Hey,
Is life strange or what? We have motorhome dwellers living on the streets of our little third world country called Wilmington, between San Pedro and Long Beach, California. The courts told the cops they can’t tow the dwellers, because they consider them homeless and we must help them not hinder them.
Many of them run prostitutes or drugs out of their units, harass neighbors, pour their shit in the gutters, you name it. We had one across the street. Once the courts sided with them, we were stuck. The guy parked his major motorhome and two other vehicles on the street.
Let’s hit the news. The news is sponsored in part by Cycle Source magazine and the Iron Trader Blog.
QUICK, WE NEED A BAD JOKE–A guy is watching a film with creepy organ music on the TV and suddenly yells, “No! No! Don’t enter that church, you damn fool.”
His wife asks him, “What are you watching?”
Husband replies, “Our wedding video.”
–from E.L. Waggs
WIRE PLUS HOLIDAY DEALS--40% Off Year End Savings For Builders and Dealers!
Wire Plus is proud to support their customers with 40% Off End of the Year “BLOW OUT” Pricing for DEALERS ONLY on their Digital Speedos, Power Ports, motor mounted wiring systems as well as their seat post mount wiring systems…it’s the perfect way to begin the New Year! (Offer expires February 7, 2015)
Wiring Systems – Repairing, restoring or building a new bike? Wire Plus manufactures a complete line of self-diagnostic wiring systems to fit any stock or custom bike. Available in motor mount and seat post mount, they’re pre-assembled and designed for bikes with and without stock or aftermarket ignitions, electric or kick start and can be used with or without turn signals and a variety of other options.
Some of the advantages that you get with Wire Plus include Solid State Breaker Technology (the breakers never have to be replaced) and a replaceable start relay. Their power modules are waterproof and very compact in size with harnesses that are engineered to be smaller than any other on the market.
“MOST IMPORTANTLY…All Wire Plus Wiring Systems are designed to make your job easier installing them!”
Digital Speedo – Wire Plus digital instruments provide speedometer, tachometer, trip, odometer and all indicator light functions and new flat panel construction that measures 2.5″ round with all electronics onboard. The unit features super bright display technology for true daylight readability with a light sensor for auto-dimming at night. Available in five colors (violet – blue – red – yellow – classic black) with electro-luminescent lighting to glow the selected color at night. Available in show quality chrome or black anodized with various riser and T-bar mounting options.
Power Ports – Now you can power your cell phone, heated vest, air compressor, cigarette lighter, GPS device or any electrical device up to 15 amps, anytime you ride. You can actually maintain and charge your battery through this port. Easily installed in minutes … These small compact Power Ports are constructed from billet aluminum and are made in the USA.
Call Wire Plus at (620) 221-2417.
Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing
714-280-8537
Rick@vtwinmarketing.com
vtwinreport.com
POT ON THE BLOCK— courtesy of farmer. A Washington state farmer is selling a ton of marijuana — literally 2,000 pounds — to the highest bidder in one of the first large-scale legal pot auctions in modern U.S. history.
On Saturday, Randy Williams of Fireweed Farm in Prosser, Wash., will offer for sale the marijuana he’s been growing all summer. Most legal marijuana in Colorado and Washington, the only states with legal recreational marketplaces, is grown indoors under electricity-hogging lights in much smaller batches.
Colorado’s marijuana growers this fall harvested their first crops of outdoor-grown cannabis, and now farmers like Williams are bringing their pot to market in Washington. At retail prices, Williams’ crop could be worth $6 million. Many of the plants are a dozen-feet tall, grown in the wine region just north of the Columbia River Valley in south-central Washington.
“It’s like regular farming — you grow in the spring and summer, harvest in the fall and then you go to Cabo for the winter,” joked Greg James, publisher of the industry magazine Marijuana Venture.
James has been helping Williams advertise the sale. Under Washington’s marijuana law, only state-certified processors and retailers can buy Williams’ crop, and he’s not allowed to sell it directly to consumers.
Washington’s law separates growers, processors and retailers, while store owners in Colorado often grow most of their own marijuana, which means there’s no need to auction it off.
Washington also permits medical marijuana, but that system is less structured and is in a regulatory gray area.
Washington’s recreational sales began this summer, and stores have been plagued with marijuana supply shortages. In Seattle, for instance, Cannabis City resorted to flying a flag outside whenever it had high-quality marijuana available.
Washington retailers have been eagerly awaiting the outdoor harvest, which has the potential to drive down prices by significantly increasing supply.
Outdoor-grown marijuana is susceptible to uncertainties, from pests to wind damage, but harvests can be larger and cost less.
–Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY
New INTERNATIONAL Bikernet Reader Comment!–S.O.A. apparently means Sneakers Only, Asshole!?
http://www.bikernetbaggers.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12853
This is good article. I’ve been riding for eight years. I do go for long riders with all safety gares. I like to give advise to all bikers: please wear riding gares and riding boots for your safety. Spend money on safety gares. It will save your life.
Ride safely .
Manjunath p c
Mysore, karnataka, India
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY
Comeuppance
noun
Quotes
It’s hard to conceive a bigger comeuppance than the one Faustus receives at the end of the play, when the clock ticks down on his two-dozen years.
Origin
Comeuppance comes from the verbal phrase come up meaning “present oneself for judgment before a tribunal.” It is an Americanism that gained popularity in mid-1800s.
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR HITS CHARITY SHOE DRIVE AT ILLUSIONS CYCLE–Charity event today. Old shoe donations. Proceeds go to military. Sons of anarchy cast got called away for some big promotion and were missed.
–Art Hall
Plus, the bastard gets all the girls.–Bandit
MRF Legislative Strategy Agenda—
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Releases its Legislative Strategy Agenda for 2015
At the 2014 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 30th Anniversary Meeting of the Minds Conference held in September in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Legislative Strategy Session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. As has been done for the past several years, the MRF requested that it be attended by Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. We welcomed several representatives from our Sustaining Motorcycle Clubs and Organizations as well. The goal was to set the MRF’s Federal Legislative Agenda for the 2014 Meeting of the Minds to the 2015 Meeting of the Minds annual cycle.
The MRF’s SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance that resulted in a healthy dialogue. The MRF Legislative Committee remains extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction we experienced again this year from our SSMRO partners.
The MRF Legislative Committee continued the practice instituted four years ago of recording one vote per SSMRO in attendance. A full breakdown of each vote can be seen in the upcoming issue of the MRF Reports. The session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President, Jay Jackson, with support from MRF Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs, Jeff Hennie, and MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard.
MAP 21 upcoming reauthorization (the Highway Bill) – To include Motorcycle 2010 type Grant Funding (the MRF to pursue the current levels of funding along with a request to tighten up language for qualification and use), continuation of the NHTSA Lobbying Ban, pursue reinstatement of the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration), oppose any motorcycling related federal blackmails or federal sanctions contained in the highway bill; closely monitor for any action that would negatively impact motorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists; seek to include HR1861 type language to ban motorcycle specific roadblock grant funding.
SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Test – The MRF to NOT promote the use of the SAE Sound Test as a National enforcement standard, majority considered this a state issue.
NHTSA motorcycle-specific checkpoint grant program – MRF to carry out a full effort to cut off specified use of funding for this motorcycle-based discriminatory practice, work with SMRO’s to exchange information on passing anti-checkpoint laws within the state, work to get new HR1861 like resolution language written and introduced.
Continue monitoring the Federal Crash Causation study and the MSF Naturalistic study.
Strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems.
Continue to oppose federal agency activity regarding EPA Sound Emission User studies and the encouragement of state activity with federal resources – again deemed to be a state issue.
Work to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving, and oppose all forms of funding blackmails or withholding of funds as related to motorcyclists, watch this issue closely for motorcycle specific discriminatory language.
Continue participation at the federal level where the definition of a motorcycle is under review taking advantage of any opportunity available to enhance and further clarify.
MRF will oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by a federal agency.
MRF to seek a legislative vehicle to include motorcyclist anti-profiling language this upcoming session.
Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations and Canada.
MRF to fiercely oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel standards.
MRF directed by our SSMRO’s to not support the use of ethanol fuels higher than E10 or any other newly developed fuel blends including alternative renewable fuels without further testing on motorcycle engines and obtaining specific recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers approving their use, MRF and SSMRO’s to continue to pursue passage of HR875 type language.
MRF to continue to insure the inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) emerging technologies.
Pursue safer roadway design strategies at the federal level, include safer cable barrier research similar to European improvements in the discussion.
Continue to promote our theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, using the principles of HR1498 urging NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education.
MRF to pursue limiting funding of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for their increasing involvement in motorcycling safety issues.
MRF to pursue limiting of funding of CDC on their involvement in motorcycling safety issues through a relevant appropriations bill, pursue CDC lobby ban and seek to remove language where CDC suggests motorcycle crashes are preventable injury events. MRF to continue to support efforts to refocus the CDC on their mission as stated in the letter from Congressman Petri to the CDC on September 27th, 2013.
MRF to monitor private organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF and investigate their funding sources to make certain they are not receiving federal tax dollars.
MRF to monitor public organizations for funding sources when in opposition to our legislative agenda or mission and respond appropriately if they receive federal tax dollars.
MRF to monitor and report on transportation entities that are active in motorcycling but by their charters or mission statements are or should be non-relevant to motorcycles.
MRF to monitor and report on non-transportation federal agencies becoming increasingly involved in motorcycling such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
MRF to continue to closely monitor the federally mandated Affordable Health Care Act for potential motorcyclist and motorcycling discrimination.
MRF to fully engage the EPA on upcoming activity on motorcycle emission regulations and motorcycle drive train mandates.
MRF to support the Black Box Protection Act, currently HR2414, seek introduction of similar language in the upcoming Congress to regulate black boxes in motorcycles, seek to clarify the rights of the vehicle owner to ownership of the recorded data.
MRF to research fair tolling concepts on federally funded roads and roads supported by federal bonds.
Federal Agency Motorcycle Design Standards – MRF to oppose non-motorcycle manufacturer mandated specific design standards.
There was agreement that while the handling of non-motorcycle powered two and three wheelers such and mopeds, scooters, and the various cabin based steering wheel type vehicles was considered a state by state issue that there would be an effort to get these removed from motorcycle crash statistics if they do not have to follow the existing motorcycle licensing program in the state.
With the current U.S. Congress, combined with our comprehensive and aggressive legislative agenda, the MRF Legislative Committee strongly encourages our SSMRO partners and our MRF members to actively engage in a lively motorcycling dialogue with their U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate Members as an immediate priority. We will need a strong presence going into the new 114th Congress as well.
If your SSMRO needs any assistance in planning a trip to Washington D.C. to begin or strengthen the dialogue with your members of Congress, contact Jeff Hennie in the MRF office at 202-546-0983 or Jeff@mrf.org. We would also like to encourage you to finalize your plans to attend our national biker lobby day event in Washington D.C., Bikers Inside the Beltway, on Thursday May 14th, 2015. See our website at www.mrf.org for more details.
MRF Legislative Committee Members:
Dave “DAD” Dwyer, George Gorman, Jeff Hennie, Lenny Holcomb, Jay Jackson, Jim “Legs” Korte, Boyd McFail, Bob Myers, Todd Riba, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair)
J&P ULTIMATE BUILDER CUSTOM BIKE SHOW— Results from Phoenix
The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show rolled into Phoenix, AZ to blue skies and 80 degree weather. The Ultimate Builder is a feature of the International Motorcycle Show and positioned between the motorcycle manufacturers displays at the Westworld of Scottsdale facilities.
Each bike is positioned on a 12-foot oval carpet with a steel ring that encloses the bike. This allows enthusiasts to walk around the bike and get close to it without touching it.
Out in the parking lot enthusiasts were out taking test rides and catching the Jason Britton stunt show.
Custom bike fanatics were treated to an outstanding selection of bikes from established builders as well as up and comers. Big wheel baggers were the trend of the show with 7 builders showcasing their latest stuff.
A treat for many in attendance were the 2 Showcase Vincent motorcycles provided by Bob of Bob’s Cycle Supply. Great looking bikes that were admired throughout the event.
1. #675 Scott Moore, Jim Nasi Build – Yes It’s Paint, 2013 Custom
2. #475 Lupe Aguavo, Panel King, ’08 Road King
J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Winner: RETRO MOD Winner
1. #625 – Rick Nolan, Torch Industries – Nickel Pan, Custom Build
2. #375 – Shanks Garage – Kretzy, 1976 Shovelhead
J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Winner: MOD CUSTOM Winner
1. #250 – Scott Owens, Insane Asylum – 2011Honda Stateline
2. # 450 – Jason Neppl & Zac Viahos – ’08 Triumph Bonneville
The J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is installed in the International Motorcycle Show and is produced by Biker Pros. Each show utilizes peer to peer judging were the builders judge each other. If required, a VIP judging panel is assembled to address any voting issues.
Go to www.motorcycle.com shows to enter your bike.
LONG BEACH SHOW THIS WEEKEND–
It’s been far too long that we’ve gotten the team together for a ride. LET’S FIX THAT!
Join us as we hit the motorcycle show THIS SATURDAY, 11/15/14 at Long Beach Convention Center at 9:30AM. That’s when the show opens.
Buy your ticket ahead to avoid the very long line. Motorcycle parking is free, and the weather is forecast to be 0% chance of rain! What other excuse do you need?
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/long-beach
If you want to join up, here’s the planned meeting places/times:
07:00
IHOP Restaurant
880 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena (near start of Pasadena Frwy)
(626) 449-5226
08:20
Sinclair Printing Company
4005 Whiteside St. LA 90063
(Near the North end of the Long Beach Freeway)
8:30
“Wheels up” to get to the L.B Conv. Center parking area around 9:00.
9:30
Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
If you think you can attend, give me a thumbs up, and tell me if we should look for you at IHOP, the print shop, or at the show. Also, shoot me your cell no.
Hope you can ride with us this Saturday!
–Bob Sinclair
Cell: (213) 361-5080
rjsinclair@sinclairprinting.com
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
A Tribute to Our Veterans
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11979
I am so, so proud of this amazing Marine. Though incredibly biased, I know him to be an honorable and strong individual. He’s fought through wars overseas and at home. He battles still. Gareth is my husband and I couldn’t possibly love him more.
I think it’s also important to note that Sgt. Hawkins is a Bikernet Editor’s son!
–Charlotte Hawkins
Spokane, WA
Thank you to my beautiful daughter-in-law!! However, I am not the Editor, just Mistress Chris! – Mistress Chris
BIKERNET 2014 INDIAN PROJECT PAINT SCHEME–
So here is what we are thinking about for your paint. We will follow the same color and design as the race bike but put a girl on the side of the tank like this bomber bike we did. We can use your logo with the girl on the 5-ball with the Indian script in the back. We can make it a little smaller than the picture shown here.
So basically it would be this:
1. Same silver and orange with single stripe going down the center of the bike. We will even take off the console, sand blast it and have it painted to match.
2. Paint your 5-ball logo with girl on both sides of the tank with “Indian” in the background like shown in the pictures attached
3. Put the number 50 on both sides of the rear fender. Or any number you would like
4. Give the whole bike a good patina and clear with a flat finish.
–Rich Worley
WATCH A ROCKET-POWERED BICYCLIST HIT 207 MPH–in 4.8 seconds
By Alex Lloyd
Motoramic
Francois Gissy likes bicycles. He finds going fast on motorbikes or in cars too secure, but short of flying down Ventoux at 60 mph, pedal bikes aren’t particularly fast. Which is why Gissy decided to throw some rockets onto his bicycle. Now it hits 207 mph in 4.8 seconds.
That speed delivered Gissy a new world record last week at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France. Unsurprisingly, Gissy broke his own record of 177 mph – because who else would ride a rocket-powered bicycle that looks unsafe at even 10 mph?
When not in pedal mode, propulsion derives from three small thrusters, powered by fuel with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Total output is the equivalent of around 566 hp, and the weight of the bike is presumably akin to a garden snail.
This equates to the most insane, unsafe speed attempt ever witnessed. And as shown in the video below, Gissy makes the driver of a 650-hp Ferrari 430 Scuderia look like a total idiot. Although on further inspection, the man clinging to the 200-mph pedal bike is arguably far crazier.
BACK TO THE BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
“As good as this bar is,” said the Scotsman, “I still prefer the pubs back home. In Glasgow, there’s a wee place called McTavish’s. The landlord goes out of his way for the locals. When you buy four drinks, he’ll buy the fifth drink.”
“Well, Angus,” said the Englishman, “At my local in London, the Red Lion, the barman will buy you your third drink after you buy the first two.”
“Ahhh, dat’s nothin’,” said Paddy Sheehan, the Irishman. “Back home in me favorite pub in Galway, the moment you set foot in the place, they’ll buy you a drink, then another, all the drinks you like, actually. Then, when you’ve had enough drinks, they’ll take you upstairs and see dat you get laid, all on the house!”
The Englishman and Scotsman were suspicious of the claims. “Did this actually happen to you?”
“Not meself, personally, no,” admitted the Irishman, “but it did happen to me sister quite a few times.”
–from Robin Hartfiel
Holland & Holland Range Rover: Most Expensive Range Rover Ever– Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has partnered with another of England’s most heralded brands, Holland & Holland, to create an iconic new vehicle designed for luxury in outdoor pursuits. According to a press release issued by the marque Nov. 6, The Holland & Holland Range Rover is “the most expensive Range Rover ever.”
An exclusive line that will only see 40 units produced a year for a three year period, the Holland & Holland Range Rover is set to reach a new standard for luxury in the outdoorsman’s world. Founded in 1835, Holland & Holland is England’s premier creator of bespoke guns. As their website describes, “from 650 to in excess of 1000 hours will be invested in the making of every single gun.”
Holland & Holland and Land Rover are both among the approximately 800 individuals and companies holding a Royal Warrant, meaning they “have supplied goods or services for at least five years” to the households of the royal family according to RoyalWarrant.org. Each has earned the monarchy’s seal of approval, and will do so again with this extreme performance vehicle.
The range offers a choice of two powertrains, either the 339 ps 4.4-liter SDV8 or the 510 ps 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged, and features the unique Holland & Holland Green on the entirety of the exterior, from the mirrors to the grille. The interior was designed to accommodate a luxuriously adventurous lifestyle, with reclining rear seats, integrated USB charging sockets and a stunning combination of tan and espresso leather hides.
A single piece of walnut measuring 1500 mm long by 500 mm wide was used to create each veneer within the car to ensure every detail is perfectly matched, and features the stunning embroidery and acanthus scrolls that define Holland & Holland’s historically beautiful designs.
Of course, the true sign of this special design is the aluminum loadspace cabinet designed to hold a pair of Holland & Holland shotguns. Espresso Alcantara trim coats the interior and a debossed Holland & Holland logo sits on the front, and in case there is a need for extra stowage, the case can be removed and brought inside.
The current recommended retail price for the Holland & Holland Range Rover is set at £180,000. Be sure to stay with us as more information is released.
The range offers a choice of two powertrains, either the 339 ps 4.4-liter SDV8 or the 510 ps 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged, and features the unique Holland & Holland Green on the entirety of the exterior, from the mirrors to the grille. The interior was designed to accommodate a luxuriously adventurous lifestyle, with reclining rear seats, integrated USB charging sockets and a stunning combination of tan and espresso leather hides.
A single piece of walnut measuring 1500 mm long by 500 mm wide was used to create each veneer within the car to ensure every detail is perfectly matched, and features the stunning embroidery and acanthus scrolls that define Holland & Holland’s historically beautiful designs.
Of course, the true sign of this special design is the aluminum loadspace cabinet designed to hold a pair of Holland & Holland shotguns. Espresso Alcantara trim coats the interior and a debossed Holland & Holland logo sits on the front, and in case there is a need for extra stowage, the case can be removed and brought inside.
The current recommended retail price for the Holland & Holland Range Rover is set at £180,000. Be sure to stay with us as more information is released.
powered by PubExchange
—DupontRegistry.com
MOTOR TRIKE CELEBRATED 20 YEARS OF TRIKING WITH ANNIVERSARY RALLY–
(TROUP, Texas) On October 25, hundreds of trikers and bikers rode to Troup, TX, headquarters of Motor Trike, Inc. to celebrate 20 years in business. Almost 700 people traveled from all over the country and abroad to show off their Motor Trikes and tour the manufacturing facility. Guests came from as far away as Australia to participate in the event.
Guests enjoyed facility tours, demo rides, live music, lunch and the chance to meet other Motor Trike owners. Linette Douvio won a $500 cash prize for the best looking Motor Trike and Mertline Thibodeaux was awarded a $500 cash prize for the best looking Stallion. They are both from Duson, LA.
The grand prize drawing for a free trike kit went to Gerald Malik from Karnes City, TX. Mr. Malik already has a new Motor Trike Razor kit on his GL-1800, so he told a close family friend, Edwin Skloss before the rally that if he won he would give the kit to Edwin. Mr. Skloss and Mr. Malik have been friends for many years and used to be old riding buddies. Over time, Edwin had become disabled and has not been able to ride. This new trike kit will give Edwin the ability to ride again. This kit is scheduled to be installed at Motor Trike in December.
“It was a wonderful event and everyone had a great time,” said Jeff Vey, Motor Trike President. “We will have to do it again in five years for our 25th Anniversary!”
BIKER BOOT STRAPS, the leading supplier of premium boot straps for Bikers has introduced its fourth generation product – the world’s first weather proof boot straps. The all new design includes nylon clips with sure-lock technology and durable rubber straps designed to keep your pants in place like no other product on the market. The new materials are designed to perform in the harshest conditions, including wind, mud, rain, sleet and more. Biker Boot Straps continues its commitment to enthusiasts everywhere to build and deliver the most durable products and using only the best materials available.
The new weather proof straps incorporate a self-adjusting strap to keep pants snug, in place and not hinder the operation of the motorcycle. This also means when you get off of your machine, the straps adjust automatically and keep from dragging on the ground while walking.
The straps come in two sizes, four inch and six inch to fit both men and women. The four inch strap expands to about seven inches and the six inch to about 11 inches and that will cover virtually all biker applications.
The new clip design is made with high quality nylon with a heat treated metal insert for a sure-lock experience. These clips hold stronger and last longer than the suspender clip that has been the industry standard until now.
The decorative emblems are double machine pressed onto the clips for durability and which will keep the emblems from spinning on the clip. You can easily interchange the emblem with additional new emblem designs without having to buy the whole strap.
Biker Boot Straps new professional grade weather proof straps are sure to be a hit with riders already using boot straps and are sure to see how they will work in many other applications on the job, on the farm or ranch, as well as operating other Powersports machines, including ATVs, UTVs and Snowmobiles. Buy your new weather proof Biker Boot Straps today! Or as the company founder Michael Screens says, “Get Strapped and Grab Some Throttle!”
See Biker Boot Straps on the Road…Stop by their display at select International Motorcycles Shows this fall and winter and if you are a dealer check them out at the Dealer Expo in Chicago in December. Biker Boot Straps are available at authorized dealers, through major domestic and international distributors, Including Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited plus on the company website. They also offer a custom emblem program for clubs, dealers and special occasions.
For more information on Biker Boot Straps, please contact: bikerbootstraps@gmail.com or visit www.bikerbootstraps.com.
V-Twin Marketing
Skip Johnson
714-595-3668
Skip@digitalpowermedia.com
www.vtwinreport.com
BIKERNET TO SPONSOR MID-AMERICA FREEDOM RALLY—Mid America Freedom Rally #27(year) is holding Missouri’s Biggest Rally located at Buckhorn, MO. This is always held Memorial Day Weekend located off of I-44 at the Buckhorn exit 153 at the Pulaski County Shrine property. This year the dates are: May 22-25th, 2015.
I have been on this committee for the last 6yrs and currently in the position of Secretary, Web Mistress for the 7 locals of Freedom of the Road Riders Organization putting on this rally. FORR has 47 locals across the state of Missouri. We promote: Safety, Political at the Capital for laws that help motorcyclist within the State of MO, but also the country along with community support and brotherhood/sisterhood within the state.
We have a FORR Web site with additional information on the web with our MAFR having it’s own site about the rally and being updated as we get closer to our big party! This can be found at:http://www.midamericafreedomrally.com.
We are proud to have Bikernet join us this year as our exclusive media sponsor. We are a Non Profit organization.
I can also be reached by phone: Sue Miller/573-346-3147 which is a land line.
–Sue Miller/MAFR Committee Member Web Mistress/Secretary 2015
Bikernet is always available to sponsor Freedom Rallies and charity events.–Bandit
DISCOVER WHAT A DIFFERENCE COMFORT MAKES FOR TOURING BIKES
MUSTANG PADS THE CHOPPED TOUR-PAK–
— Having focused solely on seats since 1980, Mustang Seats, LLC has learned a thing or two over the long haul. We have to agree with our friends at Harley-Davidson when they say, “when you set out to improve the most respected touring machine on earth, you don’t take any short cuts!” With that in mind Mustang’s upgrade accessories for FL Chopped Tour-Pak equipped models cut no corners!
“Combining Mustang’s legendary reputation for comfort with a perfect match for our seats, these three passenger backrest pad options are a viable enhancement to the most respected touring bike on the market,” says Mustang’s Marketing Director Marilyn Simmons. “We custom tailor every pad and seat to meet The Motor Company’s level of fit and finish… and then build in our own level of comfort!”
The combination of ergonomic design and controlled density polyurethane foam makes these back pads something special. “Provide Mustang comfort to your passenger with this back pad specifically designed for the 2014-15 Chopped Tour-Paks,” suggests Simmons. Mustang also offers King Tour-Pak® backrests to make sure they have the Harley touring segment covered.
Part numbers for Backrest Pads for Harley-Davidson FL Chopped Tour-Pak:
76870 — Vintage Pad for H-D® FL Chopped Tour-Pak 2014-2015
76871 — Chrome Studded Pad for H-D® FL Chopped Tour-Pak 2014-15
76872 — Black Pearl-Centered Studded Pad for H-D® FL Chopped Tour-Pak 2014-15
For more details, click here: http://www.mustangseats.com
IRON TRADER BEATS BIKERNET TO THIS STORY—
From the outside, you’d never guess the treasure trove of vintage motorcycle parts stuffed inside Bill’s Custom Cycles in Bloomsburg, PA. And I do mean “stuffed” because since Bill Morris opened the shop in 1970 he has amassed an astounding array of components for Harleys, especially the early models. If you’re restoring or rebuilding a vintage Harley – 45, Pan, JD, or otherwise – Bill is the guy to call.
In addition to tons of used parts and even some N.O.S. inventory, the shop has the equipment and expertise to rebuild engines, transmissions, front ends and more. They also manufacture some popular parts that have grown impossible to find.
Just take a look at the pictures here. Yes, those are fork covers in the original packages from NEMPCO. Bill has an entire room filled with H-D bearings, too. Need wheels, fenders, seats? There’s a good chance you’ll find them at Bill’s. Gas caps, brake lever assemblies, lighting and electrical? You name it, he’s probably got it! Something we especially enjoyed, Bill even had “vintage” copies of IronWorks magazine from the ‘90s, from the days when he carried it at the shop. Yes, IronWorks featured the shop back then, too.
If you find yourself riding in central Pennsylvania, look them up. Even if you don’t need anything for a bike project, it’s a blast to look around. And you’ll be welcome; everyone at Bill’s is glad when people stop in.
Bill’s Custom Cycles
7145 Columbia Boulevard
Bloomsburg, PA
570-759-9613
www.billscustomcycles.com
New S&S TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!—
Rebuilding The S&S Shorty Series Carbs
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=7153
First of, amazing write up! You guys are a godsend to folks trying to wrench and fix their own shit, so thanks!
Anyways, I just tore down my Super E for the first time yesterday to diagnose a stuck float/pissing fuel issue and needed a reference to know which screw near the accelerator pump held the bowl in place. Needless to say I figured it out and removed a bunch of shit from the bowl, which fixed my problem!
These carbs really are easy to work on! Unfortunately I did not have a rebuild kit and had to reuse all the old parts, which I think worked out fine, bike started and likes my re-jetting– woohooo!
But… now I’m confused with the spring in the pump!!! Is that picture incorrect? Should the diaphragm be situated into the cap(not the bowl), with the spring pancaked in between, and the shim holding that together on the cap?
I put the diaphragm on the float bowl, then spring on top, then sandwiched it together as if the cap was the top slice of bread. Does this work or allow for a non-perfect seal?
Sorry if this is written weird… bong hits, ya know 😉
— Matt
Grass Valley, CA
This just in from Bruce at S&S:
Back in the day when bikes broke down all the time, we had to reuse gaskets all the time! Most of us lived to tell the tale.
As far as the accelerator pump question, I’m not sure what shim you are referring to. Maybe the spring seat? In any case the accelerator pump cap has an o-ring groove in it and the lip on the pump diaphragm goes in that groove. The gas is in the pump cap, so that’s where it has to seal. The flat side of the diaphragm goes toward the flat surface of the bowl. Since the pump pushrod is pushing down from the bowl side of the diaphragm, the spring goes on the other side in the pump cap. Take a look at this screen shot from the line drawing in our instruction sheet.
Here’s a little known fact that I’ll share with the whole world. All of our instruction sheets are available on line. Just go to the S&S website at www.sscycle.com and click on the “Tech Info” tab and select instruction sheets. So if you need to wrench on any S&S product, you can just download the instructions. Then you’ll have all the info at your fingertips.
–Bruce Tessmer
Marketing Projects Coordinator
S&S Cycle Inc.
608-627-0283
SAFER GROUP RIDES, THE WEEKLY HUPY REPORT— we don’t need no stinkin’ badges.
Your organization is doing a charity ride of some sort and you have to get 100 motorcycles through town without breaking the pack up. You contacted the local law enforcement agency, but they refused to help out. So you decide to have some road guards stop traffic at intersections to keep everyone moving and together. Is that legal?
Well if you live in Minnesota or Illinois it is. And hopefully Ohio will be added to that select list. Of course there is a condition that goes along with this; you must be a certified motorcycle road guard.
Motorcyclists are some of the most generous people around and often participate in fund raising activities for various community groups, food banks, veteran’s causes and more. Because we ride, our bikes are included in the fund raising activities by means of a group ride.
Lately, police have been more reluctant to assist with traffic control, citing manpower and overtime issues. The refusal to help rides is epidemic and nationwide. Being bikers, we just do what we’ve always done and that’s take matters into our own hands. The problem with that is it’s illegal.
Minnesota solved this problem, with the help of ABATE of Minnesota, by passing the Motorcycle Road Guard Certificate Program.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=7422
There are other requirements, including qualification standards, a clear driving record, valid driver’s license, individual liability insurance and proper high visibility apparel. Classroom study is two hours long followed by one hour of practical training at a live intersection near one of several colleges that offer the course. The cost is $30. Not a bad investment for organizations, motorcycle clubs, riding clubs, etc.
Once certified, a Road Guard Traffic Controller has the same authority to direct traffic as a police officer. Failure to obey a certified traffic controller is a misdemeanor.
Illinois passed HB1539 which became effective on January 1, 2014. It is similar to the Minnesota law and regulations. The implementation of training procedures for road guards is the duty of the Illinois Secretary of State.
Most recently, ABATE of Ohio has joined the push for certification of motorcycle road guard traffic controllers. ABATE was joined by the American Motorcyclist Association’s government affairs manager, Imre Szauter, in urging passage of H.B. 406, introduced January 21, 2014.
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_HB_406
These bills are well thought out and provide proper training for prospective certified traffic controllers. An important aspect is a certified motorcycle road guard is not liable for damages in a civil action for injury, death or damage to personal property in a crash during the performance of his duties directing traffic, as long as he complies with all the rules and regulations adopted in the code. The exception is wanton or intentional acts or omissions, or negligent, reckless performance of his duties.
There is a group in Washington state who is seriously looking at proposing a similar bill there and Wisconsin had a powerful state senator author a civilian traffic controller bill even before Minnesota’s bill, but unfortunately, ABATE of Wisconsin did not support the idea. Perhaps after the recent successes of Minnesota and Illinois, Wisconsin will reconsider.
Meanwhile it is hoped Ohio will be the next state to pass legislation enabling us to legally assist motorcycle groups at intersections. With police manpower being stretched to the limit, or excessive service fees of $300 or more making a charity ride unfeasible, it makes sense that road guard certification is the way to go. As bikers, we’re going to continue doing it anyway, but besides being illegal, untrained and ill-equipped road guards put everyone at risk.
Visit our web page to request awareness items, information on pharmaceutical cases, rights cards and more.
–Tony Sanfelipo
Tony Pan Sanfelipo has worked as an investigator for Hupy and Abraham, S.C. for the past 23 years and is the co-founder of ABATE of Wisconsin (1974) and founder of BOLT (1991)
METALSPORT WHEELS NOVEMBER TIRE SPECIAL–HERE AT METALSPORT WHEELS WHEN WE GET A DEAL WE ALWAYS PASS IT ON TO CUSTOMERS SO HERE IT IS
120/50/26 BLACK WALL TIRES FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE.
SO GIVE US A CALL AND GET YOUR ORDERS IN BEFORE WE END THE SALE
METALSPORT WHEELS
10112 MILLER WAY
SOUTH GATE, CA 90280
PH# 562-7669594
FAX# 562-7769635
www.metalsportwheels.com
BAD COP REPORT–Killings by police soar to 461.
FBI’s justifiable homicide count highest in two decades.
–By Kevin Johnson USA TODAY
WASHINGTON The number of felony suspects fatally shot by police last year — 461— was the most in two decades, according to a new FBI report.
The justifiable homicide count, contained in the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report, has become increasingly scrutinized in recent months as questions continue to be raised about the use of lethal force by law enforcement.
National attention has been drawn to cases from New York to Albuquerque, though much of the focus is on Ferguson, Mo., which is awaiting the decision of a grand jury weighing the fatal shooting in August of a black teenager by a white police officer.
The death of Michael Brown prompted weeks of protests and larger questions about the operations of a largely white department working in a majority African-American community.
Earlier this year, a USA TODAY analysis of the FBI’s justifiable homicide database over seven years ending in 2012 found an average of 96 incidents each year in which a white officer killed a black person.
The new 2013 total of justifiable killings represents the third consecutive increase in the annual toll. Criminal justice analysts said the inherent limitations of the database — the killings are self-reported by law enforcement, and not all police agencies participate in the annual counts — continue to frustrate efforts to identify the universe of lethal force incidents involving police.
University of Nebraska criminologist Samuel Walker said the incomplete nature of the data renders the recent spike in such deaths even more difficult to explain: “It could be as simple as more departments are reporting.”
The Nebraska criminologist has been a vocal advocate for an all-inclusive national database to closely track deadly force incidents involving police.
University of South Carolina criminologist Geoff Alpert, who has long studied police use of deadly force, said the latest number of justifiable homicides, while increasing, still likely represents a significant under-counting.
He said most major agencies have strongly supported close tracking.
“Unfortunately, I think there has to be a government mandate for this kind of reporting that ties the responsibility to the communities’ eligibility to receive federal funds,” he said.
At least seven U.S. police departments have been the subjects of federal reviews in the wake of fatal police shootings since 2010.
The new 2013 total of justifiable killings represents the third consecutive increase in the annual toll.
Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum -1934 Crocker Speedway Racer
All Good Things Must Come To an End.
Al Crocker started out as a designer and racer for Thor Motorcycles, then moved on to become an Indian motorcycle dealer in Denver. He then held the position as a representative for Indian Motorcycles in Kansas City before purchasing an Indian dealership in Los Angeles in 1928.
Helping With HorsepowerTM “STAR” Motorcycle Raffle
Ends at the Abbott House 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Forty young women from the ages of 9-17, all residents of the Abbott House in Mitchell, South Dakota, worked alongside volunteer facilitators – Klock Werks’ Laura Klock, Karlee Cobb, and Jennifer Bainbridge – to completely transform a Harley-Davidson Road King from something bare and neglected to a beautiful custom motorcycle. The girls were hands-on throughout the Helping With HorsepowerTM Bike Rebuild Program, from creating a special 75th Anniversary design, to choosing fender and handlebar options, installing parts, and changing the wheels and tires. Because this motorcycle will help the Abbott House celebrate its 75th Anniversary, it was made even more special by adding a vintage style sidecar to symbolize the power and impact the Abbott House has had on children and their families for 75 years.
J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show – San Mateo, CA
One of the most diverse and eclectic shows.
The Ultimate Builder includes three broad classes including FreeStyle (anything goes), Retro MOD (anything goes for bike built before 1984), and MOD Custom (bikes with stock frames and engine cases). Enthusiasts tell us that the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder is the most diverse and eclectic show they have attended.
A Tribute to Our Veterans
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Story and Photographs by Sgt. Gareth Hawkins, compiled by Mistress Chris
Letter from a Marine Veteran:
While I know some may read this and think I am being passive aggressive, I am not, I struggle to see, and understand why people do not understand things the way I do. Especially if they are non-military. It’s hard, it really is, and when I bring up the fact that today is the 10 year anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah, the Bloodiest battle in US history since the Battle of Khe Sanh. Where I fought alongside Brothers who I forged friendships with through blood, sweat and tears. Some of who died, and I have tattooed on my chest, its hard.
The RSD Café Sportster Package
Another way to radically restyle a Sportster while keeping it user-friendly—could this be the perfect urban commuter bike?
California native and motorcycle racing champion Roland Sands, truly lives a two-wheeled lifestyle. He’s been riding and braking bones since he was 5 years old, and this will apparently do something funny to a person’s mind. One of many side effects Roland suffered is this uncanny ability to come up with the coolest motorcycle accessories.
1200 MILES SOUTH OF THE MEXICAN BORDER
Michelle and I had been in Baja for better than a month, but that was over now.
Photos and story by Scooter Tramp Scotty.
Morning brought warm weather and a cup of lukewarm coffee from a thermos. Our camp was hidden some distance into the desert and it was time to pull the day’s plan together, so I spread the map out. Like the U.S., Mexico is sectioned into states and we were now in Sinaloa—drug lord capital, as everybody knows. In the big city some 200 miles south lay our destination of the Mazatlan Motorcycle Rally, which was scheduled to begin in a few days.
Editor’s Note from the Week Magazine, November 10, 2014: Mexico has finally released a former Marine who was jailed for eight months after crossing the Mexican border with loaded guns in his car. Andrew Tahmooressi, 25, had recently moved to Southern California from Florida and said he took a wrong turn out of a San Ysidro parking lot and did not intend to enter Mexico. After a congressional hearing on the case last month and intense pressure from the U.S., a Mexican judge ordered Tahmooressi’s release on humanitarian grounds, because he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. His family said he would seek treatment for “the residual effects of months of incarceration—which has taken a toll on him far worse than his two tours in Afghanistan.”
And from BAGGERS we have the following:
SAMSON LONGTAIL CHOLOS
GO FAST GO LOUD …. ARE YOU A SAMSON RIDER?
‘Doin Time’ – 2010 FLTRX Transformed at Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation
Celebrating My 10 Year Anniversary in the Industry.
By Brady Pitmon with Photography by Kevin Kreig.
Now, fast forward to 2010. I picked up my stock 2010 FLTRX at Hacienda Harley-Davidson in Scottsdale and was searching for a new job. Luckily for me, Suzy (who is Paul’s wife) had worked with me previously as a Finance Manager and a mutual friend of ours hooked me up with another interview. This time I passed the interview and got the job!
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
ROLAND SANDS MAKES THE COVER— Good interview too!
–Paul Aiken
UNCLE MONKEY AND THE PROJECT BLUES–
Whether it is life or work we can get lulled into a false sense of security. Day in and day out it is the same routine. Sure, there are a few curve balls making it interesting, but for the most part it is business as usual. That is until those nightmare times and major obstacles come along. It may be a major illness for you or a loved one, the passing of someone close to you, or a project from hell.
Everything seems like it is two steps back and none forward. In the shop it is the simple project that takes forever. Parts don’t fit; things break, just when you think you have a handle on it something snaps, burns your hand, and kicks your ass.
The rest of the world keeps spinning. Projects come and go but it is still there. In life bills keep coming, work still has to be done, groceries still bought.
When times like this come along, we have little choice but to buckle down, test our metal, and our determination. My RoadKing has been kicking my ass every time I’ve looked at it.
The most recent problem is the made to fit headlight nacelle doesn’t fit. I’m to the point now that I’m not surprised. At times like this there is little to do but roll up the sleeves and get dirty and bloody. I spent a full day working on it until I finally got it to fit. It meant installing and removing it almost a hundred times. The triple trees came off and on a dozen times themselves.
When the dust cleared it fits and actually doesn’t look too hacked up. The job isn’t finished. There are a handful of parts still to come in when money will allow. When that time comes, there will be more headaches, more cursing, and swearing. Some of what I’ve done if not all, will have been for nothing. Another day will be spent; time wasted making those infinitesimal advancements. It is those small steps that accumulate that eventually overwhelm the steps backwards.
It is not giving up, not conceding defeat that makes the difference. When Mrs. Monkey was diagnosed with cancer a couple years ago we were lucky we had caught it in the first initial stages, but it still meant she was off work for a couple of months. Bills still came in, money still went out. We rolled up our sleeves buckled down. It meant going without lots of things, delaying what we could.
She has made a full recovery and our lives have made a full recovery. Bills are caught up, life has returned to its usual routine until the next crisis. It is part of life. It makes it interesting. It tests us, shows us what we can conquer, makes life worth living, foods taste better, drink sweeter. So when life or that project kicks your ass accept the challenge, meet it head on and show it who is boss.
-bad Uncle Monkey
STRICTLY HAWGS PROJECT BIKE ABOUT READY—to show to our readers. Phil or Charles and his brother work everyday on Baggers and create bagger components in the inner city of Los Angeles.
This bag latch is one of their recent products for H-D touring machines.
We will bring you the feature shortly…
–Wrench
Polaris Acquires Pro Armor—
Adding Pro Armor strengthens Polaris’ aftermarket offerings for performance side-by-side and ATV markets
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of certain assets of LSI Products Inc. and Armor Holdings, LLC, privately-held Riverside, Calif.-based companies that design, develop, manufacture, source, sell and distribute accessories for performance side-by-side vehicles and ATV markets under the Pro Armor brand. This acquisition adds Pro Armor to Polaris’ growing parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The acquisition of Pro Armor adds another industry-leading brand to our growing stable of PG&A aftermarket brands, a key contributor to Polaris’ growth and profitability,” said Steve Eastman, Polaris’ vice president of PG&A. “Pro Armor is a leading brand in performance side-by-side accessories with a relentless commitment to innovation, style, performance and quality. The addition of Pro Armor to Polaris’ aftermarket brand portfolio allows us to extend our channel and customer reach in the performance side-by-side and ATV markets. Our common culture and shared passion for the Powersports industry and consumer will create an exciting platform for continued innovation and accelerated growth.”
Pro Armor will continue to operate as a distinct brand and the operations will remain in Riverside. Both Polaris and Pro Armor will continue to develop independent product plans while leveraging development, sourcing and distribution capabilities.
ANOTHER New TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!—
Andrews’ Cams in Twin Cam with Late Model Cam Plate
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8690
I did not notice any reference to inner bearings. What would be good for this set up?
–Michael Chaco
Dallas, GA
We always replace the inner bearing with the best. – Bandit
We Have A WINNER from the Bikernet DAILY UPDATE E-MAIL Sign-Up Prize Award!!
The winner is Pete Illingworth from Lancashire, United Kingdom. A box of Bikernet goodies chosen for him by Bandit himself, and packed at Bikernet Headquarters will be on its way to Pete. This week is will include a Bonneville Poster from S&S, a signed book from Bandit, a Bikernet or 5-Ball racing t-shirt and much bling. IT’S ABSOLUTELY FREE TO SIGN UP!
It’s free to sign up to receive daily Bikernet Content updates. It’s no big deal, and you’ll know daily what’s hot and new on Bikernet, Bikernet Baggers, Bikernet Trikes, and the Bikernet Blog!
Enjoy your winnings Pete! CONGRATULATIONS!
Every new sign-up for the Blog is a potential Winner!!
–Chris “Mistress” Kranzler
Women’s Editor
BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–California: One Step Closer to Shall Issue!
Federal Appeals Court Denies California Attorney General’s Bid to Overturn NRA Supported Legal Victory in Right to Carry Case
A monumental February 14, 2014 ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the NRA sponsored case of Peruta v. San Diego County found that the San Diego County Sheriff’s policy of refusing to issue licenses to carry firearms in public unless an applicant could demonstrate a special need beyond the right of self-defense was an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment. NRA News has produced a great video and America’s First Freedom magazine also published an enlightening article about the case.
The San Diego Sheriff decided not to appeal the ruling. But in response to this tremendous pro-Second Amendment decision, California Attorney General Kamala Harris and some gun ban advocacy groups asked the court to let them into the Peruta case as “parties” so they could try to get the three judge panel decision overturned by an 11 judge “en banc” panel.
Today the Ninth Circuit rejected those requests. In a relatively lengthy published order, the Court explained why it exercised its discretion to deny the Attorney General’s and gun control groups’ eleventh hour attempt to enter as untimely. The Court also importantly held that the Attorney General is not entitled to intervene because the Peruta case does not implicate the constitutionality of any state statute, but rather only challenges San Diego’s specific policy for issuing carry licenses.
The California Attorney General’s next action will determine whether the Peruta case ends here. She could seek review of the denial of her request to intervene in the appeal by an en banc panel of the Ninth Circuit or by the U.S. Supreme Court. If Attorney General Harris is successful in overturning the Court’s order and is allowed to intervene in the Peruta case, the Ninth Circuit Court judges will then vote on whether to re-hear the case en banc.
Should they decide to do so, the court will either uphold the current decision supporting the Second Amendment or overturn it. They could, however, simply vote not to rehear the case, allowing the three judge panel decision to stand. If the Attorney General successfully appeals for intervention, the attorneys for Ed Peruta and the other plaintiffs will be asking the judges to do just that. Whatever the Ninth Circuit ends up doing in such a circumstance, either side would almost certainly petition a loss to the U.S. Supreme Court. NRA attorneys have prepared and posted an explanation of the en banc review process online for a description of the various machinations in this process.
There is yet another twist to this tale. Even if the Attorney General does nothing and the Peruta decision stands, pending requests for en banc review in similar cases that benefitted from the work done in the Peruta case could potentially imperil the Peruta ruling. Both the County of Yolo, California, in the case of Richards v. Yolo County, and the State of Hawaii, in the case of Baker v. Kealoha, have already petitioned for en banc review of the Ninth Circuit’s rulings in those cases essentially saying they lose because of Peruta. If those petitions are granted, the Peruta opinion will be in jeopardy of being overturned, just as if the Peruta opinion itself was being reviewed by the Court.
Supreme Court Bound?
The Peruta decision creates an opportunity for the U.S. Supreme Court to settle some unresolved Second Amendment issues that desperately need resolving. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed with the principles, though not the specific details, of the Peruta ruling in another NRA-supported case of Shepard v. Madigan and the related case of Moore v. Madigan.
In these cases challenging Illinois’ previous policy of not allowing citizens to bear arms in public, the Seventh Circuit Court held that prohibiting any form of carrying arms in public was unconstitutional. Rather than risk having that ruling confirmed, Illinois did not seek Supreme Court review.
Meanwhile, three other Circuits have gone the opposite direction and held that there is no right to bear arms outside the home: Kachalsky v. Cacace in the Second Circuit (New York), Drake v. Filko in the Third Circuit (New Jersey) and Woollard v. Gallagher in the Fourth Circuit (Maryland). The Supreme Court was asked to review each of those cases, but declined to do so.
With this split of opinions among the federal Circuits, the U.S. Supreme Court could take the Peruta case to resolve these critical Second Amendment issues, but the California Attorney General would need to act first to make that possible.
A Court Decision Already Paying Dividends
The most common method used nationally by states and localities to selectively deny a person their Second Amendment right to carry a firearm for self-defense is to create a subjective licensing prerequisite. Requiring a demonstration of “good cause” or its equivalent before a license will be issued is such a method, because, if you have to show “good cause,” then you can be forced to prove a special “need” to carry a firearm. This creates a subjective system prone to political cronyism and corruption, and that’s the way California’s “good cause” system has been working for years. Reform is long overdue.
As a result of the Peruta decision, several California counties that had policies similar to San Diego’s have changed those policies from a restrictive “good cause” standard that few could meet, to one that accepts general self-defense as “good cause,” which most anyone can meet. Orange and Ventura counties are among the California jurisdictions that have changed their ways since the Peruta decision came down.
Previously, applicants had to show proof of specific threats, such as a police report or a protective order, to prove they were in immediate danger before they could get a license. Now merely asserting a desire for “self-defense” is generally accepted as “good-cause” for getting a license in those counties.
If the Peruta decision remains unchanged, all of the states and territories in the Ninth Circuit would also have to review their license issuance policies, and revise them to conform to the Ninth Circuit’s Peruta mandate. The Ninth Circuit includes Alaska and Arizona (“constitutional carry” states), Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington (“shall issue” states). It also includes Guam, which has already changed its policy in light of Peruta. And it includes California and Hawaii, the outliers. These two states have laws making concealed carry a privilege that can be withheld by local governments, instead of a right.
We need to hold onto this great court victory so that these policies go into effect throughout California and the entire Ninth Circuit!
But the Peruta decision’s persuasive influence is not limited to the Ninth Circuit territories and states. Recently, in the case of Palmer v. District of Columbia, a federal court relied heavily on the Peruta decision as precedent for its opinion striking down DC’s total ban on the public carrying of firearms. Significantly, the ban at issue in Palmer was more extreme than the California policy challenged in the Peruta case.
Nevertheless, the Palmer court cited to Peruta extensively, suggesting that the D.C. court is warning D.C. lawmakers that they should not adopt a California style “good cause” licensing scheme, because it will face the same fate as the one struck down in Peruta. Without the Peruta opinion as precedent, it is doubtful that the DC court would have gone so far.
Electrical Connection Introduces New Lighting Isolators for Indian and Harley-Davidson….Makes Adding Travel Trailers and More Safe and Easy!
EC Isolator
Knoxville, TN – Electrical Connection, the leading innovator of motorcycle and Powersports electrical components and lighting systems, introduces a new Lighting Isolator System for Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Electrical Connection isolators easily and properly connect the lighting from your major motorcycle accessory (trailer, sidecar, trike, etc.) while removing the electrical load from the motorcycles factory wiring, fuses, relays, computers and electronics. Proper isolation of electrical loads will help keep of your stock motorcycle electrical system and factory warranty intact.
The Isolator system is a modular design including a separate sub harness, modules and the Isolator. The system design allows flexibility to use a variety of trailer styles types by simply swapping out a 4 or 5 wire sub harness. You can also move the Isolator from motorcycle to motorcycle by selecting the proper sub harness and Can-Bus module, part of the turn signal and break light system for your particular make. All Electrical Connection electronics are proudly made in the USA at the Tennessee factory.
EC Subharness
Each Lighting Isolator System includes:
The Isolator – the main system component. It is epoxy potted for weather resistance using the best available OEM grade Omron components.
The sub-harness – connects to your bike on one end with the Isolator on the other.
This makes the connection “Plug & Play” so you don’t have to splice.
Converter Module – Specific converters designed for your brand, Indian or Harley-Davidson, and 5 to 4 wire modules (Trailer Light Converters). Our converter will work with LED lights since it is active electronics.
The Electrical Connection tech department is happy to help with any questions about fitment and/or selecting the correct components for your particular application. For tech call 865.219.9192 The new Lighting Isolators for Indian and Harley-Davidson are available at Electrical Connection Authorized Dealers and International Vendors. You can order also order direct from our web-site: electrical-connection.com, or call 800.215.6168.
For more information on Electrical Connections parts and accessories, please contact: lqpreston@comcast.com or visit www.electricalconnection.com.
–Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing
714-280-8537
Rick@vtwinmarketing.com
www.vtwinreport.com
The Easyriders 2015 Bike Show Tour is just around the corner and you’re invited to compete for one of 40 custom Bike Show trophies and major bragging rights! If you’ve dreamed of having your bike featured in Easyriders, V-Twin, Wrench or Road Iron magazines, this is a GREAT opportunity to get your bike in front of our editors and photographers!
EXCITING NEW CLASSES & CUSTOM TROPHIES!
– Basic 5′ x 10′ Display space is FREE!!!
– Space upgrades are available with additional fees.
– All competitors must pay standard entry fee for the show date(s).
– First 50 competitors to pre-register will receive a commemorative bike show mug.
We’ve streamlined the competition this year – all bikes will be voted on by the public as well as the judges. The Editors of Easyriders magazine will choose the winners in the event of a tie in any category.
Bike space is going to sell out fast. Book your spot at one or more of the following tour stops today!
– NEW VENUE! January 10 – Long Beach, CA: Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
– January 17-18 – Sacramento, CA: Sacramento Convention Center
– January 24 – Charlotte, NC: Charlotte Convention Center
– NEW VENUE! February 7 – Nashville, TN: Hendersonville Expo Center
– February 21-22 – Columbus, OH (Invitational): Greater Columbus Convention Center
Get more eyes on your bike(s) at the shows! Be sure to like us on Facebook: Easyriders Events and tag us in your photos! We’ve got over 500,000 followers on our combined pages, and you never know when we’ll share your photo(s) on our page with links back to your shop page! If you’re on Instagram, follow @easyriders.events and be sure to #ezrevents when you post pics of your shop/garage, your builds and your Easyriders lifestyle!
We hope to see you and your bike(s) at the Easyriders 2015 Bike Show Tour!
Click line below for the 2015 Exhbitor Application!
http://www.easyridersevents.com/bikeshow2015/application-exhibitor-2015.pdf
Ride Safe,
Easyriders Events Staff
www.EasyridersEvents.com
INCREDIBLE—
Hey, we just received our 5-Ball Racing Motel Key Rings. Just sign-up for our Bikernet e-mail updates and you may receive a bling package including a patch and a famous key ring. If you lose your keys and someone drops them in a mail box they will be shipped directly to the Bikernet Headquarters for safe keeping.
Plus, anytime you buy a 5-Ball Racing leather product or even a T-shirt, you will receive a Bikernet Sticker, a 5-Ball patch, and a motel key ring. What could be better?
Okay, so get this according to the Week Magazine you have a 1 in 4 million chance of catching Ebola and dying, but you have a one in a million chance of your pajamas catching fire and killing you. Ah, but you have a one in 100,000 chance of being legally executed, and a one in 6,492 chance of being killed by accidental gun fire. Where do they get this shit.
Finally, they are making Crash Test Dummies larger or fatter, because obese folks are 78 percent more likely to die in a car crash. Incredible!
Have a helluva weekend. Go to a show, will ya?
Ride free forever,
–Bandit
