Hey,
Life is nuts, but you knew that. Remember when we were just scruffy bikers with one motorcycle, a garage, and a handful of tools. We had girlfriends and partied every weekend. That’s it.
Don’t think about it much. It will drive you crazy. The news is nuts this week, so I won’t add to the conundrum of life with my oblique thoughts.
Let’s hit it:
MICHIGAN’S LARGEST CUSTOM BIKE SHOW IN MUSKEGON ON JULY 20th–The July 20th Muskegon Bike Time Extreme Custom Bike Show is celebrating custom bikes with $4,000 in cash awards.
The winner of the MOD Harley class receives a complementary entry into the AMD Invitational Custom Bike Show at the Milwaukee Rally during the Harley-Davidson 110th celebration.
http://custombikeshows.com/biketime/registration/Click here for details…
BIKERNET GOALS FOR 2013–It takes me a get-away for some clarity to surface. This year has been sorta nuts, and we are half way through it, but it is absolutely packed with positive elements and opportunities. So here’s a reminder
Bikernet Sites: We have expanded our format and we’re setting new ground in entertainment and resources. With Ben’s help we have hit a Bikernet blog high. With the help of Gary, the Midnight Rider, and Buck our Trikes and Baggers sites are gaining ground. It’s absolutely amazing the service we can provide our customers and readers.
Bonneville Bikes: Ray is building a state-of-the-art Busa based Twin Cam Racer that will blow readers minds, and should go down in the history books for years to come. Plus, next week we will launch the first streamlined belly tank trike article, which I hope to race for years to come, and it should become an icon for our trike site.
MRF Committee: I am working with Marilyn Stemp, of IronWorks, Chris Callen of Cycle Sourse, Chris Maida of American Iron, Jeff Najar, Biker Pros, Ken Conte, and others to form the first MRF Industry Council committee. Actually Chris is the Chairman. With this committee we hope to reach the following goals this year: set the first agenda for the MRF to protect the business side of the industry and support freedom. Create a brochure and a plan to broaden the MRF market base. Work with the Broken Spoke in Sturgis to use the MRF as a charity type promotion effort for one major concert to support motorcycling. In other words make motorcycling freedom and the MRF the fund raising and awareness effort.
Books and Grant: With the help of Chris Kranzler, I hope to finish launching the last few chapters of “World Run” with Chance Hogan. Then I can start on a book about Chance and another brother riding out of Los Angeles in search of Freedom in America. I’m also working with Kelly Dube on a possible grant program to promote safety through education, and perhaps enhance trade training, and support the MRF and maybe this book in the process.
Judging Program: We are also working with Bob Kay and Jeff Najar, of Biker Pros, on a bike show judging formula and training program to create a certified judging criteria. This system will ultimately be certified by the MRF. The goal is to create a unified and respected judging criteria, which will add tremendous credibility to Biker Pros shows and confidence within the show contestants who enter their bikes. I think Biker Pros is running the largest group of AMD affiliate bike shows in the country, currently.
Water: This is sort of unrelated to Bikernet, but in the future we will open the door to discussions and opportunities on Bikernet. Ray Wheeler and I are working with Ray Russell in Australia on bringing some new Australia water-purifying technology to America. This process holds amazing consequences and we are testing it right now. It has the potential of transforming bad water into good and saving industries billions in the process.
There you have it. Everyone of these efforts can and will have a positive effect on Bikernet and motorcycling. Each one takes a dedicated team who understands and relish in the potential. Believe me, I appreciate all the help.
–Bandit
YOUR BRAIN ON A MOTORCYCLE, PART II– Yamaha participated in a second joint research project on the subject of the relationship between motorcycle riding and brain stimulation with Kawashima Laboratory at the Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer at Tohoku University.
The project began in September 2009 and ran until December 2010, and the focus of the research was on measurement and analysis of the cause and effect relationship involved in the operation of various types of vehicles and brain stimulation. The study measured changes in such stimulation over time by means of data gathered from a long-term mass survey.
The reason for Yamaha Motor’s participation in this project is pretty obvious and not a little self-serving, but further research into the relationship between motorcycle riding and brain stimulation as it relates to the “Smart Aging Society” will certainly provide some interesting results.
The second research project was divided into two time periods throughout 2009 and 2010 compared differences in the conditions of brain stimulation as they related to the type of vehicle and driving conditions. A second set of tests measuring the changes in brain stimulation over time involved a larger subject group.
Yamaha Motors provided vehicles for the research and made its test tracks and courses available for the study. What the study revealed is that what you’re thinking about while you’re riding – and your experience on the bike – changes the physical structure of your brain.
Author Sharon Begley concurs with Kawashima’s findings. In her tome, Train Your Mind – Change Your Brain, Begley found much the same outcomes.
“The brain devotes more cortical real estate to functions that its owner uses more frequently and shrinks the space devoted to activities rarely performed,” Begley wrote. “That’s why the brains of violinists devote more space to the region that controls the digits of the fingering hand.”
And you may also get some mental and physical benefits from just thinking about going for a ride on your machine.
A 1996 experiment at Harvard Medical School by neuroscientist Alvaro Pascual-Leone had volunteers practice a simple five finger exercise on the piano over five days for a couple of hours each day. Pascual-Leone found that the brain space devoted to these finger movements grew and pushed aside areas less used. A separate group of volunteers were asked to simply think about doing the piano exercises during that week as well, and they dedicated the same amount of “practice time.”
Pascual-Leone was somewhat taken aback to discover that the region of the brain which controls piano playing finger movement expanded in the same way for volunteers who merely imagined playing the piano.
Along with the obvious benefits of riding motorcycles; like saving money (motorcycle insurance is relatively inexpensive), motorcycles take the edge off the grind of the daily commute, and that appears to make your brain a better place to be…
SPECIAL DEAL FOR BIKERNET READERS FROM THE DIGITAL DAWG–
This one is a Serious Real Deal! I took our #1 selling Keyless product for motorcycles ( The DGD-KIM ) same as on your bike, and marked it down over ½ price just for your readers:
$459.00 regularly, now $264.
This ought to make your readers very happy and get a strong response. Never have done an offer this low before but let’s see what happens, If you run this throughout the month and the response is strong this will give you and I an idea of how a store might do on your site.
This system can be added to ANY bike and for this sale its all the same price.
“I’m running one of these systems on my Mudflap Girl FXR, and it is super cool,” said Bandit, “not to need to worry about a key. And for a custom application it adds definite security and safety measures.”
–Bruce McKinley “Lead Dawg”
Digital Guard Dawg Inc.
705 East Bidwell St. Suite 2-325 I Folsom, CA I 95630
916-837-1417 Cell
916-337-1040 Office
bruce@digitalguarddawg.com
www.digitalguarddawg.com
VERY COOL CHOPPER SEATS FROM PAUGHCO–Check out some of Paughco’s new additions to their popular line of chopper seats. Designed by La Rosa for use with virtually any custom application the seats can also be easily fit to many factory style frames.
Hand crafted from the finest hides and riveted to a beautifully finished chrome steel seat pan these awesome seats will provide the finishing touch to any scooter.
All seats shown feature a beautifully braided trim with custom embossed flame patterns, smooth finish or braided insert. Custom mounting hardware is included. All seats are manufactured to the highest standards for quality, materials and craftsmanship.
Paughco has been producing chopper components since the 60’s and these are without a doubt their finest seats to date. And get this. Seat prices start at just $243.95! For all the details call 775-246-5738 and be sure to catch them on the Web at www.paughco.com
THIS JUST IN, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The Cruise-Mate Install
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1707
Who remembers riding Harleys before they had throttle return springs?
— Mike
mpowers24@cfl.rr.com
longwood, FL
FROM THE BIKERNET PHILOSOPHER ON ANGER MANAGEMENT–For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
For every minute I give to hate I lose 60 seconds of Love
For every minute I talk about the problem I lose 60 seconds of finding the solution
For every minute I remain worried I give up 60 seconds of Peace
For every minute I have doubt I give up 60 seconds of Faith
For every minute I give to the problem of give up 60 seconds of finding the solution
For every minute of resentment I have I lose 60 seconds of seeing the good
For every minute I give to the past I lose 60 seconds of the present
For every minute I give to fear I lose 60 seconds of confidence
For every minute I think about lack and limitation I lose 60 seconds of finding my prosperity and abundance
For every minute I give to stress I lose 60 seconds of health
For every minute I give to eating too much I lose 60 seconds of eating healthy
I act without struggle
I enjoy what I am doing
I am grateful for the results
–Yale
Yale Custom Cycles
403-453-1999
2003 11 ST SE
Calgary AB
T2G 3G6
“UP HILL VICTORY” BY SCOTT JACOBS–
This hill-climber is a 1930 Harley Davidson 750 DAH and only 25 of them were built by the factory! Down and dirty is the only way to describe riding this bike the way it was meant to be ridden.
As Willie G. put it this past week after seeing the painting: “Yeah, we really dominated the hill climbs back then. That motor was bullet-proof.”
The bike was a perennial champion back in the day (witnessed by the trophies) and an icon today. This Jacobs’ masterpiece with its uncanny detail will be sought after by Harley enthusiasts, fans of the sport of hill-climbing, thrill-seekers and art collectors.
Giclee on Canvas
Available in Three (3) Sizes
Small Image Size: 24 x 19
Unframed $595 * Framed $795
Large Image Size: 36 x 29
Unframed $1,550 * Framed $1,950
Full Scale Image Size: 48 x 38
Unframed $5,200 * Framed $6,000
ONLY 15 PRINTED * VERY FEW LEFT
BIKERNET FAMILY AWARENESS PROGRAM–
My daughter rolling 5-Ball!
–Adam Croft
WILMINGTON MILE NEW SCOOTER TESTED–Bert “Fukin” Baker squeezes the trigger on his brand new “Organ
Donor” hot rod, makes record pass @ 162.4549 MPH….
–Ray C. Wheeler
Esteemed Bikernet Performance Editor
ANTI-NOISE ADOCATE ATTACKES BIKERNET–
I noticed that you conveniently don’t mention the Noise act of 1972 and the fact that 11 states have passed anti-noise legislation with motorcycles being the primary culprit.
Poker Rides that occur in the warm weather travel back and forth for a few hours past the same homes. Children can lose some hearing in as little as 18 seconds of exposure to 100+ decibels. These are the people who are ruining the reputation of responsible motorcycle owners. People I know who own a myriad of motorcycles have a very low opinion of those who break the law and cast a bad light on responsible motorcyclists.
No study correlates loud pipes to less accidents. It is just your myth that you put out there so that no one makes you follow the law.
The CEO McCaskill of Harley states, it is better to wear loud colored clothing to be noticed.
Also, sound going south from an exhaust cannot do a U-turn and go north to warn oncoming motorists. It defies the laws of physics. If you read the comments on various sites the main reason the cycle owners give is that they don’t get a rush, unless they are on a bike that is vibrating beneath them
None of you ever had the right to break state statutes or national laws. It’s because of poor enforcement by the police that gave you the high sign that this type of law-breaking would be tolerable.
Just because you have gotten away with it for years does not mean that it is a law.
The laws in PA state you must have a noise suppressing device on your exhaust and it must be in working order at all times. It can’t have cut offs or bypasses of any kind at all. And, by the way, we are on to you guys who put bolts through your exhaust so that when a broom handle is stuck up the pipe they think they are hitting the baffle.
There is a piece of equipment with a camera and it only costs 45.00 so any of you who think this ploy will keep working is sadly mistaken. We will take advantage of every single law and lawsuit until PA like the other 11 states, have legislation in place.
Let’s see, what is a good political move for a politician? Defend the hearing of helpless children or defend a motorcycle owner’s right to make noise. Who do you think is going to win? You think you guys are the only ones who can do an end around like loud pipes save lives. We say illegal exhausts ruin kid’s hearing when these motorcycle riders keep going back and forth on the same roadways during one of these stupid events and we have the studies to prove it. Do you have any studies that prove what you state? What’s that? No, you say? I thought so!
And charities, no matter how worthy the cause, have an obligation to be a good neighbor to the communities where these rides are held, and tell the riders, no stock pipes, no participation. I will not allow you lawbreakers to turn it around on us and try and make it about us when it clearly is not about us. You are masters at using the art of deflection to take the spotlight off all of your law breaking motorcycle owners.
It just doesn’t cut it here in PA and we are turning up the heat to make sure the laws are enforced and new legislation is put in place.
Mary Anne Whitonis
jackdoggies@yahoo.com
I love this,
So it’s okay for distracted drivers to run down motorcyclists. And you are telling me that your kids will never listen to loud music, they will never make noise, or scream and holler. You sound like you just want to control folks. Are you going to pass a law against sirens, trucks, jackhammers, loud movies, rock groups? This was once a free country.
What’s this business about 18 seconds? A motorcycle passing at 50 mph will be at it’s highest rate of sound to a child on a street corner for maybe a second or two. WTF. You better go after rock groups.
And yes, we have a Bikernet noise study that proves that loud saves lives.
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Independent_Motorcycle_Noise_Study.aspx
–Bandit
PAUL CAVALLO, SPITFIRE MOTORCYCLES INTERVIEWED–
I updated Paul Cavallo’s interview page.
There are now 6 of his 9 part ImachinE interview up
And 20 of his 50 episode Rollin’ Bones bike build.
Here’s his IcreatE interview.
http://ieinspireco.com/icreate-featured/
–SP
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY DEAN OF ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PICKS ON OLD GUYS–
codger KOJ-er, noun:
He’ll find one of those joints and be there, evening after evening, talking to the bartender confidentially but loud enough. It won’t be long before they get used to him. An old codger with money, stooped but still pretty big.
One of the lesser Shadows whom we shall call Baron A. had a father-in-law called Baron B., a harmless old codger long retired from the civil service and quite incapable of understanding certain Renaissance aspects of the new regime.
Codger is likely related to the word cadge meaning “to beg.” Its etymology is uncertain.
TRASK OFFERING COMPLETE TURBO INSTALLS AT STURGIS–
Sturgis 2013 is approaching fast! Trask Turbo Systems will be at Black Hills Harley Davidson from July 29th till August 11th performing turbo system installs during the event! That’s free installation with a combined price of $6,500.00 for the turbo system with Thundermax tuning system and 2 bar map sensor!
That’s 60+ bolt on horsepower for a completely stock fuel injected twin cam Harley-Davidson. No need to get into the motor. With 10+ years of experience the Trask Turbo System is the most reliable dependable form of turbo forced induction on the market today.
Customers of Trask have recorded 70,000 or more miles on their turbo systems with nothing but routine maintenance! Trask is booking installs now for this Sturgis only deal! For more details call 1-866-998-7275. www.TraskPerformance.com
DYNO RUNS AT BENNETT’S PERFORMANCE WITH BALLS OUT RACING—Eric Bennett is scheduled to ride the Balls Out Twin Cam locomotive at Bub’s Bonneville this year.
We stumbled into Bennett’s Performance while they were dyno tuning with Eric and Bob Bennett, Wink Eller, John Dexter (the owner), and TK Williams, the computer master. John O’Keefe and Jerry Branch also took part in the operation.
They hit almost 185 Horspower and 160 pounds of torgue, but they ain’t done yet.
HELP OKLAHOMA TORNADO VICTIMS–
I got a group of people to help the Oklahoma Tornado victims. In the midst of all, I was confronted with a huge problem. The people of Hood & a few surrounding counties were also hit by devastating tornadoes. FEMA will not be helping the good people of Texas. Many lost their homes and everything they owned. 6 people died, and hundreds were injured. I am asking everyone to A.) Share what I am doing to help my fellow Texans and ask them to support it. B.) Support by buying a patch if you can.
I had 2 unique patches designed specifically to sell & use the monies to give to the Texas tornado victims. The monies will not be donated to a charity. Monies over cost will go straight to the victims. I need everyone supporting & spreading the word to make a difference. Many have nothing left but a cement slab that was once their home and all their belongings.
Please, check this out (click on the link) & then pass it on to your friends, family, and fellow Texans.
Thanks for helping,
Jeanie
link:
www.bikersforbikersfoundation.com/ttf
HAMSTER CUSTOM PAINTER’S TRUCK MAKES THE COVER–I did the “look”.
I did all the body mods, the stance, the bed, the tonneau cover, roll pans, hood ports, door buttons, etc.,etc.
You saw the truck at GNRS last year.
August issue Mary’s ’54 shot by Tim Sutton.
–Jim Waggaman
FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON– Engineered as a body temperature-regulating base layer, the newest H-D Performance Sportswear shirts from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes line keep riders cool and comfortable on hot days.
Both the Garage Performance Shirt (P/N 96524-13VM, starting at $70) and the Bold Short-Sleeve Performance Shirt (P/N 96518-13VM, starting at $70) are constructed from moisture-wicking 100 percent cotton twill that’s been treated with UPF-30 to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. A mesh insert at the back yoke increases airflow, while anti-microbial properties eliminate bacteria and odors during normal wear. They’re available in S – 5XL sizes.
The new line of men’s Hydration Headwear from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line delivers air-conditioned cooling in higher temperatures. Each item is mesh-lined and embedded with HyperKewl™ lining that, when soaked in water for 1-2 minutes, slowly evaporates the water to create a cooling effect against the skin. The result is the comfortable cooling of your head during hot weather. The Hydration Neck Band (P/N 99444-13VM, $10) is the perfect alternative to a throwaway tie for Father’s Day. The Hydration Skull Cap (P/N 99443-13VM, $30) feature adjustable back closures.
The new men’s Burning Skull Full-Finger Gloves with Touchscreen Technology (P/N 98252-13VM, $55) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line provides optimal care with the ease of touchscreen technology. They’re constructed from a combination of goatskin leather, perforated goatskin and 100 percent polyester mesh for maximum comfort with a touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb for convenience. Their ergonomic thumb, pre-curved fingers and power-stretch knuckles provide a natural fit while riding, with a gel-padded palm for additional relief. Available in S – 3XL sizes.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.
[page break]
BIKERNET TO SPONSOR LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST—Our whole new line of 5-Ball Racing apparel will be featured from the crew at Crank and Stroker, at the Cashman Center this year.
HARLEY BUSINESS REPORT, Stripped-Down Harley Rebounds From Recession–
By M.L. JOHNSON Associated Press
Some motorcycle enthusiasts feared Keith Wandell might be the outsider who drove Harley-Davidson into the ground. Instead, he may be remembered as the guy who kept the motorcycle maker on the road.
Wandell grabbed the handlebars at the motorcycle maker in the heart of the economic crisis in 2009. Harley lost $55 million that year, as buying a motorcycle stopped being an option for many consumers.
“We had to make, quickly, some big, bold, decisions,” he said in a recent interview.
Wandell was the first CEO from outside Harley, so those decisions were watched closely. Not all were well-received. He got the union’s approval to use temporary workers, which enabled Harley to time its production closer to the peak bike-buying season, saving time and money. He relied less on middle-aged men in the U.S. to buy the bikes. And he focused the company on doing what many say it does best: making big, powerful, premium-priced Harleys. But that meant getting rid of some popular secondary brands.
The company made $624 million last year, the best annual profit since 2008. It also boosted profit by 30 percent in this year’s first quarter, compared to the same period in 2012. With lower costs and more efficient production, analysts say Harley is in a good position to grow as the global economy improves and in better shape to weather any future downturn.
“We’ve just got an awesome future,” Wandell summed up in a recent interview. It’s a far cry from when he started. The recession and credit crisis sent shockwaves through Harley, a company that had done so well for so long that there was little incentive to innovate. In the early 2000s, many dealerships had waiting lists of buyers, and sales and profit grew year after year. Then, in one year, bike shipments dropped about 25 percent and the company laid off hundreds of workers.
The rapid change left employees stunned, and the introduction of Wandell, who didn’t even own a motorcycle at the time, was another blow.
“You can just imagine. This was like, for the company, everything was upside down,” said the 63-year-old Wandell, who came from car battery and building ventilation systems maker Johnson Controls Inc., also based in Milwaukee. “I mean, how can they bring in somebody from the outside? What the hell is going on? The economy’s in the tank. Sales are down. It’s this, that. People were just churning.”
Harley had many of the same problems as the Detroit automakers: a big union labor force, old manufacturing processes and strong competition from Japanese companies with cheaper models on the market. It also had one additional, major disadvantage.
“A luxury motorcycle, for most people, isn’t necessarily a commuting tool,” said Rommel Dionisio, an industry analyst and senior vice president of equity research at Wedbush.
Under Wandell’s direction, Harley angered many riders when it pruned popular divisions. Fans of Buell racing bikes were as avid as Harley enthusiasts, and many were offended when the company closed the division. Harley surprised others by selling Italian premium sport-bike maker MV Agusta just a year after buying it for $109 million.
Wandell, who now owns four Harley bikes, stands by his decision. “We only had a fixed budget for product development, and we were spending it on three brands,” he said.
Harley modernized its operations in York, Pa., and renegotiated key union contracts so that it could use temporary workers to ramp up production quickly as it heads into the summer, when bike-buying peaks. In the past, the company estimated eight or nine months out what customers would want. If it was wrong, dealers had to trade bikes with each other to fill orders, costing them and Harley money. Now, Harley has to look ahead only a few months, making its predictions more accurate.
Harley needed to “make the right bikes at the right time and get them to the right place,” Wandell said.
The company is in the midst of a similar but smaller transformation of its Kansas City, Mo., plant. By the end of this year, it will have spent $490 million to modernize, an investment it expects to save it $320 million a year in manufacturing costs.
As a result, profits are now rebounding faster than bike sales, said Bill Selesky, an industry analyst for Argus Research.
“It comes down to one thing … They can produce a bike as good, if not better, at a cheaper cost,” Selesky said.
Jim Waltermyer, the local union president in York, said the overhaul was difficult for long-time workers. They saw friends and co-workers get laid off or retire, and had to learn new ways of doing their jobs. Many felt that they had no choice, and the poor economy made it an ideal time for Harley to make changes, he said.
“People wanted to make sure they kept their jobs,” Waltermyer said. With sales back up, many are hoping for more stability and security, he said.
Greg Schreck, director of the Harley Owners Group’s 400-member Milwaukee chapter, said some riders may have been skeptical when the company put a non-rider in charge. But Wandell gained credibility by showing up at “bike night” at the Harley museum and taking a ride to Sturgis, S.D., where hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists gather each year. Schreck said when he sees Harley’s stock price climb higher, “it just reaffirms the confidence” in the brand.
Harley’s stock hit a nearly six-year high on May 19 when it closed at $59.48. Since the market bottomed on March 9, 2009, Harley’s stock has gone up six-fold, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 index has more than doubled.
Harley Owners Group, or HOG, has been a major asset in broadening the company’s appeal beyond middle-aged men like Schreck, a 57-year-old transportation consultant.
Crystal Swift, a 53-year-old computer systems engineering team manager who lives in Charlotte, N.C., said her introduction to Harley came when she and a group of Vespa riders crashed a HOG party. She bought her first Harley in 2005 and now owns a 2012 Street Glide and a 2002 Fat Boy that she bought used in December.
With Harley, “you are a member of a brotherhood, or a sisterhood, that I can’t even imagine unless you are in the military,” Swift said. “It isn’t just that it’s a much better made machine. It comes with the lifestyle.”
Harley makes big bikes — those with engines at least 600 cubic centimeters. It has a 56 percent market share in that category, Dionisio said. It’s also the top seller in every subcategory — young riders, women and minorities, and its market share has been growing since Wandell took over. For example, Harley’s market share among women grew to 62 percent last year from 50 percent in 2008, according to company data.
With young adults, its market share grew to 46 percent from 32 percent in the same period. Among African-Americans, it grew to 51 percent from 38 percent.
–Rogue
BRANCH O’KEEFE VIDEO SERIES—John O’Keefe has started a line of brief videos about the legacy of Branch O’Keefe, motorcycle head work and flow characteristics.
BIKERNET READERS IN UPROAR, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Sarge’s Motorcycle Code of the West
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11087
Great advice, no matter how many times it’s repeated. Great view from the back of that crotch rocket
–Lloyd
roadrunningfatboy@yahoo.com
WILD TALES FROM LACONIA BIKE WEEK–
Laconia Motorcycle Week has mellowed into a family affair that draws bikers and big bucks
By LYNNE TUOHY Associated Press
LACONIA, New Hampshire — Laconia Motorcycle Week at age 90 has mellowed from the riots, raunchiness and public drinking of decades past to a family affair that attracts hundreds of thousands of bikers and big bucks to New Hampshire.
Gone — at least from public view — are the coolers of beer, women flashing breasts, motorcycle gang turf wars and campers lining Route 106 that pours into the Lakes Region.
“Route 106 used to be decadence, debauchery and mayhem,” said David “Hoop” Hooper of Plymouth, New Hampshire “It was just a big ole party.”
Laconia Police Chief Chris Adams makes no apologies for what he describes as a “drastic change” in the culture of what many dub “bike week.”
“Maybe 15 or 20 years ago, in one night we’d have up to 200 arrests,” Adams said. “Last motorcycle week we had 90 in nine days.”
The event began in 1916 with a “Gypsy Tour” sanctioned by the Federal of American Motorcyclists, with Laconia being the destination for a weekend of hill climbs, tours and races.
“By 1935 it was a weeklong event,” said Charlie St. Clair, executive director of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association. “It stayed a weeklong event until 1965.”
That was the year bike week suffered a serious setback. Bikers flipped and torched a car and a riot ensued. The National Guard was called in. So were police in tactical gear. Photographs of the melee made front pages of newspapers throughout the Northeast, including The New York Times. St. Clair said it reverted to a weekend rally the following year, in part because most activities were canceled.
St. Clair said the rally wasn’t held during World War II, and other sporadic cancellations factored in to make this the 90th Laconia Motorcycle Week — one marked by charity rides, an effort to set a Guinness World Record for most motorcycles in a single place and the advent of an app for smartphones to guide bikers to events and scenic destinations throughout the state.
Attendance at bike week peaked in 2004 at 430,000 people, St. Clair said. Last year about 330,000 attended, substantially swelling Laconia’s year-round population of 20,000.
On Saturday, St. Clair said he was impressed with the turnout so far this year in spite of Friday’s rain. He’d come across bikers from California, Delaware and even the small European country of Luxembourg.
Last year brought about $100 million into the state, Gov. Maggie Hassan said.
The infusion of cash into the state’s economy is spread among gas stations, restaurants, motels and retail shops, but it’s rooted in Weir’s Beach — where hundreds of vendors set up shop.
Victor Paquette, a New Hampshire native who retired to Florida, is coming up on 50 years of attending bike week. He said it used to be a lot more “notorious.”
“There used to be some pretty outrageous parties — some you could talk about, some you probably shouldn’t,” Paquette said. “All in all, it’s been a hell of a lot of fun.”
–from Rogue
CARB ATTACKS MOTORCYCLE COMPAINES WHEN THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO SURVIVE IN A DOWN ECONOMY–Motorcycle manufacturer fined $175,000
BY Frank Maccioli
California’s Air Resources Board announced yesterday that it had fined Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. $175,000 for violating state air pollution regulations. The violations were associated with the company’s Aprilia brand of motorcycles. Aprilia is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of motorcycles and scooters. According to a quick search of local dealers, however, Bakersfield motorcycle enthusiasts may need to travel to Fresno or Simi Valley to find the nearest Aprilia dealer.
According to ARB investigators, several Aprilia motorcycles were offered for sale in California without first receiving the official certification of compliance with the state’s emissions standards. Additionally, several models had been made with easily adjustable calibrations that were not disclosed to the ARB during the certification proce ss.
California’s Air Resources Board announced yesterday that it had fined Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. $175,000 for violating state air pollution regulations. Photo credit: Aprilia website / Fair Use Such variable or adjustable calibrations within the emission control system allow motorcycle dealers and owners to change engine performance, however, those changes may result in increased smog-forming emissions.
These calibrations are prohibited by California law if they are not disclosed to ARB prior to the vehicle’s approval for sale or if they enable vehicle owners or dealerships to make adjustments outside the certified configuration.
In announcing the settlement, ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden noted that “manufacturers not only have a basic responsibility to ensure that their vehicles meet California requirements prior to sale, but that they also take reasonable steps to ensure that dealers or owners will not be able to quickly defeat emissions controls installed on their products.” He went on to add that “building in a ready pathway to eliminate smog reducing measures is not acceptable in California certified vehicles.”
Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. fully cooperated with authorities in the investigation and resolution of this violation.
Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies.
–Rogue
FROM BIKERNET TRIKES New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Roadsmith Introducing “Best Value” Trike Design
http://www.bikernettrikes.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11074
I own a 2006 vtx1800s with low mileage and I’M considering a trike kit with touring application. Please email me all info I might need to make a fair evaluation, suspension, cost, etc.
Don Dumont
drdumo46@yahoo.com
Plymouth, NH
The mighty Triking Viking will put Don in touch with all the correct info.–Wrench
BIKERNET SPONSOR’S DAUGHTER DANCES WITH THE STARS–Maxine Hupy: Dance Diva
When Maxine Hupy, at age 3, saw her first dance show, she was so excited she ran to the front of the theater and put her chin on the stage to watch. She’s wanted to become a dancer since that moment. She landed her first major gig at 13, becoming the youngest performer to play Marie in the Milwaukee Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Hupy (C11), who performed with the Graffiti Dancers and Boomshaka and in the Waa-Mu Show at Northwestern University, recently wrapped up a seven-week gig in the Cee Lo Green Is Loberace Las Vegas show.
She loved performing with Green, who, she says, has unbounded energy and is so over the top. “The show was like a concert and a party at the same time, four nights a week,” Hupy says.
At every show Green told the audience that he knows he was born to sing. Hupy says that was her favorite moment. “That got me every time,” she says. “That’s exactly how I feel — I know I’m supposed to be dancing.” She plans to continue to dance during a summer tour with Green to Singapore and throughout Europe.
Hupy was also recently booked to perform in a music video for Disney star Hayley Kiyoko. She was also featured in a Bollywood-inspired fitness DVD for the fitness company is called Doonya. The video was featured on the Today Show. Hupy also helped train cheerleaders for the NFL Pro Bowl by demonstrating dances.
FAT TIRE ELECTRIC SCOOTER–
Be the first to move ahead on fat tires & fun with Scrooser: an urban mobility solution for the environmentally conscious individual.
Enjoy a few second looks while embracing urban transportation on a sexy, efficient, and responsible Scrooser. While riding in Eco mode, one battery charge will last an estimated 25 days in the urban environment. Scrooser is a mobility solution that does not require a license or a helmet.
CYCLE SOURCE MAGAZINE and Thunder in the Valley Team Up For 2013–In addition to the other national stops Cycle Source magazine’s “Grease & Gears Tour” will be making in 2013, they have just announced a partnership with Thunder in the Valley in Johnstown, PA. Cycle Source will be rolling into town for the annual motorcycle rally in Johnstown, PA from June 20th through June 23rd, now in its 16th year. Since this event is only an hour away from Cycle Source World HQ, this will be the perfect opportunity for the magazine to reconnect with friends and subscribers from the Western Pennsylvania region.
Show ‘Em If Ya Got ‘Em – Saturday June 22nd
As part of this partnership, Cycle Source will be holding a custom bike show in People’s Natural Gas Park on Saturday, June 22nd. There will be 15 classes with handmade trophies from Kevin “Teach” Baas for all first place winners, prizes and give-a-ways, plus a full feature in Cycle Source magazine for the “Best of Show” winner. The show is free to enter to all rally attendees, so sign up today.
The classes will be: Sporster, Big Twin, Bagger, Chopper, Bobber, Asian Import, European Import, Antique, Best Pan, Best Shovel, Best Evo, Best Knuckle, Best Twin Cam and of course, Worst Rat Bike. From these classes one “Best of Show” winner will be awarded a trophy, prizes and feature shoot.
Sign up starts at 8 A.M. and closes at 1 P.M. sharp. Trophies will be awarded by 5 P.M. and there of course are no cry babies allowed! You can pre-register online at no charge at http://cyclesource.com/thunder-in-the-valley-2013
JOHNNYMACS CHOPPER HOUSE GRAND OPENING WITH INDIAN LARRY MOTORCYCLES– The shop opening was great, 1400 people showed up, we are a combination motorcycle building shop, photo / video studio, fiberglass shop, tattoo parlor… crazy combination.
Here’s a link to a bit from our opening last Sunday: http://www.johnnymacschopperhouse.com/?p=296
Johnny Mac’s Chopper House & ELITE STUDIOS. The studio is in the middle of the “house” & is being used for bikes, rat rods, and biker chicks.
The URL’s are www.johnnymacschopperhouse.com & www.elitestudiosPA.com. We are creating a website for our TATTOO Shop now, soon to come.
UNCLE MONKEY ON MOTORCYCLE TRACKING DEVICES–So where do we let freedom end. SGI, the local insurance provider in Saskatchewan, has proposed installing tracking devises on volunteer motorcycles so that they can compile data on rider habits in order that they can revamp our current rates.
You see SGI does not believe the data collected by the hundreds of insurance companies across North America, data collected from millions of miles, millions of customers is valid. When I was preparing to present to SGI at their rate review hearing I sought out insurance rates from a wide variety of insurance companies.
They ask me a variety of questions using the answers I gave them to slot me into a risk category basing my insurance on that. Having over twenty-five years driving experience and no accidents or tickets gives me a great rate. But there were more. Having a 1A airbrake endorsement to drive 18-wheelers lowers it more. Having some university education lowers my risk even more as well as having an office job, wife and kids. Even belonging to a riding group meant that I am a lower risk of being involved in an accident.
However in Saskatchewan SGI feel that I am the same risk of being in an accident as my unemployed alcoholic single brother who has several DUI’s.
The initial information given on the tracking devise seemed promising even though intrusive. I don’t get to ride my bike as nearly as much as I like, typically only logging on local miles. My downfall is I speed on the highway. I could follow the law for a year if it meant lower insurance rates but soon SGI showed their true colors.
Instead of a one-time thing or a fractional sampling of the riding public SGI goal is to install these devises on all bikes, all the time. A little computer constantly uploading our speed, location, braking, g-forces in curves to Big Brother in the sky to keep us in line. SGI has admitted that they hope to refine the technology even farther to install them on all vehicles in the province.
While the tracing devises may give a snap shot they don’t fully explain all situations and is ripe for abuse by the insurance company. It is no stretch of imagination to see SGI deny accident claims because the black box doesn’t show we braked when in reality we used counter steering or denying a claim because had were not at the proper speed ten minutes before we entered the intersection when the other car ran the red light.
Don’t think it will happen? Think again. I have personally talked and seen the reports from truck drivers who have had that exact thing happen to them.
So do we sacrifice our freedom to save money? Roll the dice that big business will not abuse the information they collect. Hope that they will not sell that information to the highest bidder. Everyday our population gives away more and more rights in the name of protection. Unfortunately that protection is for big business and government.
-bad Uncle Monkey
CHEYENNE CLUB DISTRUBANCE–
CHEYENNE, Wyoming — Cheyenne police say officers have arrested two people after a disturbance involving 17 people, including members of two motorcycle clubs.
The disturbance happened Wednesday night, a few blocks from Holliday Park. Police said Thursday that one person was taken to a hospital with injuries from the altercation night before going to jail.
Police say 53-year-old David Burleski, of Cheyenne, was arrested on a fighting charge and 53-year-old Timothy Hougardy, of Cheyenne, was arrested on a concealed weapon charge for allegedly having an illegal knife.
Burleski didn’t immediately return an email seeking comment. Hougardy has an unlisted phone number and couldn’t be reached.
Investigators say some members of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club the Los Lobos Motorcycle Club were involved.
In the past there has been news about the Iron Order MC causing a disturbance at one of the Easyriders Bike Shows.
Many people claim the Iron Order is a Cop Club. The club has admitted it has many members that are cops but says it is not a cop club because it has members who are not. DUH
–Rogue
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–
5-Speed Transmission Stand
This steel, powder coated stand is indispensible for all of your transmission repair needs. Use to clamp your transmission with a vice or mount it onto a workbench. This stand is meant for use on all rubber mount early 5-Speed transmissions with non oil pan model cases.
JIMS tools are made in the USA and are covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacturers’ defects. For more information find JIMS on the web at www.jimsusa.com, become a JIMS Facebook fan, or call 805-482-6913 for details.
S&S CYCLE ANNOUNCES NEW ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS FOR EFI– and custom bikes using a 36-pin Delphi style fuel injection module. The harness is just what the doctor ordered for racing applications and custom bikes, since it provides all terminated connections required to operate an EFI v-twin engine. Please note that the harness has no provisions for turn signals, lights, or gauges.
Other useful applications include carbureted to Delphi-style EFI conversions on 1995-’05 Harley-Davidson engines, and as a stock replacement engine sub-harness for 2002-’05 FL models.
This high quality wiring harness features the correct factory crimped connectors for easy hook up and reliable electrical connections.
It is compatible with stock 36-pin Delphi modules, S&S VFI modules, and most aftermarket 36-pin EFI modules. The new S&S wiring harness works with cable controlled stock throttle bodies, as well as S&S and other aftermarket throttle bodies.
Universal EFI Wiring Harness 550-0264 MSRP $695
Realities For Children Breaks a World Record–
Fort Collins, CO: Realities For Children Charities hosted their 12th Annual Realities Ride & Rally on May 25th and 26th, 2013. This fundraiser for Larimer County children who have been abused or neglected raised over $120,000 and set a new Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Motorcycle Poker Run.
On the morning of May 26th, nearly 3,000 motorcycle riders took off on The Realities Ride, a scenic poker run through Northern Colorado’s landscape. 1,531 of them qualified for the Guinness World Record attempt and become World Record Riders. Organizers of the event are now sending all required evidence to the Guinness World Record offices in London, England where it will all be reviewed before the official title is granted. The previous record was 586 riders.
Realities Ride & Rally is one of Colorado’s largest attended fundraising events of the year. Over the course of the two day event, it is estimated that nearly 15,000 members of the Northern Colorado community joined the rally in Downtown Fort Collins to enjoy live music from over 30 local bands, as well as other activities, such as: Budweiser’s Beer Gardens, Law Tiger’s VIP Tent, Monster Energy’s Motorcycle Stunt Show by SL Stunt Team, Cycle Central’s Fireworks Show, Freakshow Tattoo’s Burnout Pits, Battle In The Fort 5: Strongman Competition and the Mustache & Monocle Photo Booth. Vendors provided food and merchandise options, but the most coveted items could only be won. During the course of the weekend approximately $10,000 in giveaways were distributed, including: 3- 50″ Flat Screen TV’s courtesy of Walmart; the Tri-City Cycle $1500 Best Hand Cash Prize; the Newstalgia Customs $3500 Paint Job Giveaway and more.
Realities For Children is an alliance of local businesses working together to provide for the unmet needs of Larimer County children who have been abused or neglected. 100% of the donations they raised at this event will benefit the youth served by the organization, through a collaboration with 22 area non-profits all serving this population of children. For more information on Realities For Children and the youth they serve, please visit www.RealitiesForChildren.com or call 970-484-9090.
–Ken Conte
BIKERNET HISTORICAL TIDBIT–H-D started as a motorcycle competitor to Indian and were focused only on motorcycles, unlike the European bike makers.
In 1910, Chief Vollmer was the first to put officers on bicycles. Then in 1911, Berkeley Police Department under Vollmer organized the first Police Motorcycle Patrol. In 1913, the department shifted to automobiles for patrolling with radio communications on their vehicles.
Police officers have used motorcycles primarily for the enforcement of traffic laws and as escort vehicles. Chief August Vollmer of the Berkeley Police Department is credited with organizing the first official police motorcycle patrol in the United States in 1911. However, several police forces around the country reported using motorcycles as patrol vehicles earlier.
Harley-Davidson credits Detroit, Michigan as being the first purchaser of police motorcycles in 1908. The police department in Evanston, Illinois also purchased a belt-driven motorcycle for its first motorcycle police officer in 1908. The Portland, Oregon Police Bureau had a police officer who used his personal motorcycle to patrol the city as early as 1909.
–Ujjwal Dey
Bikernet Emperical Editor from India
[page break]
BIKERNET BAGGERS CIGAR OF THE WEEK– Edgar Hoill Cultura 40 X 54 X4.5 As original and lucid as his photography, Edgar Hoill will make you see cigars in a new way. From the original packaging to the a vitola that enhances this cigar’s flavors. Every sensory aspect seems to be taken into account to develop this brilliant smoke. From the clean, minimal design of the box, the spider web paper wrapper that each individual cigar is packaged in, the luxurious feel of the oily Habano wrapper, the rich prelight and the eye opening play between spice and sweetness throughout the smoke. As a first effort in the cigar market this is – One Shot One Kill!
A solid cigar with a soft, oily feel to the wrapper and just the smallest amount of veins showing. Rich, earthy prelight aroma and a meaty sweet leather cold draw. Meaty and full-bodied on the palate.
Rich, organic flavors with fresh black pepper and oak wood up front and a toast, caramel-like sweetness. Spicy and sweet flavors develop through the first third as the wood diminishes the black pepper tones down.
A soft cashew nuttiness appears as the tones deepen and a hint of coffee and vanilla emerge. Through the second third the burn is even and the ash is almost all white-gray. The earthy, black pepper flavors stays consistent and faint oak is softened by a caramel and aromatic amaretto sweetness. The coffee tone comes up with the amaretto with a quiet note of salt.
Over all this exceptional cigar remains me! aty and full-bodied to the finish. The black pepper kicks up again on the last third but is balanced by the coffee and the caramel and amaretto sweetness. What an out-of-the-box experience this cigar was. Unexpected flavors that work very well together will make you want to revisit this smoke again and again.
Meetings will still be at 1pm on the second Saturday of the month. We would like to thank the Grilling Station for their support but unfortunately the business will closing soon which has prompted the move.
Louisville District
COME JOIN US FOR THE NEXT MONTHLY
KMA MEETING
WE WILL MEET AT THE IROQUOIS AMERICAN LEGION
ON JULY 14TH AT 2:30 WHERE THE
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
WILL HOST A NICE MOTORCYCLE RIDE
AFTERWARD THERE WILL BE A COOK OUT AND THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE KMA
ROGUE’S BAD COP REPORTS–An investigation concluded that a Florida Highway Patrol trooper was distracted by an in-car laptop when he struck another vehicle, injuring a pregnant woman whose unborn child died. A 68-page report released by FHP on Tuesday states that no criminal charges will be filed against Trooper Gustavo Reyes. He was issued a citation for careless driving.
Crystal McClure was severely injured in the Feb. 5 crash. Her husband and a 1-year-old were not injured. Reports show Reyes accessed his computer at 9:13 p.m. on Feb. 5. The crash happened less than two minutes later.
Recently there was footage on Orlando TV of a motorcycle cop Texting While Riding His Police Motorcycle.
I also personally observed a Brevard County Florida Sheriff Deputy run partially off the road while operating the computer in his car.
With all the reports of distracted driving and people getting injured and or killed by them, we have members of Law Enforcement doing exactly what they are arresting others for doing.
–Rogue
LITTLE BROTHER IN THE BIG CITY–
When the big things start getting out of control, we start focusing on the little ones instead. Tackling small problems we can’t solve is a good way to feel good about the big ones that we can’t.
Can’t do anything about the nice young men from Nigeria, Somalia and Bangladesh who occasionally stop maxing out social welfare and working odd jobs to set off bombs in the London Underground or butcher a soldier within sight of his base.
Just arrest an 85-year-old woman who shouts at Muslims that they should go back to their own country. At 85, she probably won’t put up much of a fight. Then send out 1,200 police officers to protect Muslims from the wrath of a few dozen angry Brits who might conceivably hurt their feelings. And follow that up with some interfaith sessions with community leaders and you’re all set.
Can’t do anything about Muslims rioting and burning cars in Stockholm? Just send them out to leave parking tickets on the charred wrecks afterward. The owners probably won’t do more than mutter a few obscenities and then recollect that they are lucky to be living in such a progressive country that stays out of both foreign and domestic conflicts while providing the best in social welfare.
Most multicultural urban utopias are sliding downhill under a new generation of technocrats who can juggle the numbers and focus on what really matters. Salt in food. Bike shares. Toy gun buybacks. Plastic bag bans. Composting. Obesity programs. Diversity programs. Bullying programs. And forty other mostly irrelevant things.??
The city is being segmented into unlivable welfare ghettos where there is no law and gentrified areas inhabited by hipster technocrats who want a thousand regulations that will make everything come out exactly their way. Both the ghetto and the gentro are expanding and squeezing out a working middle class baffled to wake up one morning and find out that they are the enemy of the new state.
In the modern city, you can walk two blocks or drive two miles and cross from a graffiti streaked strip of subsidized housing where the only law is don’t talk to the police to an oasis of renovated homes where there are roughly four million regulations covering every little thing.??On one side, the police are out in force responding to shootings, stabbings and domestic violence complaints. On the other, the community board or local council is constantly under pressure from “community activists” to pass new Green regulations on energy efficiency or a ban on displaying toy guns in store windows.
The big effort to salvage the cities lay with courting a new elite of top grads by catering to their proclivities for bike zones, artisanal fusion cupcakes and just enough multiculturalism to make them feel good about sending Sierra or Madrigal to a private school that reserves 10 spots for diversity. That made trendy companies more comfortable about setting up shop in the city, and the new burst of gentrification ticked out numbers that made it seem like the city was on the way up.
Growing populations of hipster yuppies were displacing the ghettos to the suburbs, helped along by diversity lending mandates from banks, and ushering in a new clueless incarnation of the nanny state.
Forget burning cars. If anyone can smell a waft of cigarette smoke, Little Brother will be on you. Bombings and beheadings are taken in stride. But sensitivity violations bring out the cops, who always know whom they can take a club to and whom they can’t. Fighting Morlocks is dangerous, but abusing an Eloi who didn’t use the proper verbal form for a protected group or didn’t put something recyclable in the right trash bin is fun for the whole government family.
Daniel Greenfield is a New York City based writer and blogger and a Shillman Journalism Fellow of the David Horowitz Freedom Center.
BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–The Real Way Round – 1 year, 1 motorcycle, 1 man, 6 continents, 35 countries, 42,000 miles, 9 oil changes, 3 sets of tyres, and…
This is a pictorial diary of a once-in-a-lifetime motorbike trip across 35 countries on a Yamaha Ténéré XT660, and a practical guide to motorcycling round the world – what to do first, what to plan for, and how to cope with the unexpected. Features stunning photography, details of bike modifications, route maps, points of interest, and practical guidance on freighting your bike.
By Jonathan Yates
Hardback • 25x25cm • 224 pages • 692 colour pictures
ISBN: 978-1-845842-94-9
• A practical guide to motorcycling round the world
• Nearly seven hundred stunning photographs
• Planning section so riders can prepare for a similar trip
• Simple cost-effective bike modifications
• Pictorial diary of the trip featuring all countries visited
• Details of the ups & downs and dangers encountered
• One man’s real experience – no back up teams, no spare bikes, no film crews
• One month riding through China (few have done this)
• Practical guidance on freighting the bike
• Details of cultural challenges experienced
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN–One day a teacher was talking about marriage in class..
Teacher : What kind of wife would you like Johnny?
Johnny : I would want a wife like the moon…?
Teacher : Wow !! what a choice…do you want her to be beautiful and calm like the moon?
Johnny : No, I want her to arrive at night and disappear in the morning…
–Rogue
BIKERNET READER RANT, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
SCOOTER TRAMP SCOTTY MEETS MEXICAN MONEY
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10843
Where the heck is Scotty now? I love his stories! Especially his on-the-road camping stuff.
— Harv
hnpierce@yahoo.com
LaGrange, NC
I’ll get right on publishing another Scotty story. Glad you reminded me.
–Bandit
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY FROM KLOCKWERKS–When I’m getting ready to work on an e-newsletter, I send a note out to our team requesting their input. When it came to preparing a Father’s Day edition, I asked the guys for their thoughts.
Alan Bainbridge, Klock Werks Sales Team, immediately sent me back a photo and said “how about something like this: Every father should feel as blessed as Al!”
The photo you see above is Al’s wife, Jennifer, who is a Technician/R&D Specialist at Klock Werks, working on Al’s bike! Al & Jennifer joined team Klock Werks about a year ago, and have one son, David, who is just 2-1/2 years old. We hope that all of you feel as blessed as Al this Father’s Day!
MIDWEST MOTO SWAP–This Saturday, June 15th in Medina, Ohio, Lowbrow Customs Presents the Midwest Moto Swap! Judged bike show with trophies, tons of raffle prizes all day long, big swap meet with all kinds of bike parts, and only $5 to get in! Kids 16 & under are free, as are active military with ID!
Vendors take note, because swap meet spots are only $20 for an indoor, air-conditioned 10’x10′ and $30 for an outdoor 18′ x 20′ spot, and each spot includes 2 paid admissions! You can fill out a vendor form and pay via credit card with our secure vendor form right here.
The past week has been a flurry of activity around here, getting caught back up from the El Diablo Run and getting new products on the website. Over SIXTY new products have been added in less than a week, and ALL are in stock and ready to ship! Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. Check out the new products here.
http://www.midwestmotoswap.com/
THE NORML REPORT: CALIFORNIA UNSCIENTIFIC PER SE MARIJUANA BILL STALLS IN SENATE–Members of the Senate failed to act on legislation, Senate Bill 289, that sought to “make it unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle if his or her blood contains any detectable amount of a drug classified in Schedules I, II, III, or IV of the California Uniform Controlled Substance Act.” Since the deadline for moving legislation from the Senate to the Assembly has now passed, SB 289 is officially dead for this year.
NORML thanks the nearly 3,000 of you who took the time to contact your members of the senate in opposition to this measure. NORML also thanks California NORML who testified against SB 289, and Sacramento NORML, who sponsored radio ads in opposition to this onerous bill.
–The NORML Team
Father’s Day Swag Talley Grows …
Biggest “Haul” in Speedway History
NASCAR Home Track Event Celebrates Dad’s Day with Great Prizes
Irwindale, Calif. (June 11, 2013) – – Saturday evening at Irwindale Speedway is “stacking up” to be a great night to be a Dad at the NASCAR races!
1)First of all, kids are going to be free on Saturday (one-for-one with each paid adult admission) night. That’s great!
2)Second, there’s going to be a great night of Whelen All-American stock car racing featuring six romping/stomping divisions of racing (perhaps the widest range of racing all year!): Lucas Oil Late Models, Superior Automotive Engineering Super Stocks, Mini-Stocks, Legends Cars, Bandoleros, and Pick Your Part Outlaw Figure 8’s (!). Wha-hoo!
3)And third, there’s an ever-growing cache of very special prizes that are just for Dad on Saturday. Every father who comes through the gates on Saturday night will be able to sign-in and get a FREE drawing ticket to win one of the following: Yes!
Gift cards from: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Islands, Applebee’s, Red Lobster, and Olive Garden. Tickets to: the LA Angels, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Medieval Times. There are car care product buckets from Lucas, a gift card from Haul Ass, tickets to the MAVTV 500 Indy Car Finale at Auto Club Speedway, and a two night getaway stay at the Monrovia Courtyard by Marriott (which includes Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch!).
Being a NASCAR racetrack we’re throwing in some very special fan experiences like: A cool NASCAR racing jacket direct from Daytona Beach, waving the green flag on a race from high up in the starter’s stand, being the person who shouts the famous “Start Your Engines!” command, becoming an honorary pit crew member with a top notch stock car team, and thrill rides in the track’s fast Toyota Avalon Hybrid Pace Car.
Every Dad who registers to win will become an instant winner with a cool sports bottle and a ticket for a free soft drink at one of the track’s snack bars compliments of Toyota.
NOTE: In order to win, Dad’s need to sign-in at the Speedway souvenir stand (located on the Eastern end of the snackbar complex) any time between gate opening time at 5pm and 8pm on Saturday night.
Off-duty cops collect DNA samples at Alabama roadblocks—
Caroline May
Political Reporter
Off-duty cops in two counties in Alabama spent the weekend collecting saliva and blood samples from drivers at roadblocks.
According to Lt. Freddie Turrentine with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, drivers were asked to voluntarily offer samples of their saliva and blood for a study being conducted by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.
The drivers were compensated for their samples.
“They’ve got big signs up that says ‘paid volunteer survey’ and if they want to participate they pull over there and they ask them questions and if they are willing to give them a mouth swab they give them $10 and if they are willing to give them a blood sample they give them $50. And if they don’t do anything they drive off,” Turrentine explained to The Daily Caller.
Turrentine said that St. Clair County had five roadblocks from Friday afternoon through the early morning hours of Sunday. He added that Bibb County also had roadblocks of this kind.
Turrentine said that Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs asked the county to participate and that the funding for the study is coming from the National Highway Safety Administration.
“What they are trying to do is 60 sites across the country,” he said, explaining the study will be conducted from June to October and is meant to get a better understanding of inebriation patterns.
“They are trying to get 75,000 participants with anonymous donations of blood — and they don’t know whose blood or whose swab it is — and they are trying to say, ‘OK, after this hour at night, out of these 75,000 people 10 percent of them had alcohol in their blood or 12 percent of them had some kind of narcotic in their blood. That is all they’re doing, for impaired driving,’” he explained
Turrentine said he did not know how many people deputies sampled over the weekend but said that St. Clair County had completed its portion of the study and would not be putting up more roadblocks of that kind. He added that this was not the first time the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation had conducted a study in the county. The last such test was in 2007.
The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation did not immediately respond to request for comment, nor did the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
–Rogue
BIKERNET MOVIE OF THE WEEK CLUB–We’re gonna try something different over at AtomicHotRods.com and stock a new movie
made by our good friends over at HotRod Havoc, Marky and Arie VanSchyndel!
Their new film “Livin’ It” features Atomic Hot Rod’s own “Brian Darwas” along
with some of today’s most prolific hot rod builders, riders, artists, etc. . .
. . . and if you missed our announcement, “White Knuckle” is in
it’s fourth DVD run. It’s back in stock and shipping as we speak!
So, now’s the time to order. Head on over to:
www.AtomicHotRods.com and get your order in today!
IRONWORKS TO PRESENT PRO DRAGSTER CLASS AT WMDRA’S AMSOIL STURGIS NATIONALS–The Western Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (WMDRA) is delighted to welcome IronWorks as the presenting Pro Dragster class sponsor for the 2013 AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals August 5-7 during the 73rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The popular Pro Dragster carbureted nitro class will be highly contested as racers compete for the top prize of a full feature story in IronWorks magazine, complete with a professional photo shoot and full copy of all files for the winner’s use. “We’re impressed by WMDRA’s efforts to promote and encourage motorcycle drag racing and we welcome the opportunity to tell racers’ stories in IronWorks,” said IronWorks Editor Marilyn Stemp.
According to WMDRA President Sandra Alberti, “This is such a wonderful opportunity for our Pro Dragster racers to win exclusive exposure for their race programs in one of motorcycling’s elite publications.” Alberti added, “We’re very excited to showcase our sport of motorcycle drag racing to a much broader audience of motorcycle enthusiasts and welcome Iron Works to the WMDRA family of supporters.”
Now in its 23rd year, IronWorks is known for its hands-on, no nonsense style and classy graphic presentation. “Readers deserve more than technical specifications; they want a good story, too,” said Stemp. “IronWorks has always focused on the machinery and the people who build, own and ride it. What better way to celebrate the passion for motorcycling than through the grit and determination of drag racing?”
The drag racing tradition at the Rally continues with bracket, index and pro classes featuring the 175+ mph IronWorks Pro Dragster Nitro Harleys! Please join the WMDRA and IronWorks at Sturgis Dragway on August 5-7, 2013 for the high-speed action of motorcycle drag racing.
Sturgis Dragway is located at 20523 Hwy 79, just off Hwy 34 between the Full Throttle Saloon and Buffalo Chip Campground. A full schedule of activities will be published on the WMDRA and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally websites this summer.
Belt-To-Chain Conversion Kits from Zipper’s Performance Products–We’ve taken the hassle of converting your late model belt driven H-D to chain drive. Whether you’re interested in a different final drive ratio, added driveline strength or more clearance for a wider tire, these kits will make your life easier.
Front sprockets are steel, rear are made from extremely tough 7075-T6 aircraft quality aluminum. Choose between high-wearing RK Pro O-Ring chain or RK’s brutally strong, non-o-ring DR (Drag Race) chain. Simply identify your motorcycle type and year group, what style of chain you wish to run, and what sprockets you’ve chosen and we’ll supply you with everything you’ll need for the conversion.
Contact us to recommend what final drive ratio will work best for you, or choose your own (note: extremely small or large sprockets may require swing arm or frame modifications for clearance). 120 link chains are supplied, which must be shortened to fit.
Buckcherry, Pop Evil and Sweet Cyanide Bring Modern Rock Edge to Sturgis Buffalo Chip Music Festival —Sturgis, South Dakota (June 4, 2013) – Rock fans will unite at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip this August when Buckcherry, Pop Evil and Sweet Cyanide join the massive lineup of superstar acts at the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling during the annual 2013 Sturgis motorcycle rally.
These high energy modern rock n roll icons will bring an energetic raw edge to an epic 9 day concert lineup that already includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doobie Brothers, Kid Rock, ZZ Top, The Cult, Toby Keith, Rob Zombie, Brantley Gilbert, Halestorm, Mastodon, Machine Head, Queensrÿche, Sublime with Rome and many more to be announced soon.
Festival dates are July 29 through Aug 11, 2013. Information and campground admission passes are available at www.BuffaloChip.Com.
“Buckcherry, Pop Evil and Sweet Cyanide all bring an in your face approach to rock that Chip fans can’t get enough of,” says Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “The energy that these bands generate drives home some of the most powerful nights of rock n’ roll at the Chip. We look forward to it!”
At the Buckcherry concert, the crowd can look forward to something that has never been done before as the tattooed Southern California rockers perform their most popular album “15” in its entirety from front to back at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Crowd pleasers with an edgy energy and songs that rile up a crowd such as “Sorry” and “Crazy Bitch”, Buckcherry, along with British rock giants The Cult, and modern rockers Pop Evil, will make Saturday, August 3rd a night to remember. Pop Evil will excite Buffalo Chip fans with popular crowd favorites like “Trenches” and “Monster You Made” amidst roaring motorcycles and an energy in the amphitheater you won’t experience anywhere else.
Sweet Cyanide brings a NYC edge with songs like “Bad Jesus,” and “Red Rats” that crowds have loved since their début. Sweet Cyanide completes a Thursday, Aug 8 lineup which also features legendary rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd, and new country favorite Brantley Gilbert for a multi-faceted night everyone can enjoy.
Passes for all summer music festival concerts and motorcycle rally information is available at www.buffalochip.com and (605) 347-9000. The 32nd annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip motorcycle and music festival takes place July 29 through Aug 11, 2013 during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally.
Associated Press
–Rogue
ZERO MOTORCYCLES CREATE STEALTH BIKE FOR U.S. Special Operations Forces– The MMX.
The all-electric off-roader features a nearly silent powertrain, full blackout capability, wiring for infrared lighting systems and a keyless ignition for quick starts.
“It was a very rewarding experience for the Zero team to go through such an exacting development process. The military needed a very specific set of core features on the MMX, and we were incredibly thankful to work side-by-side with them to deliver such a unique product,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles.
Matte black paint completes its low profile look, and with no intake or exhaust to worry about, the bike can operate when submerged up to one meter.
A pair of modular batteries provides more than two-hours of riding per charge and can be swapped out for fresh packs in a matter of moments.
A fleet of the bikes is currently being evaluated under operation conditions.
Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
Modular and quick-swappable power packs
Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap
–by Fox News
–from E.L. Woody
ROGUE’S BAD COP FILE STILL OPEN–Officer Held on $1M Bail in Alleged Road Rage Shooting
By DANIELLE JOHNSON
NBCPhiladelphia.com
A New Jersey police officer is being held on $1 million bail after he was charged with shooting and killing a man on a Maryland highway in an alleged road rage incident.
Joseph Walker, 40, a sworn officer with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter after shooting 36-year-old Joseph Harvey, Jr. Saturday on an off-ramp on Interstate 97 near Millersville, according to Maryland State Police.
Police say the off-duty officer reportedly got into an argument with Harvey shortly after 8:30 p.m. while both men were driving on the interstate in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Investigators say both men pulled over on the shoulder of the highway. Harvey got out of his car, along with his passenger, and starting walking towards Walker’s minivan.
Maryland State Police say Walker fired a .45 caliber Glock at Harvey and hit him. Harvey was pronounced dead at Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
Police say the officer’s wife and three children were in his car at the time of the shooting. Walker is being held at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center.
Police are investigating the shooting.
According to court documents, a witness told investigators that the confrontation started when Walker’s minivan cut off Harvey’s car on Saturday night. Harvey’s passenger, Adam Pidel, told police that Walker pointed a gun at them as the vehicles swerved at each other.
Police say when the drivers got out, Walker announced he was a police officer. Pidel says he heard several shots as he ran for cover.
–Rogue
ULTIMATE MAKEOVER JUDGING–Judges are now tasked to read through over 45 entries to name one winner in the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover.
Contestants (guys and girls) were asked to submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by June 7th 2013. Submissions have been collected and will now be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls.
From there, the judges will decide who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover and will take home all the prizes which include; A wardrobe of shoes from Harley-Davidson Footwear, a case of full synthetic oil from Spectro Oils, A new Mustang Motorcycle Seat, a set of tires from AVON Tyres, a cool kit cleaning kit from Wizards, jacket and gloves from Hot Leathers and MUCH MORE!!
Stay Tuned Winner Announced June 21st!
For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit www.Garage-Girls.com
If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com
SALMON TACOS—While the world goes nuts I ordered Salmon Tacos from Shamrock’s the local seafood marketplace. I’m drinking Kangen water and taking my vitamins. I’m out of whiskey and haven’t had a drink is almost a week.
What the hell is going to happen next? Ray is scrambling for Bonneville and we are planning our run to Sturgis. I’ll publish my first Streamlined trike report next week, another Girl of Bikernet, a Scooter Tramp Scotty Report, another Panhead restoration tech from the Tail Gunner, and more techs are due in from Rogue.
I’m going to write Jesse’s story for American Iron and my Mudflap girl feature for IronWorks. Is there ever a dull moment around here, hell no!
Have a helluva weekend. I’m going to ride to the Saddlemen factory tomorrow. I’ll bring you a report on Sunday, if you’re a member of the Cantina crew.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
