I am writing a Blog, not an online magazine and sometimes I regret that my posts have to be so short. Frustration of not being able to describe in details a cool custom motorcycle, to feature all technical info about a new part or to present at length an individual whose contribution to the industry would deserve a full book. I am talking about Biker Rogue (Real name John Herlihy). May I say that if you didn’t recognize him in major or local biker events, met him or talked to him you are not a real biker? Rogue’s fight to repeal the helmet law in Connecticut and his fight for all and any biker rights are legendary in the industry. How many of you realize that the ride you enjoy today would never be possible without a few guys like Rogue. Where would we be today if it weren’t for people like him. Walk straight, don’t bad mouth, respect others, stand up and fight for your rights and never deviate from these rules landed him in 2005 in The Sturgis Hall Of Fame. But this gray bearded biker is also a superb mechanic (each year rebuilding and assembling a few bikes for a select clientele), a sought after new part R&D researcher and developer for many companies in the American V-Twin industry, a meticulous new parts tester and a famous photo journalist whose work is continuously published in all national magazines since the late 60’s. For some good technical information and latest legal news, visit his website at Biker Rogue. For bike assembly, parts testing or photo-journalism assignments contact Rogue on my behalf at rogue@bikerrogue.com
I’ve heard alot about Rogue, even have his website on my directory, but never had the chance to meet him….hopefully one day he’ll shoot one of our bikes and we’ll have a beer together. Good to see guys like Rogue are still getting into the HOF at Sturgis. We need more. Congrats Rogue!
Glad to have him as a member of our MSN group where he pops in when time allows and updates us on pending legislation and other biker related events … big thumbs up !!
Rizzo
54 Riders Club
I’m proud to say that Rogue is my friend. He’s always been there when I needed him and he is everything Cyril says he is. The Biking Community is much better off because of people like Rogue…….
I first met Rogue in ’76 at the beginning of the National ABATE meeting in the KOA campground at New Smyrna Beach, Fl.
I had come along with a group down from Elkhart, Indiana (Steve & Wanda Hummel and a dozen more) to lend our help to getting the US Government to stop the blackmail of with holding highway safety funds for states that were trying to get rid of helmet laws.
Since then, a lot of water (so to speak) has gone under those bridges. Some muddy and some clear but for some reason back in March 1976 we hit it off and have been friends since.
I’ve stood in the cold, rain, wind, drank cold coffee, warm beer and JD from a broken bottle, wore a three piece suit in the halls of the Florida Congress, carried a briefcase full of documents to back up what we had to say, talked and listened to truths and half truths from a variety of people who didn’t and don’t know the differents between and fork and a fork.
Through it all Rogue held fast in his belief that BIKERS HAVE RIGHTS just like every other American.
There’s no doubt that without Rogue and many men and women like him we wouldn’t have come as far as we have.
Sarge
I’ve known this man for about 17 years now,and as far as I’m concerned…he’s an icon in the biker world. We’ve worked together on local events for BIKER magazine, and it’s a real joy to be associated with him. John…yer da man!!!
Miserable
I have been a fan of Rogue for years, and finally got the chance to meet the man when he came to Alabama to cover an event that I help put on. To say that he is an icon does not do him justice. He is THE ICON for bikers everywhere. Anyone who has passed up the opportunity to sit back and drink some Jack with him, and listen to the tales he can tell, will more than likely die after living an incomplete life. It is an honor to know him.
Met him. Da Man of the industry. I see him riding a Panhead bobber, not a bagger. Or maybe both. Rogue for President!
Fabulous comments about a fabulous man, photographer, husband, father, brother, mechanic and “real” biker. My dad and Rogue were club brothers way back in the day. I am proud to say I know him and I have a huge respect for his professional integrity.
Leane
LOSB, Virginia
I have know ROGUE since 1969, they don’t come any better or any more REAL then him.
Very well written. Thank you Cyril for honoring a true biker. A role model for the new generation.
Excellent write up Cyril! I would like to take the opportunity to mention, there are a good number of bikers down here in New Zealand who are aware of Rogue and his achievments.
To me Rogue is the complete “Biker” A man could not represent the biker community much better then he does, but he never changed, he is always looking for a way to improve whatever challenge he is faced with, either political or mechanical my respect of him comes mostly from the personal knowledge of his efforts to improve the Feuling 4valve heads, and getting that knowledge out to the builders. through his magazine articles and web site. Something like this has been a long time coming, and much deserved. Attaboy Rogue.
To bad everyone didn’t have the passion Rogue has, to spend time with him is a complete honor, dignity, pride, respect, humble, strong, determined, freedom fighter, these all describe the man.
I had the honor of riding to Sturgis from Atlanta this year with Rouge. He clearly is a man that has “been there and done that”. It was a real joy to hear his stories over eggs in the am and a nice drink in the pm, the rest of the time we was riding hard (he had no problem asking, “can you go any faster”).
Not many people pushing 70 that can ride as hard and long as he can (we got pulled over along with about 25 other bikers on a scam speed trap to “check us out” on the way and he didn’t give the cops any quarter). I hope to make more trips with him and learn more about how to protect our rights as bikers.
I would like to thank Cryil for posting this and my friends for writing nice things about me.
I am very happy with the life I lead and Blessed to have so many fiends.
Thank All Of You
Rogue
Thanks, Cyril, for acknowledging what we have all known for years…that the arena of monitoring, red-flagging and reporting of government intervention and proposed legislation as it relates to bikers and all free-thinkers would be a far quieter and less-informed place without him. He has kept the spark and, therefore, the fire alive in activism and lobbying for all of us and has done this continuously for decades…without a paycheck! We all owe him for his accomplishments and determination for far more than can fit on this page.
I’m very proud to say that I’ve known the man for 30 years. He taught me the difference that just one voice can make. He showed his amazing talent for organization and legislative procedures. Hell, he even sat guard outside my tent at rallies that started out as legislative events and turned into club parties that weren’t all that safe for a teenage girl to hand at.
He’s a stand-up man for bikers, for brothers and, in this case, for a sister.
Thanks, Rogue. I love you.
I first met Rogue back in 03…
We will stay in contact Via Email. He is someone I can say that I am so glad to have as a good friend. People are always seeking him out at events to just say hello. He will go out of his way to replay to my emails, and to talk to me about this and that. It is nice to know a real old school biker. The young hot hand bikers need to learn from real people like Rogue.
I met Rogue a few years ago after he helped me get a business started by offering much needed advice. He is a great human being and a wonderful friend. He is very intellegent and stands up for everyones rights. Though we haven’t spoke in awhile, I always know I can count on him and his advice. Thanks Rogue…..
Your a true friend and Bro
Danny
Rogue… just sayin hi, will you be in Texas again this year ? catch ya later, ride safe ~Bttrfly
Lived in Daytona & Flagler in the mid to late 70s , the Rouge I remember at the Boot & Kings Cycle Haven, had your kind of beard ,was thinner (of course) but he didnt come across as all that friendly – in my opinion. Was that you?
That guy kinda scared me with his vibe actually.
I Looked at the “young Rogue ” photo, yep, it was you. I guess we all soften with age, hopefully
Little Nancy I am sorry that you did not find me friendly as I do try to be that way.
I do remember Doug King and His shop Kings Cycle and we still keep in touch from time to time.
In the mid 70s I would have still been the President of the HUNS MC and maybe it was the fact I was in a club that gave you that vibe.
Any way I hope things are going well for you.