Hey,
Big weekend coming up in Los Angeles with the MoonEyes Christmas Party and the David Mann Chopperfest in Ventura. I want to hit both events, but I doubt I will make it. I would rather take a fifth of Jack and find a cave. Or maybe fly to New York City for the Ultimate Builder Show at the Javits Center.
It’s been a wild, challenging week. It’s all good, but sorta overwhelming. I’m fighting with Los Angeles to give a portion of our waterfront back to the folks of Wilmington (the little third world country where we planted the Bikernet Interplanetary Headquarter and nerve center). I’m positive about the effort, but lots of the members of the committee are just as positive about the opposite outcome. “The people of Wilmington will get fucked.”
I’ve been working with the MRF, Chris Callen, and Rob Keller from Cycle Source on an Industry Council to help with the fights to keep us free. We’ve been at it for maybe five or so years. If you talk to some folks they are true believers in the mantra, “We can overcome.” But there are numerous folks, including the MIC who believe we are fucked and just need to make a deal to stave off total annihilation. As you know attitude is everything.
Let’s hit the news and find out what’s going on. The news is sponsored by Cycle Source Magazine and the Iron Trader News.
THE BIKERNET BLONDE ARCHIVES STILL OPEN– CAR TROUBLE
A blonde pushes her BMW into a gas station. She tells the mechanic it died. After he works on it for a few minutes, it is idling smoothly.
She says, ‘What’s the story?’
He replies, ‘Just crap in the carburetor’
She asks, ‘How often do I have to do that?’
SPEEDING TICKET
A police officer stops a blonde for speeding and asks her very nicely if he could see her license.
She replied in a huff,
‘I wish you guys would get your act together.
Just yesterday you take my license away, and now today you expect me to show it to you?’
–from Jim Waggaman
FIGHTING SPEEDING TICKETS–The NMA (National Motorists Association) spells out several proven strategies to fight a speeding ticket in our Fight That Ticket! ebook — a free download for supporting members, a $9.95 purchase for non-supporting members. One such technical defense is based on cosine error. It is an underutilized strategy perhaps because it brings back unpleasant memories of high school math class, or maybe because the error usually produces a lower-than-actual speed reading on a radar/laser gun that already favors the driver.
To first explain what cosine error is and how it can come into play when a law enforcement officer uses radar or laser to gauge the speed of a passing vehicle, we’ll snip a couple of pertinent pages from Volume 2 of Fight That Ticket!:
This page from the CopRadar.com website allows you to dig as deeply into the trigonometry as you’d like. It also provides online calculators to determine measured vs. actual vehicle speed based on the cosine angle. The calculators are helpful if you want to try to avoid unpleasant flashbacks to 9th or 10th grade.
All of this leads to one of the cleverest uses of the cosine error to beat a speeding ticket that we have seen. In fact, we published the following successful defense strategy in the November/December 2005 issue of National Motorists Association Foundation News, the forerunner to the current NMA member magazine, Driving Freedoms. Zamir Bavel incorporated his knowledge of cosine error with strategic questioning to discredit the testimony of the ticketing officer and win his appeal.
A little bit of math mixed with the same courtroom ingenuity may turn out to be your best defense against a speeding ticket someday.
VICTORY!! A Florida judge has ordered Ft. Lauderdale police to stop arresting people for feeding the homeless. —Last month, 91-year-old veteran Arnold Abbott made national headlines after being arrested twice for feeding the homeless, something he has done for 20 years.
–FOxIfI #?homelesshatelaws
–from Rogue
BOOKS BY ARTHUR BROOKS, THE ROAD TO FREEDOM–Entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and upward mobility: These traditions are at the heart of the free enterprise system, and have long been central to America’s exceptional culture. In recent years, however, policymakers have dramatically weakened these traditions–by exploding the size of government, propping up their corporate cronies, and trying to reorient our system from rewarding merit to redistributing wealth.
In The Road to Freedom, American Enterprise Institute President Arthur C. Brooks shows that this trend cannot be reversed through materialistic appeals about the economic efficiency of capitalism. Rather, free enterprise requires a moral defense rooted in the ideals of earned success, equality of opportunity, charity, and basic fairness. Brooks builds this defense and demonstrates how it is central to understanding the major policy issues facing America today.
The future of the free enterprise system has become a central issue in our national debate, and Brooks offers a practical manual for defending it over the coming years. Both a moral manifesto and a prescription for concrete policy changes, The Road to Freedom will help Americans in all walks of life translate the philosophy of free enterprise into action, to restore both our nation’s greatness and our own well-being in the process.
TRIUMPH RESTORATIONS—On a dark street in Chinatown in Long Beach while eating slippery shrimp we ran into John, and his lovely guest. John runs Triumph Classic Motorcycles in Orange County.
If you have a Triumph in need of restoration, check out their shop at www.triclassic.com or 714-556-0170.
STRANGE WORDS OF THE DAY—From the womb to the tomb our lives are not our own. We are bound always to others.
–Cloud movie
NEWS FOR THE DESERT SANDS–Here’s my last ditch effort to make some Christmas dough!
Eric has taken several of his popular images and printed them through a unique process on porcelain tiles. They are then framed and tricked out, so you can hang them on a wall, or place them on a table. These sturdy 11 x 15-inch works of art weigh 3 pounds and have a variety of uses. From a coaster to a rolling tray to a place to stash your nuts and bolts when working on your bike.
Then hang it on the wall so you don’t loose it. Only $125.00 / freight and you’ll get them in time for Christmas! All made by hand in Arizona USA. Call or e mail Eric at (480) 575-7559 or Eric@EricHerrmannStudios.com
FOR ALL TEACHERS- WHEREVER YOU MAY BE– A group of kindergartners were trying very hard to become accustomed to the first grade.
The biggest hurdle they faced was that the teacher insisted on NO baby talk!
You need to use ‘Big People’ words,’ she was always reminding them.
She asked John what he had done over the weekend?
‘I went to visit my Nana’.
No, you went to visit your GRANDMOTHER.
Use ‘Big People’ words!’
‘I took a ride on a choo-choo’.
She said. ‘No, you took a ride on a TRAIN.
You must remember to use ‘Big People’ words’.
‘I read a book’ he replied.
That’s WONDERFUL!’ the teacher said.
‘What book did you read?
Alex thought real hard about it, then puffed out his chest with great pride, and said, ‘Winnie the SHIT’
–from Jim Waggaman
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION WEEKLY REPORT–The Congress has been working hard this week on funding the government. Failing to pass all of the “must pass” spending bills in regular order once again has the tiger by the tail.
Congress’s inability to pass the bills one at a time, with lengthy and healthy debate and a robust amendment session has left congress scrambling to pass an all-in-one bill now being referred to by a new god-awful moniker: the Cromnibus. A traditional CR or “continuing resolution” simply extends the budget authority that is currently in place to keep the government from shutting down, like it did in sensational style last October.
An omnibus is a package of funding legislation all wrapped up in one vote. A new set of budget allowances for the various Departments of the federal government. Those allowances can be the same as the fiscal year prior or could be completely new amounts based on the Congress’s fiscal mood.
So a new piece of legislation is born, part CR, part omnibus; thus we have the Cromnibus, and it is as ugly as it sounds.
The government would shut down on December 12th, this Friday, if this bill did not pass. That’s unlikely, although not entirely out of the question. So far this lame duck has lived up to its name, lame.
The Congress is limping along. The Democrats seem to not realize their losses just yet, and are still governing as if they will somehow retain the majority come next year. Even with one last Senate race still to be completed, there is, obvious to most, no way they could do that.
Republicans, bolstered in their authority, are beaming with pride. They seem to be equally unaware that a majority in both houses and a President who is hell-bent on silencing the newer, bigger, Republican majorities through regulation and executive orders. Mix in a dash of Ferguson protesters (yes some members are clogging House and Senate floor time with “hands up, don’t shoot” speeches), a scoop of immigration reform, and you have the half-baked lame duck congress of 2014.
Lets hope it goes out with a whimper.
–Jeff Hennie
Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs
NEW CLUTCH FROM BARNETT–One of the latest additions to the long line of Harley-Davidson clutches by Barnett is their direct-fit upgrade clutch kit for the 2013-15 CVO/SE Big Twins.
This kit features Barnett’s segmented Kevlar friction plates which are designed for more oil flow, longer life and smoother clutch operation.
Also included are tempered steel drive plates and a set of three heavy clutch springs. All kits are quality checked for exact stack height prior to packaging to guarantee proper fit and optimal performance.
These kits are made in-house and in the USA by Barnett. To order, contact your dealer or go to www.barnettclutches.com to order online.
Part #303-30-10043
MSRP: $220.50
–from Ben Lamboeuf
For your Digital Marketing needs on Bikernet.com
SIGN UP FOR BIKERNET NEW E-MAILS AND WIN–Hey, Dan here…just opened my “winning” package…wow, nothing like getting multiple gifts.
Thanks to you, K. Ball, and the Bikernet community. You made me feel like Xmas came early.
–Dan Smerker
The Mighty Quinn: Checking In With Sons Of Anarchy’s Biggest Badass, Rusty Coones—
By Taylor Hamby
You might know Rusty Coones as the one-time Nomad turned Redwood Original badass on the FX show Sons of Anarchy, whose series finale airs Dec. 9. In real life, he’s the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Attika 7 and the owner of Illusion Motorsports, a custom bike shop located in Westminster. He’s also a longtime member of the Hells Angels, although you won’t get him to talk about that, since club rules prohibit it.
We first profiled Coones for a 2011 cover story that revealed a colorful life that we couldn’t help but imagine might have inspired some of SAMCRO’s fictional exploits. At the time, Coones had already built a bike for SOA creator Kurt Sutter, and his band had been tapped to perform a few songs for the show.
THE HISTORY OF FLYING PIGS–When you think of a Harley, you don’t typically think of them flying through the air, at least not on purpose. But a little known fact, is that throughout the history of Harley Davidson, a few enterprising individuals have dared to take their Hog airborne. Follow LRS as we explore the history of the flying Hog. See the history of Flying Hogs Here at our blog…….www.longrideshields.com/
–Long Ride Shields
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Biker Hawaiian Style
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1628
That’s my grandpa Tiger Wong!
— Joran Palama
Port Orchard, WA
In the Cantina we have a major story on the life and times of Tiger Wong. It’s amazing!–Bandit
ULTIMATE BUILDER HITS NEW YORK CITY THIS WEEKEND–
If you’re going to be in the New York City area the week-end of December 12 -14, you won’t want to miss the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
Where:
Javits Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
When:
Fri. December 12, 2014 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Sat. December 13, 2014 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sun. December 14, 2014 9:00am – 5:00pm
Visit S&S Cycle at Booth 1425
Come and get a first hand look at the new T143 engine and the rest of the S&S line of Proven Performance parts. Don’t forget the Viola V-Twin line of quality service parts for Harley-Davidson big twin and Sportster models, as well as for vintage bikes. Whether you want to go fast or just keep going, S&S has the parts and supplies to make it easy. Is restoration your thing? Be sure to ask about S&S Cycle’s line of hard to find service parts for old iron.
You can view these parts from the comfort of your own home by logging onto the S&S website at www.sscycle.com, but there’s nothing like the hands on personal experience of seeing it in the real world. There’s also nothing like chatting face-to-face with our knowledgeable S&S show staff about your bike and how we can make it fast and make it last!
If you find something that suits your fancy, please let one of the helpful S&S staff members take your order. There will be show specials and free shipping available, so get that Christmas list ready. And make sure you ask how you can get a free t-shirt at the show!
ABATE OF FLORIDA’S 33RD ANNUAL TOY RUN– Riders bring gifts, smiles to thousands.
Cycle making turn to from SR 520 to U.S. 1 crash, three spectators injured; one woman listed as critical
By Rick Neale, FLORIDA TODAY
About 3,000 rumbling, roaring motorcycles cruised along central Brevard County highways Sunday, generating a Christmastime bounty of 10,000-plus toys for disabled children.
ABATE of Florida’s 33rd annual Toy Run drew a long procession of riders adorned with Santa caps, black leather vests, jeans and bikes sporting Yuletide decorations.
End result? Donated toys will be distributed to the Cocoa Police Department Auxiliary, Melbourne Light Parade organizers and Shriners Hospitals for Children. The latter group will present toys to about 150 disabled kids during a Dec. 21 Christmas party at Azan Shrine Center in Melbourne, said potentate Ron Trinkle.
“It’s a very moving thing to see. To see those kids, it’s unbelievable to watch. You see them in wheelchairs — and you’ll be seeing nothing but smiles. They’re very, very appreciative,” Trinkle said.
The Toy Run was marred when a motorcyclist lost control and struck three spectators at State Road 520 and U.S. 1, said Officer Barbara Matthews, Cocoa police spokeswoman.
A 22-year-old woman was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne in critical condition, and a 2-year-old girl was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. The third spectator, a 44-yearold woman, was treated at Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge and released.
“It tears us up when anybody gets hurt,” said Rik “Dawg” Venerable, president of ABATE of Florida’s Brevard County chapter.
“It’s a shame. People look at it as a black mark on us, but we have a police escort the whole way. The roads are shut down. Everything is blocked off. We ride in a very safe manner,” Venerable said.
“We do everything we can to make it a safe ride. Unfortunately, people are human and they make mistakes,” he said.
Brevard County Emergency Management officials warned motorists Friday to plan ahead for traffic impacts from the motorcycle parade, which led from Merritt Square Mall through Cocoa Village to U.S. 1. There, riders rumbled southward to the Wickham Park Pavilion in Melbourne.
“We had about 3,000 bikes and about 5,000 people. It’s a really, really good turnout. The Shriners doubled their (toy) take from last year,” Venerable said at the pavilion while the Merritt Island rock band Rough Edges played Led Zeppelin’s “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do.” Last December, Mike and Melissa Morales watched the Toy Run from the side of the road near Community Credit Union in Rockledge. “She asked me, ‘Do you think next year we can be part of it?’ And I said, ‘Well, we need a bike first,’ ” Mike Morales recalled.
The Melbourne couple bought a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King 100th Anniversary Edition in August, joined Steel Horse Riders of Brevard in September, rode in Sunday’s event, and donated a toy truck. “It was a great experience for us. The styles of life, the different clubs and all that, everybody was so open. It’s amazing. It was great,” he said.
BIKERNET BELLY TANK TRIKE EFFORT RECEIVES JIMS ENGINE AND TRANS–
Just thought I’d send you a quick note to let you know that Santa dropped off some goodies for the trike today.
The box on top has one of JIMS fat-five-speed overdrive gear sets. . . the paperwork indicates that an ‘01-‘06 FLT case is prefered (a little less molesting, but you know I don’t mind working over new parts haha!).
I assume the engine has a ‘99-2006 case, but I’ll put my eye on it at some point today and make sure, so we can shop for the tranny case.
–Kent Weeks
Lucky Devil Metal Works
Houston Texas
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE FIRES UP NEW YORK AND BEYOND WITH MOTORCYCLING’S HOTTEST NEW 2015 BIKES AT THE PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW CIRCUIT–Motorcycle fans are invited to attend their local show to experience the game-changing new Indian Scout, the Indian Roadmaster luxury touring model, custom bikes, vintage models, and 2015 Indian Motorcycle apparel and accessories
Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced its plans for this weekend’s Progressive International Motorcycle Show in New York City, plus other upcoming show stops across the country. Each event will prominently feature the stunning new 2015 Indian Scout, the industry’s most talked about new middle-weight cruiser, the ultra-premium luxury touring Indian Roadmaster, the Chief Classic, the Chief Vintage, the Chieftain, and much more.
“With a starting price of $10,999 and a perfect blend of power, balance, and handling that appeals to virtually every rider, we know the 2015 Indian Scout is the perfect holiday gift for the motorcycle,” said Steve Menneto, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “With the holidays fast approaching, we’re delighted to be in New York City sharing the affordable new Scout and the rest of our 2015 Indian Motorcycle lineup with our fans in the Big Apple.”
Experience the Indian Motorcycle Exhibit
Visit the Indian Motorcycle company display to check out the entire 2015 Indian motorcycle lineup, along with show-only features such as the Thunder Stroke 111 and Scout Engine Cutaways, hear a thunder Stroke 111 in action and much more. There will be vintage bikes on-hand including a beautifully restored 1935 Indian Chief, plus the board-tracker inspired Roland Sands “Track Chief” Custom, the Indian Scout Custom 101 as ridden on the Wall of Death in Sturgis, and much more.
Stop by and Hear the Roar of the Thunder Stroke 111 Engine.
Indian motorcycle staffer will fire up an accessory pipe kitted Chief Classic and run it hard through the gears right inside the show, so you can experience the roar of the Thunder Stroke 111.
Friday – 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
Saturday – 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Sunday – 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
Custom Bikes revealed for the show
Attendees will also be treated to two new custom Indian Scouts. Custom builder and Bonneville Flats land speed record holder Karlee Cobb of Klock Werks Kustom Cycles has created “Outrider” inspired by the rough and ready attitude of the new model.
Outrider is a bike that pumps up the attitude of the 100 horsepower bike, in a design that will inspire home custom builders. See it here on Bikernet.
Also being revealed for the weekend is “Scout 42” designed by John Shope, owner of custom shop Dirty Bird. The Scout has long been recognized for its sporting heritage framed by racing wins, world records and performances on the fabled “Wall of Death.” The custom work on John’s “Scout 42” was done to highlight that legacy and give his bike an almost sportbike aesthetic, while not detracting from its core handling package.
Both bikes will be unveiled before the press on Thursday, December 11 at the Javits Center, and will be on display for the reminder of the 2015 IMS tour. Karlee and John will be signing autographs in the Indian Motorcycle exhibit on Friday from 2-3 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., and again on Saturday from 11 a.m. – Noon, 2-3 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.
CLUB NEWS FROM Australia — HELLS Angels claim their feelings have been hurt by their bikie logo appearing on T-shirts and have called in the lawyers.
The Logan City-based Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation (Australia) – declared a criminal organisation by the Queensland Government last year – has sued five retailers and clothing distributors in the past year and last week launched a case against a Gold Coast seller of motorbike helmets, Team Moto. The club says T-shirts, helmets and sunglasses, emblazoned with their trademarked “death head” logo, lets “non-members wear (logos) reserved for the members, thereby causing anger, hurt feelings and personal distress” to outlaw gang members.
“(Only) club members may purchase or have made … jackets, T-shirts, rings, belt buckles or tattoos,” the gang states in court documents.
Among previous cases were the bikies suing Victorian clothing distributor Eyegasm Brands in a Brisbane court in June after they sold “about 48” T-shirts bearing the phrase “My Boyfriend’s a Hells Angel” to Broadbeach store Igedo. The back of the shirt depicted a pair of wings and were designed by US clothing brand Wildfox, which was sued by the Hells Angels US arm in 2011.
The Hells Angels also settled two other cases in Brisbane. It sued sunglasses company Live Vision, run by Allan Surman, over claims it sold up to 1,676 pairs of three styles of sunglasses with “winged skull” logos which were sold at RipCurl in Darwin.
Retailer Ed Harry Menswear was sued for selling three styles of T-shirts with skulls on them at their Nerang store.
The Hells Angels argued the skull designs were the same as the Hells Angel logo. The Hells Angels argued they had a “very substantial and valuable reputation amongst the motorcycle associations and general public throughout Australia in the “death head” (logo).
The Hells Angels also sued Perth sports-tape maker Rocktape, over two types of tape decorated with skulls which were sold at pharmacies in Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach.
Settlements usually involve an apology, an agreement to stop selling products and an order for their destruction.
In 2009 the former owner of iconic clothing maker Mambo was forced to apologise to the Hells Angels for trademark breaches on a children’s hooded top with a skull with wings.
The case against Team Moto is back in court on February 9.
Not one of the firms sued by Hells Angels wished to comment.
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS–
“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the
imperfections.”
Confession……I went into the Confessional Box after years of being away from the Church. Inside I found a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On one wall, there’s a row of decanters with fine Jameson Irish whiskey and Waterford crystal glasses.
On the other wall is a dazzling array of the finest cigars and chocolates.Then the priest comes in. I say to him, “Father, forgive me, for it’s been a very long time since I’ve been to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much more inviting than it used to be. He replies: ” Get out… you’re on my side!”
–from Rogue and Jerry
HOLIDAY DEALS FROM METALSPORT–WE HAVE 21 & 18-INCH SETS WITH TWO ROTORS IN STOCK AT A SPECIAL PRICE.
OR YOU CAN GET FREE SHIPPING ON ANY WHEEL OR WHEEL AND TIRE COMBO ORDERED IN DECEMBER.
PLUS WE 120/50/26 BLACK WALL TIRES ON SPECIAL, AND WE HAVE 120/70/21 WHITE WALLS FOR A LOW PRICE,
SO DON’T DELAY THE SPECIALS ALL END AT THE END OF THE MONTH
–Terry
MetalSport Wheels
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
Motorcycles Aboard The Great Ferry Lines
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12023
Love Scottie’s stories, keep ’em coming!
–Timothy Remus
Bayport, MN
SUPER HOLIDAY DEALS FROM BRASS BALLS CYCLES–You read it correctly. A Free upgrade to an S&S V-111-inch motor and $500 in custom paint allowance on select models ordered & deposits received before Dec. 31, 2014. ($1,850 value).
Models included for this promotion are: Digger, Classic Bobber, 69 Chopper, and Rocketeer.
Don’t miss your chance to upgrade & save on this once a year sale.
If your a Model 1 fan, we’ve got you covered.
Free upgrade to an S&S V-96-inch motor and $500 custom paint allowance on any Model 1 bike ordered and deposits received before Dec. 31, 2014. ($1,095 value)
As always, a portion of sales proceeds help us in our philanthropy efforts for our troops. To see more about that click here to see what we do. Thank you for your support.
Brass Balls Cycles by Darwin Motorcycles
UNCOMPROMISING AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES
Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
Bikernet Safety Tip – Kendon Trailer Tire Recommendations
Avoiding Problems and Getting the Most Out of Your Trailer Tires.
Neglected Trailer Tires can cause anything from a trip delay (getting stuck in the middle of nowhere) to a catastrophic failure. Warning signals are quite different from your tow vehicle to your trailer. If there is a tire on your tow vehicle that is grossly under inflated or out of balance you will feel it in the handling and feedback of your vehicle. Your trailer will not give you as much feedback. In most cases, you won’t feel a failing trailer tire until it’s too late. Basic tire inspections and maintenance can stack the deck in your favor. It only takes a few minutes before each use. First thing: Knowledge! Here are 3 tips that will get you the most out of your trailer tires and help avoid problems.
My Job – A Glimpse Into the Busy Life of Prince Najar
Harley-Davidson and the 5-Ball Racing Leathers’ Photo Shoot.
My job is promoting companies in the Powersports Industry through promotions and publicity, as well as by producing custom shows. Last week I flew to LAX to produce the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, installed down the center isle and on the red carpet of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
Motorcycles Aboard The Great Ferry Lines
Traveling along the Intracoastal Alaska Marine Highway System, By Scooter Tramp Scotty.
Although this adventure took place sometime in the mid 2000s, I’ve decided to print it here for the benefit of any who would like to ride the huge ships that carry cars, semi trucks, motor homes, and motorcycles from the city of Bellingham, Washington to the distant shores of Alaska. For most everything that goes to Alaska travels along the Intracoastal Alaska Marine Highway System either by ship or by huge barges pulled by tugs.
2014 Bikernet Holiday Shopping Guide
A Wish List For The Motorcycle Enthusiast And A Gold Mine Of Gift Ideas For Your Loved Ones.
Welcome to the Bikernet Holiday Guide. You will find in this special section a selection of gift idea for your riding friends. You can also see it as a handy wish list you can share with your family and pals. The guide is upgraded daily with new items and fresh ideas, so make sure to check back to see what’s new.
And from BAGGERS we have:
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
Vengeance Kevlar Armored Illuminated Jacket.
Anything we can do to increase visibility is a plus, especially for the midnight rider in us all. The most common response by drivers in any motorcycle related incident is “I didn’t see them”. Personally, I don’t want ride around looking like a road cone and the Vengeance jacket combines protection with style and comfort. Battery powered light strips contour the front and back of the jacket illuminating in three available colors, white, blue and orange. Reflective material on the front, the back and shoulders adds a secondary layer night time visibility. Illuminadic, a brand of the Seattle based Ancilia Enterprises LLC has designed what they claim is “The most Innovative Protective Clothing in the Universe”.
“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” — Mark Twain
–Chris “Mistress” Kranzler
Women’s Editor
UNCLE MONKEY IS ON THE LOOKOUT–Being on the lookout for a new bike or a new project is just part of being a motorcycle enthusiast. We always keep our eyes and ears peeled for even the slightest hint of a bike, a hidden gem, a rare barn find that is just waiting for us to come along.
We stayed plugged into the online ads; make sure everyone we know or encounter know we are looking for something, anything. We’ve heard all the stories of lost Harleys and Indians stashed away in sheds and we chomp at the bit hoping the next one will fall into our lap.
We hear the rumors, follow them up, most are smoke trails of a friend of a friend who knows a guy with dozens of bikes but after due diligence there just isn’t anything there.
We do stumble across the abused and neglected. Some can be picked up for a song, some are priced way beyond pristine, museum quality. They get left behind with the hope that maybe, just maybe one day the person would come to their senses. Unfortunately, usually the person passes away and the bike is scrapped.
Then there are those good ones. The bikes that are just right with a reasonable price. You hope and plan. Think out everything you would do to the bike, how cool you’ll look rolling into the local watering hole on it. You price out the parts, local sources of parts, plan paint schemes, plan the build, but for whatever reason it just isn’t meant to be. Maybe you don’t have the money, maybe you promised the old lady not one more single projects until you get some money back from the other dozen or so you have. Maybe someone simply out- bids you at the last minute.
You try to justify it saying you offered your best price, the price you could live with, the price that will still afford some ramen noodles to keep you fed. They are the disappointing ones, the ones that got away. You pine for it, wished you had just a little more money in your pocket for it. You hope to see it on the road some day, hope to see it at a swap meet in the spring for sale again. Defeated you log on, check the ads, and find a new lust.
–bad Uncle Monkey
TRAVEL HOLIDAY DEAL–New Year Camp ‘N Ride
Join your friends for a weekend of riding, wine and vintage motorcycles, fireside movie night with a Hall of Famer, and more!
MotoQuest (www.motoquest.com) has partnered with Long Beach BMW Motorcycles, Doffo Winery, MotoVentures, The John Penton Story and Schuberth Helmets to offer an exclusive motorcycle experience for adventure riders. Mark your calendars for the New Year Camp ‘N Ride, January 24-25, 2015, as you won’t want to miss out on this unique opportunity for some amazing riding and friendly camaraderie. Space is limited to the first 60 riders, so be sure to reserve your spot now!
Lunch stop at Doffo Winery and MotoDoffo Vintage Motorcycle Collection
Private screening of The John Penton Story and fireside chat with Jack Penton
Get fitted and demo a Schuberth helmet
Four meals included (two breakfasts, lunch and dinner)
Free gear transport in MotoQuest support vehicle
Event participation with own bike: $175
MotoQuest also offering special weekend rental rates (contact MotoQuest for details)
Discounted MotoVentures Dirt First 4-hour training course with Gary LaPlante and Jack Penton: additional $250
MotoQuest will be operating a support vehicle on the ride, and is offering complimentary gear transport out of their Long Beach rental facility adjacent to Long Beach BMW Motorcycles. The cost to attend the event with your own bike is $175 and is all-inclusive. Participants will be responsible for providing their own bike, gear and gas money. MotoQuest is also offering special weekend rental rates for riders that need to rent a bike for the event. Learn more or register at bit.ly/motoquestnyr. Contact MotoQuest for details at 1-800-756-1990.
The ride will make a lunch stop at the Doffo Winery and MotoDoffo Vintage Motorcycle Collection.
The ride proceeds to MotoVentures (www.motoventures.com) headquarters in Anza, California where riders will set up camp and enjoy a satisfying BBQ dinner after a long day of riding some of the most beautiful roads in Southern California. Evening activities include an “Ugly Sweater Contest” with great prizes offered up by Long Beach BMW, followed by a private outdoor screening of The John Penton Story (www.pentonmovie.com), winner of Best Documentary at the 2014 Motorcycle Film Festival. John’s son, Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Penton, will be in attendance and will provide additional insight into the making of the film and the historic Penton family around the campfire.
Riders will have the opportunity to take Gary LaPlante’s Dirt First off-road training course at the MotoVentures facility, at a discounted rate.
Sunday morning brings an opportunity of a lifetime to take the world-renowned Dirt First off-road training course with MotoVentures’ Gary LaPlante, assisted by Jack Penton. This is a rare opportunity to take this 4-hour off-road training session with the accomplished instructor, and also receive riding tips from off-road legend Jack Penton. MotoVentures is offering this training session at a discounted rate of $250 (includes use of MotoVentures’ bikes).
Participants will be treated to a private outdoor screening of the award-winning documentary The John Penton Story, and a fireside chat with Jack Penton.
CONSULTING WITH THE MICHAEL HUPY LEGAL DEPARTMENT–Right to Privacy Molested.
We all know about the digital recorders in vehicles, which store personal data, but did you know that companies like Digital Recognition Network (DRN) use high speed cameras to capture up to 60 license plate numbers in a second and stores about 70 million records monthly. DRN serves insurance companies and lenders of automobile loans to efficiently track down the location of cars belonging to drivers who default on the loans. What does DRN do with all the millions of plate numbers that aren’t part of the repo operation? It sells them to law enforcement agencies, private investigators and financial institutions.
The U.S. Marshals Service has been engaging in an “eye in the sky” form of surveillance since 2007. Using small Cessna aircraft equipped with specialized electronic devices, cell phone calls can be intercepted and the location of the caller can be determined to within 10 feet.
The Marshals Service justifies the use of the devices as a tool to find suspects who are known to be in a certain geographic location. The problem is that while looking for that suspect, thousands of conversations between law abiding Americans are also intercepted, and no information has come forward about what is done with that data.
In an effort to curb some of this information gathering, U.S. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) authored HR 3361, which addressed concerns about surveillance of American citizens. The USA Freedom Act is an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ending Eavesdropping, Dragnet-collection and Online Monitoring Act.
Starting out with good intentions, including limiting the extension of the Patriot Act, the USA Freedom Act was amended and watered down by House Republicans loyal to the intelligence community.
The Senate version of the bill, S2685, was authored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Leahy and his backers didn’t think the bill went far enough to stop the bulk collection of data by the government. Much of the support for the bill stemmed from earlier revelations by Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed the extent of government spying on citizens of America and others.
Senator Leahy was joined by three Republican co-sponsors of S2685, including Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) who is considered a possible future candidate to run for president. Ironically, Senator Rand Paul, a Libertarian minded champion of civil liberties, did not sponsor the USA Freedom Act.
With all the rhetoric coming from the NSA and others about these measures being necessary to protect freedom, the question remains whether freedom can be defended if it’s not protected from intrusions in the first place.
Visit www.hupy.com/news/current-news-for-bikers/ for more interesting articles and to request free items like a “statement of Constitutional Rights” card for your wallet.
–by Tony Pan Sanfelipo
HELP the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Build a New Exhibit–At the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, we work hard to keep exhibits fresh and we try to change out at least one exhibit each year so all of our visitors find something new when they stop in. This year, our new exhibit will be called “My First Ride” and we want your help putting it together. There are two ways you can be a part of this new exhibit.
First, you can tell us all about the first time you were on two wheels. What was it like for you? Were you riding behind some relative or friend? Or did you have the throttle in your hand? Did you crash? Did you have permission to be riding (either from your own parents, or from the owner of the bike) or was it a secret? Was it all you thought it would be? It’s the details we want – we want to hear about the fear, the exhilaration, the excitement, the ups and the downs.
The second way you can help us is by sending us your photos. Is there a picture of that very first ride you took? Do you have a photo of that first bike you ever owned? How about the first bike you ever rode? Maybe it’s a picture of you riding behind someone else (or even in front of someone else). It really doesn’t matter to us if it was 50 years ago, or just yesterday – we want to know what kind of bike you had first. Some of these photos will actually be used in the exhibit. Others will help us know more about what bikes we should search for to display along with the stories and photos.
All of the information for “My First Ride” can be emailed to info@sturgismusuem.com. Please include “My First Ride” in the subject line, and be sure to include your contact details, so we can get in touch if we want to use your information.
Our deadline for inclusion in the exhibit is January 30th – so don’t put off looking through those old photos. The more participation we have, the better the exhibit will be.
BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–Triumph Bonneville – The Essential Buyer’s Guide, By Peter Henshaw
A practical, straightforward guide to buying a secondhand Triumph Bonneville, from the very first 1959 T120 pre-unit 650, to the very last T140 unit 750 machines built by L F Harris. What they’re like to live with, spares availability and prices, plus point-by-point guide to buying a Bonnie. One hundred color photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you thousands.
There are lots of books about the Triumph Bonneville, about its history, performance, lineage and the minutiae of its specification, but none of them tell you what to look for when buying one secondhand.
That’s what this book is about – it aims at being a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Bonnie. It won’t list all the correct color combinations for each year, or analyze the bike’s design philosophy, or consider its background as part of a troubled industry, but hopefully it will help you avoid buying a dud.
Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Bonnie, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork.
Over 29 years in production, the Bonneville is for some the definitive postwar British vertical twin, perhaps even the definitive British bike of all time, with all its strengths, weaknesses and character. Although there might seem to be a wide range of models and special editions, all are based around the same 649cc or 747cc vertical twin.
There were plenty of changes over the years, but none of them changed the basic format of this classic British bike. Aside from all the history, the Bonneville remains a tremendous classic to own, so long as you’re prepared to look after it. The last Bonnies truly deserve the term ‘practical classic.’ Whichever one you choose, it should be fast, agile and good looking, and on a twisty English B road, there’s nothing like a Bonnie. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you thousands.
Paperback • 139mm x 195mm • 64 pages • 127 colour pictures
ISBN: 978-1-84584-134-8
£ 9.99 (for eBooks this varies and delivery is free)
• Detailed, step-by-step guide showing points to look for
• Restore, or pay more to start with?
• Spares prices – Relative value when viewing each model
• Auction guide
• Useful contacts – clubs, parts suppliers, restorers
• Problems that arise with lack of use
• The reality of living with a Bonneville
• Invest pennies, save potentially thousands!
1963-70 Unit 650s – T120
1971-74 Oil-in-frame 650s – T120, T120R, T120RV
1973-77 Early Meriden 750s – T140V
1978-1983 Late Meriden 750s – T140E, TSS, TSX
1986-88 Harris 750s
RUSH EXHAUST FOR The War Horse–Rush Racing brings you the War Horse exhaust system for Indian Motorcycles.
The War Horse is a high-performance slip-on muffler system that’s designed to give you a deep rumble, more torque and more horsepower than other slip-ons.
They feature chrome or black finishes along with the ability to interchange the baffles so you can get the sound and performance you’re looking for. Feel the rumble and hear the thunder of a War Horse.
–from Ben Lamboeuf
For your Digital Marketing needs on Bikernet.com
S&S HI-4N IGNITION NOW IN STOCK–
S&S Cycle is excited to announce that the S&S HI-4N ignition system for 1970-’99 carbureted Harley-Davidson big twins is in stock and ready to light your fire. If you loved the Crane Cams HI-4N ignition, you’ll love the S&S HI-4N. Same premium electronics. Same great features. Just a different name.
S&S Cycle is ending it’s relationship with the Crane Cams brand effective midnight December 31st 2014, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t still be able to get the HI-4N ignition module. The HI-4N will be available under the S&S brand, along with many of the most popular products formerly offered in the Crane Cams Motorcycle Products Catalog.
Contact your local S&S Dealer for more information about the S&S HI-4N ignition or click here.
DIRTY BIRD CONCEPTS Debuts Custom Scout in New York City–Indian Motorcycle and Dirty Bird Concepts revealed a customized 2015 Indian Scout at the International Motorcycle Shows New York City event. Dirty Bird Concepts owner, John Shope, was fired up about the project called “Scout 42” as soon as he saw the new motorcycle revealed at the Black Hills Rally in Sturgis SD earlier this year.
“Dirty Bird is well known for our custom baggers,” says Shope who co-starred in the television show Biker Battle Ground Phoenix, “So when I saw the new Scout I knew it was going to be a real player on the market – and when I had a chance to ride it – I was totally blown away by how great the engine and handling is.”
The 2015 Indian Scout is available at a starting MSRP of $10,999. For more information log on to www.IndianMotorcycle.com.
See the full feature on Bikernet later today.–Bandit
BIKERNET CODE OF THE WEST DOCTRINE–Having a cold drink on hot day with a few friends is nice, but having a hot friend on a cold night after a few drinks – El Waggs
THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, FOR JUSTICE, AND THE AMERICAN WAY—To most everyone the definition of American way is different. That makes the whole operation difficult to nail down, but there are those of us who try like hell to give us guidance, direction, and hope.
Let’s just take a look at what’s coming to Bikernet and factor each creative element into the Freedom mix. About the time you think the folks don’t care about freedom, look at what the Bros are doing.
Take a look at this T-Bird. Is that puppy sweet or what? Do you think regulations had anything to do with this fine piece of art? It’s not coming to Bikernet. A brother, Bob Clark, who has lived and survived behind everything custom, all of his life, sent me this shot.
We are about to launch a series of articles on Arch motorcycles by Gard Hollinger. I spent the day with him going over all the elements making up this $75,000 masterpiece. We just barely scratched the surface in one day. I’ll be back many times, and Markus Cuff, our esteemed photographer spent another day working with the Arch Team.
This puppy was designed to be a lane slasher. It’s narrower than most motorcycles by about four inches. Everything on this bike was designed for user-friendly service. Everything was designed to perform multiple functions, and this semi-high-tech, long distance rider, minimalist custom, is an absolute engineering work of art. Hang on for the reports.
