John,
First of all thank you for your service in the military and the job you're doing. Hope you get to come safely home soon. You all are always in our prayers.
Thank you so much, believe me soldiers never get tired of hearing that because it feels like a thankless job sometimes and when someone recognizes the sacrifices you make to do this job it really means a lot.
That's a nice looking weapon you've got in that first pic.
Ye ole faithful Colt M-4 Carbine 5.56 with a few extra bells and whistles thrown on there for good measure. Her name is “Polly” (soldiers name their weapons)
I'm guessing the afro isn't standard issue?
No, the mustache isn’t either, the foliclly challenged give me quite a bit of grief about both.
Info on the bikes? When did you get them, what did you do to them restoration wise
1983 YZ250-purchased in 2005 from a gentleman in Boston, second owner pampered bike. Bike was all original when I purchased it with the exception of the silencer which was apparently run over by a car while lying in the driveway, probably the first owner’s wife. Just put on the Ron Lechien #224 and hit the track, a picture of me guiding the bike through a berm was in the September issue of Racer X magazine.
1983 CR480-purchased in 2005 from a welder in the upper keys, bike was used as a wall display hanging from the 2nd story in side the shop since 1993. I changed the fluids, bars, seat cover, cables and silencer and again hit the track. You can see a photo of this bike and a few interviews I did with Ed Youngblood over at Motohistory.net
1984 CR500-purchased in Florida 2004 from my best Evo motocross friend, Luis. He has a ton of bikes and needed to make some room in the shop so he sold me 1 of his 3 1984 CR500’s. This bike is being completely torn down to make a David Bailey replica bike. Parts being custom made will be; factory swingarm, low slung aluminum gas tank and adding water cooling to the air cooled beast. (a story in itself)
I’ve also done a full restoration of the plastic bringing it back to new like condition. I can restore plastic on any bike as long as it isn’t cracked, the process requires a lot of sanding but results are incredible. Guys DONT throw that original plastic away it can be brought back from the sun scaled glazed death!
I also restore old motocross gear, boots, helmets, pants etc. I’d love to submit some restoration techniques and projects with photos to your readers. The proof is in the photos.
Do you race them, or show them?
Yes I do race them, mostly I just show the back fender to the 20 or 30 guys in my class, they can tell you every sticker I have on the rear fender and if my rear tire looks worn.
How and when did you get into motorcycles?
My dad “Big John” was big time in to enduro riding and rode Bultaco’s. The old man refused to buy me a bicycle like all the other fathers did, he said it was a waste of time to pedal so he bought me a mini bike when I was 6 yrs old. It was a bright orange Benelli and to this day it is my “Rosebud”, Ill speak of it on my death bed and no one will know what Im talking about.
Because of my job, I’ve had periods where I’ve been reluctantly “bike-less”. Deployments or being stationed outside the US has made it difficult to ride, this 18 month deployment has been most taxing.
When and why did you get into vintage/evo bikes?
I’ve always been into the Evo bikes and the newest bike I’ve owned was a 1995 and that was an impulse buy. I’ve always stayed true to the old bikes. It’s probably because that’s what I grew up with but I do have another theory. I feel that the 1980’s were the peak of development in regards to taking the biggest jump in technology. Example; Look at the bikes from 1970’s , twin shock, air cooled, drum brakes. Then jump to 1980’s huge changes, water cooling, single shocks, upside forks (Brad Lackey) case reed, power valves, disc brakes, aluminum parts. That pretty much happened in a five year span from the late 70’s to the early 80’s from factory to production. (Ed Youngblood over at Motohistory.net has written some brilliant articles about the evolution of the sport and the bikes and is the curator of the Motocross museum.)
Fast forward to 2006 the bikes really haven’t drastically changed that much in regards to major components technology. I believe the modern bikes are just refined and perfected 1980’s bikes. Until we went to the big four stroke switch the bikes haven’t really changed that much in 20 years. Just my opinion, I’m sure you will get a flood of emails to disagree. Instead of spending 6 grand on one brand new bike, I spent the 6 G’s and have 5 different Evo bikes. I love opening that garage and seeing those steeds looking back at me. Take a 2006 CR450 to the track and set it next to a 1984 CR500 and watch how many guys will stop and ask questions, take pictures and ask to sit on the 1984 CR.
How's the mx scene in Iraq?
I submitted a story to the guys at Racer X magazine about the happenings over here and it may be in next months issue with some great pictures. (can't leak the story before it comes out in print.)
Any vintage bikes around?
Haven’t seen any vintage bikes here yet but believe I’m looking! The biggest problem here in regards to the growth of motocross may surprise you. It’s not getting bikes or all the war activity, it’s a fuel issue. Fuel is impossible to get here even though this is where it all comes from, its bizarre. It would be the same as going to a NASCAR race and NOT seeing a mullet haircut, it should be here!
It would be great if you could send some video for us to post.
Maybe a humorous piece on the difficulties dirtbiking in Iraq or looking for the Iraqi national mx champ, or just talking to some like minded people over there.
I will work on something. I’m currently in the process of moving to a new area of the country so I will need to settle in my new surroundings.
We just posted a new interview with Brad Lackey and Chuck Minert part 2. Brad Lackey, I love that guy he reminds me of my dad, just a total bad-ass. Not to mention he is the man who bought home the 500cc world crown!
Time to get back to work, Ill be in touch
Johnny O’Hannah
