 60's tradition of spending a mortgage in paint/gold plating/drugs so you can even look at your bike? Maybe the 50's tradition of building it in you garage with your own tools, no catalog, etc? Most of the bikes that this board was originally dedicated to were founded on the "tradition" that stock sucked, so start cutting useless shit off. Now, if all you want is a board where people copy the way bikes were done in the 60's then fine, but you can pick up old chopper mags and see that shit all day long. I came here to see innovation on an old theme. To see how people take the flaked-out 60's style and apply it to _______ (insert bike here). I am also sick of the "My (blank) won't run right" or "Check out my new bars and seat on my '04 VTX". BUT, if you decide that nothing new is worthy of posting here anymore you guys are just gonna go in a circle, patting each other on the back for every chrome-framed 60's ripoff of a cool pan.

[TurboRoadster]

Angels sing.

Thanks.

hahahhaa, perfect:D

[2_wheel_nation]

If you think no one said that, then you must have skipped a few pages of this thread.

well if you want to cry about a couple people who hate jap stuff no matter what, then go ahead. it's not the general sentiment of the owners, mods or the majority of members though.

[ol_scratch]

I think there are some people in this thread that need to get a few things straight.

Number one - stop referring to it as a "chopper site". There's a whole host of other plentitude to be found, and its that limiting view that takes things down the shitter as it is.

Number two - stop with the "I worked hard on my Shadow, and put my sweat into it and now you say its not valid". That's fine and kudos for your determination, but guess what this site is not about that, AS HAS BEEN STATED BY THE OWNERS. They are after all the ones paying the bills and the ones that allow us here. We've gotten so used to this entitlement ideology that we think it extends everywhere. Don't like - be just as determined as your project adn start your own forum.

Number three - just like the HAMB, a big part of this site is learning your history. Watering it down with personal pud smacking, detracts away from the vast amount of history and knowledge that could pass through here. Like - ever here of a Bosch shaft driven magneto, and how you can use it on just about anything. No? Well maybe you will.

Number four - I reiterate, Stop Bitching.....

[gearheadchoppers]

and yes this is no place to find out why your bike ain't running........lots of stuff like that on the net (google is yur friend)
and i think ppl asking stuff like that have to look in the real world and find biker budies to teach them the ropes...........but these days ppl go sit at the screen and aspect with in a split second other ppl will them them what it takes how much it will cost and how long it will take.

i found out stuff in my pre internet time...........wen i was younger..........real ppl can teach you more than you will ever find out online.

[caffeine]

If you have to ask.......

[2_wheel_nation]

If you have to ask.......

bingo.

[GaugedFreak]

Sad news. This place was full of great XS650 builders and bikes. Oh well, guess I'll just have to stick over at www.bobbertalk.com since we aren't wanted here anymore.

I can respect what you're trying to do.

[boondocker]

bingo. yup.

[bustedlifter]

Ryan's board, his rules. Of the people who say they can't afford a Harley,Triumph,BSA etc. I wonder how many of them really want one. How often do they go out and drop a bunch of money on booze,food ,tattoos, concerts or movies?

[Kev Nemo]

I've seen it mentioned in several of the responses that a large part of the push for a more focused/traditional Jockey is that alot of the more skilled/talented builders have stopped posting due to all the Japanese/new stuff being posted...

uhm...

maybe they're in the garage building stuff instead of hanging out on boards?

just a theory.:D

[Irishman]

well, I haven't been here that long. But when I saw a guy post some pics of his pretty much spot on 70's chopper, http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26156 and he got responses about His appearance and his weight etc., I had a good idea that this place was way too cool and hip for me. I'm glad some one finally stated what this place was about and who it was for. As many people have said there many metric/jap friendly Boards such as the Horse board, where every bike is welcome, and I'm sure many of the good people including myself will find a comfortable spot to post our shitty less than worthy junk. FUCK THIS PLACE, IT'S BULLSHIT, I'M OUT OF HERE

[4t64rd]

There are a thousand and one forums out there for Japanese and Japanese custom bikes. And while I would chime in occassionally on a cool one, it was really getting to drown out why I came here a lot in the past. Truth is there aren't too many boards that mixed history and bikes and true customizing - and that is what drew me to it originally, and glad to see it going back.

Now somebody mention they were looking for a cool Brit project they didn't have to mortgage their house - check my BSA classified. :)

You'd think there would be... I haven't found them, plenty of soon to be dead guys talking about 'busa's though.

Looks like I'm out...

[Tman]

well, I haven't been here that long. But when I saw a guy post some pics of his pretty much spot on 70's chopper, http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26156 and he got responses about His appearance and his weight etc., I had a good idea that this place was way too cool and hip for me. I'm glad some one finally stated what this place was about and who it was for. As many people have said there many metric/jap friendly Boards such as the Horse board, where every bike is welcome, and I'm sure many of the good people including myself will find a comfortable spot to post our shitty less than worthy junk. FUCK THIS PLACE, IT'S BULLSHIT, I'M OUT OF HERE

read that whole thread, all I saw was good natured ribbing and folks that dug his bike. Until I came to your remark, pure negativity, have fun on those other Boards.

[Trent]

I like the idea of an events section as well..

[lvvato]

well, I haven't been here that long. But when I saw a guy post some pics of his pretty much spot on 70's chopper, http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26156 and he got responses about His appearance and his weight etc., I had a good idea that this place was way too cool and hip for me. I'm glad some one finally stated what this place was about and who it was for. As many people have said there many metric/jap friendly Boards such as the Horse board, where every bike is welcome, and I'm sure many of the good people including myself will find a comfortable spot to post our shitty less than worthy junk. FUCK THIS PLACE, IT'S BULLSHIT, I'M OUT OF HERE

I think he's mad. :rolleyes:

[disturber]

honestly doing this is same as walking into a library and saying ok everything thats not writen by an american or a pom before 1962 should be baned and burned...

More like, a guy opened a book store and only wants to carry old books from and about certain places with a history that interests him. Hardly as inflammatory as saying burn your bikes...er, books, they're not good enough.

[Richie]

I was gonna stay out of this all together...until I read Sam's post.
Once again that guy manages to say what's in my head better than I could.

[Mooosman]

While I do think that the JJ needed to refocus on its direction, I think banning a particular kind of bike is pretty weak.


I don't think the JJ needs a "Jap bike filter" so much as it needs a "Shitty bike filter"!!! I've seen plenty of crap here lately, and not all of it was from Japan. The guys that buy a newish Harley (say, mid 90s and up), strip some parts off, slap some whitewalls on, and call it traditional, are no different to me than the guys doing the exact same thing to an old XS650. :rolleyes:


If you're going to ban ALL Jap bikes from the main board, why not make a subforum for them? So when you log onto the site, you have "THE BOARD", then "THE JAP BOARD"

That's all I'm sayin'

Nick

[ol_scratch]

I think he's mad. :rolleyes:

A good example of what my earlier post was about - undo entitlement syndrome.

Events section - great idea.

"Traditional" - that which predates the modern in a resonating pattern. "Traditional Style" - that which represents a clear lineage of predecessing ideology on a multitude of characteristics. Not a replica, not an imitation.

I like XS's, BUT an XS dressed to BE a BSA chopper is an imitation. HOWEVER, a CB750 chopped is an original BECAUSE it is part of clear historical lineage.

+3031 on the "If you have to ask...."

[BobCherry13]

damn.... I like Evos! Guess I am going to have to go back to hdforums :) and rebuild my bike.... anyone got a stock frame, bags, front end, wheels, turn signals, horn, and oh yeah.... a shiitload of gold eagles and some bullet hole stickers. Just my 2 pennies though.... lumping Evos in with jap bikes and "non-traditional" is cool with me. I like the fact that everyone hates Evos. 15 years ago everyone hated shovels... so I guess in 10 more years, my bike may be cool. Who knows!
Do whatcha do.... but just know.... Evo's Rule!
I will still hang out, take good advice, ribbing and so on... I am just glad to have sites like these to get good advice, connect with friends and see cool bikes.... carry on my wayward sons!
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32335&stc=1&d=1217312219

I did not read where they said that no more EVO's would be allowed. As a matter of fact I think they said they even like to see the "occassional" EVO. Anyway, it would be kind of hypocritical being that Jason Kidd (one of the Admin.'s) builds alot of EVO based Scoots along with Pans and Shovels. Trent, who seems like a influential voice here, also builds or has built a couple EVO bikes. I think the piont is that your bike is a very cool looking, well constructed machine. It reminds me more of the WCC type CFL bike which is more of a modern chopper as J. James admitts and strives for. I am not soure if there is any difference in putting an EVO in a 49' wishbone or having a 52' Pan in a 08' Flyrite frame etc... I don't know? I am not asking (!), just throw it on the board and if it gets taken off oh well and if it stays oh well. Ride the shit out of it. Guys here have great insite on alot of stuff. I have a 69' GMC truck that is tubbed, slammed etc..., but it does not belong on the Jalopy Journal and I still browse through that. People have to get over there own feelings!

[crutch]

I didn't think I'd chime in on this but here I goes. I was a lil bent at first thinking of cost of a HD, BSA, or Triumph. I'm 36 and on permanent disability for an MD I have. I cannot afford one of the rides previously mentioned and don't know if I could ride one. I have, over the past few months ate soup and ran no heat or AC in my place so that I can have the money to build my CB750 Hondamatic with sidecar, hardtailed, whiteWalled and ready to rock. My dog and I will, hopefully, be cruising from Chicago to Cali out Rt66 the end of Sept./begining of Oct.. I have neither the skills...yet, nor dexterity to build this on my own...well....for a safe 4,000+ mile trip.

I will still come to this site because there's some great info and inspiration on here.

I realize that this change will trim the fat, no doubt with the lame 'traditional' builds as well...which were limited but are now in XS hehehe.

An idiots section, however, would be nice for guys like myself because there are certain tricks that you just don't find in a Clymers book. Those tricks often aren't learned until you ask the dumb questions.

Also, I see some pretty cool Japanese rides, though they maybe built by 'unskilled' builders I hope a few are let in. I love to see all rides. Besides, how can you truly appreciate the skill and beauty involved in a clean bike and its builder if you don't have the occasional lame bike.

Thanks

[Ryan]

I've read a lot of folks talking about getting rid of "stupid questions" and basic tech. That will NEVER happen. One of the biggest drivers behind all of my forums is teaching... I will close a forum down before I outlaw that aspect.

So, if you are a hack in the shop (like me) don't be afraid to ask basic tech questions.

[lotus]

While I do think that the JJ needed to refocus on its direction, I think banning a particular kind of bike is pretty weak.


I don't think the JJ needs a "Jap bike filter" so much as it needs a "Shitty bike filter"!!! I've seen plenty of crap here lately, and not all of it was from Japan. The guys that buy a newish Harley (say, mid 90s and up), strip some parts off, slap some whitewalls on, and call it traditional, are no different to me than the guys doing the exact same thing to an old XS650. :rolleyes:


If you're going to ban ALL Jap bikes from the main board, why not make a subforum for them? So when you log onto the site, you have "THE BOARD", then "THE JAP BOARD"

That's all I'm sayin'

Nick

If they were to just ban shitty bikes in general and keep the nicely built bikes there probably would be no reason to ban jap bikes.

[Jimmy the saint]

There is always the "Ugly and funny bike" thread...................

[vorhese]

Sounds like a lot of sand got into a lot of vaginas. Hah!

[JPV]

I've read a lot of folks talking about getting rid of "stupid questions" and basic tech. That will NEVER happen. One of the biggest drivers behind all of my forums is teaching... I will close a forum down before I outlaw that aspect.

So, if you are a hack in the shop (like me) don't be afraid to ask basic tech questions.

The number one reason I'm here....to learn.

[cabriolethiboy]

My opinion is that this board should be about doing it yourself and making it cool.
If you're buying your way into it... nope.

If you think it'll make you cooler... nope.

If you want to create something in your mind's eye that is cool... yes.

This should be a place for motorcycle misfits... people who are not understood by "bikers" and members of "owner's groups" who like to put their old lady on the back and go on a "tour".

Fuck that... land speed racing, drag racing... street racing, homebuilt, bobbers and choppers that keep the sheeple (people who are like sheep) scratching their heads.

If you have to explain your bike to the casual observer, you need to be here.

If you have to read your owner's manual to understand how shit works... I better not catch your ass reading the manual next year at "oil change time"...

If you build jap bikes like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/SamStrube/02a56c5e.jpg

I would hate to not have you around here.

If you like to hear yourself talk and aren't here to learn... or teach... beat it.

That's not a directive... just an opinion.

Sam


Sam;
I own the bike in the pic. Glad you like it. I have to admit that I was ready to sign off this board when I first read it, but now that I have thought about it, I think I understand what Ryan is after. I have nothing against Harleys (I've owned about a dozen, the newest being a '51) I just get a little bored with with them sometimes so I like a little variety. I might be wrong but I doubt that he would delete a post about my bike or one built along similar lines. I like tastefully done bikes and some on here are questionable. I guess it is like a tuner does not fit on the HAMB. I like a little more hardcore bike builder kind of posts. I don't like to buy anything, and if I can see how someone made something I will read/look at it. The rodsters 650 build was great( in my opinion).There is a fine line and it is all about style( I think). I'll wait and see, but I probably won't visit as often for a while.

[Nick32vic]

I've read a lot of folks talking about getting rid of "stupid questions" and basic tech. That will NEVER happen. One of the biggest drivers behind all of my forums is teaching... I will close a forum down before I outlaw that aspect.

So, if you are a hack in the shop (like me) don't be afraid to ask basic tech questions.

Thank you thank you. Asking a stupid question on here and getting a quick answer might mean the difference between a guy sittin in his garage all weekend feeling like shit because he cant figure it out or riding all weekend because some nice fellow answered said stupid question for him on the Jockey Journal.

[Chuckamatic]

I've read a lot of folks talking about getting rid of "stupid questions" and basic tech. That will NEVER happen. One of the biggest drivers behind all of my forums is teaching... I will close a forum down before I outlaw that aspect.

So, if you are a hack in the shop (like me) don't be afraid to ask basic tech questions.

I agree, you can never weed that out; how could you without weeding out useful info? The "can't start my bike" threads annoy all the Gurus until it's a Pan, then they all chime in. Cause that's what they like. Nothing wrong with that. But let's not be hypocrites, just say you don't like threads about non-starting jap bikes.
Also, If you tell everyone "search dummy", because they ask a stupid question in your mind, then eventually there will be nothing to search.
I'm not real thrilled about this change, but I think it's more that I don't like change than anything else. But maybe it's not change, maybe it's just a cleaning, I haven't been around long enough to know what it was like before. I will reserve judgement and observe. Better something was done instead of letting the board eat itself.

oh.....anybody wanna buy a CB? just kidding.

[ea_hatch]

I might be wrong but I doubt that he would delete a post about my bike or one built along similar lines.

i dont know..i posted some pics of my bike along with my room mates bike (both xs's) and it got deleted with the quickness...but it wasnt a build thread though, so that could have had something to do with it...but surely that arent that horrible of bikes to look at.. and i know the photography is way better than the average pics on here

here are the pics.. i posted them on a local forum
http://www.humbleperformance.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=30814

[monzadood]

well, i joined to post pics of my honda 750 hardtail but.... i guess its just not welcome here now.

[fisticuffs]

I signed on because of the cool one-off builds and handmade kickass parts. I only have a jap bike at the moment and will most likely always have one. I use the bikes and parts I see for ideas for my own stuff. I will continue to browse, learn and enjoy the information on JJ2. These changes apply directly to my current bike and most likely my next... and all it does is make my decision for me on whether to even post. I dont care what anyone else thinks of my taste or what I do to my bike(s) because the people that I really want to enjoy it ,will probably be riding with anyways. As well as many others that have posted, I think that you would eliminate a lot of very talented builders that can contribute even though they only run jap bikes. Why would someone even waste the time to 'see' if their post is worthy of being retained... only to find out it is deleted 15 mins later.

The changes are definitely understood, but creating a separate forum for 'metric' builds and possibly one for 'tech support' for the questions might keep you from alienating some while allowing the fans of the original JJ2 content to be happy and not require them to sort through the other stuff.

[notcool]

BOO FUCKING HOO!!!

Stop being babies and sniviling, pointing out other threads that aren't locked like fucking JR. High kids and sit back and learn something until you get a bike that fits in or go somewhere else and cry! Fuck.

And thank you, it's about time! (and i own more old hondas than Harleys)

[warehouse skate]

i just have one thing to say...
Building a well thought out jap powered bike from the ground up typically takes more fabrication skills than your average bolt together american powered chop.
parts are just NOT readily available for jap builders like they are for american builds so the dude building a metric powered chop has to hand fab almost everything where as the guy building the american chop can just drop down a debit card, order all of the parts and bolt all the shit together.
now before you get your panties in a bunch i'm not talking about everyone here, obviously there are still a few really talented fabricators on here that pretty much build and work on american shit only..in fact most of them are friends of mine and i understand how hard they work to put everything together.
just stating that it is WAY EASIER for the average kook to drop 12 grand on an S&S and a roller and a set of wrenches and bolt everything together.
so does owning a set of wrenches and bolting together a chopper package in your driveway showcase real talent?

me thinks not

every jap powered bike i have ever built has left me fabing almost every part.
that takes skill.
just turning a wrench...yeah not so much.
so whatever.

[ryangobie]

I think this has a lot to do with the quality of the forums. When I first came aboard it was an amazing wealth of knowledge and thankfully all of that is tucked away in the archives. Sadly as time went by some of the more knowledgeable contributors left. Anyone who was around when Tony Bones was posting can probably attest to this. I think it was as it sort of lost it's traditional focus. And that's not entirely to blame on the metric stuff but given the lower cost of the rides more people seem to hack them apart without much thought and planning. That's not to say there's no trick stuff going on but be honest, there have been a lot of piles posted on here lately. I think that with this change a lot of the HD and triumph stuff that is just cobbled together will be deleted too. And I for one really hope so.

As for as the "how to change my oil" threads and I personally have noticed 2 "bobbers owners manual" posts. I think we really need to stress the search function. Google and the archives of this site have so much information. Shop manuals too! I can't tell you how many dumb questions I've had answered by my 2 manuals. If they don't supply me with my answer then I post it up.

In regards to the classifieds I remember a big worry over on the HAMB when they got split up was no one was going to read the Wanted ads as everyone would just be concerned with buying up what they needed. In a way I've seen the response to want ads slow down but I generally still get replies. I only wonder with this site as it seems to have less traffic how it'll affect it.

In summation I guess I hope these changes will attract some of the older posters back and clean up the board. I don't want to read a ton of posts, I want to read high quality and informative posts.

[ryangobie]

Oh and can we get a TECH WEEK over here?

[InvisibleKid]

well, i joined to post pics of my honda 750 hardtail but.... i guess its just not welcome here now.

If you joined just to post pics and search for attaboys, then you've come to the wrong place. There are other forums where sunshine, kitten farts, backslappin and rainbows are plentiful. Also, if you just joined, you haven't been here long enough to have an opinion on what needs to be changed or kept in place. I'm not implying that Ive even been here long enough to make a valued opinion. If I just met you and you walked into my home/garage pointing out all that needed to be changed, you wouldnt be welcome again.

If you own a jap bike and are pissed and offended, then you just probably started reading this post at the 4th page...go back to Ryan's 1st post and read all of them again.

Honestly, would a post of a garage built 1978 Cutlass Supreme be welcome on HAMB - fuck no. There are other forums that are better suited for that. Just like there are other forums for jap bikes, cafe's, vintage original brit bikes, etc, etc...

I believe that JJ will be best with more focus. If not, it will simply be average trying to accommodate everything.
.

[Larry T]

I've read a lot of folks talking about getting rid of "stupid questions" and basic tech. That will NEVER happen. One of the biggest drivers behind all of my forums is teaching... I will close a forum down before I outlaw that aspect.
So, if you are a hack in the shop (like me) don't be afraid to ask basic tech questions.


If a guy can't figure things out from a shop manual or find the answer with a search, then by all means ask away. But I'd kinda like to think someone has put a little effort into finding an answer to a really basic question before he hits "Post New Thread".
They still have text books at school, don't they?

Oh yea, as far as the post about limiting context here being the same as burning books at a library, I don't think the books are getting burned. They're just in another section.

Anyway, I'm here till you run me off.
Larry T

[TRIUMPH TERROR]

Damn big can of WHAAAAAAA has been opened up.You all need to Put your Sniff'n the tears records up and go build something.Then come back and tell me how you built it, fabbed or painted.Even if your building a jap or a allstate scooter and you fab a nice piece for it post up what you have done.If your making something nice name does not always apply the process may be such that it can be used to make a part for a variety of machines.I am sure they will tolerate a post like that.


And quit the I cant build a HD,Trump.or BSA for cheap. I cry foul.
Look up a pic up my Trump or my BSA.Combined in the two I maybe have 2500.00 in each.If you dont buy your shit on ebay and wheel and deal and use your God given talents it dont take as much money as you think.Hell if your a plummer trade some labor to someone whos a painter.Thats how it works.


This place was a spawn off of the HAMB board because some of us were into hotrods and were posting our British and Vintage HD builds over there long before the JJ came about.So Ryan thought it was time to help us get our own place thats why its here.......Dont think I can remember ever seeing a HONDA or the likes posted over there.May have been a few but dont remember.And for those who dont want the above mentioned rides that is fine theres a place for them the interweb is a big place.But I am sure if you see a tech on how to rake a frame it could apply to your off brand build and its still worth coming here to read and apply the knowleage to your paticular brand of bike.Hell I go to quad cam site and xs650 sites all the time to read learn alot but dont post pics of my brits or HDs there.....






So please stop the whinning .This shit wears me out and its what has got the board to where it is right now.

So Pull this damn forum to the side of the road do a U turn and lets get back on track.Post up some constructive stuff......:D


Shoe
XOXOXOXO

[bustedlifter]

well, i joined to post pics of my honda 750 hardtail but.... i guess its just not welcome here now.
I was going to post my shovelhead at hondachoppers.com

[Tman]

Damn big can of WHAAAAAAA has been opened up.You all need to Put your Sniff'n the tears records up and go build something.Then come back and tell me how you built it, fabbed or painted.Even if your building a jap or a allstate scooter and you fab a nice piece for it post up what you have done.If your making something nice name does not always apply the process may be such that it can be used to make a part for a variety of machines.I am sure they will tolerate a post like that.


And quit the I cant build a HD,Trump.or BSA for cheap. I cry foul.
Look up a pic up my Trump or my BSA.Combined in the two I maybe have 2500.00 in each.If you dont buy your shit on ebay and wheel and deal and use your God given talents it dont take as much money as you think.Hell if your a plummer trade some labor to someone whos a painter.Thats how it works.


This place was a spawn off of the HAMB board because some of us were into hotrods and were posting our British and Vintage HD builds over there long before the JJ came about.So Ryan thought it was time to help us get our own place thats why its here.......Dont think I can remember ever seeing a HONDA or the likes posted over there.May have been a few but dont remember.And for those who dont want the above mentioned rides that is fine theres a place for them the interweb is a big place.But I am sure if you see a tech on how to rake a frame it could apply to your off brand build and its still worth coming here to read and apply the knowleage to your paticular brand of bike.Hell I go to quad cam site and xs650 sites all the time to read learn alot but dont post pics of my brits or HDs there.....






So please stop the whinning .This shit wears me out and its what has got the board to where it is right now.

So Pull this damn forum to the side of the road do a U turn and lets get back on track.Post up some constructive stuff......:D


Shoe
XOXOXOXO

Spoken by a man who has been here since day one, well said. See you in a few days luv.;)

[Firedome-TX]

Ryan, Jason,

Thanks, the board needed this push to get back to its main focus!

One question, In the classified section, will folks still be able to post metric parts? I have found quite a few metric bits that can be adapted to fit the needs of a traditional build and and just curious if these parts would still be allowed?

-Clif

[76Cbobber]

i guess yall need to delete the Denvers Chopper thread, seems to me alot of those bikes are Honda.

[Speed King]

Tell 'em Shoe!