Editor’s Note:What appears below is a guest blog post from veteran biker Jeff Maddox, who regularly holds court over at the JMAdog blog.

Winter was a long one – for sure! For those of you who have had to sit and look at your motorcycle from the shop stool in the garage, you may have been taking mental notes of the spring and summer to come: where to go, when to go and who might be coming with you have crossed your mind while patiently waiting to pull the bike back onto the highway. It will be a great summer if you just let it. Be patient, relax when you … Continue Reading

Editor’s Note: This blog is co-authored by J&P Cycles bloggers Scott Holton and Brett Koranda.

It’s always a feather in your cap as a writer to know that your submissions are read and taken seriously. As a technical writer, it is very gratifying to know that you helped others out. In the past few months, I’ve written a couple of articles detailing issues that are possible with the cam chain tensioners in our beloved Twin Cam engines. These articles have been some of the most viewed posts in the history of the J&P Cycles blog. That in itself is very humbling, and I would like to thank all the … Continue Reading

Here at J&P, we are always looking for new, innovative ways to interact with our customers. Over the years we have come to the realization that getting to know our customers is not only fun, but it’s important, too. There are so many companies out there who provide a variety of services, but never really take the time to get to know their customers. We don’t ever want to become one of those companies, so finding new ways to interact is something we get excited about.

Recently the J&P marketing department sat down and held a brainstorming session to come up with a program that would benefit our customers, … Continue Reading

Despite the stray snowflakes falling from the sky in parts of the Midwest today, it really is spring! At  the J&P Cycles headquarters in Eastern Iowa, we’re gearing up for our first motorcycle event of the season. Our usual Cruise Night event has a new name – Hot Rods & Harleys Cruise Night – sponsored by J&P Cycles, and a new location at the Chrome Horse Saloon in Cedar Rapids.

If you’re in the area, cruise in with your motorcycle or car and show it off! The event starts at 5:15, and live music begins at 6 p.m. Plus, enjoy great drink specials and door prizes.

I was a little surprised the other day, when the person who oversees the blog asked me to write a little something about my hobby. I’ve been in the motorcycle industry since the late 80’s, and it has been cool working in a field that has also been exciting! However, after 35 years of non-stop immersion in all things motorcycle, I needed to find an interest that allowed me to relax in my free time.

Enter my son, 15-year-old Jack Holton, who is the best kid a dad could ask for! You know, with all the sinning I’ve done in my life, I deserved the kid from he**. Fortunately, … Continue Reading

Once in a while you buy something only to realize later that the purchase was a really good decision. I bought a John Deere Zero turn lawn mower a few years back. That thing has a 62-inch cut and makes mowing the lawn a piece of cake. Every time I walk in the garage and look at that thing I think, “that was the best money I ever spent!” It’s a great feeling to know that your hard-earned dollars went to something that actually paid for itself.

Recently I purchased an item from J&P that gives me that feeling every time I see it; an Eastwood Powder Coating Kit. … Continue Reading

Editor’s Note:What appears below is a guest blog post from veteran biker Jeff Maddox, who regularly holds court over at the JMAdog blog.

#ridetoday Sounds easy, doesn’t it? As we go through this transition of seasons (cold/cool mornings to warmer afternoons), it can be a little difficult to be motivated or even mentally prepared to ride. Some of us will wait for more consistent weather while I on the other hand will go ahead and bundle up in the morning in order to have that nice ride home after work.

I know not everyone has a job that allows them to come in smelling like exhaust fumes with their hair all … Continue Reading

Editor’s Note: In January we introduced you to our most recent project of updating four bikes: a 2012 Sportster® XL1200V (72), a 2013 Softail® FLS (Slim), a 2012 FLHTCUTG Tri-Glide® and a 2012 Goldwing GL1800P, here. Well since then we’ve shared the work on the Sportster 72 and now we’re showcasing the Slim. Here is the low down on the work done.

Ok, ok, I’m sorry, ok?  I offered Scout’s honor that my blog entries on the build projects would be more timely.  Well, let that be no reflection on Scouts of any kind.  The dishonor is mine.  My humblest apologies – now – … Continue Reading

J&P Cycles knows how to have one hell of a bash in the cornfields of Eastern Iowa! 2013 marks the 34th annual event, which is now called the J&P Cycles Open House Rally. This year’s event is scheduled for June 29-30. Founders John and Jill Parham started the original one-day event as a customer appreciation of sorts to thank their loyal customers for their business. Today that one-day event has grown into two and is bigger than ever!

Last year more than 30,000 motorcyclists converged on Anamosa, Iowa and the J&P Cycles headquarters. This year we hope to up the ante and attract even more. Ryan Hurst who plays … Continue Reading

Editor’s Note: Joan Krenning purchased her first motorcycle, a brand new Harley-Davidson Softail Custom in 1986. In February of this year she launched on a 36-month motorcycle tour of America that she calls, the Glory US-A Freedom Ride. Riding a 2013 Street Glide wrapped in graphics of the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence and quotes from Abraham Lincoln about equality, her purpose is three-fold: to promote the purchase of all made in American products, to passionately defend our Bill of Rights and the rights of all Americans and to inspire hope.

Joan is the founder and CEO of DesignWraps Brands, a product line and brand … Continue Reading