Hey,
We are making progress in the shop. I picked up my engine yesterday, after Eric Bennett, of Bennett’s Performance, in Long Beach, installed my Branch O’Keefe ported and polished heads, new Andrews cam, and put my stock Evo engine back together. I brought it home in the Hearse, and I’ll have another Mudflap Girl FXR story rolling onto Bikernet next week.
Now, if I hear from Spitfire about our frames, we’ll be cooking. I need to order a couple of stock intake manifolds, but maybe something special from the Branch guys, and a BDL primary drive, so I can install a complete drive train in Spitfire frame.
We had a lull in the action, but suddenly everything is moving. As you will see the MotorBooks Terry the Tramp book is already launched on Amazon books to be released in November.
Tomorrow we should tear into the XS 650, and this weekend we may launch the story behind the 15-year history of Bikernet. Plus, we are about to launch a dozen historic articles. They were missing in action, but now they’re back. Thank god. Let’s hit the news:
PHOTOS FROM QUAIL LODGE IN THE SUNDAY POST– Re the Vincent with the Pegasus graphic in the Sunday Post, that wasn’t just another sharp Vincent, that was the “bathing suit bike,” ridden by Rollie Free to a class speed record at Bonneville in 1948. See http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Rollie_Free%2C_record_run.jpg
–John
DAYTEC’S FIRST EVER SWAP MEET– just a quick note about Daytec’s First Ever Motorcycle swap meet, and it was a success and everyone had a great time, so much so it looks like we will have another in July and another in Sept.
–Paul Kirk
Daytec Cycle Center
American V-Twin Parts & Service
(760) 244-1591
paul@daytec.com
www.daytec.com
TODD’S CYCLES SIGNATURE SEATS BY SADDLEMEN– Saddlemen enlisted custom bike builder Todd Silicato, founder of Todd’s Cycles to apply his unique styling sense to create the ultimate low-profile bagger seat that’s also great for touring.
seat to drop down into the bike for a low riding position.
As with the standard Pro Tour seat, the Todd’s Cycles version is made with Saddlemen’s famous combination of progressive density foam and patented SaddleGel™.
confidence. A slim, supportive bucket seat and contoured passenger section with contrasting
carbon fiber and SaddleHyde™ cover. And a progressive density foam and SaddleGel
interior to ease tailbone pressure and increase comfort.
Available at your local Drag Specialties dealer. Visit www.saddlemen.com or
www.facebook.com/saddlemen more information.
solutions to motorcyclists. Saddlemen continues to offer products born from the latest
designs, combined with the features and value that have set the industry standard. All
Saddlemen seats are made in the U.S.A.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH IN KENTUCKY–FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 10, 2011) – Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Kentucky.
“About 250,000 Kentuckians have valid motorcycle licenses or permits,” Gov. Beshear said. “It is especially important that drivers be aware of motorcycles on the streets and join in the safe sharing of roadways throughout Kentucky, especially during the seasonal return of motorcycles.”
Last year in Kentucky, there were 1,963 crashes and 1,544 motorcycle-related injuries. Seventy-eight people were killed in motorcycle crashes. “Clearly, there’s a need for greater motorcycle awareness and safety,” said Boyd Sigler, director of highway safety programs for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Highway Safety encourages drivers to safely share the road with motorcyclists by: Remembering motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the roadway.
Allowing more lane width and following distance for motorcycles to maneuver or stop safely.
Checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
Signaling one’s intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
“Kentucky Motorcycle Association / K.B.A.”
BIKERNET BLACK MARKET BOOK DEAL OF THE WEEK–If you’re a painter who’s always wanted to try pinstriping, or a pinstriper who wants to get better, or a complete novice, then consider this new book from Wolfgang Publications – available at a bargain price this week on Bikernet.
In more than forty years of pinstriping and creating signs, there aren’t many styles or tricks that East Coast Artie hasn’t learned. With his new book: Pro Pinstripe Techniques, Artie shares everything he’s done during his long career. Find out first hand why Artie chose a particular color combination, or a certain brush for a particular job.
To illustrate how pinstriping works in the real world, the bulk of this new book is made up of 12 start-to-finish pinstriping sequences performed by Artie and a small cadre of guest artists. Each of the guest artists, from Nub, (Of Orange County Choppers fame), to Mr. J, Mikey Fredrick, Howie Nisgor, and Zeke Lamanski, have their own style, and their own contribution to this new pinstriping book. Over 400 color photographs, by well known photographer Timothy Remus, make each sequence easy to follow and understand.
From basic strokes, to choosing the best color combination to deciding which paint to use for a job that will be clear coated later, there isn’t much about pinstriping that Artie and his guests don’t know – and don’t share with readers in this new 144 page book from ArtKulture, an imprint of Wolfgang Publications.
Pro Pinstripe Techniques is available for $17.95 (with free shipping to US addresses) this week from Bikernet. Set your two wheeler, or your customer’s two-wheeler, apart from the rest with some well placed and tasteful pinstripes – done with the help of this great how-to book: Pro Pinstripe Techniques.
REDNECK BAGS HEAD TOWARD HUMBLE’S V-ROD–Johnny Humble is determined to modify his V-rod so he isn’t forced to buy a dresser. We had a couple of Redneck fiberglass saddlebags, which we don’t seem to be using on the FXRs, so we’re shipping them out. “Here’s a pic I played with a redneck image to see how it will look deally,” said Johnny, “Of course, I am estimating the size as well, but at least this will give us a visual to go by.”
HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEATH WOBBLE–PHOENIX — The last thing a rider wants to do on a motorcycle is lose control, but that’s what some Harley-Davidson riders say happened to them.
To riders such as Vince Herre, the bikes are a status symbol. “I like it just because it’s Harley-Davidson,” Herre said.
Other riders, such as Cliff Anderson, said there’s a certain amount of homegrown pride.
“It’s an iconic piece of America,” he says.
Riders such as Blake Tomlinson said they think riding a Harley-Davidson is a way of life.
“To drive one is the ultimate sense of freedom,” Tomlinson said.
To Jerry Costa, it was only a matter of time before he owned one.
“I had Triumphs, a Suzuki, Hondas and Yamahas. I had all of them before I ever had a Harley,” said Costa.
The Peoria biker has been riding for 40 years. “This is my fifth Harley,” Costa said.
But no amount of road experience could have prepared Costa for what happened in October along a scenic highway just south of Prescott.
“I wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. I wasn’t doing anything I hadn’t done a thousand times before. I had been on that road a couple hundred times,” Costa said.
Costa said his speed was about 25-30 mph when, “The whole bike started shaking. I had no idea why the bike was vibrating like that, and it wasn’t a little vibrating. I never felt anything like that in my life.”
“I got this thought in my head I’m going over the ravine, and I don’t want to go down,” Costa said.
Costa did go down and was flown to a Phoenix hospital, where he coded and then slipped into a coma. Five days later, he awoke with a quadruple compound leg fracture, eight broken ribs and a punctured lung.
His massive Harley-Davidson Road King was totaled.
Costa blames faulty equipment for the accident, but Harley blames him.
“They say it’s operator error,” Costa said.
Costa is not alone.
A CBS 5 Investigation found similar incidents across the U.S. The possible equipment malfunction Costa describes has become known as the Harley-Davidson Wobble, or “Death Wobble.”
A camera mounted on a Georgia state trooper’s police-issued Harley shows Officer Richard Barber traveling 90 mph along an interstate. His 2007 Harley Electra Glide begins to shimmy and wobble. Eventually, Barber is able to stop the bike safely.
But a Raleigh, N.C., police officer was not so lucky. In 2002, 30-year-old Charles Paul was thrown from his Harley Electra Glide after it began to wobble. He died, and his family later settled a wrongful death suit with Harley-Davidson in 2008.
Harleys have been widely used by law enforcement. But the California Highway Patrol decided not to to put their troopers on Harleys after testing the bike by comparing it to BMW bikes. A 2006 test track video shows the Harley side-by-side with the BMW. The CHP report also says the bike wobbled on the straightaways.
Court cases against the company have centered on these bikes: the Road King, Ultra Classic, the Electra Glide and FLH series. The suits focus on their patented design for keeping the engine mounted to the frame of the bike. Critics argue the system is susceptible to a side-to-side motion, causing a wobble.
Harley-Davidson does acknowledge that its bikes are susceptible to a weave or wobble — depending on the bike’s speed. But they said that this does not cause accidents, and that weave or wobble happens to other bike manufacturers, regardless if it is a Harley or not. Harley also said the wobble problem is worsened when riders add on certain parts and suggests people follow the owner’s manual.
Jerry Costa said wobble is what happened to his bike, and it haunts him during his long days in physical therapy, where he learns how to do the simple task of moving his ankle again.
Costa can’t sue Harley-Davidson because he’s already settled with insurance, but he said he doesn’t want a payout.
“That’s not what I’m after. I want people to know about this. I don’t want more people falling off these bikes,” Costa said.
–from Cigar Marc
There are a couple of solutions to these handling problems, like the True Track stabilizers we installed on our 2003 Road King, or the Baker oil bag system for Twin Cams with stabilizers.
ANOTHER OBVIOUS SOLUTION TO SEVERAL US PROBLEMS–The NAT GAS Act (H.R. 1380) is moving quickly. Just in the past few days, the number of co-sponsors has grown from 179 to 186 – in spite of growing pressure from Washington lobbyists and special interests who want to maintain the status quo.
I need you to thank your Member of Congress for having the vision and leadership to be one of those co-sponsors by clicking here to send them an e-mail telling them how important reducing our dependence on OPEC oil is to America.
Events are moving quickly. We need to show our opponents we are marching toward victory and we won’t be beaten back by people who are only operating in their own interests and not in the interests of the United States.
In April alone, we spent $42.5 billion on foreign oil and subsidized terrorism in the process. The NAT GAS Act will make America safer. We can’t continue to hold ourselves hostage to foreign oil.
– Boone
Pickens Plan
P.O. Box 12123
Dallas, TX, 75225, UNITED STATES
AGENT ZEBRA ON THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIKERNET– “Bandit was always the one who always got away, the one they could never catch or censor. May Old Glory wave over the Bikernet headquarters another 15 years.”
–Agent Zebra
THE CHOWDER BARGE OPEN A WINE CELLAR– E mail is up and running now!
And, we’re on FaceBook! Please help us out and find the Chowder Barge page on Facebook and be a fan or a friend.
We have some new wines to try out. BV Merlot, BV Cab, Beringer Cab, Cooks Champagne.
And look for our van with the Chowder Barge Logo!
–Zack and Suzie
www.chowderbarge.com
310-830-7937
ILLUSION HELLRAZOR FOR SALE QUICK– This is a SNEEK PREVIEW of a rare opportunity sale!! This is a collaboration chopper between Illusion Cycles and Jesse James.
THIS IS THE LAST ONE, 2011 model Hellrazor — previously priced @ $90k by
Jesse.
We ‘were’ offering this chopper @ $45k >>>NOW PRICED TO SELL $30k (obo)
Here’s the layout:
2011 HELLRAZOR (Last one!)
West Coast Choppers CFL Frame w/ 4 inch up stretch
D-stroked 124 S&S motor, 6 speed right-side drive
Brembo brakes, rotors & forward controls (theee best!)
WCC 44 Magnum risers
240 on the rear, 21 inches up front
Auto Meter ProCycle speedometer
PAINT BY: World Famous ‘Hot Dog’ PETE from WCC.
Wheels are 1-off set, all billet, CNC Jesse James Spider Web design
Custom WCC fenders and spider web struts
Combination Illusion Cycles & Jesse James WCC badging throughout entire
bike.
This goes on the market soon >>>GET IT NOW!!
Inquiries: 714-262-2370
Ask for Rusty
December 8 – 12, 2011,
Miami, Florida to Key West & Cozumel, Mexico.
Don’t miss your chance to set sail with Turner Classic Movies. Register for the TCM Classic Cruise pre-sale TODAY by clicking “Sign up for the pre-sale” on the TCM website, found here: www.TCMcruise.com
This unique opportunity will join fans with TCM hosts, Robert Osborne Ben Mankiewicz, onboard the luxurious Celebrity Millennium for four nights (December 8-12, 2011). In addition to the two beautiful pools, three dining rooms, world-class spa and full-service casino, enjoy travel from Miami, Florida to Key West & Cozumel, Mexico — all while enjoying screenings, nightly parties, tons of TCM themed activities and mingling with other special guests!
Stay tuned to our website, www.TCMcruise.com
Be sure to register for our pre-sale before 11:59pm EST on May 18th, 2011. During the pre-sale period you will receive a designated time to choose first selection of your cabin preference. Click HERE
THE LUCKY F*CKER COLLECTION FROM CUSTOM CHROME–The Lucky F*cker Collection–
Are you ready to turn your run-of-the-mill, everyday Softail into something cool that will turn heads and grab attention? With the Lucky F*cker conversion kit, available exclusively from Custom Chrome, the transformation from stock to custom can be done easily and quickly in your own garage.
Custom Chrome’s Product Line Manager/Designer, Rich Fulk, teamed up with Kirk Taylor at Custom Design Studios to develop a kit consisting of a custom gas tank, tank adapter, a solo seat kit, swingarm mounted ‘rigid-style’ rear fender and fender struts. Starting with a standard Twin Cam Softail, the kit requires minimal modifications to your stock frame and is as ‘bolt-on’ as you can get for a kit that will transform your bike as drastically as the Lucky F*cker will. 
Each part was designed to work together or can be used as stand-alone components, giving you the creative lead while creating your custom vision without breaking the bank.
Lucky F*cker Gas Tank $299.99*
(Fits Carb Softail models only)
Lucky F*cker Tank Adapter $99.99*
Lucky F*cker Solo Seat Kit $179.99*
Lucky F*cker Rigid Style Rear Fender $169.99*
Lucky F*cker Fender Struts (raw) $34.99*
*All prices MSRP, parts sold separately
Rich Fulk Riding Shot Photo Credit: Henry DeKuyper
Here is THE THURSDAY DEAL OF THE WEEK FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS!— A SOFTAIL STANDARD. Nut does not say what year, late model Twin Cam. Sharp paint, ghost flames, very clean, detailed lines, drag bars. I really dig this bike, simple but cool! Check out THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN !
Flamed hand grips, and hand controls, detachable sissy bar with bag to go over it. $9,500
NEW BLOG, GOD SPEED–NEW BLOG / NEW BOOKS / NEW COLLABORATIONS
INCLUDING:
EDDY MORALES X CICERO DEGUZMAN JR.
KRAZY KEVIN ARGUS X CICERO DEGUZMAN JR.
TIM VANDER X CICERO DEGUZMAN JR.
MAX SCHAAF X CHRIS LUNDIG X KEN NAGAHARA
JASON WEBBER X NICHOLAS MAGGIO
CYCLE ZOMBIES X MARK CHOINIERE
KEVIN BASS X JANE HUDSON STOLLER
JASON PARKER X HONRIO CHAM
WWW.GODSPEED4506.COM
UNCLE MONKEY — “I don’t like ’em. They don’t even look like American bikes.” I glance over my shoulder at the object of his distaste. The Victory Vegas Jackpot dripped with sex appeal. Very sharp with just the right amount of chrome and accessories it would be worthy of any garage. I prodded him to explain. I do concede that the styling of Victory motorcycles do lean towards a “metric” look, but what does that really mean.
Japanese imports have come a long way trying to emulate the Harley bulk and presence, and I caught many life-long Harley riders doing a double take when I corrected them that the custom “Heritage” on the other side of the pumps is a Honda, Suzuki or whatever. So if metrics are able to fool the general public and some die hard Harley guys, what exactly does an American bike look like?
Harley-Davidson has the distinction of being the longest lasting American made motorcycle proudly built and rode in North America for almost 110 years. Harleys have changed little over the decades. Heritage Softails beckon back to the World War era and the touring models almost just as old. As much as they have changed they still maintain that classic styling.
But what about Indian and the many other motorcycle manufactures that struggled to get a foothold in North America. While there are some general familiarities to Harleys, each had their own look and style. There is no mistaking a classic Indian motorcycle with a Harley. Often considered technologically behind Harleys Indians, they didn’t set out to copy or even emulate their competition. Is that to mean an Indian motorcycle isn’t an American Made motorcycle because it didn’t look exactly like a Harley?
Perhaps the confusion lies in recent manufactures like Big Dog and Iron Horse. While all built high quality motorcycles in the United States their motorcycles are clones, or genetically modified clones of Harley Davidson based choppers. Sheep amongst sheep. Their designs are based on decades old technology of Harleys repackaged and resold.
Even the new Indian motorcycle started with a clone S&S Harley motorcycle until they designed their own motor based on the Harley V-twin with different heads to over simplify. Ironically the Honda Goldwing probably considered the most metric of motorcycles was manufactured in the good old U.S. of A. for three decades until 2009.
To be American made shouldn’t the product be innovating, captivating, original and not just a knock-off of an existing product.
-bad Uncle Monkey
NEW K. RANDALL OR KEITH R. BALL BOOK FROM MOTORBOOKS– Some folks find their way to the bright white side of the tracks, but there’s a small percentage who run through the dark alleys of life. Even a smaller portion of those survive. Terry “the Tramp,” born in 1947 to a broken middle-class home in Alhambra, California, grew up with a violent chip on his shoulder. Terry became the international president of one of the most notorious one-percenter motorcycle clubs in southern California, the Vagos MC, and remained in office through upheaval, indictments, drugs, and gang wars for 26 years, until he was unceremoniously extricated.
He is still a member after 42 years and never went to prison until 2010. This book takes the reader on a turbulent ride through Terry’s notorious life, each page sizzling with violent tales wrapped in a razor-sharp edge. Through it all, we come to learn what propelled this stout, unassuming man into a leadership role lasting over two decades.
About the Author
Author Keith R. Ball has edited and published rumbling motorcycle magazines for over 40 years. He currently publishes Bikernet.com, the largest custom motorcycle website in the world, with over 125,000 unique users coming to his site every month. Ball has written four motorcycle novels and two nonfiction books.
www.bikernet.com
Product Details
* Hardcover: 288 pages
* Publisher: Motorbooks; First edition (November 1, 2011)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0760340056
* ISBN-13: 978-0760340059
SPEAKING OF BOOKS– I finally got the book that will help you understand women better. Let me know if you need a copy!
–from Rogue
BAD COPS REPORT, Philly Police Harass, Threaten to Shoot Man Legally Carrying Gun–
A story in today’s Philadelphia Daily News shows why it’s so important that citizens be allowed to videotape cops – it can be citizens’ only way to fight back against police abuse of power.
This incident happened several weeks ago in Philadelphia to Mark Fiorino, a 25-year-old IT worker who carries a gun on his hip at all times for self defense. He got the gun after several friends were mugged.
But he didn’t count on attacks by police:
On a mild February afternoon, Fiorino, 25, decided to walk to an AutoZone on Frankford Avenue in Northeast Philly with the .40-caliber Glock he legally owns holstered in plain view on his left hip. His stroll ended when someone called out from behind: “Yo, Junior, what are you doing?”
Fiorino wheeled and saw Sgt. Michael Dougherty aiming a handgun at him.
What happened next would be hard to believe, except that Fiorino audio-recorded all of it: a tense, profanity-laced, 40-minute encounter with cops who told him that what he was doing – openly carrying a gun on the city’s streets – was against the law.
“Do you know you can’t openly carry here in Philadelphia?” Dougherty asked, according to the YouTube clip.
“Yes, you can, if you have a license to carry firearms,” Fiorino said. “It’s Directive 137. It’s your own internal directive.”
Fiorino was right. It was perfectly legal to carry the gun. But that didn’t matter to the cop:
Fiorino offered to show Dougherty his driver’s and firearms licenses. The cop told him to get on his knees.
“Excuse me?” Fiorino said.
“Get down on your knees. Just obey what I’m saying,” Dougherty said.
“Sir,” Fiorino replied, “I’m more than happy to stand here -“
“If you make a move, I’m going to f—— shoot you,” Dougherty snapped. “I’m telling you right now, you make a move, and you’re going down!”
“Is this necessary?” Fiorino said.
It went on like that for a little while, until other officers responded to Dougherty’s calls for backup.
Fiorino was forced to the ground and shouted at as he tried to explain that he had a firearms license and was legally allowed to openly carry his weapon.
“You f—— come here looking for f—— problems? Where do you live?” yelled one officer.
“I’m sorry, gentlemen,” Fiorino said. “If I’m under arrest, I have nothing left to say.”
“F—— a——, shut the f— up!” the cop hollered.
The cops discovered his recorder as they searched his pockets, and unleashed another string of expletives.
Fiorino said he sat handcuffed in a police wagon while the officers made numerous phone calls to supervisors, trying to find out if they could lock him up.
When they learned that they were in the wrong, they let him go.
But only temporarily. Fiorino posted the audio recordings on youtube, and now they are harassing him again:
A new investigation was launched, and last month the District Attorney’s Office decided to charge Fiorino with reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct because, a spokeswoman said, he refused to cooperate with police… He’s scheduled for trial in July.
If one listens to the audiotapes, it’s hard to imagine how a reasonable person could charge Fiorino (and not the cops) for disorderly conduct.
–By John Stossel
–from Rogue
Published on FOXBusiness.com
2WHEELERS IN DENVER THROWING A RUMBLE– Arlin is having a Rumble Saturday at his shop. All the top News Stations world wide will be there to cover it. He hopes you will be there as well.
–Harlin
CHINESE COMPANY LOOKING FOR DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS–Another company building entry-level motorcycles.
If you need know more information, please view my website www.velimotor.com
Please choose some the most appropriate models for your market. And then I can offer the competitive price for you.
I wish could to cooperate with your company.
— Yu wei
Veli Technology Industrial Co. LTD
Tel: 0086-23-67907795
Fax:0086-23-67605933
www.velimotor.com
DAYTONA BIKE WEEK WEB SITE– We have just created a WebPage that has Pictures and Video of 2011 Daytona Bike Week held at Daytona Beach, Florida.
[photo 189934]
Pictures and Video Include : The BoardWalk Classic Bike Show, The Rats Hole Custom Chopper Show, Hooter’s Bikini Contest and much more…….
Click on the Link Below and We Hope You Enjoy!!
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY DEPARTMENT STUDIES THOMAS JEFFERSON–At 5, began studying under his cousins tutor.
At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.
At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.
At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.
At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.
At 23, started his own law practice.
At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
At 31, wrote the widely circulated “Summary View of the Rights of British America ” and retired from his law practice.
At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence .
At 33, took three years to revise Virginia ’s legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.
At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.
At 40, served in Congress for two years.
At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben
Franklin and John Adams.
At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.
At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.
At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.
At 57, was elected the third president of the United States .
At 60, obtained the LouisianaPurchase doubling the nation’s size.
At 61, was elected to a second term as President.
At 65, retired to Monticello .
At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.
At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.
At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: “This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .
>>> Thomas Jefferson
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes thepropagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
>>> Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive
the people of all property – until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
–James Schnarr
TRIUMPH RECALL– Triumph recalls Thunderbird models due to faulty screwsTriumph Motorcycles America LTD is recalling 2010 Thunderbird and Thunderbird ABS motorcycles that were manufactured from September 2009 and August 2010. The company says in a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the motorcycles may have an incompatible thread locker/screw combination at the front fender mounting. The screws may loosen and contact the side wall of the front tire, which can cause tire deflation. The potential number of units affected is 1,955.
The report states that dealers will install new screws free of charge. Owners can contact Triumph’s customer service department by calling 678-539-8782.
Posted by Cynthia Furey
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
VINTAGE DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK–I came across this photo the other day its of my grandfather at the opening of the Mersey tunnel in Liverpool England, I ‘m not sure what the bike was but do recognize the aircraft drop tank he’s used to build his sidecar out of, his name was Fred Taylor
I use to live in Somerset, just outside Bath although I was born and raised in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, that’s the next county up but moved to Canada five years ago.
My grandfather worked for a company called HH Martins, he was a metal smith and sculpture working all over the world in many royal palaces, the photo I sent you was taken the day the tunnel opened, his last job on the tunnel was to attach a large bronze plaque above the entrance that he had cast. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloster_Aircraft_Company
–Rob
SPECIAL MOTORSPORT DEALS FOR BIKERNET READERS, NEW WHITEWALLS AVAILABLE–This week I would like to run a special about Vee Rubber white wall tires. In stock now, 120-70-21 white wall $231.30 and 150-60-18 white wall $237.26 limited supply.
–Greg Handren
Sales
Metalsport Inc.
Southgate Ca. 90280
Ph. 562-776-9594
Fax 562-776-9635
VETERAN’S VIDEO OF THE WEEK– Keith Leibovitz’s youngest nephew is working on a project for WW II veterans. Attached is a link. They are trying to get 50000 views before Memorial Day. It is pretty poignant and is one of Seth’s projects. It’s only 2 min long.
Seth has been working on a full-length feature documentary about a program to honor WWII vets and has now released a trailer, and it would really help out if you watched it in full. Working on this has been a very emotional experience, because the story is so, so powerful. I think you’ll agree.
GREG FRIEND WAS ALIVE AND WELL IN LAUGHLIN– to see more shots of the 2011 Laughlin River Run visit: Gearhead, Inc.’s Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gearhead-Inc/141623092571031 ) or Black Hawk Customs Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/BlackHawkCustoms )
-Greg
LAS VEGAS BIKE FEST PLANNING– As we roll into summer and all the great riding that brings, don’t forget to make your plans for the 11th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest. It is starting to get very busy around the Las Vegas BikeFest office as we work on some great new activities and attractions for this year’s Event.
Have you told a friend you are coming? Bring along a new rider – there will be lots to do. Plan your trip now so you have something to look forward to for the next five months. Before you know it, you will be heading to Vegas for the time of your life.
Be sure to add info@lasvegasbikefest.com to your address book, so you don’t miss a thing. We are looking forward to another great year!
RIDIN’ VEGAS STYLE
ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
DO IT NOW! Registration is open at www.LasVegasBikeFest.com.
Just $50 gets you everything with an Ultimate Pass.
Vendor Village entry ($15.00
Aeromach’s Dog Bones are made in the USA and are handcrafted with state-of-the-art CNC machines using aircraft-quality 6061-T6 billet aluminum. They allow you to replace your heavy “cast” handlebar risers and provides comfort by adjusting the handlebars to the ideal riding position.
About the Pipes: The D&D 2 into 1 BOSS Fat Cat exhaust system for the late model FLH Baggers provides increased performance and improved economy.
It provides as much as 15% gain in horsepower and torque using Zipper’s Hi-Flow Air Cleaner.
RAIN OR SHINE– The Road Is Always Open.
All the rain in SoCal this week has me thinking of the many times I’ve been caught in the rain while riding my motorcycle. Not to mention, those occasions over the years where I just took off for a ride while it was pouring outside. Wet roads need to be understood and respected if you are going to enjoy riding your bike in wet weather. Here are a few tips to make the ride a pleasant one.
1. Buy high-quality rain gear made specifically for motorcyclists
A high quality rain suit, one with boot covers, over-gloves combined with a full-face helmet with a flexible windshield can make riding in wet weather a pleasant and warm experience as opposed to a wet and cold one. Don’t compromise here. Spend the money and get good rain gear.
2. Let the rain settle on roadways for about 15 – 20 minutes
Ever notice how slick newly wet roads are? That’s all the motor oil, brake fluid, fuel and other chemicals mixing with the rain water. You’ll want to avoid being on the asphalt during the early parts of a rain ride if possible. Pull over, double check your bike and take a breather. Let the wetness on the road settle before you take off again.
3. Slow your riding speed to improve handling
Simplify your riding. No sudden movements. Slow down and try to feel the road surface. This is not a time for quick starts, fast braking or testing your cornering skills. Downshift slowly and carefully. Keep your tire traction calm at all times. Ride extra careful.
4. Increase your distance behind the vehicle ahead of you
As when riding in normal weather, always have an “out” plan to get you out of trouble should someone slam on the breaks ahead of you. Same thinking applies if another driver decides to come into your lane in an unsafe manner. Distance between vehicles is your friend while riding in the rain.
5. Know your tires and how they’ll behave on wet roads
Traction is obviously critical on wet roads and amazingly enough, traction is actually not too bad on wet road surfaces. The key is to know and feel how your bike behaves in wet weather so test it. Feel your brakes, feel your acceleration, understand how your tire thread clears away water. Always have good quality tires on your motorcycle to ensure maximum traction regardless of road conditions.
Riding on wet roads can be safe if you slow down, practice your good riding skills and stay dry in a good rain suit. Don’t let rain get in the way of a good motorcycle adventure. As always, ride safe out there. We care about you.
The Crew at Bikernet Insurance
Toll Free: 888-467-8703
Email for fastest response: clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
Agents serving 20 states. States added as required to serve customers.
Resident State: CA Agency 0G67810. Principal Agent 0D71028
ACE CAFE LONDON STREETFIGHTER & STUNT FESTIVAL–
10am – Sunday 31st July – Brent Cross
Following the lamented loss, due to new building works, of last years inaugural event venue of Wembley, and as a consequence of the event having outgrown the original historic North Circular Road premises, Ace Cafe London, in association with StuntUK and the International StuntBike
Freestyle (SBF) competition, have teamed up again to present the Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival, to be held throughout the day from 10am on Sunday 31st July, now relocated one mile east from the cafe along the North Circular Road and near the M1 motorway at the UK’s premier shopping centre, Brent Cross.
In addition to trade and industry stands and displays, this second annual event again combines the cafe’s legendary Streetfighter Sunday, as well as showcasing the live action finals of the SBF competition, with stunt riders from across Europe and beyond taking part and competing for an increased prize fund totalling £5K.
Individual Freestyle:
1st: £2K
2nd: £1K
3rd: £750
Longest Stoppie: £750
Sickest Trick: £500
StuntBike Freestyle Competitor List (as at 18th May)
Jorian Ponomareff (France) – www.jorian-ponomareff.com
Toby Wilkinson (UK)
GuyGuy (France) – facebook.com/Guyguystunt or www.rideicon.com/riders.jsp?rider=17
Nico Koek (Netherlands)
Thomas Sagnier (BladE) (France) – www.switchriders.com/riders/thomas-blade-sagnier.html
Lee Bowers (UK) – www.bowers-stunts.co.uk
Paul Todd (UK)
Rafal Stunter13 Pasierbek (Poland) – www.stunter13.com
Tibostunt Torchy (France)
Aras Freestyle (Lithuania) – www.arasfreestyle.com
Nick Straughan (UK) – www.learn2wheelie.co.uk
Dave Coppock (UK) – www.dave-cstunts.com
Romain Jeandrot (France)
Arnie Garcia (UK)
Julien Welsch (France) – www.julienwelsch.com
Wheelie Joe Ephgrave (UK) – www.wheeliejoe.co.uk
Paul Langston (UK)
Adam Liversidge (UK)
Jimmy Quetel (France) – www.stunt-bigjim-show.com
Ash Dean (UK)
Lauris Klebah (Latvia) – www.stuntfighters.lv
Florian Dernuet (France)
Arash Ashstrana Khatiri (UK)
Alstar Stunts (UK) – www.stuntstarz.co.uk
Janis Rozitis (Latvia) – www.stuntfighters.lv
Ashley Mark (UK) – www.stuntxtreme.com
Highlights of the event include the Evel Knievel ” True Evel” tour, featuring Evel’s original motorcycles, famous jump leathers, personal memorabilia, and untold photos and stories, “Best Streetfighter” static display by Streetfighters Magazine, plus “Show Up n’ Shine” competitions
with awards and prizes, dyno shoot-out, tyre-frying burnouts, mini moto’s and a wheelie machine for those who want to experience “up in the air” thrills!
In addition to the Ace stage, featuring live music from Avenge Vulture attack and hosting MC and BikerFM Streetfighter DJ aka “Kriss Myass”, entertainment includes The Fuel Girls, a host of hot tricks from the East Coast FMX display team and pro drifter Belinda Challis, who will be putting
her Garage-D built Nissan Skyline R32 through its paces to include with a bike v car drift battle with Marc “Sparky” Chennel.
London’s Air Ambulance is once again the events chosen charity.
To enter your bike in the Streetfighters Magazine Static Display please contact: WILL JOBBINS Email: will.jobbins@oceanmedia.co.uk
Tickets are available at the cafe and via the Ace web shop, as well as on the gate on the day.
Buy your ticket at the cafe and you will receive a free tea or coffee.
Tickets:
Individual £7.50 (£10 on the gate)
Individual + Bike £7.50 (£10 on the gate)
Individual + Bike + Pillion £12.50 (£15 on the gate)
A special family ticket will be available on the gate £15
All enquiries:
Darren Williams – Ace Cafe Events Team
Email: darren@acecafeevents.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8961 1000
CRIME WATCH: Daylight thief targeting St. Louis area St. Louis area dealers: A brazen thief is targeting your stores.
Detectives in St. Louis and St. Charles counties are looking for a thief who rides off on his spoils in broad daylight.
“We had a 2011 Ultra Classic stolen from right off of our lot a few weeks ago.” Chris Creed of Gateway Harley-Davidson told KPLR.
Salesman Josiah Altis had just left the dealership and saw a man riding the $25,000 bike without a helmet. Thinking it was a test ride, he told the rider to go back to the dealership for a helmet.
Then, Altis says, “he took off and ran a red light so I followed him and he kept running red lights and almost got hit so I decided it wasn’t worth the danger.”
Not long after, Gateway got a call that let staff know it was not the only incident.
“One of my friends at Doc’s called and said they had one stolen and St. Charles called and had some stolen and Gateway Big Dog had an attempt but they didn’t get away with it,” Creed says.
Because the crimes were committed in broad daylight, staff at all four dealers have been able to give a good description of the thief and his modus operandi: A Hispanic man gets dropped off by a green minivan then rides off on a bike.
“We have made some operational changes we are putting rope through all of the tires and a padlock and it is unfortunate for our customers,” MacCauley says. The dealership is also putting up a $1,000 reward for the Ultra Classic’s return.
Posted by Holly Wagner
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
WHY ITALIANS CAN’T BE EMTS–Vinny and Sal are out in the woods hunting when suddenly, Sal grabs his chest and falls to the ground. He doesn’t seem to be breathing; his eyes are rolled back in his head.
Vinny whips out his cell phone and calls 911.. He gasps to the operator, “I think Sal is dead! What should I do?”
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says, “Just take it easy and follow my instructions. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.”
There is a silence .. and then a shot is heard.
Vinny’s voice comes back on the line,
“Okay.. . now what ?
–Geno
HOGSLAYER DOCUMENTARY PREMIER– The world champion race team and stars of the documentary, TC Christenson and John Gregory, will be greeting fans for the Hogslayer premiere.
The event is being organized by the British Biker Cooperative, a Hogslayer documentary sponsor.
This is a one-time event of it’s kind, produced exclusively for the debut of the Hogslayer documentary.
Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee WI on August 18, 2011 at 7:00pm
–Mary Lou
EASYRIDERS 40th Anniversary– I picked up a copy of EASYRIDERS 40th ANNIVERSARY issue the other day. It was the first time I had purchased a copy in a long while. There was a time though that I never missed an issue and the 40th Anniversary issue brought back a lot of memories of those days.
There was a time when I had it down to the day when the new issue would arrive at my local 7-11 store. I never missed picking it up on the day it arrived. The first thing I would look for was the Dave Mann centerfold. It was my favorite part of the magazine and to this day I have a huge Dave Mann collection that decorates my garage and I am always on the lookout to score more of his work.
Thumbing through the EASYRIDERS 40th ANNIVERSARY edition was like a walk back in time when things were a lot more simple. No GPS systems, No IPODs, No stereo systems on the bikes, no bullshit just basic bare bone choppers. The way bikes were always intended to be.
It was fun to look back at these bikes of that day. Long front ends with little rake in the frames, z-bars, which have made their way back, California six bends, a lot of Sportster based bikes along with Panheads and Knuckleheads and Shovelheads.
The clothes we wore back in that day were also different. I kinda laughed to myself at the bell bottom jeans. The girls were real, Real boobs, not the silicone versions we see today. Our look has even changed. Back then our hair was long, along with our beards. Today for most of us our hair is shorter and not the same color as the gray has taken over.
On the tech charts of that time was a line that read VALUE, the bikes in the 40th Anniversary issue ranged from $2600—-$3600! We all remember thinking that was a lot of money!
For me the EASYRIDERS 40th ANNIVERSARY issue brought back a lot of memories, good and bad but more good than bad. Good times with good friends, the dreams that come with being young and determined. Times like just hanging with my riding brothers and going over the magazine together.
Those old EASYRIDERS magazines got me through some tough times and yes as crazy as it may sound, it kept me focused on what I wanted, a Harley and to be part of the biker lifestyle.
Oh yeah and for me, there was my favorite part, some Dave Mann centerfolds. That was worth the price on the cover for me.
To EASYRIDERS, Happy Birthday and I wish you another 40 years !
Until next time, RIDE!
–MIKE the STEALTH
IBF NORTH AMERICAN SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION JESUS “EL MARTILLO” GONZALES TOOK TIME OUT– Wednesday night (5/18) prior to watching the Arizona Diamondback’s play the visiting Atlanta Braves to talk to a Phoenix Television Reporter from Channel 33 (The official Spanish language station covering the D’backs).
Jesus, aka Ernie, scheduled to fight Henry “Sweet Poo” Buchanan at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Friday July 8; didn’t mince words during his short but straight talking interview. He predicted he would beat Buchanan and challenged both Andre Ward and Kelly Pavlik to fight him. Gonzales beat Ward as an amateur and Ward(by his own admission) would like to avenge the loss. He said he could beat either one and it didn’t matter which one first.
Jesus and Fan Base Promotions meet several families at the Chase Field Box Office and gave them tickets to watch the game. For some of the family members, it was a first live baseball game experience. Gonzales has vowed to remain part of the community and this Sunday, May 22, he will participate in The Cystic Fibrosis Walk For The Cure fundraiser at Tempe Beach Park. Registration begins at 8 AM.
–Don Smith.
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THIS JUST IN, SHOTS FROM JAKARTA BIKE SHOW–Jogja bike show – Lulut.
Here are some of the bikes built by the promoter,,Lulut at Retro Classics..
The Sportster is all hand painted and engraved.
Check the detail. Remarkable.
–Art
FLOOD 2011 ALERT– Stress level rises for Louisiana, Mississippi dealers.
As the crest of a swollen Mississippi River rolls downstream toward Louisiana, dealers in affected areas report their businesses are so far safe from the water, but they still may feel economic ripple effects.
“It’s doing a number. We’re watching it rise every day,” said Aden Wansley, who also owns Yasky ATV Accessories in Vicksburg, Miss. The river isn’t forecasted to crest in the area until May 22. “It’s still coming up. We have about four to five more feet to go.”
You can already tell the difference, he said. “Business has slowed down a little bit. A lot people have no electricity. A lot of people may have moved out of their houses since the electric company [had] to shut the power down.”
While Wansley’s business is safe, his 1,000 acres of farmland could be in danger if a levee breaks. That scenario prompted the Army Corps of Engineers last weekend to open the Morganza Spillway, diverting millions of gallons of water into low-lying Cajun country in a tradeoff to keep big cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans dry.
The Army Corps’ action, however, may leave Houma, La., looking more like a peninsula than a plateau. The town is home to several dealerships, including two Dealernews Top 100 Dealers: Performance Power Sports of Houma and Cycle World of Houma.
“We hope that it won’t have too much impact,” said John Soileau, GM at Performance Power Sports. “As of right now it hasn’t affected us. We’re on high ground.”
More worrisome is the impact the flooding will have on the dealers’ customer base. Glenda Davis is office manager at Great River Honda in Natchez, Miss., a dealership safely on the high side of the river but which draws many of its customers from the lower Louisiana side. “At the moment we’re fine. What will happen next week or the week after, we don’t know,” she said.
“Nobody is going to have any money, because most of them are farmers,” Davis added. “They gotta have food and a place to live.”
Glenn Diedrich, owner of Cycle World of Houma, doesn’t expect his business to get too wet. “We don’t expect to get any floodwaters. But we are affected from this standpoint: Everybody is focused on the flood and not on anything else,” he said.
Cycle World of Houma’s customer base is scattered about 14 parishes, most of which will be flooded by this time next week. “On some of the news programs I saw this morning, there will be some areas where the flood waters will remain for four or five weeks,” Diedrich noted.
Once the waters recede, however, area dealerships may get a business boost from the cleanup efforts. “With the [BP] oil spill, for example, there was the adverse effect of the spill itself, but the positive effect was that we sold several ATVs to parish governments,” Diedrich said. Even last week, before the spillway was opened, some parish operations were checking Cycle World’s prices on ATVs and utility vehicles, he added.
Even if municipalities aren’t buying, Diedrich’s store does what it can to help pick up the pieces, including loaning units – some new, some used, some demos — to parish governments to help with cleanup efforts. “After Katrina, we loaned out 30 units for the cleanup,” he recalled. “Honda and Kawasaki helped us with the price of those units because of what we did. We were able to refurbish those units and sell them into the market.”
This is a different disaster altogether, and one hitting much closer to home. “All these people that are affected by these floodwaters may not be able to buy ATVs and street bikes,” Diedrich said. Instead, “they’ll have to repair their homes and streets.”
Things are calmer in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Phillip Lewis, service manager at Rad Cycles in Baton Rouge, said no flooding is expected there even when the river crests, which it was expected to do as we posted this story. “It is going to crest here tonight,” Lewis told Dealernews. “I don’t really think we will be affected.“
Voodoo Harley-Davidson in New Orleans’ French Quarter is right near the river but insulated from the effects of the flooding and the diversion. They know emotions elsewhere in the state are running high. “A lot of people are really upset about the whole thing; people are not very happy with New Orleans being saved” at their expense, sales associate Nikki said.
Despite the calamity north and west, traffic remains steady in The Big Easy, she noted. “Our location is in the French Quarter so the majority of our business comes from tourism. Our tourists are still in town. None of them are afraid of the flooding. It doesn’t seem like anyone is scared to come.”
By Holly J. Wagner
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
ILLUSION TAKES SECOND PLACE IN SIDECAR RACES–Congratulations go out to TROD & GENE, who killed it in the 3rd race of the evening for 2nd Place!!
Speedway is every Saturday night in Costa Mesa — cheer on TROD and GENE
STONE as they now race Speedway together Illusion Cycles Race Team #25, as
well as the Sidecar!
May 21st is the next Sidecar Races @ Costa Mesa Speedway… tickets $20 for
adults.
Races start @ 7pm.
WHATTA YEAR–It’s already May, and we’re flying low. So far this has been a year of waiting, and working toward wrapping up projects. I’ve had a couple of items stirring my soul, but I took them off the to-do plate until Terry’s book was completed.
Now we’ll scramble on the Sturgis builds. Eric Bennett concurred with me last night. “Just ride ’em bare to Sturgis,” Eric said. “When you’re building a ground up, there’s always mods that need to be made. It’s best to ride a bike for six months before painting them.
Keep your fingers crossed that I get to make a run to Rancho to pick up frames on Friday, then hit it to the RSD Grand opening tomorrow night. Eric’s rockin’ country band, the Signal Hillbillies, will be playing from 8:30 till the night ends.
We should have lots of surprises for you next week, from Vintage Bikernet, to Mudflap tech, and event coverage. Hang on.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit 
