Hey,
You won?t believe this. Last weekend I spent four days sequestered in a Primm, Nevada hotel room pouring over chapters from my first Chance Hogan book. It will see the wheels of a printing press sometime during the first half of this year. I jammed home Tuesday morning, carefully carried my I-mac back to my desk and proceeded to go through the motions of backing up my hard drive to insure the manuscript was saved. So what happened?my computer crashed. Fuck!
It?s been down since then. I couldn?t feel worse, if some bastard just stole my ?56 Shovelhead and left me homeless on the streets of Phoenix. Fortunately we have a longshoreman computer mastermind who is slaving away to rescue my data. Needless to say, the news will be lackluster. I?m grappling with attempting to operate Sin Wu?s PC computer and deliver the latest.
If you were expecting an e-mail from me, many apologies. Hopefully, by the time I return from Cincy, all will be well at the Bikernet Interplanetary Headquarters once again. Better be, or I?m going to hit up Jerry Petty, from Saxon, for the key to his condo in Rocky Point, Mexico. I?ll ride down there through the desert, and you?ll never here from me again.
BIG BEAR CHOPPER LOOKING FOR RALLY SPONSORS– I would love for Bikernet to be a sponsor for our rally.Our one day event brings in 8,000 quality bikers for the day. It?s a growing, unique rally that receives lots of recognition and exposure.let me know asap if Bikernet would like to be a sponsor. I have a deadline on printing the ads, flyers and posters. plus, the sooner you commit, the sooner your logo will go on everything.
Industry Raises More Than $134,000 for Children’s Charities–The 2008 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser brought the industry together to celebrate the newest SEMA Board members, recognize the services of the outgoing Board members and welcome the 2008 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, all while supporting two important charities?the Victory Junction Gang Camp for kids and the Childhelp organization.
Through its auction and fundraising activities, the 2008 event raised more than $134,000 for the two charities.
Warren Buffet injects $300m into Harley-Davidson– The motorbike manufacturer receives a $600m in total from Berkshire Hathaway and Davis Selected Advisors, Harley’s biggest shareholder
Warren Buffett threw Harley-Davidson, one of the world’s most famous names in motorbikes, a $300 million lifeline after agreeing to buy half of the group’s newly issued bonds.
But the cost of the billionaire’s financial support comes with an astonishing burden – with the motorcycle maker locked in to pay Berkshire Hathaway an annual interest rate of 15 per cent on the investment. The coupon on the bonds represents twice the rate that junk bonds typically pay investors. The bonds mature in 2014.
Both Mr Buffett and Davis Selected Advisors, the fund manager which is also Harley’s biggest shareholder, bought the group’s new bonds, helping the motorbike maker secure $600 million in new funds. Shares in the group soared by a fifth after the announcement.
The bond sale provides the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Harley with more cash after losses at its financing arm led to a 58 per cent decline in fourth-quarter profit. Harley is also cutting 1,100 jobs, or more than 12 percent of its workforce, over two years.
2 INTO 1 BOSS – FAT CAT DELIVERS 15 % INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER FOR 2009 HARLEY TOURING MOTORCYCLES– Get Your Performance Here – All Harley Touring Models Recieve 15% increase in HP, 15% increase in Torque. The BOSS – Fat Cat kit includes a D&D pipe along with a Zipper’s air cleaner… that is all you need. No additional parts and no tuner. Just bolt and go!
D&D Delivers a Satisfying Harley Experience – Let’s face it; the sound of your bike is just as important as the performance. It’s part of the Harley experience.
Through our work on the dyno we have custom tuned the BOSS – Fat Cat exhaust to not only deliver better performance, but do it at a level that will keep the Sound Police at bay. And because of the R&D work we have done on the 2009 touring models, we deliver a deep, pleasing and environmentally-friendly exhaust note along with the increase in performance and economy.
At idle, the motorbike is deep and boomy and full of character… just the way you want it. And once you crack the throttle the sweet basso-profundo notes just keep on getting better.
Not only does the pipe look good, it is a wonderfully sounding experience for the rider. Get more information on the D&D Chrome BOSS – Fat Cat 2 into 1 exhaust pipe for 2009 Baggers.
Here are our new dealers from last week
1) Cycle Ivan’s Inc 2831 Forest Hill Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-588-2302
2) Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936-634-8404
–Jennifer and Jeff Najar
BIKERNET BUSINESS SEMINAR–Two businessmen in Florida were sitting down for a coffee break intheir soon-to-be new store. As yet, the store wasn’t ready, with onlya few shelves set up.
One said to the other, ‘I bet any minute now some senior is going towalk by, put his face to the window, and ask what we’re selling.’
No sooner were the words out of his mouth when, sure enough, a curioussenior walked to the window, peeked in, and in a soft voice asked’What are you sellin’ here?’
One of the men replied sarcastically, ‘We’re selling ass-holes.’
Without skipping a beat, the old timer said,
‘You’re doing well. Only two left.’
–from Ted
2009 Suzuki Gladius by L-R-G Clothing Co. & Nick Anglada Originals Debuts at Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Chicago–Chicago — (February 5, 2009) ? American Suzuki Motor Corporation in cooperation with Lifted Research Group and Nick Anglada Originals will unveil the 2009 L-R-G Suzuki Gladius at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Chicago on Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m.
This is the second installment of an amazing collaboration between American Suzuki, L-R-G and Nick Anglada to build truly unique 2009 Suzuki Gladius featuring the unmistakable design style of Lifted Research Group and the amazing craftsmanship of Nick Anglada.
Nick Anglada Originals have taken an incredible L-R-G design concept and turned the new Suzuki Gladius into an aggressive and stylish Hypermoto inspired machine built to tackle everything from unrelenting urban streets to a sporty canyon ride through the mountains.
The 2009 L-R-G Suzuki Gladius built by Nick Anglada Originals features:
? Excel Supermoto wheels 17×3.5 front 17×5 rear
? RM-Z450 front end
? C & S customs swingarm
? RG3 RM-Z450 Triple Clamp assembly with modified stem
? Renthal Fat Bars
? Leo Vince High Mount SV650 exhaust
? Beringer Supermoto brake set up. six piston caliper with cast iron rotor
? Beringer clutch lever and mount
? Galfer brake lines
? Vortex fully adjustable rearsets
? Vortex billet gas cap
? Custom seat by KSK Kustom Seats Kreations
? 08 GSXR-1000 tail light
? Custom fabricated tail section
? Paint and body work done by Jason Gray Customs. www.jasongraycustoms.com
The 2009 L-R-G Gladius is the first customized Suzuki Gladius to be unveiled and follows in the footsteps of the amazing L-R-G Hayabusa that debuted in 2008.
For more information, call 800/331-5706 or visit motorcycleshows.com.
Llunatica announces attendance of Chica as VIP guest–Associacion Llunatica today announced that internationally acclaimed custom builder Chica will be guest of honor at the Llunatica Benic?ssim Custom Show, which takes place in the Festival and Concert enclosure of Benic?ssim, near Castellon in southern Spain, on February 5-8.
Now in its second year as an Affiliate of the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, the show originally began in 1996 in Vilanova i la Geltr?, where it was organized by Joan A. Martinez, who is better known as Dr. Guerra. In 2000 Dr. Guerra moved to the coastal resort of Benic?ssim and began running his bike show there.
Over the years the show has become a truly international event with participants from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France, England, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Greece. Last year’s event pulled almost 5,000 visitors, and the custom show saw 38 bikes from Spain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands divided into Freestyle, Modified Harley and Metric classes. Although an outdoor event, the bike show and concert area is enclosed within a 33,000 square feet marquee..
The winner’s prize will be a 5,000 Euro expenses contribution to compete at the 6th annual Official World Championship in Sturgis on August 2-5. This year, the Llunatica organizers have announced that the judging will be conducted by the competing builders. An online entry form for the Custom show is available at www.llunatica.org.
LLUNATICA BENICASSIM
Email: info@llunatica.org
www.llunatica.org
EDUCATION OVER LEGISLATION, This quote challenges some assumptions–Is your life worth protecting? If so, whose responsibility is it to protect it? If you believe that it is the police’s, not only are you wrong — since the courts universally rule that they have no legal obligation to do so — but you face some difficult moral quandaries. How can you rightfully ask another human being to risk his life to protect yours, when you will assume no responsibility yourself? Because that is his job and we pay him to do it? Because your life is of incalculable value, but his is only worth the $30,000 salary we pay him? If you believe it reprehensible to possess the means and will to use lethal force to repel a criminal assault, how can you call upon another to do so for you?
— Jeff S. A Nation of Cowards
TECH QUESTION OF THE WEEK–We have two dynas, an 06 & 07, and we are very unhappy with the rear brakes, upgrades are avail, but at prices running from $750 to $1500 per bike, goes against my basic cheapness, although putting a price on safety seems the height of being a scrooge.
I have read your web pages from time to time and I detect a heavy thread of do-it-yourself ism, unfortunate I could screw up a one car funeral, all I am after is good rear callipers at a reason cost or brackets to mount aftermarket callipers
Tips ?Hints greatly appreciated
–Terry B.l
From: “Terry” brenan2875@shaw.ca
Unfortunately I can?t respond to him until my computer is released from the psych ward. If you have stellar advice, don?t hesitate to drop him a line.?Bandit
ENTRIES NOW INVITEDTO THIS PRESTIGIOUS EAST COAST SALE–Bonhams’ auction at the 2009 Greenwich Concours d?Elegance, one of the most popular Concours of the North East for more than a decade, is proving to be an ?all star line up? with entries including Clark Gable?s 1938 Packard Model 120 Darrin Convertible and the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer as used in the film The Great Gatsby . Situated in beautiful Greenwich, Connecticut, less than an hour’s drive or train ride from New York City, this spectacular two day show is a ?must-attend? East Coast event.
With a proven buoyant classic car market in 2008, Bonhams is honored to invite you to consign your vehicle to our June sale. Our world wide marketing attracts buyers and collectors alike and this venue is the perfect East Coast pedestal to stage your classic. So if you are thinking of freeing up some space in your garage, don?t hesitate to give us a call or e-mail us.
www.bonhams.com/greenwich
READER SUBMITS LOUISVILLE EASYRIDERS SHOW REPORT, ALL GOOD–Considering the ice and snow storm that hit the area earlier in the week leaving many without power and or water the show in downtown Louisville was well attended. I talked with one vendor that was happy with the sales. I had one incident with one of the Easy Riders centerfold bikes (out lined below) so I concentrated on getting images of the spectator show bikes. I checked out Paul Yaffe?s bagger parts and spent a few minutes with him (image attached). I also talked with Jay Allen from the Broken Spoke mostly about Bonneville and his two new records. We were padlocked next to each other at Bonneville in 2007.
One of the bikes was in the Easy Riders area and get this they are eligible for a centerfold spread in Easy Riders but the owner didn?t want a naked girl sitting on his bike so they said no nudity in the shoot. ER was not happy and is not sure if they are going to publish the shots. I was also told that ER would never publish the shoot if the bike showed up in another mag. Don?t want to kill his chances of getting published, I remembered you writing about the code so I am not going to send them.
–Mark
PUKE CAN FROM THE WIMMER CREW–New from Wimmer is a revised edition of their ?Puke? can. Do you have a bottom breathing motor that spews all over the place after sitting for and extended period? Well this little billet beauty is the answer.
This totally CNC machined unit will clamp to your frame down tube and features a new ?high capacity? design to hold more oil, has a serviceable filter and a petcock to easily drain accumulated oil and is easy to mount and maintain.
MSRP $175.00 ( includes clamp and fittings) This new product as well as all of Wimmer?s other products are manufactured right here in the United States. Stop by Booth #683 at the Cincinnati Expo and check out all of the latest products offered from Wimmer Machine.
Please don?t hesitate to call me at 714-280-8537 with any questions you may have regarding this release.
—Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing
714-280-8537/Office
714-280-8547/Fax
Rick@vtwinmarketing.com
Custom Chrome Partners with Independent Cycle Inc. Legend Air Suspensions for 2009 and Beyond MORGAN HILL, CA ? Custom Chrome & Custom Chrome Europe are pleased to announce the addition of the Independent Cycle / Legend Air Suspension line for the 2009 catalog season.
Independent Cycle Inc. has been aggressively researching its options to expand its global distribution of Legend Air Suspensions and other fine products throughout the United States and Europe. After intense market research and strategic discussions among industry friends, Independent chose Custom Chrome and its worldwide dealer network as the obvious avenue. This pairing unites the industries innovator of air suspension and one of the worlds most aggressive and successful aftermarket parts distributors in the world. ?With almost forty years of experience behind them, a strong will to support its dealer network and an experienced management team in place, this was an easy choice for Independent to make?, said Jesse Jurrens, founder and owner of Independent Cycle, Inc.
?The addition of this proven product line and the fostering of yet another industry relationship shows our commitment to growing this company and it?s ability to support our customers?, said Steve Veltri, Vice President of Sales and marketing for Custom Chrome.
?Custom Chrome is committed to aggressively expanding its product offering through quality manufacturers and industry relationships to improve its support of the brick and mortar dealer network worldwide? said Kurt Peterson, Media & Events Manager for Custom Chrome. While the addition of Legend Air Suspensions is complete and inventory is in place both here and in Europe; the two companies will continue to expand this relationship with the addition of other Independent Cycle Inc. products and design collaborations for future offerings.
Jesse went on to say, ?This is an exciting, high energy time for Custom Chrome and Legend Air Suspension. While Holger and I have discussed this move several times over the past few years it was seeing everything they have been doing as a company over the last several months in their support of the dealers that made the timing feel right. With Holger and his team at the controls I have great confidence both parties bring something to the table for a substantial mutual benefit and impact to the market. We look forward to growing both US and European sales over the next several years as well as our working relationship.?
For more information on Legend Air Suspension visit www.independentcycleinc.com or and coming soon to www.customchrome.com
HARLEY-DAVIDSON DECLARES MAY WOMEN RIDERS MONTH–– Motor Company Plans Events around the Globe to Celebrate Female Riders –
MILWAUKEE (February 2, 2009) ? This May the rumble from those April showers will continue a little longer as thousands of female riders will be hitting the open road to celebrate the first-ever Women Riders Month.
Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson is staging a series of events designed to celebrate the number of women who have already hit the open road on two wheels, as well as encourage even more women to get behind the handlebars. Two of the larger Harley-Davidson Women Riders Month initiatives include:
? Activities for the 3rd Annual International Female Ride Day on Friday, May 1, 2009, which was founded by Vicki Gray of Motoress.com. The day celebrates women of all ages who take life by the handlebars by encouraging them to ride. Harley-Davidson plans to stage special rides in New York City and Milwaukee to commemorate International Female Ride Day. Harley-Davidson dealerships, subsidiaries and suppliers across the world have been encouraged to plan rides in their areas.
? Encouraging 100,000 women to learn to ride either by taking the Harley-Davidson? Rider?s Edge? New Rider Course or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation? (MSF) Basic RiderCourseSM training program. Several Rider?s Edge New Rider Courses and MSF Basic RiderCourses are scheduled for the first weekend of May. To kick-off this initiative, a Guinness World Record will be set for the number of women motorcycle riders trained in one weekend during the first weekend of May. For information on the Rider?s Edge New Rider Course or a MSF Basic RiderCourse visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or log on to www.ridersedge.com or www.msf-usa.org.
“Women have been enjoying the sport of motorcycling for the last century,” said Leslie Prevish, women?s outreach manager, Harley-Davidson. “In the past two decades, we?ve seen a dramatic increase in number of women embrace the sport. By declaring May as Women Riders Month, we?re honoring all of the women who enjoy the freedom and adventure found in taking control of their own handlebars.?
In the past 20 years, the percentage of women who have purchased new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has tripled, with women now accounting for nearly 12 percent of new Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchases.
?We know there are thousands of women who are interested in the sport, but aren?t sure where to start,? said Prevish. ?We are encouraging women to learn how to ride a motorcycle to increase the women rider community and help them along their journey.?
During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to showcase several other programs it has designed specifically for women, including:
? Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting women-only Garage PartiesTM which provides a non-intimidating environment for women to learn more about motorcycling.
?Distributing We Ride, a comprehensive and inspirational brochure on what a new rider or a woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport.
? Share Your SparkTM: A Guide to Mentoring is a tool kit the Motor Company developed for current and aspiring riders featuring information on how to be a resource and support system to others during their motorcycling journey.
For more information about Women Riders Month, including the opportunity to participate in the special International Female Ride Day rides, visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or log onto www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.
–Tara M. Person
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
How to: FIX AMERICAN V-Twin MOTORCYCLES, from Wolfgang Publications–Save money! Instead of taking that Harley-Davidson or aftermarket V-twin to the dealership, fix it yourself with help from this new book by Wolfgang Publications.
Designed for non-professionals and first-time mechanics, How to Fix American V-Twin Motorcycles uses hundreds of color photos to explain basic maintenance and repairs. The book covers everything from the basic oil change, to the typical brake job. There?s a section on tune up, carburetor repair, and clutch and primary service. The book even includes a chapter on storage and another on servicing the fork and packing the neck bearings.
Written by well-known bike builders The Shadley Bros. this guide to basic repair and maintenance explains not only how to repair and adjust various parts of the motorcycle, but how the various components work. Diagrams and photos explain things like brake hydraulics and exactly how to adjust the primary chain.
There is no such thing as a maintenance free motorcycle. Learn how to do your own repairs in your own garage with this new book from Wolfgang Publications. How to Fix American V-Twin Motorcycles: 144 pages and over 400 photos. Available for $27.95 US +$5.50 S&H from Wolfgang Publications, order on the web at www.wolfpub.com, or by phone at 651-275-0194.
Officially Licensed Artist Scott Jacobs Announces New Poster Collection Release– (Feb. 2, 2009 San Diego, Ca.) Scott Jacobs launched his career as Harley-Davidson Motor Company?s first officially licensed artist in 1993 and since then he has garnered world-wide acclaim with his attention grabbing photo-realistic paintings. As a pioneer of Harley-Davidson?s Fine Art Program Scott is old school when it comes to technique as each canvas starts with a free-hand pencil sketch of the subject matter. Once the drawing is complete he begins the arduous task of applying paint with a brush of about seven camel hairs to achieve his trademark stunning detail. His work has found homes is over fifty countries and currently resides in over twenty museums including the new Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.
His coffee table book has been out for several years now and another is in the works and scheduled for 2009. Scott Jacobs has been featured in numerous magazines internationally as well as appearances on television (including CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood) and radio. Scott Jacobs? V-Twin TV mini-documentary was the highest rated show in their history.
Scott?s celebrated career progressed with the focus of the HD fine art program being on limited edition fine art prints. A thriving market was created with most of the editions selling out to eager collectors. In addition to the Fine Art Program at this time we are extremely pleased to announce the release of the new Harley-Davidson Poster Program which includes six images by Scott Jacobs. This program will allow a much broader audience to enjoy and own some of Mr. Jacobs? work as well as a great gift idea for any Harley enthusiast. The posters are open ended editions and the first six images currently available will retail for $39.95.
FIELD OF DREAMS, is one example of these beautifully designed and very recognizable Scott Jacobs? artworks in the collection. To see the entire collection click on this link:
http://www.scottjacobsstudio.com/gposters01.html Dealer inquiries are invited please call the number below or email me if you have any
Wire Plus Introduces a New Seat Post Mounted Replacement Housing–Winfield, KS- Wire Plus Powersports Electronics is proud to introduce their new ?Old School? seat post replacement assembly which includes billet housing, power control module and key switch. This state-of-the-art system features a CNC machined ?old school? ball-milled look on its teardrop shaped billet assembly and includes a much more robust ignition key. The power control module has 4 separate power circuits, replaceable start relay and diagnostic LED?s, which can be viewed through holes in the face of the housing. It?s the perfect solution for all riders that want to update their bikes look and performance, but have older style units that originally came on their Ultra, APC and other custom or production bikes. Installation is a breeze?This new assembly plugs right into the existing Wire Plus harness (not included).
Exclusive to Wire Plus is a unique safety feature that shuts off the front lighting when starting and leaves the taillights on for safety during nighttime starting. This puts less of a strain on the battery while starting and still provides the rider with ?rear visibility? during nighttime starting. Anyone stuck on the side of the road at night will be seen by other drivers while trying to start their bike due to this new safety feature. Available in black or luxurious chrome finishes?Suggested Retail: $299.00. Reliability?Ease of Installation?and Quality all in One?Wire Plus!
Check out Wire Plus?s entire ?09 product line at Booth #916 at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo or contact them directly at (620) 221-2417; Wire Plus, 724 Industrial Road, Winfield, KS 67156. Check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.
GERMAN CANTINA BURNS–This message is from a friend of mine in Germany. It is sad news and a tragedy that this place burned down.We will need your help to restore this fine place.
As many of you may know, my time for writing posts is very restricted and, since the big crash of the old JS, I?m still looking for a place where I feel comfortable. But a recent event has inspired me to write this entry.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, the bar of a real good friend of mine burnt completely down. This gem of a place, once founded as a private meeting place for a handful of bikers and their friends, soon developed into a very special nugget for all the bikers in our area. In the past 15 years, my friend and many of his guests collected lots of large and small items which made this place so extraordinary. Most of the things were souvenirs and gifts from the US and the value of some items can?t be expressed in money.
Here are some pictures of how it looked before the fire.
Today about 25 -30 helpers showed up and removed the debris. Some women cleaned the collectibles the fire had spared and which can be used again. But most of the items became irreplaceable victims of the flames.
There were two old fashioned bikes hanging from the ceiling; both fully refurbished and functional: An Indian Chief from the 40s and a Harley-Davidson from the 30s. The fire brigade had to cut the chains and the bikes crashed on the floor, 10 feet down. Luckily both survived, damaged, of course, but perhaps restorable. The flames didn?t reach them directly but they were covered with aggressive acidic smut from the burnt plastic and needed to be cleaned immediately.
Many of the buddies signaled help in one way or the other.. They even started an account at a bank where people can donate money for the reconstruction. Others are thinking of delivering materials, and some others will just donate their working power. The group of bikers, friends, and guests are standing together to help a friend in need. The insurance only takes care of the damages that happened to the building?.
The bar ?Harley-Garage at Wallau? surely will rise again, perhaps back to it?s former glamour, with the exception of the missing collectibles.
Folks, I would like to make an appeal to all of you. If any of you have old (or new) stuff like advertising sign-plates made of enameled iron or just old posters from Coca-Cola, Jack-Daniels, Hershey?s chocolate, Harley-Davidson, or whatever, I really would appreciate your donation. Of course, all the other little things like models of motorbikes or oldtimer vans and pick-up cars are always welcome, too. Leave a pm and I?ll send you my address here in Germany. My friends and I would be very thankful.
MORE REPORT FROM LOUISVILLE EASYRIDERS SHOW–Making the trip to Louisville was a tough one! With the Gangster Van loaded up with Swag we left Richmond at the crack of dawn, the plan was to drive straight thru to Louisville non stop. Crossing into West Virginia the snow and sleet started, no plows, no salt spreaders, it seemed like it was just us on the highway.
We made frequent gas stops to adjust air pressure in the tires, clean the windshield and the headlights. The sun didn’t shine thru the storm clouds all day, phone calls back to the Gangster Choppers Global Headquarters revealed that a record breaking storm had hit the area! Power was out, roads were closed, WOW the mayhem!
We pressed thru and made the show date. I am personally glad we did, I met the most sincere and true bikers anywhere in the USA in Louisville. The storm had weeded out the fakes, the posers. The spectators were telling me stories about cutting tree limbs out of the roadway to drive there, many was without electricity but still came out. As always we bring you the story with pictures! Enjoy.
–John Dodson, Gangster Choppers
216 East Belt Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23224
www.gangsterchoppers.com
MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTORS GO OUT OF BUSINESS–Big news today is that Anderson News Company and Source Interlink (yes, that Source Interlink that bought the Primedia magazines) both announced they are shutting down their magazine wholesaler operations due to massive and on-going financial losses.
Between the two they distribute at least 50% of all magazines in north America.Going to be wild! Wonder how this will effect the Source Interlink magazines like Motorcyclist, Hot Bike, Sportrider and Motorcycle Cruiser, which are reeling from the advertising pull back?
–Buzz Kantor
Free Marketing Seminar: V-Twin Expo, Cincinnati Ohio– Highly regarded industry professionals will join Lon Nordbye Jr. of The Legendary Buffalo Chip to discuss effective marketing strategies that get results in the motorcycle industry. Nordbye? expertise in sponsorship and event marketing has undeniably reinvented how sponsors develop, execute and measure programs at major motorcycling events and music venues.
This seminar is for those who want to:
? Learn how to utilize sponsorship to improve your customer?s experiences.
? Get insights as to how and why companies become sponsors and how you can benefit.
? Obtain a working knowledge on how you can use multiple marketing channels to reach an increasingly busy and over mediated consumer.
As part of the series, Lon will discuss all aspects of sponsorship integration, deliverability and measurement and how to incorporate them on all levels of business. Others featured in this 90 minute seminar are Keith ?Bandit? Ball of Bikernet.com, World Renowned Motorcycle Photographer Michael Lichter, Ken Conte Owner of Rise Above Consulting and CJ Hanlon of Guilty Customs. The presenters bring more than fifty years of experience in public relations, online marketing, sponsorship sales and motorcycle marketing to the panel.
Please join us for this break through seminar, Saturday February 7, 2009 from 11:30-1:00pm at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati Ohio. See the V-Twin Show Guide for seminar locations ? and make sure to catch Lon before or after the seminar with your questions. Get more information about V-Twin Expo seminars online at http://www.vtwin-expo.com/seminars.htm
–Nicole Moser
Buffalo Chip Campground, LLC.
Marketing Assistant
CALIFORNIA HELMET LAW LAWSUIT OUTCOME–Many of you have been asking about the outcome of the lawsuit against the California Highway Patrol. I was waiting for the official statement from Mike Osborn, who was instrumental in striking the deal with the California Judicial Council and the CHP, and who acted as case manager for our lawsuit as well as Director of the ABATE of California Judicial Fund. The attachments are the official news release concerning the lawsuit and the change in policy memo from the CHP.
For those of you who contributed to the fund, thank you very much. My boss, Michael Hupy donated $5,000 of his personal money to the fund and continues to support biker’s rights by making the first donation to the MRF A&E fund in the amount of $5,000 and pledging to match other donations of $1,000 from attorneys who represent motorcyclists up to an additional $10,000.00.
He not only represents injured bikers, he puts thousands and thousands of dollars back into our motorcycle community to assist us in legislative, judicial and safety issues. I hope other attorneys will do the same.
–Pan
Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Investigator
Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
Visit www.hupy.com for current news for bikers
SHOOT,WHAT DID I TELL YA?–I?m packed and ready for our 7:00 a.m. flight to Cincinnati tomorrow. Doc Robinson, from Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia, is tagging along with a pallet of their 100th magazine edition. Each cover is chromed. Terrific looking book. It?s interesting that sales are down over here and Harley just had their best season ever in Australia. All is not lost. We will survive to party another day.
So hang on for next week. You got a break this week due to technical difficulties, but next week, I will deliver industry reports, new products coming to market, a sneak look at the Big Bear Chopper Doc is going to road test, another feature from Jon Towle, plus I may meet with Roger Goldammer this weekend and kick off his bike feature for Bikernet Readers.
The Sunday Post may be light, depending on how the girls feel on Sunday. They?re attending a Harley-Davidson party Friday night. But watch out for the news next Thursday. I?ll dig through all my e-mails, read scattered notes from Cincy, go through Cincy show brochures and hammer the news home. Do me a favor, say a prayer for my computer.
Let?s Ride
–Bandit
