Everyone has heard about the great parts and accessories available for Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles from Joker Machine. Well, just in case you don't have the scoop on where to get some of the coolest stuff around, then here's a quick history lesson. According to the company's website, "Joker Machine is an independent American manufacturer and distributor of billet parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles. All of our parts are designed, engineered, and manufactured by Joker Machine with exact tolerance for precision fit and performance" ( http://www.jokermachine.com/about.asp ). Now you know a little bit about their role as a top producer of accessories for street bikes, but recently on a visit to Indianapolis Raceway Park, Brian found out that Joker Machine's GM, Geoff Arnold, has turned his passion for racing into a business venture as he has entered into a partnership with two-time NHDRA Champion Thunder Eagle Racing, and the result is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Geoff told Brain that the racing bug bit him when he was approximately 13 years of age and that he raced in motocross events. Then, about four years ago he really got into drag racing. Geoff also races the Joker Machine bike and in this partnership, Tom Bradford, the Manager and Rider for Thunder Eagle Racing, said that having two bikes is "better than one" for more than obvious reasons. The best thing is that the bikes are monitored and that leads to quicker results in testing products for performance and durability. Next, Brian spoke with Rob Schopf, Joker Machine Speed Shop Manager, who reinforced Tom's notion by saying, "Customers benefit the most because the parts are put to extreme use." That's what I would call the ultimate in quality control testing. Finally, Brian spoke to Brian Truesdale, Research and Development Manager at Joker Machine, who told him about some of the great products that they have on the market. Brian showed the crew the Joker Machine exhaust system for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod that when installed offers a 10-12 gain in horsepower not to mention that it is 15 pounds lighter than the stock exhaust system! They also have a number of great aftermarket exhaust systems for Harleys and Geoff added, "They [the exhaust systems] are pretty much ahead of everything out there."

As he was just about to leave the track, once again Brian spoke to Tom Bradford who stated that the company's focus is on its vision and direction. Then he came to the bottom line when he said, "It's all about having a great time with motorcycles." We'll buy that. If you would like more information on the parts and accessories available from Joker Machine, you can visit them on the web at www.jokermachine.com , or give them a call at 626-334-9371.

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