Rick`s Rantings - RED. a design group

RICK
The World According to
A Quarterly Publication from Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas • Third Quarter 2004
Circulation over 20,000
Rick’s
Rantings
th
Hey ya’ll. I’m returning from my 19 year at Sturgis. We had 2
booths there — one displayed 8 of my customs and the other was
at the Broken Spoke Saloon because I was lucky enough to have
my “Six Pack” bike invited to join the 2005 Easyriders Centerfold
Tour. This is a huge honor! My bike will travel the country with
those from Kim Suter, Dave Perewitz, Kendall Johnson, Paul Yaffe,
Eddie Trotta, Chica, Jesse Rooke, Indian Larry* & Billy Lane. These
guys are big hitters & I’m very proud to be included in this group.
(Check the events section of this newsletter for a list of the
upcoming Easyriders shows.)
One of the big reasons I can go to events is I have a great staff. I
want to thank everyone now. My main bike builder is Scully, the
guy who helps put my vision on the street. Shawn is another
builder who does a fine job. My fabricators, Ryan & Craig, are also
a big help with the bike builds. Gary (Meathead) is my service
manager & he’s good at what may be the hardest job in the
company. My other fine service techs include Mike, Phillip, Kevin &
Ricky. Redd & Robert keep the service department running
smoothly. I also have some really good parts people in Joe, Harley,
Shane, Neil Carl, & Nick.
In the Roadware department, Bonnie, Tiffany and Michelle and my
Inside this edition:
daughters, Lena & Liz, do a good job. Also helping out around
here are Charles, Jason, Armando & Willie. My brother-in-law,
Steve Bessler, does wonders with our computers & website. I have
a great sales staff headed up by Gary Sipes that includes Frank, Al
& Nicki. Mindy is my great office manager and my daughter,
Chelsey, helps out after school. Bret is my Operations Manager &
he helps me make important decisions about every department.
At the bar, my Mom & my sister, Denise, are rock solid workers.
Over at the Ice House there’s also Teresa, Amanda, Mindy (she
works both places), Debbie, Christina & Whitney. Trent is my GM &
he’s been with me from Day 1. Then, there’s my wife, Susan. She’s
awesome! She helps run my office & pretty much every damn
thing around here. She’s the only person who can actually tell me
NO! I may not like it but I know she’s right. I love her so much that
I married her twice!
I also have a great Marketing/PR team in Beth, Oné & Reecanne.
They own BrandEra Marketing. They’re helping me take my game
to the next level.
I also want to thank my brother, Randy – the big shot attorney –
who keeps me out of trouble & my dad, Ocie, who is full of good
advice. Also thanks to the Easyriders gang of Melissa Penland,
John Green, Dave Nichols & Easyriders owner, Joe Teresi. These
people believed in me enough to add me to the Tour & I’m gonna
work my ass off to show them that they made the right choice.
Anyway, you get the idea. I’m not the Lone Ranger up here. I have
lots of fantastic people supporting me.
*We want to express our sympathy to Indian
Larry’s friends, family and colleagues.
Custom Bike Building • Mirthmaking 2004 • Rick’s Top 10 List
Shop Talk • Road Ware • Poker Night
Much, much more
Store Hours: Open 8 Days a Week • 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas • 9304 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX 75235 • Phone: 214-357-0707
Strokers Ice House Bar & Grill • 9324 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX 75235 • Phone: 214-351-5252
www.strokersdallas.com
•
rick@strokersdallas.com
CUSTOM BIKE BUILDING
Fairless Style
“Time Warp”
You know when I design bikes, it’s about
taking an idea in my head or a sketch on a
sheet of paper & giving it three dimensions.
With the equipment we now have in the
shop & the fabrication guys I have on staff,
we have the luxury of creating our own look
& not being limited to just what’s in
catalogs.
For those of you who went to Sturgis this
year, you may have seen my new creations:
“Time Warp,” “Graffiti” and my Triumph
Chopper. We’re really proud of these bikes
because it’s a team effort around here to
get bikes like these babies done. Words
just can’t do them justice.
At our 4th of July shindig, we hosted Tom
Zimberoff. His book, The Art of Chopper,
captures the designs & diversity of
builders from across the country.
Designing bikes really is an art form
and we’re pretty
damn good at it.
People frequently
ask me where
my crazy ideas come
from. In the case of
the “Time Warp,” it
represents 100 years
of popular culture.
If you’re an old guy
like me, you will
remember
many of
the events,
places, &
people you
see painted
on this bike.
“Time Warp”
For Sale! Call Ric
k!
page 2
Chrome Plating and
Powder Coating
On the other hand, with a proprietary
Scooter Shooterz frame, Fat Katz fender,
Wimmer air intake, Joker controls, Metzeler
tires & custom paint by Other Side Customs,
“Graffiti” represents a combination of the
industry’s finest. You have a chance to win
this bike from the boys at Hot Bike
Magazine. You know the drill … by
subscribing to the magazine, you get entered
into the giveaway contest. For more details
go to www.hotbike.com.
“Graffiti”
Another little baby I’m
especially proud of is my
new Triumph. Come in and
I’ll show you what’s so cool
about this bad ass scooter.
Whether it is motorcycle
parts, antique car
components or a piece of
trim for your boat, at Show &
Go, we’ll carefully prep the
part, polish it to perfection
and chrome it like new.
We can powder coat and
chrome plate almost any kind
of metal to enhance its
appearance. Our team is
top-notch and skilled at
giving a new look to
old parts. Reliable,
experienced, and customer
service-oriented, we’re ready
to take care of you.
Just give us a call...
you’ll be glad you did.
Show & Go
11702 Plano Rd.
Dallas, TX 75243
214.343.8871
“Triumph”
a Dallas tradition since 1971
aka . . Rick’s Beer Joint
The Ice House really knows how to heat it up
but keep you cool with some ice cold beer.
Since it’s open 8 days a week too, plan your good times
at our place & keep this schedule in mind:
Monday-Friday – Happy Hour… from 2 - 6 pm, domestic
longnecks are just $2.00.
Monday – Free Pool Night…
of course, the beer & burgers are extra.
Tuesday – Lingerie Night…from 6 - 8 pm get a glimpse of some of
Dallas’ best babes in something lacy.
Wednesday – Texas Hold ‘Em… from 6 - 9 pm want them to deal
you a hand? It’s amateur poker night with your buddies and it’s
free.
Thursday – Bikini Night… from 6 - 8 pm meet your friends here for
an early start to your weekend.
Friday – Live music from 7 - 11 pm.
Saturday – Live music from 2 - 6 pm & again from 7 - 11 pm.
Sunday – The “Sunday
Tradition”…why not start or end your
ride here with friends? Live music
from 2 - 6 pm.
Rick-ism
“I don’t need a fancy computer. I have a notebook & a red pen.”
page 3
Rick’s
Top 10 List
Top 10 reason to come to
the Strokers Dallas
Anniversary party -
#10
Bikes, beer
and babes on
Harry Hines.
#9
If you don't show
up, I'll bring the
party to your house
- me and 5,000 of
my drunk buddies.
(The clean up will
be hell.)
#8
We're hoping the
newlywed couple of
Larry Bird and Pamela
Anderson will come
and party.
#7
The Dallas Cowboys
have a "bye" this
weekend.
#6
#5
Strip clubs are closed
on Sundays.
#4
We're gonna fold
leftover anniversary
flyers into festive
party hats.
#3
We'll challenge Larry
Bird to a game of
HORSE and Pamela
Anderson to a
wrestling match.
#2
A film crew could be
here...really! (It's
your chance to be
famous.)
#1
Sometimes our
beer girls get
drunk & remove
their clothes.
page 4
Saddam Hussein will
be here bussing
tables.
Mirthmaking 2004
the Fairless Road Tour . . .
The Foolishness Continues
October 1- October 3 Rick Fairless’ Strokers Anniversary Party, Dallas
Let’s celebrate 9 years together!!
Saturday, October 2
Poker Run $15 a hand; 1st bike out 11:00am;
Last bike in 4:00 pm; Awards at 5:00 pm
Check out the big rigs – AIH and Big Dog come to town. Special
appearance from Kim Suter of KC Kreations.
Sunday, October 3
Party down with live music, cold beer, bikini beer girls and lots of
vendors and don’t forget the Miss Strokers’ Dallas 2004 Bikini
Contest on Sunday at 5:00 pm. If you know a hot girl, have her
sign up to win $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place,
$200 for 3rd place.
Sunday, October 3
SRV Remembrance Ride
Meet at the gravesite at 11:00 am at Laurel Land and I-35 in
Dallas. Leave at 12:00 noon and head over to Rick’s to join the
on-going party.
October 21 – 24
November 19 – 21
December
Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach, FL
International Motorcycle Show, Dallas
Christmas Open House, Strokers Dallas
Easyriders Centerfold Tour
As I mentioned, I am really honored to be part of this great tour.
Here is the calendar for the rest of the year. It’s awesome to
take what we do here in Dallas and show it to the rest of
the country.
Date
City
October 9
Indianapolis
November 6
San Diego
November 13 Houston
November 20 Atlanta
For more info, www.easyridersevents.com
Custom Bikes
Motorcycle Trade Show
Live Music
Roadware Fashion Show
Door Prizes
Food & Beer
on sale
2005 already looks to be a busy year. Shows are already scheduled in Pomano, Sacramento,
Charlotte, Louisville, Memphis, Columbus, Portland, Kansas City, Denver and Dallas. You know
the saying, “Have bike, will travel.”
We’re Playin’… Are You?
Texas Hold ‘em Poker Night is the
newest event hosted at Strokers Ice
House and it’s FREE. Come by any
Wednesday & test your skills.
Join the action at 6:00 pm & 9:00
pm. You can accumulate points
that are redeemable for prizes.
You can even win a trip to Vegas
to play with the big boys. Need
more scoop? Check out
www.amateurpokerleague.com.
Lights...
camera....
action.
As part of the BIG anniversary celebration
we’re planning, the Big Dog show truck
is going to be here all weekend
October 1 - 3. This will be your
opportunity to take advantage of
some really great anniversary
specials on bikes & apparel.
We have a showroom full of the
Big Dog Chopper and the
Ridgeback ready for immediate delivery.
Candy red, silver, and white are just a few
of the base colors to choose from.
Big Dog did not become top dog in this
industry for nothing.
Come on in and test ride
your Big Dog today!
2004 Ridgeback
Ever wonder what you get
when you put a motorcycle
shop and a beer joint
together with a crazy cast of
characters? Throw in some
pretty beer tub girls, loyal
customers, and the whole
Fairless family...and you have
yourself some serious
entertainment, Strokers-style.
Stay tuned for more details.
Be there at the Anniversary
party Oct. 1-3 for some really
BIG news.
Shop Talk
What is the word on battery
tenders? Yes, they are
good for your bike’s battery
because they extend the life
of your battery. A fully
charged battery will start
your bike easier. Battery
tenders make great gifts for
any biker. We carry them
and we’ll be glad to install it
for you. Come on by the
service department and we’ll
help you out.
The American IronHorse Slammer represents
the best of what this awesome manufacturer has
to offer. It’s always been the flagship model.
What is an upgrade on other models is standard
equipment on this baby. Powered with the S&S
111 cubic inch engine, 6 speed transmission,
240mm rear, dual disk front brakes, hydraulic
clutch and air ride suspension, you’ll arrive in
style on this bike. If you want style &
performance… you want a Slammer.
2004 Slammer
Air pressure....when did you
check it last? Yesterday, last
week, a month or so ago?
Proper air pressure
will help with the
handling of the
bike and extend
tire life. Most
rear tires run
36 to 42 psi.
Most front
tires run 38
to 42 psi.
If you are
unsure of the
proper pressure,
check the side
wall of the tire, you
will find the air
pressure stamped
on the tire.
page 5
WWW.STROKERSDALLAS.COM
Road Ware, You Wear
With the popularity of our “Who’s
Your Daddy?” shirt, we have
expanded the line with Flexfit ball
caps & long-sleeve t-shirts. We’ve
also improved our selection of
Dragonfly shirts. And along with
the popularity of the “Six Pack”
bike, we have a new shirt to go
along with it. The men’s “Six Pack”
shirt is available in black or white
short sleeve for only $23.99. We
also have a two women’s shirts – a
short sleeve & a 3/4 sleeve – both
black. Join the pack & get yours!
We also have some great new
Skinny Minnie long sleeve shirts
coming in this fall so you can be in
style for the cooler weather. Finish
off the look with leathers & boots
from Easyriders Roadware &
ShaSha.
Finally, plan your days with the
new Dreamgirls 2005 calendar,
on sale now for $14.99.
page 6
The
Perfect Gift
Need to give a gift or want to make
sure you receive a gift you really
will enjoy… introducing the
Strokers Dallas gift card. Buy
these in the store & they’re
redeemable in any joint owned by
Rick. They can be purchased in
any amount.
Announcements
Al Hamilton has joined us in sales.
He is a lifelong motorcycle
enthusiast so he not only
understands what he is selling, but
he loves it too. He has worked in
the motorcycle industry for a
number of years selling Harleys &
custom bikes.
Yeah, They’re Talkin’
You know part of growing a business is
making sure potential customers know what
you are all about. I can’t tell you how much I
appreciate it when someone tells me that it
was their buddy who recommended Strokers.
Word-of-mouth support is awesome. I’m also
really proud of the coverage we’ve been
getting lately in the news.
• Dallas Morning News –
Restaurant review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/25
• Dallas Observer –
July 4 party & Zimberoff book signing. . 7/1
• KZPS radio interview –
July 4 party & Zimberoff book signing. . 7/2
• Dallas Morning News –
July 4 party & Zimberoff book
signing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/3
• Rapid City Journal –
Psychedelic bike photo . . 8/13
And of course Hot Bike August,
September & October issues.
Residents in the
Land of Fairless
Kevin “Norm” Bakke,
Service Technician
Kevin is one of those
guys from north, north
Texas or is it
Saskatchewan,
Canada? He originally
came to the states to
be a camp counselor,
believe it or not. He
met a girl, married &
decided to make
working on motorcycles his life’s work. Of
course, coming from Canada, he is more than
your average hockey fan. He played it 18
years and was a goalie. Now he even plans
to do some coaching in Frisco. All I can say is
GO STARS! He works on Harleys, Big Dogs &
American IronHorses here at the shop. He is
serious about making your bike run right.
Good ole “Norm” seems to fit right in to the
dysfunctional family we call Strokers Dallas.
At Your Service
As we move into the fall, this is a great time of year to really take stock of
your bike. What upgrades do you need to make? How do you want to
improve its performance? Now is the right time to give your bike a front
to back inspection & begin scheduling the customization projects you have
in mind.
Call the service department at 214-357-0707.
Parts is Parts
We’ve developed a whole new line of proprietary parts…. frames, sissy
bars, & handlebars to name a few. Knowing that so many of our
customers want to take their American IronHorse or Big Dog motorcycles
to the next level, I designed some new components that will adapt easily
to either brand. We offer the handlebars and sissy bars in a raw finish,
chromed or painted. We can also do totally one-off handlebars & sissy
bars. Talk to our parts department for more details.
ARE YOU
READY?
If you’re ready to take your motorcycle to a higher level of design
and performance then consider the all new Rick Fairless’ custom
line of top quality parts. Manufactured to help you create
the bike of your dreams, here’s just a sample of what Rick
and his team have for your bike:
SISSY BAR
• Fits ’03 or newer
American IronHorse or
Big Dog models
• Star, Iron Cross and
custom designs
available
• 12” and 20” heights and
custom sizes available
• Mounting hardware
sold separately
RF-Z BARS
HARD ASS FRAME
• Fits ’04 or newer Big
Dog Chopper and ’03
American IronHorse
Texas Chopper
• Available with or
without speedo mount
• 1 ¼” steel tubing
• Hand position 2”
shorter than stock
• Uses stock speedo and
hand controls – no
modification required
• Rigid frame
• Also available in
• 280 right side drive
single down tube
belt or 300 right side
or custom rake
chain drive
and stretch
• Rake: 45 degrees
• 8” up and
5” backbone
• 1 ½” steel tubing
• 1” rear axle
• Custom round oil tank
To order call 214-357-0707 or 877-876-5371 and online at www.strokersdallas.com
9304 Harry Hines Blvd.• Dallas, TX 75235
RPeople
ick-doisbusiness
m: with people, not with companies.
page 7
AND IN THE END
THE LOVE YOU TAKE IS EQUAL TO THE LOVE YOU MAKE
Big news. My best friend Joe T. Moore & I just bought Show &
Go Chrome Plating & Powder Coating. This is HUGE! Show &
Go has been in business in Dallas since 1971. Former owner, Ike
Shelton, once had a prosperous chrome plating/powder coating
business. Since he sold the shop 4 years ago, business has
suffered. Joe T. & I have promised Ike we’ll return Show & Go to
one of the premier chrome plating/powder coating shops in the
country. For now, we’ll keep Show & Go at its present location
on the corner of Plano Rd. & Forest Ln. in East Dallas.
So, if you need chrome plating/powder coating you can drop it
off at Show & Go or here at Strokers. Or, we offer a pick up &
delivery service. We’ll offer fair prices, quick service & quality
chrome/powder coating. If you’re unhappy with our work, we’ll
rework the part until you’re happy or it’s free. I’m not messing
around. I’m gonna grab this chrome plating/powder coat
business by the throat & go to town. Please give us a try.
On a personal note, Susan & I just moved into a new house we
had built in Las Colinas. I’m not there much because I’m
working all the time. It’s a nicer home than I ever dreamed I
would live in. I’m always thinking somebody’s gonna wake me
up & say “You live here? Yeah, right.” You know, it just goes to
show what I’ve always believed. If you get up early & work hard
all day, good things will happen! That’s what I’ve told my kids
forever & I believe it’s true. I’m living proof.
Hopefully ya’ll got a chance to enter the Rick Fairless/Hot Bike
Sweepstakes giveaway. The bike and I are on the October issue
cover. Someone is gonna win this $60,000 bike so it might as
well be you.
Anyway, I just returned from Sturgis. I’m amazed at the
popularity of motorcycles. I’ve never seen so many new
motorcycle companies & motorcycle shops. There are a lot of
new talented people joining this industry & that’s a good thing.
But, there’s also a lot of “jump on the bandwagon” people
getting in because it’s hot right now. Please be careful before
you spend your dough. Ask yourself a few questions: How long
have they been in business? Are they a reputable company? Do I
know these people? If I have a problem, can I talk directly to the
owner? Can I get my money back if I’m unhappy? Are these
people here for the long run or are they a Johnny-come-lately
trying to cash in on the trend?
Ya’ll know me. I’m not some bullshitter or some pretty boy
(don’t I know it) with a song & dance routine. I’m an honest,
straight shooter that lives & dies motorcycles. I was here before
the trend started & I’ll still be here after the smoke clears & all
the bandwagon jumpers have vanished with the smoke. I stand
behind any service we perform or product we sell. You can call
me anytime @ 214.357.0707 or simply come see me at the
shop. I promise you that I always go out of my way to be more
than fair with the customer.
This is my 9th year of business. I work everyday, 8 days a week.
If I’m not here, then I’m out of town at a motorcycle function. I
don’t sleep in & hang out at my new house reading the paper in
my robe & slippers. (I don’t even own a stinkin’ robe & slippers!)
I’m here before 6 am & I go home at 7:30 pm EVERYDAY! This
is what I do. This is who I am. I’m here for you & I’m trying to
make your motorcycle experience the best it can be. Please let
me know if you have any suggestions.
C-Ya,
9304 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75235
DALLAS, TX
PERMIT NO. 1
PAID
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE