Howard G Messner , Motorcycle Metals
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 1,091
From: Eastern IA
Don't know how I missed this ,
I had called Howard in 2018 about upgrading my suspension , it wasn't the smoothest conversation at first but I muscled through it and he wanted to know if instead of Ohlin cartridges I wanted to go with his new 25mm ones that were fully adjustable ( actually GP 25mm cartridges he had started being a dealer for ) , he gave me a nice deal on shocks and cartridges, sent my money and he told me to call him before I installed anything and he would walk me through it. We were cool with each other after that , I posted a step by step of my installation here as we went through it over the phone, Howard was watching the thread as well , you don't get that kind of service from your average parts dealer , always willing to help , in fact I think he enjoyed my willingness to tinker a bit to get the job done , we spent a bit of time talking general BS unrelated as well ,I enjoyed talking with him , he was a good guy in my book , feel bad I hadn't talked with him in a while .
tj316 Tim , your a stand up friend , thanks for all you've done , I never got to meet Howard in person
RIP Howard
I had called Howard in 2018 about upgrading my suspension , it wasn't the smoothest conversation at first but I muscled through it and he wanted to know if instead of Ohlin cartridges I wanted to go with his new 25mm ones that were fully adjustable ( actually GP 25mm cartridges he had started being a dealer for ) , he gave me a nice deal on shocks and cartridges, sent my money and he told me to call him before I installed anything and he would walk me through it. We were cool with each other after that , I posted a step by step of my installation here as we went through it over the phone, Howard was watching the thread as well , you don't get that kind of service from your average parts dealer , always willing to help , in fact I think he enjoyed my willingness to tinker a bit to get the job done , we spent a bit of time talking general BS unrelated as well ,I enjoyed talking with him , he was a good guy in my book , feel bad I hadn't talked with him in a while .
tj316 Tim , your a stand up friend , thanks for all you've done , I never got to meet Howard in person
RIP Howard
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE Howard’s sister is in his house and shop. My friend David was in the shop today and will be back in it Tuesday and Wednesday to try to locate items for members . To date only Dale and Doug have contacted me , Snorider do you want them looking for your missing parts also. Speak up now because this WILL NOT be easy. David who was a customer off Howard’s too and had been to his shop many times said the place was not recognizable. He said parts and shocks were everywhere, total confusion. Anyone who had been there knows Howard was extremely organized and everything had a place , David said it would have been impossible for Howard to work in the shop. Valerie his sister said the inside of his home was in similar condition. It is now obvious Howard’s mind had been slipping for sometime, I feel terrible because we spoke often and I did not recognize it and help him. David said there were shocks there with peoples name on them and they would try to reach out to these people. So please speak up now before it is to late. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I have dealt with Howard about 8 years ago and got my shocks no problem. I have heard many things, but this thread is by far the best thing yet to help Howard. TJ, I have been following this and I want to thank you for the updates and the fact you are helping to organize things for his clients. I hope things work out for the customers, clients, and most important, his sister and family.
Thanks for all you have done.
Thanks for all you have done.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I want to give a HUGE shout out to forum member @dbell66253 , this is David who lives in Miami and he is the one going through Howard’s shop trying to find items for everyone. It is not easy as you can tell from my previous post and David is spending his time doing this for free for you forum members.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Im just going to go out on a limb..and say it has everything to do being named David. Always helpful, usually pretty smart
and does pretty good with the ladies.
As Ive said in PM previous TJ, you, David and Howards sister have my utmost appreciation and gratitude.
I also stand by my PM, $50 for shipping and $50 finders fee if found and returned. If shipping is less, keep the change.
I cant imagine digging through an American Pickers TV set so thank you again.
As Ive said in PM previous TJ, you, David and Howards sister have my utmost appreciation and gratitude.
I also stand by my PM, $50 for shipping and $50 finders fee if found and returned. If shipping is less, keep the change.
I cant imagine digging through an American Pickers TV set so thank you again.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Was contacted today by David, I can only simply say this.
Stand up guy as they come. (I still maintain it has something to do with the name David....but I could be bias...lol)
Thank you both, David and TJ.
Stand up guy as they come. (I still maintain it has something to do with the name David....but I could be bias...lol)
Thank you both, David and TJ.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
RiP Howard
Wow. I just stumbled on this thread from April. I haven't been on much.
Much respect to TJ and David. Awesome job guys.
Howard helped me with my 09 SG back around 2011.
I was pretty active on the forum back then and knew before dealing with Howard that he could be a bit rough around the edges. I'm not too smart so he had his hands full for a while with my questions. Lol
He was always a gentleman with me and I appreciated him not biting my head off.
He was actually wonderful to deal with and the shocks were awesome.
I'm sorry to read he passed. He helped so many riders and sorry he died alone.
Hats off to Howard. A true professional. Semper Fi my brother. See you on the other side.
I swear I was just thinking of him recently. My 2019 cvo Limited has a great ride but I was thinking about those Ohlins. I use to ride nj to Tennesee in 1 day and it was like riding on my couch. Howard came to mind. Then I read this a few minutes ago. Freaking memories man. Great guy.
Much respect to TJ and David. Awesome job guys.
Howard helped me with my 09 SG back around 2011.
I was pretty active on the forum back then and knew before dealing with Howard that he could be a bit rough around the edges. I'm not too smart so he had his hands full for a while with my questions. Lol
He was always a gentleman with me and I appreciated him not biting my head off.
He was actually wonderful to deal with and the shocks were awesome.
I'm sorry to read he passed. He helped so many riders and sorry he died alone.
Hats off to Howard. A true professional. Semper Fi my brother. See you on the other side.
I swear I was just thinking of him recently. My 2019 cvo Limited has a great ride but I was thinking about those Ohlins. I use to ride nj to Tennesee in 1 day and it was like riding on my couch. Howard came to mind. Then I read this a few minutes ago. Freaking memories man. Great guy.