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The Rare and Famous Motorcycles of the San Diego Automotive Museum

Happy Days Triumph display at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

Fonzie may not be real, but his Triumph and leather jacket certainly are in the Happy Days display

Balboa Park in San Diego, California, is a magical place. It is home to the Shakespearean Old Globe Theater complex as well as concert venues, miles of fantastic trails, and fine dining. However, our focus here is one of the park’s great museums.

As its name would indicate, the San Diego Automotive Museum houses some amazing cars and trucks. However, motorcycle enthusiasts will be glad to hear that there is an equally fascinating motorcycle section in the facility.

The museum serves as a home for dozens of vintage and historically significant motorcycles, and it displays the moto-gems in a creative and visitor-friendly way. Simply put, the museum’s curators have a great eye for the aesthetic.

The Thematic Displays

Steve McQueen display at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

A Steve McQueen Honda Elsinore and Husqvarna 400 are creatively displayed

One of the first thematic displays that one passes in the motorcycle segment of the museum is the staged Triumph from the iconic TV show Happy Days. The star of the display is the 1949 Triumph Trophy TR5 Scrambler. It is one of three of the British classics used in the filming of the show. Fonzie himself is in the display – albeit in cardboard form, as is the character’s signature black leather jacket.

Steve McQueen was known as the ‘King of Cool’ in large part because of the actor’s love of racing and speed. He was a star of the quintessential motorcycle movie 'On Any Sunday' which is played on a video loop in the display dedicated to his motorcycles.

McQueen’s motorcycle collection was legendary and two fantastic examples are on display in the museum. A vintage McQueen-owned Honda Elsinore motocross bike is shown in all of its industry-changing glory. Even more amazing is the 1970 Husqvarna 400 that was owned by McQueen. There is even evidence that the bike is the one the actor is seen riding in a racing clip in the 1971 film.

The Evel Knievel Stratocycle display at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

The Evel Knievel Stratocycle and all if its strangeness are on display in San Diego

No motorcycle exhibit would be complete without some mention of Evel Knievel. The San Diego museum gives the legendary stunt jumper much more than just a mention. The 1976 Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster that was custom built into the Stratocycle, an over-the-top bike used in the 1977 movie ‘Viva Knievel,’ is featured prominently in the museum.

The Classic Motorcycles

The backbone of the San Diego Automotive Museum’s motorcycle collection rests in the dozens of rare, vintage motorcycles that grace its floor. Some of the examples wear the patina of time, while others are meticulously restored.

Marquees from America, Europe, and Asia grace the historically-significant display. While photos do not do the scintillating bikes justice, scroll down to peruse a small sampling of what you can see at the museum.

Of course, anywhere great motorcycles are found, K&N is likely there as well, so look for the vintage racer that breathes through K&N filters.

1971 BSA A70 750cc flat track race bike at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

This 1971 BSA A70 750cc flat track race bike wears K&N pod filters

1950 Vincent Series C Rapide at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

The 1950 Vincent Series C Rapide is part of the iconic British line of speedsters

British 1958 Ariel at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

This British 1958 Ariel has the beautiful 'square four' engine configuration

1947 Indian Chief at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

The mellow yellow 1947 Indian Chief puts those famous fenders on full display

1928 Moto Guzzi Falcon at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

Classic Italian style is embodied in this 1928 Moto Guzzi Falcon

1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

The 1938 Harley-Davidson has the legendary Knucklehead V-twin

Rare motorcycles at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

The museum holds rare moto-treasures in every corner

The motorcycle display at the San Diego, California Automotive Museum

Fantastic bikes in creative displays are to be found in the SD Automotive Museum

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2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty Owned by Las Vegas State Farm Insurance Agent Heads for SEMA

Monica's 2015 F-350 is definitely the perfect attention grabbing rolling billboard

Monica's 2015 F-350 is definitely the perfect attention grabbing rolling billboard

It is assumed that men own the big custom trucks we see on the highways of the country. However, that is not always the case. Take for example Monica Gubler, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Gubler is a State Farm Insurance agent who owns a custom built 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty.

The truck is used as a daily driver, her business vehicle, and to tote a Polaris RZR UTV for off-road riding with the family. It has helped promote her business and has made her somewhat of a celebrity in the greater Las Vegas area as well as all of Nevada. She really does turn heads when people see her climb out of the cab of that big truck wearing a dress and high heels. There is a reason why she calls the truck “Big Sexy.”

She also volunteered that she meets prospective clients at car shows and having the truck helps her build confidence with custom car owners.

“I have special knowledge and experience on how to help guide clients who own custom vehicles when inquiring about insurance and the repair process during a claim,” she said.

Holds Special Knowledge On Heavy Duty Trucks

She got interested in big heavy-duty trucks growing up in Big Sky Country in Dillon, Montana.

“I grew up in big trucks,” said Monica. “My parents owned trucks living in the Big Sky Country and when my husband Damon and I first met, one of the first vehicles I owned was a Ford F-150. My first Super Duty was a 2001 Ford F-250 with a standard transmission that I bought about 10 years ago when I opened my insurance business.”

That first heavy-duty truck served as a canvas for a plethora of custom enhancements.

“My husband and I did quite a bit of aftermarket customization to it and put a full vehicle wrap on it to help market my business,” Monica continued. “It did wonderful things for my business. So we decided to build another truck that would be even bigger and more eye catching.”

She sold the 2001 Ford F-250 and contacted a Ford dealership and told them she wanted a new and improved Super Duty. The dealership ordered her a 2015 Ford F-350 straight off the Ford assembly line built to her specifications and it was delivered in May 2014.

“I wanted to maximize my business opportunity and I knew I wasn’t going to purchase something small. I wanted something big and bold that would make a statement. Most of my local competition and colleagues drive your average sedans or a small SUV. I wanted something that stood out.”

She never considered any other brand of truck except a Ford. That’s because she enjoyed owning a Ford F-150 and Ford F-250. She also explained that she is impressed with the truck’s power and she likes the size of the cab on the F-350.

“The Ford cab is very comfortable and appealing, which makes it the best,” she said.

Upon delivery, she knew she would be fulfilling her vision of her customized dream truck. Her wish list included many upgrades that would require the expertise of several shops and vendors.

She found the shops that could help her build her dream truck through contacts from her business.

“I work with a lot of body shops and a lot of aftermarket shops because of my business and my clients. It was helpful knowing people in the industry. One of my contacts is with Sudden Impact, who has a wonderful working relationship with me. They have helped repair many of my client’s vehicles that have been customized. The shop owner got me in touch with another local company called 4 The Truck and they did the majority of the labor-intensive work.”

She and her husband chose the products installed on the truck. They selected products from familiar top-rated companies that they had great past experiences with. For example, the truck includes the K&N HP-4005 oil filter as well as a K&N 63-2582 air intake system.

Monica Gubler and her Custom 2015 Ford F-350.

Monica Gubler with her custom 2015 Ford F-350 also known as "Big Sexy"

“We have read about many aftermarket products in magazines and have had many conversations with clients and friends who own or have experience in the industry with custom trucks. Word gets around and my husband and I know what products are the best,” she said.

“One of my best contacts works with my client Best In The Desert, the largest off-road racing association in the U.S. They have a great relationship with Ford and have a lot of knowledge about the Ford Super Duty and the many different aftermarket products available. They were a great influence on the products that we selected,” said Monica.

Another influence that was a great resource on products and manufacturers was the founder of Silver State Classic Racing, which is an Open Road Rally Event that closes 90 miles of Nevada State Route 318 between Lund and Hiko, Nevada.

And then there was SEMA

“SEMA 2014 opened up a lot of doors for us, too,” noted Damon. “Once we had a spot reserved in the SEMA show, many aftermarket manufacturers jumped on board and offered their products and assistance. They wanted their products displayed on the truck, especially after they saw the magnitude of what we were building. What they saw was not only bolt-on products but a lot of one of a kind truly custom systems like the overload air bag system, which is 100-percent custom; and front bumper and matching roof rack."

“We were the first at SEMA to have frenched in lights that were flush even on the custom built front bumper and grill as well as the custom built roof rack. Now you can find almost every manufacturer displaying the flush-mounted frenched in lights. You could say, we were a trendsetter,” said Damon.

They Had A Vision

Monica and Damon had a vision of what they wanted the truck to look like before they bought it. They hired KEG Media in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to create a rendering, which they used to entice manufacturers to become a build partner and to provide products as sponsors.

“KEG Media is the number one rendering firm for SEMA and is well-known in the automotive industry,” noted Damon.

“We approached companies who had the best systems for what we were trying to achieve and the products with the best overall performance,” he continued. “When we contacted the vendors for help with a custom designed product, a lot of them opened their arms to us and put me in touch with their engineering departments so that they could work directly with us on finishing the design to ensure that their product was compatible with the overall vision. The vendors were excited to be involved with our project and wanted to participate in a build of a truck that they knew would be an eye catcher at SEMA.”

Products and Sponsors

The new custom products installed onto the F-350 include:

• EBC disc rotors and pads

• 8” Fabtech front suspension system with 4 link coil over

• Dirt Logic 4.0 coil over shock absorbers

• American Force Storm 22-inch by 12-inch wheels

• Toyo Open Country 37x13.50R22 tires

• 8” Fabtech leaf with airbag rear suspension system

The Ford F-350 features K&N 63-2582 Air Intake System and HP4005 Oil Filter.

The engine compartment holds a K&N 63-2582 air intake system and K&N HP-4005 oil filter

• Hellwig Big Wig air bags

• Fabtech 2.25 shock absorbers

• Hellwig sway bar

• Titan 50-gallon fuel tank

• K&N AirCharger intake system

• K&N oil filter

• MagnaFlow 5-inch exhaust

• Two XS Power D6500 batteries

• T-Rex grille

• Bushwacker flared fender

• Las Vegas Wrought Iron one-of-a-kind custom built front bumper

• ARE camper shell

• Aleatronix video system with two 9-inch DVD-TVs in the headrests

• Custom painted interior red accents

• Custom front seats with “G” stitched in headrest

• Black leather upholstery with red perforated diamond inserts and red piping

• Royal Purple Oil

Other partners included Knipex, WARN Industries, and ROGUE Racing.

The Gubler Family with their Polaris ATVs and "Big Sexy."

The Gubler Custom 2015 Ford F-350 also totes the family and their Polaris RZRs for off-road riding

The truck has been exhibited at the 2014 SEMA Show, Henderson (Nevada) Car Show, and Cars & Coffee as well as other charitable events.

“My truck, or as I call her, ‘Big Sexy,’ is a true representation of who I am as a person. This truck is big, bad, red, powerful, tough, beautiful, sexy, and one of a kind. It is an attention grabber and I am very proud to be the operator. People often double take when they see me get out of the driver’s seat in heels, confidently driving such a large vehicle. ‘Big Sexy’ is my mobile billboard for my insurance business and chariot for my family,” concluded Monica.

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K&N RK-3948B Air Intake Adds Style and Higher Performance to Harley-Davidson FL Models

K&N RK-3948B intake installed on a Harley-Davidson FL model

The design of the RK-3948B intake matches the lines of the Harley engine perfectly

The venerable Harley-Davidson FL line of motorcycles can be defined, in part, by classic styling. That being said, there is always room for some welcome creativity in the styling of performance upgrades. K&N’s new RK-3948B Big 8 intake system combines a classic black intake look, with just a touch of chrome bling. The result is a styling aesthetic that enhances any Harley.

Before we get to the impressive performance and protection aspects of the RK-3948B, let’s look closer at the visual design elements. The unique shape of the intake's frame and filter compliments the lines of the V-twin engine configuration. The intake cap is finished in a subtle matte black that sits as the perfect backdrop for the three chrome accents. Simply put, the look works.

Resting behind that fine looking exterior is an engineered custom aluminum mounting system that allows an increased airflow to the throttle body. The intake has an integrated, internal-run breather system. Sandwiched between the intake mount and the cover is a K&N high-flow air filter element.

K&N RK-3948B intake for Harley-Davidson FL models back view

K&N's engineers have developed a mounting system that is clean and efficient

That filter element is composed of multiple layers of cotton gauze filter media formed into numerous pleats that flow loads of clean air to the V-twin engine. It is no secret that more airflow increases the potential for significant power gains.

So what kind of horsepower boost can you expect from the RK-3948B? K&N’s rigorous in-house testing resulted in an estimated gain of almost 7 horsepower when the intake was installed on an otherwise stock 2017 107ci Harley-Davidson Road Glide. You can see the test protocols and the performance charts on the dyno chart link on the product details page.

That impressive power increase does not come at the expense of engine protection. The K&N filter incorporates the oil-impregnated media that has over four decades of real-world testing and proven protection. When it is time to clean that element, K&N makes a number of kits and cleaning products that make the job simple and convenient.

K&N RK-3948B intake for Harley-Davidson FL models parts view

Everything that is needed for easy installation is included in the RK-3948B kit

Enough talking already. Isn’t it time that you bolt on some style and performance? The installation of the RK-3948B is straightforward and K&N’s instruction sheet provides clear photos of each step of the process. The filter element comes pre-oiled and ready to install.

The RK-3948B intake fits the models listed below. Check K&N's online application search tool for all of your filtration needs.

2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRXS ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRX ROAD GLIDE 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU ROAD GLIDE ULTRA 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLRT FREEWHEELER 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXS STREET GLIDE SPECIAL 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTKL ULTRA LIMITED LOW 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK ULTRA LIMITED 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG TRI GLIDE ULTRA 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC 107 CI - All Models
2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING 107 CI - All Models

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K&N Universal Off-Road Air Intake System Provides Double Protection In Dusty Terrain

The Universal Off-Road Air Intake can be mounted nearly anywhere on the vehicle

The sealed canister contains a 6-layer filter and a foam pre-filter for extra protection

If you’re an off-road racer or an off-road enthusiast, K&N has developed the ideal air filter system for vehicles that require a clean, abundant flow of air, regardless of the amount of sand or dust you’re driving through. That’s the design criteria for the K&N 54-6853 universal off-road air intake.

This system is composed of several unique K&N features that keep the engine fed with clean air while resisting dirt, sand, and dust.

First is the canister itself. At less than two feet long, the canister can be mounted virtually anywhere on the vehicle, in either a horizontal or vertical manner. The canister comes with two saddle clamps with mounting hardware for quick installation. And it’s lightweight. Despite the sealed protection it offers the air filter, the entire canister assembly, loaded with filter and adapters weighs just 13 pounds.

The canister carries a matte black finish, providing a sophisticated look, and carries a subtle K&N logo, showing everyone that you are serious about your performance.

The Universal Off-Road Air Intake can be fitted to two different sizes of intake tubes

Universal off-road air intake comes complete with two different sized velocity stacks

On one end of the canister is the cone-shaped intake lid. It can be run as-is, or a hose can be attached for a remote air intake. At the other end is your choice of two adapters to which you attach the pipe to the engine intake. One is 3.5” in diameter, the other is 4.0” in diameter. They’re also replaceable, so if you elect to start with the 3.5” diameter adapter, it’s an easy task to swap it out for the 4.0” adapter.

Inside the canister is a unique K&N double filtration system. The primary filter is a RU-5064 which is specially designed for off-road application. The RU-5064 features twice as many layers of treated red cotton filter media than the typical K&N filter. At nearly a foot long, the tapered conical air filter provides plenty of air flow, up to about 350 CFM as seen in K&N testing. That’s plenty for most SxS, UTVs, and four-cylinder off-road racers. Racers with larger engines can run two canisters for a total of about 700 CFM.

The K&N RU-5064 provides outstanding air flow with excellent filtration characteristics

The pleated K&N RU-5064 conical air filter provides additional surface area for increased airfllow

In addition to the RU-5064, the universal off-road air intake includes a 25-5167 foam wrap, which is an extreme-duty pre-cleaner. Its open-cell foam design traps and holds large dirt particles before they can reach the RU-5064, extending the life of the primary filter – which is especially important in long-distance off road races.

As with other K&N air filters, both the RU-5064 filter element and 25-5167 foam filter are washable and reusable. The RU-5064 can be cleaned with K&N 99-5000 filter care service kit at up to 50,000 mile service intervals, depending on driving conditions. The 25-5167 foam wrap can be washed with soap and water.

Plus the K&N RU-5064 air filter included is designed to last for the lifetime of your vehicle, which K&N guarantees will perform with the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

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Dave Hargreaves of Cerberus Moto Creates the Rugged WD-40 'Athena' Custom Yamaha

Dave Hargreaves "Athena" custom Yamaha 650 side view, fully dressed

Athena packs all you need to survive in the urban jungle (photo Johnathan Anderson)

Dave Hargreaves and Jennifer Gardner are the owners of the longest continuously operating co-op motorcycle shop in the nation. Cerberus Moto is a fantastic DIY facility in San Diego, California, and its owners are both passionate moto enthusiasts.

Hargreaves, a certified motorcycle mechanic and master craftsman, has created a custom that exudes rugged cool in every detail. The "Athena" build started life as a common 1977 Yamaha 650 twin. However, it was lucky enough to end up in Hargreaves' artistic hands, where it was transformed into the mythological goddess she is now. So what's in a name?

"Of course, the theme of Greek mythology is a core reason (for the name)," said Hargreaves. "Athena is the goddess of wisdom and craft. Of course, she is known more commonly as the goddess of war. The bike is an amalgamation of all three. It's a Swiss army knife. It's a rolling survival kit."

A Swiss army knife indeed. Athena's list of 'blades' is utterly amazing.

Dave Hargreaves aboard his custom Yamaha 650 in his shop in San Diego, California

Dave Hargreaves is a busy man with his Cerberus Moto DIY shop and his custom bike building

The Yamaha has a custom suspension that is fully up to the ravages of the post-apocalyptic world for which it seems designed. It rolls on 17-inch Warp 9 Racing Supermoto wheels shod with beefy Continental TKC80 knobby tires. Upgraded brake calipers, rotors, and braided stainless brake lines keep Athena under control.

On the electrical front, Hargreaves ensured adequate charging with a permanent magnet alternator (PMA) in the build. That is particularly important when you hear the gadgetry Athena is packing. It has a very trick high-output HID and LED lighting system. The main headlight is removable and will operate independently from the motorcycle as a spotlight or a signal light.

There is an onboard solar generator for emergency 110v power in one of the ammo-box panniers. That same box also carries 4 LiPo4 batteries, a charge controller, inverter, and tool roll. The Yamaha is controlled with a keyless ignition and features a GPS speedometer and navigation unit. There is even a small CB radio on board with tuned external antennae.

Dave Hargreaves "Athena" custom Yamaha 650 engine and K&N air filters

Hargreaves trusts K&N filters on all of his custom motorcycles and Athena is no different

All of that gadgetry could seem to be the bike's Achilles heel (back to the Greek mythology theme) if it were to fail. However, Hargreaves insists that the system is durable, reliable, and safeguarded.

"The bike does not rely on complicated electronics to operate," said Hargreaves. "When the bike is in 'storage mode,' it has a total electric cut off. The electronic items that are on board are protected in this fashion."

Anyone who has ever seen the movie Mad Max knows how important fuel capacity will be post-apocalypse. Athena has tank-mounted auxiliary fuel cells to store more of the vital juice. When you need to stop for some sustenance, the Yamaha has a concealed camp kitchen, a survival pack, and a fold out work station stored in one of its detachable panniers.

In keeping with the self-reliance theme, Athena breathes through two high-performance, washable K&N pod filters. It is not by chance that K&N is a part of the project.

Dave Hargreaves "Athena" custom Yamaha 650 top view

Athena wears a full rack system for mounting almost anything to the tank and tail

"We use K&N filters on everything we build," said Hargreaves. "It amazes me that someone would build a custom and put some knock-off brand of filter on it. K&N has earned my trust and respect as a company."

On the exhaust side, Athena features hand-built stainless headers and pipes. That un-muffled exhaust certainly indicates that there will be no decibel-level limitations in the dystopian future.

Even though Athena is chock-full of modern, high-tech features, it's what the build is at its core that most satisfies Hargreaves.

"My personal favorite aspect is still the fact that it is a vintage bike, and still looks like one," Hargreaves said. "(It) shakes up the perceptions of what a usable motorcycle can be. Most people see 'old bikes' as nothing more than toys. Athena is not a toy."

K&N is proud to be part of Dave Hargreaves' amazing creation.

Dave Hargreaves "Athena" custom Yamaha 650 right side view

Shown here undressed, Athena's lines are classic and clean

Dave Hargreaves "Athena" custom Yamaha 650 headlight is detachable

Lighting and electronic wizardry abound on the Cerberus Moto custom Yamaha

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