Comments on: Union Motorcycle

By: Bailey

Bailey — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:07:42 +0000

My brother just started an internship with these guys. They do some great work.

By: David Enfield

David Enfield — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:30:07 +0000

Sounds like Idaho could do with some serious “bikin’ – up” , and by the state of this Union they’re going to get it . Crack on boys , you’re doing a grand job .

By: powermatic

powermatic — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:02:07 +0000

Nice story, and love these bikes, but don’t wax too romantic abut the ‘idyllic paradise that is Idaho’. I grew up in Boise, and the lure of a free Brough Superior wouldn’t be enough to make me move back. Nampa-formerly 20 miles from Boise- is basically now a suburb, and can only be called “small” by a very imaginative definition. An ultra-conservative populace that won’t allow even the most modest of Urban Growth Boundaries is slowly ruining the state, unless you consider a nice ride in the country to be a constant parade of traffic on two-lane roads, due to the innumerable 5-acre ‘gentleman’ farms, replete with tacky two-story McMansions, on what used to be working farmland.

Still, the ride to Idaho City, and on into Stanley, is still great, at least on a weekday not during hunting season-but only because it’s mainly BLM and Forest Service, not private, land. As a comparison, though, try riding from Boise to McCall on a weekend-even those of a non-religious persuasion may be tempted to turn towards a Higher Power for survival.

All this in no way is a reflection on this shop, or the guys running it, just a different perspective on Idaho from someone who’s been there. All luck and power to them, and as I said, great bikes.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:41:02 +0000

Hey Chris! Great write up for Union! Thanks for mentioning me but I’d love to also mention the real guys behind the shop, Mike Watanabe and Luke Ransom. They’re building a great scene out at the barn, a whole vibe that is just awesome. The bikes are what it’s all about with them but it’s also about the feel and philosophy of vintage bikes. A real holistic approach to it. It really is an amazing place. Thanks again!