We strive to inspire collector car and motorcycle enthusiasts to get out and put their vehicles to use. Whether it’s a weekend drive, or a long distance journey, we like to see people use their vehicles for more than just a display piece. Buzz Kanter is a prime example of getting the most out of his vintage machine, and it happens to be a 1929 Harley Davidson JDH. Buzz is a diehard motorcycle enthusiast, and prepared his vintage Harley for the Motorcycle Cannonball, a cross-country ride for pre-1930 motorcycles. The scored rally began in Newburgh, New York, and stopped at all sorts of cool places across the country, on its way to a final destination of Dudley Perkins Harley Davidson in San Francisco, California. Along the way, the pack of riders would see the most incredible roads in the United States, stopping in legendary motorcycle destinations, such as Sturgis, South Dakota.

Before the big event, Buzz tore his Achilles, which is always a tough injury, especially when it’s six weeks before a 4,000-mile adventure on a vintage motorcycle! To make matters worse, it was on his left leg, which is the side that operates the rocker clutch. Luckily, he healed quickly and made the trip without doing any damage to his leg, ankle or foot. Coker Tire supports the Motorcycle Cannonball and folks such as Buzz Kanter, who get out and enjoy their classic machines. In fact, Coker Tire sponsored Buzz for the 2012 Motorcycle Cannonball, with a supply of Coker diamond-tread motorcycle tires, and matching tubes and rim strips. The tires performed well, and Buzz made the entire journey with only one day that resulted in being hauled in on a truck…not too shabby for a 1929 motorcycle! The resulting penalty for not finishing the day put Buzz in 31st place overall. Again, a respectable finish in such a large pack of vintage motorcycles! We’re proud to have been a sponsor for Buzz and his incredible 1929 Harley Davidson JDH, and we can’t wait until the next Motorcycle Cannonball!