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4377Commer c i al Way#215 Spr i ngHi l l ,FL,34606
“Antonio has a Heart of Gold when it comes to Children in Need. He is Spiderman for folks that know him and all the Great work that he has accomplished for Children”
Antonio HErnandez
Antonio Hernandez is one busy businessman! From running a successful business, ‘Ride or Die Motorsports’, to starting a new magazine AND television show, ‘Florida Ride or Die’, Antonio has energy, great ideas, and a future of success! I had the opportunity to catch a few minutes with Antonio to ask him what he’s FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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Heaven Fields
Liz Lewis
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been up to with Florida Ride or Die and what the readers of can look forward to! “Florida Ride or Die LLC is a business on Facebook. We sell motorcycle items such as light kits and security systems. We have over 21,000 followers on our Facebook page. We can ship anywhere in the United States. We have many 5-star reviews and satisfied customers.” The NEW ‘Florida Ride or Die’ Magazine is a project that Antonio is very proud of. “We are ready to move forward with this magazine. It’s about sport bike riders, interviews, stories and the sport bike lifestyle. We will be focusing on those that ride sports bikes here in Florida. For example, we will be doing an interview with the MMA middleweight champion of the world. We will be interviewing people, real people, that ride and live in the state of Florida. These aren’t going to be stories just about pretty girls or handsome guys on a bike, it’s going to be about real people. A nurse, an EMT, a vet technician, an MMA fighter,
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etc. There are so many people that ride that have accomplished so much in their lives. Those are the ones we are going to be writing about. This is going to be about positive recognition, not negative stories.” Antonio has a heart of gold when it comes to children in need. He is Spiderman for folks that know him and all the great work that he has accomplished for children. “I have a Spiderman truck, a Spiderman bike, the original Spiderman helmet signed by Stan Lee, and lots of collectibles. I’ve been doing this for years but after my wife (who played Spidergirl) passed away, I put the costumes on mannequins and they reside in my living room now. I’m so busy with my other businesses and new ventures that I don’t have time to do Spiderman.” In addition to his new magazine, Antonio is also ready to debut a new television show! Antonio explained, “We are also working on a project with Joe Davidson, an actor and director who has been
in seven feature films – going from shop to shop interviewing folks that play a part in the sport bike world. Maybe a chrome dipper, racer, air brush artist, etc. We are going to be filming all of this over a week’s time and we may just may something big on our hands. It’s the same concept as ‘Pimp My Ride’ but it will be titled, ‘Florida Ride or Die.’ We are very close to closing the deal on this as well.” In addition to the new magazine and TV show, Antonio also has Ride or Die Motorsports! “Ride or Die Motorsports is a dealership where you can buy any part or accessories. We also have a showroom and sell motorcycles. “We can ship a motorcycle anywhere in the world. In fact, we just shipped a motorcycle to New York a few minutes ago. We are ready to magnify the sportbike community be a part of it” Thank you for your time, Antonio! Ccongratulations on your new Florida Ride or Die Magazine! Web: www.FloridaRideorDie.com Facebook: FLORIDARIDEORDIE
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Riding along a suburban street, you approach a slow-moving car. You would like to pass, but the driver keeps speeding up and slowing down, causing you to delay that action. After following the creeper for several blocks, you become frustrated and decide to accelerate by. As soon as you pull out to pass the creeper, the driver makes a sudden left turn into a driveway, leaving you no room to stop or swerve. Strategy: The car’s erratic pace should have tipped you off that the driver was searching for something (a street address, perhaps) and that her attention was elsewhere rather than on surrounding traffic. Evaluating the situation, you should have predicted that the driver might turn or stop suddenly. Your best strategy in a situation like this is to separate yourself from the hazard. You could have dropped back at least two seconds. If you choose to pass, do so only after clearly establishing contact with the driver, preferably after receiving a hand signal from her. Never pass at an intersection or other traffic situation where the car could turn in front of you. For more information go to www.msf-usa.org
WILL SET THE STATE OF FLORIDA ON FIRE AS THE ONLY FREE STATEWIDE EXCLUSIVE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE SPORT BIKE COMMUNITY.
MEET ANTONIO HERNANDEZ Antonio Hernandez has a strong vision and sees the need to create and give back with this new exciting magazine. Antonio is an entrepreneur of business, a motorcycle dealership partner, skilled in marketing, networking and promotions. He is a long-time sport bike rider who is a advocate for his community and children’s charities. He owns the largest social media platform for sport bike riders: Florida Ride or Die.
“It’s a billion-dollar industry and Florida Ride or Die Magazine will deliver this lifestyle to you and your customers!” “Are you ready to RIDE?” - Antonio Hernandez FOR MORE INFORMATION 727.944.6961 WWW.FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
A GROWING MARKET According to Grand View Research Inc, market reports, by 2025 the United States motorcycle market will be worth $10.88 billion. Florida is the 2nd largest population of motorcycle riders under California with over 545,000. The sport bike market has grown with a dramatic increase in the State of Florida since 2015. Riders have evolved over the years as well. As a means of transportation, leisure riding, professional racing and connecting with others who share the same passion, this market segment has continued to grow and there are more new riders every day.
SPORT BIKE COMMUNITy This community bands together to develop a strong family sport bike togetherness. Weekly, monthly and yearly organized events and gatherings will be created and documented to maintain constant connection with these riders. Charity events, rides, bike nights and special promotions with dealerships and riding clubs will all put back into the communities creating economic impact and an ever-growing network of consumers.
the MARKET place The sport bike marketplace is a great opportunity for a significant and powerful impact to businesses. The marketplace offers a great deal of variety with products and services. Outlets such as Ebay and Amazon are exploding and importing the hottest and newest sought after parts and accessories to hit the industry to make it even more popular. • M OTORCYCLE SALES
• ACCESSORIES
• FABRICATING
• AUDIO/SOUND SYSTEMS
• APPAREL
• PAINT
• INSURANCE
• CUSTOM BUILDERS
• DESIGN
• TOURISM TRAVEL ADVENTURE
• HIGH PERFORMANCE HORSEPOWER
• LED LIGHTING
(NEW AND PRE-OWNED)
• CLASSIFIEDS • MAINTENANCE • REPAIRS
• ALARM SYSTEMS
FOR MORE INFORMATION 727.944.6961 WWW.FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
A GROWING MARKET
“The sport bike marketplace is a great opportunity for a significant and powerful impact to businesses” Antonio Hernandez
photos: Scott Odell
FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MISSION In an effort to support the growing sport bike population and to feature the lifestyle 100% Antonio Hernandez invites you to be a part of Florida Ride or Die Magazine. OUR MISSION – To promote the goodwill of the sport bike community and to magnify the sport bike industry and the overall business of the people who ride sport bikes.
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PUBLISHING CALENDAR
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JUNE 2020
AUGUST 2020
OCTOBER 2020
DECEMBER 2020
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FEBRUARY 2021
APRIL 2021
MAY 2021
JUNE 2021
The audience targeted is age 25 – 45 male and female that ride the sport bike model throughout the state of Florida and enjoy the lifestyle. A concentrated website and various social media platforms are established to support this audience. Revenue is generated through the sales of advertising, sponsorships for events and promotions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION 727.944.6961 WWW.FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
photos: Scott Odell
R O SA N N A TO R RES
MY NAME IS ROSANNA TORRES AND I HAVE BEEN A RIDER SINCE 2006. In 2008 I was involved in a MC Club for a few years until the president, which I considered my brother, passed away from a motorcycle accident. I discovered my passion for riding and helping others in need during the years of being in the MC family. For the last few years, I have been riding with several groups in the Latin community. While riding in the Latin community, I have organized special events where we take a percentage of the entrance fee, raffles, and all sales and give back to the families that we organize the events for. One of my favorite events that touched my heart was when I dressed up as Wonder Women with ‘2Wheel Heroes’. Two Wheeled Heroes is a group of riders who dress up in various costumes such as superheroes, princesses or movie characters and we organize events for Children. In memory of my friend Antonio Hernandez’s wife, I put together a ride to celebrate her life. His wife became very ill and unfortunately passed away. Before her passing we were able to give her a final moment of joy when 124
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she had donations of stuffed teddy bears lined up in her hospital room. Every year during the Christmas season we ride out to different locations to give back to the less fortunate giving them a special moment through hard times. Not only does the Latin community help and give back to others, we also organize big ride outs, such as a women’s ride out. With the women’s ride out we have many ladies from the Florida area who get together to show our love and support for one another. One of the biggest rides of the year called ‘Quemando Brea’ will be held on June 27,2020. There will be hundreds of riders attending from all over Florida. If you’d like to support or participate in the Latin community, every Wednesday we meet up at 8 P.M and stands are up by 9 P.M on 4301 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, Fl 33614 to have a nice night ride. Hope to see new riders join us, be safe, God bless, and “Never Ride Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly”. - Love, Rosanna Torres A.K.A La Panda
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Tell me about Tru Riders? My name is Solomon (Solo) the Founder of Tru Riders Meet and the Founder/President of NOLO Riders Jacksonville, Florida. Tru Riders started June 14, 2016. It was started to have a community where no biker was left behind on rides, no biker bullying, to uplift and encourage one another in the biker lifestyle. Our goal is to support our community by bringing together other bike clubs, have giveaways, mentor children, and to be a loud positive voice.
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IS TRU RIDERS FOR ANYONE? (Solo) Yes all backgrounds and walks of life are welcome. Except negative energy (laughing) WHAT IS RIDING ABOUT TO YOU? (Solo) Freedom, Unity, Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Fellowship, and Safety. Having a place to clear my mind with my brothers and sisters is priceless. All the makings of a ‘Tru Family’. ARE YOU GUYS INTO CHARITY AND YOUR COMMUNITY? (Solo) Yes. We do bike giveaways bimonthly and every Christmas. We feed the homeless regularly. We have hosted clothes and shoe drives, and we provide hygiene packages when needed. My goal is to organize a drive for single mothers. Helping to provide cars, pay rent and utilities etc. I would also like to be the cornerstone for military vets in need. Helping with food or basic supplies. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO PEOPLE WHO JUDGE SPORTS BIKE RIDERS? (Solo - Deep breath) Get to know the right bikers. Not all bikers are rebels and reckless. A lot of us are hard working family men and women who want to go home to our families at the end of the day. It’s cliche but NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER! 128
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LAST WORDS? (Solo) I remember when I started riding bikes I initially tried to ride with a group of guys that I thought was a good start for me. On every ride they would leave me. I quickly realized my experience wasn’t the best with them so I started Tru Riders to be the change and support I wanted to see at the time. I always thank everyone who comes to my events. I’m especially appreciative to the members of the Tru Riders family. My heart has always been to help with anything needed. Being a voice of reason, talking down suicidal thoughts, giving encouragement through times of recovery after an accident. whatever is needed I try my best to be there. I am blessed to have Tru Riders and I’m blessed to now also have NOLO Riders here in Jacksonville, Florida. We are a family of bikers with the same common goal of Tru Riders which is Unity and Support the community. HOW CAN YOU BE CONTACTED? (Solo) Follow us on Facebook at T.R.U Riders Meet. Also subscribe to our YouTube page at Tru Riders Meet
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SPL TEAM OUTLAWS BYONEFLOwMANSION
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The only thing I know about Ten-Pin Bowling is that it’s a favorite pastime of both Homer Simpson and Fred Flintstone— apart from that, nada, zilch, nothing at all. Except that it seems to involve consuming huge amounts of beer, and by grossly overweight individuals dressed in loud shirts that look as if they’ve been ironed over a beach ball. And while I do know that bowling was an intrinsic part of the Cohen brother’s cult movie, ‘The Big Lebowski,’ a film I have enjoyed many times, I have to say that it has inspired me to roll a big ball at skittles ... uh never! Apparently the marbled paint finish on Brittany Ellis’ CBR1000 is called ‘Bowling Ball,’ (something else I didn’t know), as it closely resembles the finish on the balls bowled by Homer and Fred types at ten 2 22
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wooden pins in a bowling alley on Saturday nights, the machinery of which is almost universally made by AMF, (American Machine & Foundry), the same company who owned Harley-Davidson from 1969 to 1981. Honda however, were never owned by a company who made balls, they did make a few balls-ups though — like the CX Turbo, the oval piston NS750, the Hondamatic and other stuff that was about as much use as Haitian hurricane insurance. But not with the CBR1000, the full one liter successor to venerable 900 FireBlade, that still cuts like a knife. Abe Pagan has been building top class custom sportbikes under the Syndicate Custom Sportbike banner for the past few years, and while Abe’s never been a high
profile roller like Roaring Toyz, Abe has never-the-less turned out some showwinning bikes and has graduated from working in the garage behind his house to a workshop unit just up the road from the Prison Farm in Ocala, Florida. Abe is also willing to work within a tight budget and allow the bike’s owner to do some of the work to keep the costs reasonable, and this was the deal struck when Josh Ellis wanted to build a new bike for his wife, Brittany, to replace her current 600 ride. While Abe had a specially designed set of billet wheels cut and fabricated a shorter than usual swingarm, (still way longer than a stock CBR1000RR - but not as long as his customers usually demand for a custom sportbike), complete with jackshaft to offset
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the drive chain to the 10-inch wide wheel and huge 310 mm Vee Rubber Monster tire, Josh took the plastic away for painting. After the Bowling Ball custom paint was completed by Jeff at Paint Pros in Jacksonville, (better known as stunt rider ‘Ponis’), the bodywork was returned to Abe at SCS who then painted the black panels, gold leaf logos and pinstripes. Abe also laid on the gold lacquer finish over the polished aluminum frame, swingarm, wheels, forks etc. Quite a stunning look that compliments the gold leaf and pinstripes perfectly— and was serendipitous as the original plan was to have the frame, wheels et al chromed. But the frame proved to be too big for the chrome plater’s tank, so Abe tried some gold lacquer over the polished alloy and came up with the resultant translucent finish. The 2006 vintage CBR1000 motor needed a little work, so while the cylinder head was off it was decided to have the ports reshaped and polished and the valves seats recut. A set of performance cams with adjustable sprockets seemed like a good idea, as was the addition of a BMC race spec air filter and a Power Commander lll with a Dynojet multifunction street and race map. A Jardine RT1 exhaust system with a carbon fiber twin pipe underseat box was heat wrapped for a racy look and fitted with modified heat shields. Gold anodized Pro-Bolts and painted clutch and alternator covers completed the engine ensemble along with a Viper remote starter. To get that low-down and dirty race-ready stance the front-end was pulled down with a Schnitz drag race strap to match the threeinch lowered rear suspension, Galfer brake discs were fitted all-round, the stock master cylinders were dressed with custom caps and dangerous looking Cycle Pirate levers—and the ‘dangerous’ look continued with spiked fasteners as sharp as your mother-in-law’s tongue on the fairing and front mudguard. And this being Florida, where there are almost as many alligators as there are illegal immigrants, a ‘gator skin seat was an obvious choice, however here in the Sunshine State it’s against the law to shoot alligators … fence jumpers though have to watch out. FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Owner:
• Brittany Ellis, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Engine: • • • • • •
2006 Honda CBR1000RR Ported & polished cylinder head with 3-angle valve job Performance cams with adjustable cam gears Power Commander lll & multi-function Dynojet street & race map BMC race air filter Jardine RT1 dual exit carbon fiber exhaust system with reworked heat shields & ceramic wrap • Viper autostart with proximity alert • Painted engine covers with anodized aluminum fasteners
Frame:
• 2006 Honda CBR1000RR frame polished & gold lacquered • One-off SCS custom rear pegs & mounts • Polished & gold lacquered stock footrest assemblies with Cycle Pirates levers
Front End:
• 2006 Honda CBR1000RR forks & yokes polished & gold lacquered with Schnitz ‘pull-down’ strap • Polished & gold lacquered SCS custom billet aluminum 17in wheel with 120/70ZRx17in Pirelli tire • CBR1000RR radial 4-piston brake calipers with Galfer brake discs • CBR1000RR brake & clutch master cylinders with custom caps & Cycle Pirates levers • CBR1000RR clip-ons with custom bar-ends & Lance Armstrong BMX handlebar wrap
Rear End:
• One-off SCS custom swingarm polished & gold lacquered • 2006 Honda CBR1000RR shock absorber with 3in lowering links • Polished & gold lacquered SCS custom billet aluminum 18in wheel with 310x18in Vee Rubber Monster tire • CBR1000RR brake caliper with custom billet aluminum hanger • CBR1000RR master cylinder with Galfer stainless steel braided line • Galfer brake disc • Black anodized CBR1000RR final drive sprocket
Bodywork:
• 2006 Honda CBR1000RR fairing with HRC headlight cover & Cycle Pirate spiked fasteners • 2006 Honda CBR1000RR fuel tank, seat unit & front fender • Custom alligator skin seat
Electrics:
• Modified 2006 Honda CBR1000 wiring harness • CBR1000 front & rear lights, switchgear & instruments
Paintwork:
• Bowling Ball custom paintwork by Ponis @ Paint Pros, Jacksonville • Black paint with gold leaf graphics by Abe Pagan @ SCS • Polished aluminum parts painted in gold lacquer by Abe Pagan @ SCS
Polishing:
• Polishing by Syndicate Custom Sportbikes
Engineering:
• Bike built by Abraham Pagan @ Syndicate Custom Sportbikes, Ocala, Florida, USA • (www.syndicatecustomsportbikes.com) • Design & additional work by Owner
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THE FUTURE IS HERE ROAME Zeros The very first motorcycle shoe with wireless turn signals and brake lights. Reinforced with state of the art materials. Welcome to the last motorcycle shoe you will ever want to ride in.
GREATER VISABILITY
D3O IMPACT PROTECTION
ONE YEAR WARRANTY
PATENTED TECHNOLOGY
www.ROAME.com
BRAKE LIGHTS
TURN SIGNALS
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I GREW UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT CALLED YERMO, CALIFORNIA.
Wasn’t much to do out there except to go riding. I have been riding ever since I was a young kid. I grew up watching the Crusty Demons of Dirt, Metal Mulisha and Nitro Circus along with my older brother and dad being into riding dirt bikes were my influencers. Started out with old beat up mini bikes and things of that nature and over the years finally got a real bike. I currently ride a 2007 yz250f. I would totally love to upgrade! I started riding street during the year 2012. My boyfriend at the time had a beat up 1995 Yamaha 600 and I basically ended up riding it more than he did and took it over. I currently ride a 20007 cbr1000rr. If I could have all the different bikes I wanted, I would probably have like ten haha. I moved out here to Florida during the year 2018 due to my job. I am an active duty service member as an Aviation Maintenance Technician. My interests include baking/cake decorating, art, tattoos, travel and modeling. If a new female rider were to ask me for advice, I would say to don’t be afraid to start and don’t give up once you do start. Seat time on the bikes is key when it comes to getting better at riding. I also feel like the riding community is pretty close so usually you can always find people to ride with and are willing to help you learn.
Instagram: @blondie_braaps Facebook: Blonde Braap YouTube Channel: Blondie Braaps Twitter: @blondie_braaps TikTok: @blondie_braaps Website: www.blondiebraaps.com Graffiti Artixt: @MR.WORNSOLES Photography: Sean Carrie @seansouthpaw
“Wasn’t much to do out there except to go riding”.
- BLONDIE BRAAPS
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TAMPA ELITE MOTORCYCLE & CUSTOM IS A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS STARTED BY MIKE SULIEMAN.
Mike has 9 children, 6 boys and 3 girls, 3 of which work at the shop. He also has 3 brothers which all are master mechanics. Tampa Elite, ran by Mike as head tech along with his youngest brother Yousif by his side. The Service writer is Mike’s eldest son Hum who will greet you and assist you with your repair and purchase needs. Then you have his 2 teenage sons Jub, 14 and Nuz, 13 who assist when school is out on vacation. Mike at Tampa Elite alongside with his 2 other siblings Alex and Musa will be opening a second location in St. Petersburg as they want to expand their services within the Bay Area. As you can tell the business is built based on family foundation and that’s how they treat their customers with no exceptions.
Want to talk about finding the best prices and quick turnaround in town? They have over 25,000 parts in stock and over 500 new tires and Mike can guarantee to beat any prices with the exception of online prices. You know the saying, “you get what you pay for” well at Tampa Elite you get what you pay for and much more. You get quality work, OEM parts, best prices and you gain a new extended family.
When the doors to Tampa Elite were opened there were no customers. With hard, quality work and dedication, the shop has become one of the busiest, reputable shops in the Bay Area with 5-star ratings. With over 30 years of experience and continued education Tampa Elite has become one of the most competitive repair shops in town. They specialize in repairs and customization for all make, model and year for motorcycles, as well as ATV’s, UTV’s, and vehicles. No job is too big or too hard to handle. The effort that’s put into their work and customer service speaks for itself. Mike’s goal is to provide exceptional work with 100% customer satisfaction, loyalty and safety. 3 24
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RIDER PROFILE
ALTHOUGH BUSY, I STILL FIND THE TIME TO RIDE MY NINJA 300 AS OFTEN AS I CAN.
I’ve been riding for four years and it’s truly a mental “getaway” for me and very therapeutic. Me, the bike, the road, it’s a feeling only a Ride or Die rider will understand. I’m very petite and I love to wear my boots with 5” heels when I’m on my Ninja. You can still ride and capture the essence of sexy while wearing lipstick and
heels on the bike! If you’ve ever wanted to ride, I would love to encourage you to get on a bike and go for it – why not!? I’m sure there’s a bike out there that compliments your body and personality type. I found mine! Grab a bike by the handles and let’s go! So, the million-dollar question is, are you Ride or Die? If you would like to be Profiled, Let Us Know! info@FloridaRideorDie.com
“IT’S TRULY A MENTAL “GETAWAY” FOR ME AND VERY THERAPEUTIC”. FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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I Will Make Your Old Tanks Last Forever
nk u J s i “Th me Out Ca f This O nk!” Ta
The heart and soul of your bike is the fuel tank. Originally, the tank was new and clean, but over the years that all has changed. If you are tired of cleaning carburetors or think you need a new tank because yours is too rusty or it leaks, I have the solution. We clean tanks and preserve the metal – even permanently stop leaks! The highgrade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners. We have a fast turnaround time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week. Call 813-407-2226 or CraigPaintsBikes.com