12/24/2025
Want to wish a Merry Christmas to all our customers.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Sent in by Cluster from Cincinatti many years ago. Posting it has become a tradition.
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the shop, not an scooter was putting, not a bagger, rigid or chop.
Empty beer cans were sitting, on the work bench with care, obvious evidence of, the usual hang-outs had been there.
With Harleys on the lifts, fresh tins in the booth, a noise I did here, and it came from the roof.
I dropped my Coors beer can, grabbed my 23 G***k, if you try to rob this shop, be ready to rock.
I looked out the door, to my eyes did I see, the sweetest old Panhead, like a fifty two, or a three.
It was decked out in chrome, with all vintage bits, with fishtails and spokes, this bike was the t**s!
Foot clutch and hand shift, a sidecar to match, a rare bike indeed, not your usual catch.
A man standing by it, all dressed up in red, a sack on his shoulder, funny hat on his head.
I asked what he wanted, he said with great cheer, "I was told that you wrench, and to bring my bike here."
He pointed to the primary, and I noted the hole, the adjuster went bad, and the chain took a roll.
I said, "That's not bad, I've got the parts all right here!" We pushed her on in, after she popped out of gear.
I removed the chrome cover, the adjuster had gone south, I noted the fat man, put a fresh beer to his mouth.
I said, "Hey there fat man, don't be drinking my Coors!" He said "I'll replace them, likely with a lot more!!"
So, I replaced the adjuster, and cinched up the chain, put back on the chrome cover, no need to explain.
I fired her up, with one well placed kick, that Panhead was healthy, solid tappets quietly ticked.
I said "Hey there fat man, how 'bout a spin?" He said "I'm kindareal busy, quite the hurry I'm in."
He asked what he owed, and I said, "This one's free.", He mounted his scoot, and looked up at me.
He said "Well I figured you'd not take my cash, so I left you a present, and restored your beer stash."
He rode out of the shop, and hit second gear, he rode down the road, his exhaust I could hear.
I went back in the shop, to lock up for the night, and what I did see, was a beautiful sight.
A shiny black Knuckle, in the middle of the shop. It was bobbed just a little, but wasn't a chop.
Her chrome shined like diamonds, and here wheels were all spokes. I held back a tear as I started to get choked.
I thought I was dreaming, I couldn't see clear. I ran to the fridge, for another cold beer.
When I opened the door, again I was astounded. The fridge was so full, My heart, it just pounded.
Beer after beer, packed in all spaces. Not another would fit, there weren't any places.
A note was stuck, to a can in the door. It read "These are on me, next year I'll being more!"
I sat down for a spell, I didn't know what to think, A mint vintage Knuckle, and more beer then I could drink?
As I sat in the quiet, I thought I just flipped! I looked again at the Knuckle, a note swung from the grip.
I reached for the note, and read what was scribbled, my lips, they just trembled, and some beer started to dribble.
"For helping a stranger, on a cold winter's night, A reward you deserve, for doing a brother right."
Merry Christmas!
