FIFI Firing All 4 Engines

This Memorial day I was lucky enough to watch as the Commemorative Air Force ran up all four engines on “FiFi”, the B-29 Bomber. It’s been a few years since she’s seen the skies due to her age. Fortunately, as an airplane, new-er parts can replace those which failed, but she still maintains the integrity of what she was built for 60+ years ago.

I was lucky enough to witness the nearly 1,000 motorcycles that took to the highway from a Vietnam Memorial to a WWII Memorial several towns over. To see so many riders, many of them Veterans themselves, on the road as a way of recognizing those who’ve passed and those who serve, was an overwhelming feeling. The freedom to be on the road myself, on my own two wheels, feeling the wind rush around me… I am thankful.

Our histories tell our stories. Someone, somewhere in your life, was in a battle. The uncle who never talks about what he saw, but wears his unit patch with pride. The cousin who jokes about all the weapons he’s trained on, but you don’t hear from him for months. The grandfather who flew a B-24 in Italy, once down to two engines coming over the Alps, unsure he’d ever make it back, but so thankful he did. The friend who worked in the trauma units, repairing wounded soldiers, now who savors the quiet ease of a home-town doctor’s office. You yourself may have a story to share. Your experience, your thoughts, your actions.

It’s the day after now. We keep moving forward and try not to forget.

The Reveal

Ralph and Knockout Motorcycle Company polish up the last remaining details on the custom motorcycle that has now become known as Gunfighter. One last test to make sure everything works and the engine rumbles before taking the bike to Las Vegas.

The Gunfighter Motorcycle is unveiled to an awed crowd at the Commemorative Air Force 50th Anniversary celebration held in Las Vegas. In 28 days he pulled off this fantastic bike.

Stay tuned for more behind the scenes build video and upcoming promotions.

Mike, our behind-the-camera producer has been trying out Chippewa Boots for quite awhile because of his many in-the-field projects. Recently he commented on their boots while flying in a WWII era T-6 and he’s been savoring their engineer boot while working around the bikes.

Mike is such a fan, he’s converted several of us here in the garage, including Ralph and Kenny. Check them out for yourself and see.

On a completely different note, several years ago Lisa Gregory wrote an article for Soldier’s Magazine called War bikes: motorcycles have played an enduring role in American military operations since the Army enlisted its first two-wheeled cycle before World War I. It can be found online here or here.

What’s notable about her commentary is the history that we’ve tried to emulate here at WarBikes.

“By the time America entered the war [WWI], the motorcycle was widely used in combat, communications and transportation.”

She highlights some of the motorbike history in military situations over the past century. We know that Veterans have their own stories to tell about their experiences learning to ride or shuttling equipment in dangerous areas, and we know how attractive the feel of being on two wheels is to those who’ve flown and fought in combat zones.

We appreciate being a part of this history and we’re loving telling our story. And while we share insights to a custom motorcycle build, we’re gonna be wearing some really cool boots.