Hey,
This day is strange, over-cast, drizzling, rainy day. It reminds me of a dismal day in junior high, when my teacher slipped me an equally depressing report card. I was forced into another dreary predicament with my folks. I had to stand tall and deliver the card for their signature. I was perhaps going to get my ass kicked, then chained down with more severe restrictions.
Ah, but there was always a silver lining, like my girlfriend, or the thought that just around the corner I was going to buy my first motorcycle. In those days her beaming smile, the curve of a soft breast, and the freedom to ride anything made all the difference. And now I’m damn fortunate to be able to ride and write about anything two-wheels daily. What could be better?
Speaking of writing. We are headed into a month of features and tech articles from Zippers, S&S, Crane, Rivera, and BDL. I’m also working on a story about the new Kendon Ride-UP trailer. You can also buy kits to modify your Kendon Trailer to accept the new Ride-Up system.
We’re heading rapidly for the new year, and I’m preparing the official Bikernet 2013 Goals document. We are attempting to slow down the bike building shop action and help Ray C. Wheeler recognize his dream for a handful of Bonneville records. He has built a magnificent Busa V-Twin, and you’ll see his report in the news. The bike is back in the shop, so you will see a multitude of reports as we roll toward the summer.
Of course another Bonneville dream brews and sizzles in the corner. We are having a meeting this weekend with a chassis builder. Okay, aside from these history making salt race builds we are in the book writing mode for 2013. I’m faced with the completion of the second Chance Hogan book, World Run, with initial chapters in Bandit’s Cantina. Then we roll onto the third book, “Freedom Run.” Then another project jumped out of a rain groove on the 10 freeway outside Barstow. Michael Lichter and I might just move into a museum for a month, write and photograph a coffee table book about the history of the facility, the history of the bikes, and, well, who knows, but you know it will be an amazing process, especially with the master’s photography.
Let’s hit the news:
BIKERNET MOVIE REVIEW: EXPENDABLES II–
I grew up on big budget, high production, action flicks like Rambo, Terminator and Die Hard. They were wildly popular and rolled out sequel after sequel to feed our hunger for action-adventure entertainment.
Sadly the innocence we had watching those films was lost one September morning in 2001. Since then action movies have taken a back seat and the stars that made them seemed to dim a little on the silver screen. I was excited when Sylvester Stallone and other action stars of past and present came together to make the first Expendable movie, enough for me to plop my money down in an actual movie theatre to watch it.
That movie showed that there still was an interest in the action shoot ’em-up movies, so I was equally excited to see Expendables 2 hit the silver screen. I eagerly watched as Sylvester Stallone and company charged into danger to right the wrongs and save the day (even though they needed to all be saved buy Chuck Norris a time or two).
While I could run down the movie and ruin what would be a great evening of watching I want to touch on why we are drawn to movies like the Expendables. Some would think that it is the mindless violence as rocket launches explode buildings and stunt men convulse with machine gun rounds before dramatically falling through a haphazard railing. The allure of these movies is the comradely of the heroes. They all come from different walks of life but fate brings them together into a brotherhood that many have never felt but readily recognized.
There is bond between them that cannot be broken. They have each other’s backs and when the chips are down will lay their lives on the line to protect one another, to revenge one another. They can spend hours travelling together never sharing a word and never feel alone. Histories and pasts are shared only when needed and not forced or pried for other’s entertainment. They can incessantly harass each other but there is genuine emotion behind it. In the Expendables each member relishes in giving Randy Couture’s character, Toll Road, a hard time about his cauliflower ear, but beneath it was a strong sense of sympathy, understanding, and respect.
They are men who are comfortable and strong enough to reveal their true selves, that food isn’t simple rations, basic nourishment but something that is to be enjoyed and savored by the character Hale Caesar. They are not ashamed to revel their weaknesses, so that the others can protect and defend them. They are a unit working with all of their strengths towards a common goal.
It is something that we are missing in our own day-to-day lives. We protect ourselves behind walls hoping no one will discover our insecurities, our shortcomings. We end up isolating ourselves instead of surround ourselves with a brotherhood of support and understanding. So rent, borrow or steal a copy of the Expendables and Expendable 2 and enjoy the fact you are not alone.
-bad Uncle Monkey
DAVID MANN CHOPPER FEST COMING TO VENTURA—Don’t miss the David Mann Chopper Fest, December 9, 2012. Clean Dean editor of the now defunct Biker moved into Rip Rose’s old slot and is now Easyriders’ roving editor. Dean lives somewhere in between the Omaha and Council Bluff’s line making his way up to a fishing camp on the Lil’ Sioux river when the weathers clear.
We just heard Dean is going to be in town for Chopper Fest, and will be judging the largest nipples contest held out behind the David Mann Art Exhibit building. The winner if the photos come out might make it into In The Wind, or at the very least we’ll pass the photos around the office… Just kidding, I made all that up. Except for Clean Dean and the rest of Easyriders staff including, “I’m not the Devil,” Kit Maira.
That’s me with Dean’s cat. Dean has about 14 cats outback in a pen, I’m not sure what he’s doing to them. These shots are of the ’05 Road Glide I sold Dean next to Elvis, his Road King… ever noticed how Road King almost sounds like Rodney King? These shots were taken last Easter. After blasting around town at 90+ mph most of the day, we came up with the theory the local Police have Easter off, eh maybe not.
— Krylon John
BIKERNET HOLIDAY CHURCH NOTICES–
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered..
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
–from Sam Burns
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY VOCABULARY LESSON–
amygdaliform uh-MIG-duh-luh-fawrm, adjective:
Shaped like an almond.
— Gulnar Nazarkhan, The Secret World
— Alec Wood, What Cortinarius Is That?
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH WARNING– Pulmonary Hypertension or how to know if you have lung cancer.
Related:
Condition Care Guide
Lung cancer typically doesn’t cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages, with noticeable changes occurring most often when the disease is advanced. These may include:
1.A new cough that doesn’t go away
2.Changes in a chronic cough
3.Coughing up blood, even a small amount
4.Shortness of breath
5.Chest pain
6.Wheezing
7.Hoarseness
8.Losing weight without trying
9.Bone pain
10.Headache (persistent)
If you experience any of the symptoms above in a way that is out of the ordinary for you contact your doctor – the earlier you catch the disease, the quicker you can begin treatment.
–DR. Weil
www.drweil.com
SLIPPAGE PROBLEMS SOLVED: BDL’S NEW DIRECT FIT COMPETITOR CLUTCH CONVERSION–No matter if you’ve pumped up your cubic inches or are just in need of a reliable clutch that can handle heavy loads without fade or hesitation, BDL’s new CC-130-BB COMPETITOR CLUTCH assembly has you covered. This all inclusive conversion has been developed specifically for a direct fit into your stock 1998-2012H-D clutch basket.
The straight forward conversion includes BDL’s “Patented” ball bearing pressure plate ensuring a smooth transition while the Kevlar discs provide 60% more surface area, virtually eliminating slippage.
Each COMPETITOR CLUTCH kit includes: Ball Bearing Lock Up Pressure Plate, diaphragm spring, clutch hub, spring retainer, shoulder bolts, adjustment screw assembly, 1 ea .120-inch steel plate, 6 ea .059 steel plates and 7 Kevlar fiber plates.
For higher horsepower applications BDL recommends fitment of their Carbide Ball Bearing kit, which includes 8 Carbide ball bearings to be spaced intermittently among the steel pressure plate ball bearings that come in the Competitor kit.
Suggested retail for the entire assembly part #CC-130BB is just $443.50 and the Carbide Ball Bearing pack part #CBB-8516 goes for $107.00.
This clutch conversion is a real problem solver for serious riders and is available from Belt Drives Limited dealers worldwide or go direct to BDL. Just click on their banner.
ZIPPERS’S PERFORMANCE LAUNCHES A NEW WEB SITE- Zippers Performance received a long overdue overhaul. Fans of Zipper’s Performance Products and Harley-Davidson performance enthusiasts can now take advantage of Zipper’s 30+ years of performance excellence.
On the new site, you can browse many of the ground-breaking performance solutions from Zipper’s Performance including: Red Shift Performance Cams, Red Shift Cam Chain Tensioners, MaxFlow air filter kits, engine kits (like Zip Kits and Muscle Kits), and ThunderMax EFI System products.
ZIPPER’S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
BIKERNET TAXI SERVICE–A man walks out to the street and catches a BIKERNET taxi just going by.
He gets into the taxi, and the taxi-driver says, ‘Perfect timing. You’re just like Fred.’
Passenger: ‘Who?’
Taxi-driver: ‘ Fred Feldman . He’s a guy who did everything exactly right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Fred Feldman every single time.’
Passenger: ‘There are always a few clouds over everybody.’
Taxi-driver: ‘No sir – not Fred Feldman . He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the U.S. Open at tennis. He could play golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was truly an amazing fella.’
Passenger: ‘Sounds like he was something really special.’
Taxi-driver: ‘There’s more … He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday, anniversary or any other significant date. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I can’t change a fuse but, if I try to, the whole street blacks out. But Fred Feldman , he could do everything right’
Passenger: ‘Wow, some amazing man then.’
Taxi-driver: ‘He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But that Fred, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too – He was absolutely the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one in their right mind could ever measure up to Fred Feldman.’
Passenger: ‘An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?’
Taxi-driver: ‘Well, I never actually met Fred, he passed away … I married his wife……….
—from Jim Waggaman
CHUCK WOOLERY ON ASSALT WEAPAN BANS—Just about the time you think you know an issue, another direction floats to the surface. Just another reason freedom needs to come first.
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT–
Nick lives forever! Sherlock Holmes came back for more adventures. Batman came back for more adventures. They tried killing off Superman as well. Damn the world! Nick will survive.
–Ujjwal Dey
Mumbai, India
2013 MOTORCYCLE DRAG RACE SCHEDULE– REMEMBER as always, verify dates w sanctions BEFORE leaving for the event 😉
March 1-3 NHRA Royal Purple Raceway, Houston, Tx
March 9, 10 AHDRA Florida Nitro Nationals Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Gainesville, FL
March 23-24 AMRA State Capitol Raceway, Baton Rouge, LA
April 12-13 NHRA Virginia Motorsports Park, Petersburg, Va.
April 20, 21 AHDRA Carolina Spring Nitro Nationals Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC
April 27-28 AMRA Beech Bend Raceway, NO TF or Nitro Funnybike, Bowling Green, KY
May 17-19 NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk Oh
June 8, 9 AHDRA Ohio Bike Week Natls Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk, OH
June 14-16 NHRA Bandimere Speedway, Denver, Co
June 21-22 NHRA Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, Ill.
June 29-30 AMRA Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, KY
July 19-21 NHRA New England Dragway, Epping, N.H.
July 27-28 AMRA Kil-Kare Raceway, Xenia, OH
August 2, 3 AHDRA Thunder in the Valley Nationals Bristol Dragway, Bristol, TN
August 5-6-7 WMDRA STURGIS Drag Race
August 17-18- Truett & Osborn-Kansas City, Kn
Aug. 17-18 NHRA Pacific Raceways, Seattle, Wa
August 24, 25 AHDRA Northwest Nitro Nationals Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, OR
Sept. 20-21 NHRA Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tn
Sept. 28-29 AMRA Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, KY
Oct. 12, 13 AHDRA Jim McClure Nitro Nationals Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC
Oct. 31-Nov. 3 NHRA The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nv
www.nhra.com please check NHRA and H-D websites for more info on Divisionals
Will update this closer to race time.
SPEAKING OF FREEDOM CHECK THIS FROM THE FUTURE OF FREEDOM FOUNDATION– Our nation was founded on the principles of individual freedom, free markets, private property, and limited government. As the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution reflect, people have the natural and God-given rights to live their lives any way they choose, so long as their conduct is peaceful. It is the duty of government to protect, not destroy or infringe upon, these inherent and inalienable rights.
For well over a century, the American people said “no” to such things as income taxation, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare, public schooling, economic regulations, immigration controls, drug laws, gun control, paper money, the Federal Reserve, overseas empire, militarism, entangling alliances, and foreign wars. Despite the tragic exception of slavery, the result was the most prosperous, healthy, literate, and compassionate society in history.
In the 20th century, however, America moved in the opposite direction—in the direction of socialism, interventionism, and imperialism. The result has been massive infringements on our economic liberty, civil liberties, gun rights, and privacy, along with out-of-control federal spending, debt, and inflation, all of which have reduced our prosperity, damaged our families, and weakened our sense of morality, self-reliance, and voluntary charity.
The time has come for the American people to lead the world out of the statist morass in which it has plunged. The time has come to restore libertarian principles to our land. It is to that end that The Future of Freedom Foundation is dedicated.
POLARIS MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURING CAPACITY COULD INCREASE BY FIVE TIMES– Polaris Industries’ motorcycle capacity “will soon increase five times to 60,000-70,000 units annually,” according to a research note provided to Powersports Business this week by Wells Fargo Securities analyst Tim Conder.
The Wells Fargo Securities report, filed after a recent roadshow in which Polaris management met with investors, says that Victory “will grow via domestic/international sku and distribution expansion. Polaris will relaunch Indian late summer/early fall 2013 with what we believe will be 3-5 skus addressing a broader segment of the 1400cc+ market (i.e. $15-35K price point.)
Management believes Polaris’ combined (Victory/Indian) share can double to about 10 percent by the end of 2015 as the dealer base expands and additional skus are introduced.”
Conder also reported the following takeaways from the event:
•Incremental ORV Competition. Competitive product introductions remain within management’s expectations. 2013 market share gains likely to be driven by a strong R&D pipeline in SxS (sport, utility) and the first half of 2013 entry into the commercial segment (20% of the SxS market) via new co-developed Bobcat/Polaris joint venture product.
•North America Channel Inventory Growth. Year-over-year growth due to 1) increased fill rates/address shortages, 2) dealer growth (60 YTD in Victory), 3) new skus, 4) early (timing) snowmobile shipments. Absolute channel inventory levels will likely slightly rise, while velocity related initiatives should produce improved inventory turns over the next 12-18 months.
•International (excluding Canada). Europe is expected to be flat in 2013 with motorcycle growth offset by declines in ORV. Latin America is expected to be the leading growth driver over the next 2-3 years as distribution sale is achieved. A new European manufacturing plant could be announced by year-end 2012 that will offer additional cost savings and Return On Invested Capital similar to that seen in Mexico.
FROM THE NEW BIKERNET TRAVEL DEPARTMENT–A man and his wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife passed away. The undertaker told her husband, “You can have her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her here, in the Holy Land for $150.”
The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped home.
The undertaker asked, “Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home, when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150?”
The man replied, “Long ago a man called Jesus Christ died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead. I just can’t
take that chance.—from Willie
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY, JUST WHAT YOU NEEDED TO KNOW DEPARTMENT–Today, billiard balls are made from a compound called phenolic resin, an extremely hard polymer that can be shaped by modern machines into perfectly round spheres that resist dramatic impact and abuse. Because phenolic resin is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain for those companies in the plastic manufacturing industry, the average cost of a set of billiard balls has decreased dramatically over the past several decades.
Modern chemical and mechanical processes have made the creation of billiard balls fast and simple. Instead of the process taking months, it now takes weeks or even days to generate a set of billiard balls. Additionally, the machines used in layering the balls have the ability to inlay different designs below the clear surface, leading to the ability of consumers to buy customized balls. Many billiard ball manufacturers create sets of balls with intricate designs, sports team logos and corporate logos. You can buy billiard balls with your own designs inlaid into the balls.
BIKER MUSIC COUPLE COMES TO BIKERNET– Here is the package profiling the great biker couple I told you about yesterday on the phone. I hope that you will be as
impressed and enthusiastic as I was with both their personal stories and their bikes. Thank you for taking the time to review their submission.
Make a point to watch their video on YouTube: “She’s Gotta’ Ride”. It is amazing and has very professional production value. Mary sounds just like Bonnie Rait.
–Al Landsberg
Check their Youtube on the Bikernet home page—Renegade
CONTACT INFO:
Craig and Mary Durst
818-842-4033 Office
818-439-4269 Craig
818-632-4033 Mary
Burbank California
www.facebook.com/2AZZ1MUSIC
www.2azz1.com/
WHERE: Lincoln stand at Los Angeles Auto Show, WEST HALL, LA Convention Center Downtown
1956 Continental Mark II –
Hollywood’s most glamorous icon, movie star and philanthropist, Elizabeth Taylor lives on at the LA Auto Show where her 1950’s Lincoln Continental Mark II made an appearance in a Lincoln heritage car display for one day only. On the occasion of the launch of Lincoln’s all-new 2013 MKZ, Lincoln pays tribute to some of the cars from the company’s past with a collection of seven privately owned vintage cars from the 1920’s to the 1960’s, all stunning models branded with the legendary automaker’s name.
Taylor’s Mark II model was built especially for the movie star with vibrant exterior and interior blue paint to match her eyes. The Continental Mark was created under the direction of Edsel Ford’s son, William Clay Ford. Mounted on the hood is the four-pointed star that later became Lincoln’s emblem. Famous owners of this model Lincoln include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, Howard Johnson and Nelson Rockefeller. Current owner: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff, Sherman Oaks
Photo credit: Bob Ratinoff
For further information and images please use the contact details below or visit:
www.media.lincoln.com
AUSTRALIAN COPS WARN OF SHARING BEER WITH BIKERS– Bikers in the Australian state of Tasmania who enjoy taking advantage of cheap beer on offer at motorcycle clubhouses are being warned to find new drinking mates.
The alternative is to risk coming under police scrutiny as forces across the country crack down on the Rebels motorcycle club and its business operations.
The Australian Crime Commission last month revealed Task Force Attero, made up of police in every state, had been unleashed nationwide with its sole mission to dismantle the Rebels motorcycle club.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams and southern drug squad boss John Arnold are leading the local charge against the high-profile local bikers who have 50 members across eight chapters in Tasmania.
“We want the community to be aware they exist in Tasmania,” Ms Adams said. “They are involved in illegal activities. They are widely responsible for the distribution of methylamphetamine in this state.This is serious, organized crime we’re talking about.”
Police are increasingly frustrated by the community’s willingness to overlook what they say is really going on.
Clubhouses in Mornington, Kingston, North Hobart and New Norfolk have already attracted significant attention in recent months, with residents secretly complaining about the location of clubhouses and extended licences and operating hours.
Clubhouses at New Norfolk and North Hobart regularly open their doors to the public, selling cheap beer that easily undercuts local hotel prices.
Police say Rebel venues are not appropriate social venues for everyday citizens.
“A degree of caution needs to be exercised and community members need to stay away from the clubhouses,” Ms Adams said. “They’re there to introduce you to high-risk activities with the promise of cheap drinks. We reject the suggestion these are community centres. We will definitely police the licensing aspect where these clubhouses have permits. Again, they are not community centres.”
Ms Adams said there was a significant issue in the reality community members were often unwilling to put their names to complaints or to make their concerns public because they feared retribution.
“But we do have information from locals who want to remain anonymous about incidents at these venues,” she said.
NEW BIKER BAR QUICKLY SECURES BIKES TO TRAILERS WITHOUT STRAPS, CHOCKS OR PERMANENT BRACKETS–With Biker Bar, an individual can easily trailer a bike using the Vehicle’s own suspension system to create a super stable mount that significantly reduces the possibility of damage
HUMBOLDT, Kan., B&W Trailer Hitches, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of heavy-duty, engineered trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, announced that its new Biker Bar motorcycle-to-trailer mounting technology is quickly gaining favor among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts who use trailers to transport their bikes for rallies, vacations and more.
Biker Bar is a totally unique concept and a complete departure from the cumbersome straps, chocks and bolt-on systems that can be ineffective, unsightly and cause damage to paint, chrome and leather finishes. Biker Bar is an engineered system, specifically designed to address the shortcomings associated with more primitive bike mounting methods commonly used today.
“Nylon straps are awkward, take up space, must be constantly re-tightened, and can easily cause abrasive damage to a bike,” said Travis McCall, new product engineer for B&W Trailer Hitches and biking enthusiast. “Wheel chocks help, but they still rely on straps to hold the bike in alignment, and when wheel travel and tension factors combine, suspension failure and other damage can often result.”
McCall noted that there are also products that require brackets to be permanently bolted to a bike’s frame, but that these affect aesthetics, reduce clearance height and require two people to practically operate. “Biker Bar is a complete, engineered system that uses the bike’s frame and suspension system to create an extremely rigid and stable mounting solution that takes one rider about 30 seconds to engage or disengage,” McCall added.
Unlike products requiring bolt-on brackets that take time and negatively impact style and clearance, Biker Bar only touches the bike frame at the time of mounting and comes off immediately following dismounting. With Biker Bar, no tools are needed, because a hand-operated, neoprene-lined, quick-tension and quick-release clamping bar is applied to the frame just before loading. A single person can apply the clamping bar and roll the bike into the self-locking, trailer-mounted plate in about 30 seconds. A foot-operated release disengages Biker Bar and dismounting and removing the clamping bar is equally as quick and effortless as mounting.
The physics behind Biker Bar are intelligent, protecting the motorcycles’ suspension system by incorporating it into the mounting equation. The rider sits on the bike, slightly compressing the suspension system as he or she guides Biker Bar into the mounting plate’s receiving mechanism, which automatically latches. When the rider dismounts, the suspension system remains compressed, exerting just the right amount of upward pressure to maintain rigid stability without stressing the suspension components. By repurposing the bike’s suspension system to create a firm vehicle stance, a bike secured with a Biker Bar becomes an extension of the trailer’s suspension system, instead of amplifying it as an active bike suspension system would.
“Traveling with my bikes used to be a crapshoot, because they would shift no matter how hard I’d ratchet and tie them down,” said Bill Grotto, of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Biker Bar user. “With Biker Bar, I never have to worry about surprises when I open up the trailer door, and my bikes arrive unharmed every time.”
For bikers who use their trailers for multiple purposes, the Biker Bar receiving mechanism and base can be easily removed from the trailer floor. Two bolts secure the mechanism base to the floor and installation and removal takes about 30 seconds.
Biker Bar can be purchased online and a dealer locator is also available at: http://www.turnoverball.com/find-a-dealer
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT!–
NEW MOTORCYCLE MUSIC “Shiny Side Up”
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10802
Great article. I love to know more about my favorite musicians and this gives a taste. Keep me updated on any more on Craig and Mary.
— Rob
info@goschproductions.com
Burbank, CA
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME CONCEPT DRAWINGS–The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is excited about the initial response to concept drawings of an expanded museum that were released at a public meeting in Sturgis on Monday. The concept drawings were created by Forefront Design, a Rapid City firm hired by the City of Sturgis, the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sturgis Economic Development Commission to work on a downtown revitalization effort.
“The drawings that were made public at last night’s meeting are conceptual in nature, but are based on input from the Board of Directors of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum,” said Dave Davis, Museum Board President. “The museum board is ready to move forward into a feasibility study phase to determine the full scope and timeframe for making an expanded museum like the one represented here a reality. We want the community and all the constituents of the museum to understand that we are excited about growing our museum into an iconic structure that draws visitors to Sturgis on an ongoing basis.”
The downtown revitalization project has brought together a task force of community members from Sturgis to discuss ways to make downtown more vital and exciting on a year-round basis. The task force has been meeting for four months discussing various ideas for improving the Sturgis downtown area. The public meeting on Monday unveiled four potential projects to improve downtown. Besides the museum, those projects included a downtown plaza for events, a prototype mixed-use building with retail on the main floor with apartments above, and a splash park.
The mission of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of motorcycling, honor those who have made a positive and significant impact on the sport and lifestyle, and pay tribute to the heritage of the Sturgis Rally. Established in 2001, the museum is home to an ever-growing variety of motorcycles dating back to 1907. On display are a huge selection of American and metric bikes that are on loan from private individuals, along with a wide variety of exhibits, photographs, memorabilia and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally history. Museum memberships are available on the museum’s website at www.sturgismuseum.com.
For more information, contact Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame at 605-347-2001.
BIKERNET ANNOUNCES BRAND NEW TRAVEL DEPARTMENT–Travel Stories: Fun informative motorcycle adventures from Cleveland to Kathmandu.
Travel Tips: Products and tips from camping to communications.
Travel Maps: Thousands of the BEST motorcycle riding roads, not only in every state of the U.S. but around the world.
Travel Destinations: Restaurants, Hotels or Events, you name it. We look forward to sharing your stories of sizzling adventures and warnings of tarantula infested campsites. Don’t hold back.
Like our travel stories on Facebook to win a free Salt Flats Motorcycle signed by Keith Ball and Bikernet T-shirt
Our Travel Department is sponsored by EagleRider, the worlds #1 choice in motorcycle rentals and tours
COMING SOON TO VENTURA CALIFORNIA– It’s coming real soon, the 9th Annual David Mann Chopper Fest is going to be held December 9, 2012 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, California. From the very first Chopper Fest held December 12, 2004, shortly after David passed away on September 11, earlier that year there has always been an exhibit of David Mann’s original, and reproduced artwork included with Chopper Fest celebrations.
The format for 2011’s 8th Annual Chopper Fest David Mann Art Exhibit varied slightly with an invitation sent to one of David’s close friends to exhibit his original abstract art inspired by his relationship with David Mann’s work. This slight deviation from the schedule of years past sparked the beginnings for an exciting new addition to Chopper Fest 2012. The 9th Annual Chopper Fest will embrace an invitational art exhibit featuring America’s best known motorcycle lifestyle artists, and photographers including Tom Fritz, David Uhl, Eric Hermann, Michael Lichter, Kim Peterson, Jeff Decker, Jack Knight, James Bondo with the original Ghostrider bike, and John Gilbert.
MGS IS BACK!– MGS Custom Bikes, located in Lancaster, CA has recently hired V-Twin Marketing as their first agency of record– Mike Stafford, President and Founder of MGS Custom Bikes stated, “We chose V-Twin Marketing to help market our new line of high performance True Dual exhaust systems because of their in-depth motorcycle experience and past successes with aftermarket manufacturers. We feel that we can draw from their 30+ years of “product branding” experience in the motorcycle industry as well as the many contacts that they have established over the years. “We feel confident in this first series of moves that will take our business forward and we look forward to working with V-Twin Marketing on our new line of exhaust systems.”
The last 12 years for MGS Custom Bikes have not been without trials and tribulations, to say the least. Throughout those years, MGS won some of the most highly esteemed shows in the motorcycle industry, such as: The Grand National Roadster Show for the title of America’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle; The Rat’s Hole in Florida; Discovery Channel’s Bike Build Off, just to name a few. MGS has also been on the cover of every major motorcycle magazine as well as countless features inside. Mike also had a brief relationship with the guys from OCC and used to build their exhaust pipes, including those crazy exhaust pipes that look like a fire hose.
Mike’s ability to transform from completely custom bike building to creating custom parts and accessories for the stock Harleys is really the reason MGS Custom Bikes is one of the only remaining shops still around. One would think that this kind of notoriety would bring success. Mike found out just like hundreds of other custom bike builders that when the housing market went south, so did the need for $80,000 motorcycles so Mike started on his latest project…to build a set of high performance bagger exhaust pipes. Some years back MGS purchased a Dyno, and through the process of tuning bikes, they have created a custom line of fine-tuned exhaust systems that outperforms and, of course, out styles any other aftermarket exhaust system.
Rick Raus, owner of V-Twin Marketing was very excited to have landed this account and said, “I’ve had the utmost respect for Mike and his uncanny ability to produce award winning custom bikes. I know that he’s a perfectionist with everything he touches and his new line of exhaust systems is no exception.” I look forward to working with Mike and Chris on their new exhaust line”, Raus concluded.
For those interested in obtaining more information on MGS Custom Bikes, you can reach them at 661-951-9878, call Chris Stafford directly at 661-750-2424, email them at sales@MGSCustomBikes.com or check them out online at www.mgscustombikes.com. To reach V-Twin Marketing, please call 714-280-8537 or email Rick Raus direct at Rick@vtwinmarketing.com.
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–Take a look at this awesome custom built Sportster! It’s got a Redneck Engineering frame, with a low slung solo seat, heat-wrapped dual exhaust, chrome forward controls, chain final drive, inverted forks, turn signals in the hand grips, custom blacked out wheels, and much, much more!
Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection.
Credit Problems??? Call Lifestyle! We make dreams come true!
They can handle financing!
BIKERNET LETTER TO THE COMPANY PRESIDENT–
Mr Ball,
I am sending you this letter because I believe Bikernet remains a voice of the people. Unfortunately, truth is the last voice the people want to hear in America today. Inconvenient truths are quickly rewritten by media spin doctors, weaving a web of lies.
In 1978 Rick Hawe wrote an account of his youth, organizing protests against the war in the 1960s and then eventually joining the military. His manuscript “Freedom Fighters: Blood in the Streets” was born of the 1960s ideology of fighting for freedom and chronicles his disillusionment of the Vietnam War, return to an angry America and our loss of freedom. Upon his return he home founded a clandestine motorcycle group S.O.B. “Freedom Fighters” include characters and events that I believe, the Sons of Anarchy have taken directly from this manuscript. I contend that somebody copied Rick Hawes manuscript and his story, and I believe that the fictious S.O.A television series is based on the actual S.O.B Mercenaries.
The Sons of Bitches: S.O.B – Richard Hawe 1953 – 2004: a Green Beret Commander, served in Vietnam from 1968-1974. After three tours of duty he became an international mercenary. In 1978 Hawe was the founding father of the Sons of Bitches which was comprised of nine members, all mercenaries. S.O.B volunteered for the deadliest conflicts which earned us the moniker “Unholy Ones”. We never wore our patches in public. S.O.B only met in complete secrecy. Of the six surviving members one is an international arms dealer, two invested in drug cartels and are extremely wealthy, one owns a chain of auto repair shops and the last is quietly retired. Founder Rick Hawe died in 2004 while motorcycling Hwy 74 above Palm Springs.
S.O.B will not tolerate injustice or deceit, especially upon us. Please, do some research. I unfortunately do not have not a copy of Mr. Hawes manuscript, and, though I have not read it in 20 years, I know its truths.
Richard Lawrence Hawe: Born Dec 20th 1953- Died 2004 buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Michigan
Signed: Quietly Retired S.O.B…for now.
[page break]
UNCLE MONKEY ON BLACK FRIDAY–Kicking, screaming, punching, and biting. Just another normal Black Friday. It seems every year the frenzy to scoop up big savings in the US gets more intense. I have friends who make the pilgrimage into the states to score savings that boggle the mind. I just smile and nod. Yes, there are some savings to be made. Sales flyers in the days leading up to the event promise big but for each $98 32-inch TV is small print that each store is only going to have one of such model so unless you are the one who camped out to be at the front of the line and know exactly where to grab the TV from, you’re just out of luck.
My friends brag about their shopping conquest. It seems like a good score $1500 for $899. Hi-fives all around. It only cost them $200 for gas, $578 for two nights in a hotel and two days lost wages but they SAVED. Too bad the same things have been on sale locally for the same price for the last two weeks. The old bait and switch.
Sure there is the promise of ridiculous savings but it is unrealistic to think you are going to be at the front of the line, to be the one to get all the sale items scattered throughout the store. Most likely you will get swept up in the excitement – spend more then you can afford for stuff no one really wants or cares about. My suggestion for you is to take a page from my book. Buy a bottle of Jack and spend a couple hours talking with your family and friends. The memories of that will last longer then that $19.95 telescoping golf tee you bought.
-bad Uncle Monkey
ULTIMATE BUILDER SHOW SERIES COMING TO LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA– I produce the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show inside the IMS show at Long Beach. It is coming up next week, Friday – Sunday. We’ve designed the show for companies like yours, you can think of it as a selling and promotion show. We provide you with a pad and ring around the bike. We encourage you or a spokesperson to stand by your bike and hand out business cards or brochures. We expect 50,000+ enthusiasts.
This engagement with the motorcycle enthusiasts has sold custom, new, and used bikes as well as parts, accessories, and service for our dealers, builders and manufacturers.
We construct a photo studio on the premises. We will shoot your bike and make the photography available to you. You can bring a model and/or parts to include in the photography session.
On Sunday afternoon we host the awards ceremony. Bikernet will be providing an editors choice award with the winner receiving a bike feature. We have FIVE classes with $7,000 in prize money and over $500 in prizes. There is a small fee to enter depending upon your class. If you bring two bikes we provide a 10% discount. For 4 bikes, we provide a 25% DISCOUNT!
To get started, you will need to register your bike at http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ultimate-builder. If you have a question, please connect with me on my cell at 919-450-5060.
Here are our classes:
Free Style – $150 entry fee – Any motorcycle frame configuration or drivetrain combination. Your imagination is the only restriction. Must run and stop.
Modified Harley – $100 entry fee – Must have Harley manufactured frame and engine cases. Frame must maintain stock configuration so modifications are limited to smoothing ie; molding welds and joints, welding in filler panels or cutting excess tabs. Swingarm kits and fat tire conversions are acceptable.
Performance Custom – $75 entry fee – Race inspired styling with performance enhancing engine modifications. Any motorcycle frame configuration and drivetrain combination. Judging will be focused around drag racing ie; strtched out ‘Busa, Bonneville racers and highly modified sportbikes.
Retro Mod – $75 entry fee – Any modified bike, with any drive train on any chassis configuration that is 25 years or older. Great class for older Harley’s where the frame was cut to rake or stretch as well as a class for Café Racers from the Ton-Up era.
Modified Street Class – $75 entry fee – Must have Major OEM ie; Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Polaris, Triumph etc manufactured frame and engine cases. Harley is not allowed in this class. Frame must maintain stock configuration so neck may not be cut to rake or stretch. Modified swingarms kits, fat tire conversions and weld on hardtails are acceptable.
–Jeffrey Najar
RAGING LUCY LLC ALMOST OPEN– I’m moving my equipment into the new shop in the next couple days and hope to be building bikes and whatever else I can imagine by the new year.
My shops name is officially “The Raging Lucy LLC” . I am a one-man show tucked away on the NC/SC border. I have been scratch building bikes since 2000 which includes me building the frames, tanks and wiring and now painting them.
In the recent years since 2007 I have been building budget bikes or refurbishing wrecks into cool little Bobber/Choppers and selling them to the down-out blue collar man who wants a dirty little scoot on a poor man’s budget. My specialty is Sportster models from Ironhead to Evo, but I’ve chopped everything in between (I’ve even built you a couple fire extinguisher oil tanks).
My new shop has been built from hardship and new love. It’s a new start for me, and I look forward to moving on and chipping away to make a small living. I have invested new tools including a CNC plasma table, lathe and recently stumbled across the find of a lifetime 4 frame jigs acquired from a big manufacturer who apparently went bankrupt.
I now have an EVO Sportster,TC88, Knucklehead and Evo frame jig. I’m not only going to build bikes but also off road vehicle parts. As I build and put the shop together, I will keep Bikernet updated. My business email is theraginglucy@yahoo.com and FB page is facebook.com/metalsmasher. I’m currently building a real website.
–John Norris (Chopperjohn)
sportychop74@aol.com
CUSTOM CAR OF THE WEEK– EITHER ELVIS IS BACK AND THE DRUGS HAVE NOT WORN OFF, OR HE IS GETTING STYLE QUES FROM JERRY LEE LEWIS!!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK–Fun can be dangerous!!??
–Pablo
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT!–
Naked ATK GT250 Tested
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10374
So Did you test the GV650 cruiser?
Auckland, New Zealand
Hey, as a matter of fact we did. We rode and photographed that beauty, but never put the Road Test together. Hold on. We will get to it. All of the ATK bikes are commendable for what they were designed for and the price. Not bad at all.–Wrench
BUB Speed Trials August 24-29, 2013
2nd Grandchild, June
(BUB 9 months and counting)
Home again, tucked into Bikernet’s Interplanetary Headquarters located in the sleepy harbor of Wilmington, Ca. Safe, sound, and relatively sane after 5 months on the road building a first class Bonneville contender from scratch, (with a little help from my friends) along the way.
In the heat of the summer, July 3rd, 2012 I loaded a few parts and hauled ass North on the 405, to the 5 North, then a right turn in Salem 939.28 miles later, destination Rick Tedders shop in Salem, Oregon, R/T Performance.
We spent many hours during the next 3 weeks building a rolling chassis from two pieces of tubing (bent to specs, then hand-massaged to perfection) from axel to axel fabricating most hand-fabricated parts on the frame including the turbo mount, exhaust, top motor mount, head brace, damper mount, tail section mount/fuel tray, fairing mounts, belly pan, modified swing arm.
Rick is an amazing fabricator/machinist/welder as well as an avid racer. High 6-second passes on the weekends aboard a Busa based rocket at the Woodburn Drag Strip nearly every weekend.
We loaded the roller hot off of the welding table in Salem the 19th of July, visited my son and his family in Washington, 192.78 miles North, for an evening then hauled ass early to the Beach Racing Hobby Shop in Morgan Hill, Ca. 831.90 miles, arriving Saturday the 21st of July after one more day in Salem.
During my 4 months at Brads shop in Morgan Hill spent one week on the road riding my Munro Special to Bonneville, 1,332.32 miles R/T through rain and hail at least 3 or 4 times to meet and support our 5-Ball Racing Team and fellow racers on the salt at the BUB Speed Trials.
The Munro Special was ran through tech inspection passing with flying colors after the maiden voyage from Morgan Hill. Erin checked her riding gear and passed. Time to suit up and ride. Erin Okonek, former Olympic Trainer hopped on board with little coaxing from the guys on her team. Running under Sims/Barcia Motorsports name Erin made two passes. First pass was an easy 116.798 mph just cruisin’. One hour twenty minutes later Erin recorded a 124.708 mpg pass while missing her 4th to 5th shift during the pass in the what-ya-brung class running a 96-inch CCI twin cam street motor built by Eric Bennett of Bennett Performance in Signal Hill, Ca.
Rolled into Wendover, Ut. in a gully washer, hydro-planed, slid through the stop sign, an intersection with a semi coming from my left, kept the gas on easy and rode up the on ramp on the other side taking the next exit at a slower pace. Returned to Morgan Hill the 1st of September to tell the tale and continue the build.
After a grueling 4 months of surviving and building we now are very close to a road and race ready Turbo Charged Raycer. We replaced every bearing, race, seal and thrust washer from stem to stern for one tight machine. We’ll head to Race Tech Suspension in Corona where their top notch Suspension Team will perform there magic.
Last Sunday afternoon Brad Beach completed the wiring system utilizing a Dan Thayer 8-wire system for fuel injection systems. Brad built a custom 4- relay system and we attempted start up. Fired and ran on the front cylinder only (for a very few seconds), seems we may have kissed a valve somehow. We have no compression in the rear cylinder.
My upcoming Raycer project, remove the rear head, and repair the leaking rear head. Then I can ride and enjoy life every hour of the day.
In early July of this year the goal was to make a few passes on the salt during the BUB Speed Trials in late August, a mere 60 days away at the time. Seemed doable at the time?
Today it seems we’re right on time for the 2013 Land Speed Racing season and we will pull the trigger. Ya better stay tuned or ya might miss the action.
Just a few thanks and there has to be more.
An overwhelming thanks to many along the way including, Keith Ball of Bikernet, 5-Ball Racing Team (Toby and Dale), Jim Bartlett of Beverton, Oregon. Rick Tedder of R T/Performance in Salem, Oregon. Brad Beach of Beach Racing in Morgan Hill, Ca. Randy Torgeson of Hyperformance, Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Reggie Ronzello Sr. and Jr. of R&R Cycle in Manchester, New Hampshire. Ron Williams, Jeff Bodie and Kevin, Hardtailz of San Jose. Duncan Keller, Yankee Engineeuity, San Jose. Turk, Wichita, Kansas. Bonnie Truett, Wichita…..the list just might be endless.
Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Air Tech Streamlining, Arai helmets, Avon Tyres, Bikers Choice, Cometic Gaskets, Daytona Twin tech, ERC Race Gas, ET Krankvents, Fisher Harmonic Damper, House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc.,Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Lyndall Racing Brakes, Pingel, Rivera Primo, Race Tech Suspension, Schnitz Racing, Spyke, S&S Cycle, Thunder Motorcycles, Tiger Racing, Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers and World Wide Bearings.
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER FINDINGS–Is the “Five-Second Rule” Really OK?– The five-second rule – that it’s ok to eat what’s been dropped on the floor within five seconds – has been around a long time. It has been studied scientifically, testing different foods dropped on contaminated surfaces and left for five seconds. Surfaces ranged from ceramic tiles to wood floors and nylon carpeting, and foods included sticky candies known as “gummi bears,” bologna, bread and cookies.
Regardless of food and surface type, all food that came in contact with contaminated floors quickly picked up the dirt and bacteria it landed on. Contaminants tended to favor the carpet more than the hard surfaces, and the longer the food was in contact, the more bacteria it picked up, which lends some credence to the five-second rule.
Odds are that you won’t get sick if you invoke the five-second rule, and exposure to ordinary dirt and germs may strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk chronic illnesses. But sometimes it takes just a few strains of certain infectious diseases to get sick, so you should use common sense with what fallen food you eat – avoid anything that fell on a hospital or sickroom floor, other surfaces likely to harbor really dangerous organisms such as uncooked meat juices, and any surface that is visibly dirty – it’s not worth it.
NEW MOTORCYCLE MUSIC “Shiny Side Up”
Los Angeles, CA
Great article. I know these two talented people and they are not only wonderful musicians but wonderful people too! They deserve the best!
EUROPE ENACTS THREE MOTORCYCLE RELATED LAWS– After many protests and great efforts in lobbying, the European parliament has finally voted, rectified and added a few laws that affects the European motorcycle world in general, and the French one in particular.
1-Since 1985, motorcycles bought and registered in France have been limited to 100 HP. Over the years it has become obvious to everyone that less HP didn’t translate in less fatalities. So a law has been voted that disallows European member countries (ergo France) from imposing power limitations on motorcycle sold.
2-Starting on the 1st of January 2016, all motorcycles sold & registered in Europe above and including 125 cc will be required to have ABS. Bikes between 51 and 125 cc will be required to have a combined/linked braking system.
3- To make our world cleaner and to fight global warming, the Euro4 norm for motorcycle will become active on January 1st 2016, in 2017 it will be applicable to mopeds and in 2020.
–from Rogue
BORN FREE DVD NOW AVAILABLE– 2-disc set includes DVD and a CD with 100+ bike photos!
When motorcycle aficionados Mike Davis and Grant Peterson conceived their Born Free experience, they had no idea their little bike show would grow into the grandest and most eagerly anticipated celebration of custom motorcycle style and culture in the world.
Born Free’s location in Southern California – the heart of American motorcycle customizing – only intensifies this event’s impact and allure. “Born Free 4” gives a behind-the-scenes peek into the planning and craftwork required to bring hundreds of motorcycle-industry players, 3,000 show bikes and over 10,000 bikeriders and rabid fans to the rolling hills and green pastures of SoCal’s beautiful Santiago Canyon for a day of music and machinery among great friends.
–Zack and Scott
One World Studios Ltd.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT—Where is it? I feel pressurized. I have one month to wrap up all of our 2012 projects and readjust for the next year. We have the Long Beach Show coming up, and they offered to highlight our Bonneville bikes, so we are scrambling to get ready.
We will offer up our apparel line for the first time and have books to sign and new stickers to give away. The Easyriders show circuit starts and we need to think about the dealer show in Cinci. How the hell can I think about Christmas? I need to wrap up my son’s bike and finish editing World Run chapters.
I’m trying to find a manufacturer of pool balls who will sell me a crate of 5-Balls. I had a couple of local connections. What happened to them? It’s almost as if it’s Christmas at the Bikernet Headquarters everyday. We are all about giving constantly. If only we could wrap a bow around everything we do.
Have a helluva holiday.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
