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MARCH 15TH, LET’S RIDE–Hopefully youve recovered from last years RIDE. Come and do it all again……………. SUNDAY MARCH 15th is Paddy Ride 09. Meet for breakfast at The Harp in Ocean Beach(4935 Newport ave) at 9:00 AM.., then motor out to Dublin Mob Choppers compound (6306 Federal Blvd) where the BBQ and Bands kick off at 11:00 AM Once again the bands are the top notch Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, Cash’d Out, and Diablo Dimes.. not to mention Mob crew cookin up HODADS burgers all day long…,refeshments, raffels, loud music, It dont get no righter ! UND1SPUTED and HODADS sponsoring. Ride yer chop rod or custom and bring the family.
–Shannon McKnight
65TH ANNUAL TRAILBLAZERS BANQUET–The Trailblazers, a social organization of pioneer motorcycling enthusiasts, was founded in 1940. Their 65th annual banquet and bike show will be held on Saturday, April 4th at Carson Center, in Carson California.
For more information concerning membership or the banquet, please check out their website www.trailblazersmc.com, e-mail mctrailblazers@cs.com, or write to Trailblazers @MIC Inc., 2 Jenner St. Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618-3313
BIKERNET READER TECH QUESTION OF THE WEEK– I have an early ’84 4-speed with all new Andrews gears and shifter forks. I am using an S&S 96″ stroker with 11:1 pistons, Super G bored and boosted, ported and flowed 6 angle valve job heads. In other words probably 110 hp at rear wheel.
I would like to use the Barnet Scorpion clutch ass’y. They claim it has an over 200% gain over the stock clutch. Which in my opinion is great, but I recently heard from a Harley parts guy that they burn up fast. Could this be true if properly adjusted? How do you feel about this?
–the bird.
birdbath2@rcn.com
BIKERNET AND AMCA ENCOURAGES YOUNGER MEMBERSHIP–I am sending you my weekly update photo a little early this week, hopefully you haven’t left for Cincinnati yet. I got a big old box of parts from Bill York who owns AAOK. He sells all types of parts for knuckles, pans and big twin Sidevalves through his mail order website–www.aaok.com.
Bill has been around a long time, he used to own the Motor Shop back in the seventies. He is a great guy and has really helped out with the project, I am emailing you pics of the new old stock army surplus valves that he donated for the project.
I wish I could go to Ohio, but I have to get a lot more work done at the shop, so I can go to daytona.
–Matt Olsen
An essay contest exists on the AMCA site. A young reader could become the owner of a Vintage H-D. In addition to winning the bike he or she will be trained in restoration techniques. Chance of a lifetime. Click on the banner to find out more.–Wilburn Roach
RICHARD QUIGLEY CHANGES CALIFORNIA, AGAIN (LONG AFTER HIS DEATH)– Yesterday the California Highway Patrol issued a sweeping revision to their motorcycle helmet enforcement policy in what was the last in a three part agreement made with the plaintiffs of the ?Quigley v. CHP? lawsuit.
The policy not only brings the CHP?s policy into line with existing law, it also shows the Department?s desire to work with motorcyclists and put the problems of the years since the inception of the helmet law behind them. The plaintiffs want to extend their thanks to the leadership of the Highway Patrol who, despite being involved in a lawsuit, made a tremendous effort to work together to fix a problem that had been a friction point for the last fifteen years.
These three issues, the new policy, the CHP?s petitioning of the California Judicial Council (Resulting in the change to the CJC?s Bail and Fine Schedule) and the dropping of the demand for fees in the above referenced lawsuit brings to an end Richard Quigley?s sixteen year fight against the motorcycle helmet law long after his death.
The lawsuit ?Quigley v. CHP? was the second in a two part assault on helmet law enforcement. The first was an outgrowth of Quigley?s many citations in his crusade against the helmet law. His last trip to traffic court ended with the judge finding the CHP in contempt of court for not following the correctable statutes in California law. In the resulting case, ?Superior Court v. CHP,? the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the judge, but not before publishing the opinion that was the lynchpin in reversing fifteen years of improper application of California law.
Richard Quigley, Steve Bianco, Don Blanscet, Steve ?Red? Barron and Pat Holmes all members of BOLT of California and ABATE of California joined together in ?Quigley v. CHP? a lawsuit filed in 2007. The lawsuit attempted to find the helmet law unconstitutional and was supported by individuals and organizations (far too many to be listed here) across the country. Two that must be singled out are Tony ?Pan? Sanfelipo (BOLT & ABATE of WI) and ABATE of Delaware. Tony for his unfailing support and ABATE of Delaware for its huge donation. They joined many ABATE of California Locals and individual members who helped defray the costs of this multi-year endeavor. The plaintiffs also want to thank ABATE of California for serving as the clearing house for many donations.
The lawsuit did not survive CHP?s summary judgment motion but was headed for appeal when the settlement was hammered out. Although Quig didn?t live to see it he would have been proud of Steve, Don, Red and Pat who all carried the banner of motorcyclists rights to achieve this great victory.
Questions can be directed to Mike Osborn 805-377-3262.
SUCKER PUNCH SALLY EXPANDS HER BRAND–I wanted to let you know that Sucker Punch is continuing to grow and expand their dealer operations and will be launching three new bikes at the V-Twin expo. One, dubbed “The Workingman”, is going to be very similar to The Traditional but with a DNA Springer, Ultima transmission and solid color paint all for $18995 and $1000 dealer incentive rebate program, so it will retail at $17995.
The second bike to debut at V-Twin will be a Sucker Punch Sally’s Sportster tm frame that has been built out in the Sucker Punch Sally’s old school racer style. It features an S&S 100-inch Sportster tm motor and numerous custom Sucker Punch Sally’s parts. You will also get to see the Triumph Thruxton that SPS customized for Fender Guitars. It features a Sara Ray paint job and a caf? racer feel.
In addition Sucker Punch Sally’s will be unveiling their two new bikes “Love” and “Hate”. These are two prototype production bikes that are sure to turn heads. They will be offered on a limited basis through our dealer network with the idea being that some people want a full-blown production custom. These two bikes, designed by Ami James and Christian Clayton, are sure to be a hit. Christian and Ami will be making appearances across the country at selected Sucker Punch Sally’s dealerships. The Love Hate bikes will feature custom frames, custom cast parts, custom cut billet wheels and the new 360 Brakes.
–Ken Conte
HARDCORED CUSTOMS HITS THE PAGES–Guess nothing new since we had stuff out in 3 different magazines at the newsstands. Anyways. Jamison’s bike’s still in the Rebel Rodz Feb issue. Sean’s Panhead in the Outlaw biker #174…www.whitelinemagazine
Cycle Source should feature the sidecar in the February issue and of course many more to come!
— Svenmeister
SVENMEISTER HARDCORE KUSTOMSMailing: PO Box 140358, Edgewater, CO 80214 USAShop: Westminster, CO (Open by appointment only! )
Check out our website!www.SVENMEISTERHARDCOREKUSTOMS.com
GUITAR MANUFACTURER COMES TO BIKERNET– I spoke to Mike Carparelli the Owner of Dot on Shaft today, he was over the moon with your kind offer and has asked his web guy to send you the art work you requested, in return if you can send me the same we will add a link to you on our site, we would have loved to have sent the image of the Indian Chief motorcycle or the Harley-Davidson which we have on a guitar bodies, they’re real beauties but we need to secure licensing before we release the bodies for sale or show.
Perhaps if you are in the area sometime you could drop by the store and we could show you around, I spent much time at a Famous motorcycle cafe in England before moving here run by and old friend its called the Ace Cafe London, the most famous cafe in the world, we hope be able to launch our guitars big time at the Ace later on in the year with supporting bands.
–Rob
BIG BEAR CHOPPERS INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION–In these times, companies are faced with big decisions with their business model, human and equipment resources, sales channel, and product development. Big Bear Choppers (BBC) is agile enough to successfully maneuver with the current environment, resulting in immediate growth and penetration in a global export sales channel, efficient lean manufacturing and fresh product design. Yet BBC?s brand equity is large enough to have an international brand recognition and presence, due to continued world wide media exposure, and growing positive viral customer word-of-mouth.
Big Bear Choppers has pursued aggressive expansion into foreign markets, and their 2009 business planning indicates close to 50% of planned turn-key motorcycle shipments will come from foreign markets, as the result of the slow domestic market and growing demand internationally. Single-line dealerships carrying the BBC brand of motorcycles are starting to sprout up more and more, with already established dealerships in countries like Australia, Canada and Switzerland -solely representing and selling Big Bear Choppers. Other existing international multi-line dealer body consists in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, Taiwan, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Germany, and Sweden. Current negotiations are in process covering additional strategic countries -not ready for public knowledge.
BBC is currently analyzing countries? Gross Domestic Product and targeting metropolitan shopping/urban areas of developed, or developing, countries with affluence and moderate-to-strong demand for luxury goods. And culturally, people across the world desire to ride an American chopper, to own a piece of cool Americana; we produce a product that is highly appealing, in-style, and in-demand world wide. Think of super-cars from Italy or electronics from Japan. Our American culture of choppers is powerful across the planet.
So what does this mean for you as a person living in the US? Our production and revenue is, and will continue to be strong, making it financially possible to continue in providing industry leading motorcycle designs through proper engineering. With survival on everybody?s minds lately, our mind-set is to expand the BBC Empire to the ends of the earth.
1st Annual Bike Week New Orleans at the Broken Spoke ? presented in partnership by Bikeweek.com and Broken Spoke Saloon–What: Four days of headliner bands, authentic Louisiana food, huge bike shows, entertainment day and night, ride-in events leading up to the event and plantation and scenic riverfront charity rides ? including a day at Southern Comfort Plantation.
When: May 7th to 10th 2009 – Where: New Orleans Convention Center, Sugar Mill & Heritage Park in the French Quarter?s Warehouse District.
Details: www.BikeWeekNewOrleans.com
Imagine a 26,000 square foot Broken Spoke Saloon with some of the hottest barmaids from the Black Hills in Sturgis transported to the heart of ?The Big Easy,? the one and only New Orleans.
An ?authentic? New Orleans experience is promised, May 7th to 10th when BikeWeek.com and Broken Spoke Saloon present the first-ever major motorcycle event within the city of New Orleans and the French Quarter ? Bike Week New Orleans at the Broken Spoke.
?This will be a world class annual event in partnership with the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Easyriders and of course the world famous Broken Spoke Saloon? said Larry Oliphant, CEO of Bikeweek LLC/Bikeweek.com. ?No one throws a festival like New Orleans, and no one throws a party like Jay Allen and his Broken Spoke.
This all-inclusive event will feature negotiated hotel accommodations, quality food, drinks and rides, with a hub of activity and nightly shows at the New Orleans Broken Spoke.
The World?s Biggest Biker Bar, the Broken Spoke Saloon will be rolling its 18-wheelers into the ultimate party town to create the ultimate party, complete with four days of live headliner music, plantation rides through Louisiana, authentic New Orleans culture, a huge Easyriders Show, motorcycle daredevil shows, The Budweiser Burn Out Bike, Bike Build Offs, and much, much more.
?This first-ever Bike Week New Orleans at the Broken Spoke is bound to go down in the annals of motorcycle history,? said Jay Allen. ?It?s my hope that we can all partake in the party, rides and events and share the birth of a tradition that will be around for many years to come. Let?s Ride!
?The New Orleans Spoke will be in the perfect party spot, chock full of the hottest of wild bartenders and contests that are on the razor?s edge ? hot, funny and tweaked!?
Across the street in the convention center, Easyriders has agreed to bring their full production bike show to the first New Orleans rally, along with many of the iconic builders, who will be signing autographs and talking about the latest innovations in bike building.
?You will see a lot of great industry products and the latest from leading manufacturers such as S&S Cycle and Baker Drivetrain,? said Jay. ?Plus, top builders from the gulf coast region will be vying for the much sought after Easyriders trophy.? Look for upcoming details at their website: www.easyridersevents.com
The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation will be serving ?authentic? New Orleans cuisine throughout the rally, and famous chefs will be struttin? their stuff in the Chrome kitchen being set up alongside the Easyriders Show.
No stranger to the ultimate party town, Jay has fond memories from his early 20?s when he was a ?Lucky Dog? man, peddling Lucky Dog hot dogs and chili dogs on Bourbon & Toulouse street corners, and living ?for cheap? in slave quarters on Esplanade Street.
?Ride Louisiana? will kick off the inaugural French Quarter rally, with ride-in events scheduled for five major stops on Monday evening, culminating with BBQs and events scheduled for Baton Rouge and Biloxi on the eve of Bike Week New Orleans. Bike
Cycle Source Magazine is hosting its first hard-core ride-in Chopper Show. Go to their website to check it out (www.cyclesource.com
During the rally, riders can join plantation rides, including a day filled with food and entertainment hosted by the Southern Comfort Girls at the Southern Comfort Plantation. There will also be a Riverfront Poker Run.
Keeping with a long-standing motorcycle tradition that dates back to 1918, the Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow will blow you away with huge snakes, sword swallowing and fire breathing. Jay Lightning from the Wall of Death and his posse will also be doing shows day and night at the New Orleans Broken Spoke (NOBS.)
Bike Week New Orleans is supporting the city and surrounding areas ? and the city of New Orleans is actively ready to open the area for Bike Week New Orleans at the Broken Spoke. Already on board for the inaugural event are:
The New Orleans CVB, The New Orleans Convention Center, The Sugar Mill, Faux Pas Prints merchandising, Event Specialist of New Orleans, Southern Eagle Distributors, Coca-Cola of Louisiana, Republic Distributors, Heritage Park, and Whitney Plantation in addition to hundreds of local businesses, restaurants, and hotels as vendors and working partners. Charities being supported include: The Sunshine Kids, Wetlands Restorations, as well as other local philanthropies.
Complete event information including ticket options and inclusions, maps, rides, hotel booking, entertainment, vendors, official merchandise and more all available at: www.BikeWeekNewOrleans.com
A HIT FROM THE BIKERNET LIBRARY– I wanted to check in with you to find out what you thought of a book I recently sent to you. It is called Endless Horizon: A Very Messy Motorcycle Journey Around the World and is written by Dan Walsh (of UK?s BIKE Magazine).
This book was released exclusively to the UK market in 2008 and after seeing the rave reviews from our friends on the other side of the pond, we knew we had to bring it to the U.S. It hits our shelves next week.
If you?ve had a chance to read it, I?m sure you have found it pretty entertaining. Dan is an exceptionally vivid writer and his adventures are unlike any other. I think the bikernet.com readers would really enjoy this book and I appreciate any opportunity you can provide to spread the word. As always, I can provide images or chapter text to accompany a review should you decide to feature the book.
Have a great day and I look forward to hearing from you. Safe riding!
–Nichole
Quayside Publishing Group
Motorbooks / MBI Publishing
e-mail: nschiele@motorbooks.com
ARE YOU CATCHING THE VIBE–Did you know that Bikernet.com has more readers in Germany than in Australia. Robin Bradley and the AMD gang reached across ponds and oceans to bring the custom motorcycle industry together. Holger Mohr of Custom Chrome has been tremendously successful with European operations. As you just witnessed above, Big Bear is expanding operations around the world to maintain their level of success.
If it wasn’t for extreme shipping expenses I’m sure world wide business would move even faster. I’m sure shipping obstacles will be remedied soon as the business world begins to reach across borders. It’s exciting to see events flourish and expand, and the custom culture expand into fresh new areas.
Hang on for the next World Run. In the meantime Bikernet will keep you posted and hopefully entertained with bike features from all over the world, fiction, event coverage, techs and all the action. There’s another Viking girl from Germany waiting in the wings. Where is she?
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
