FXRS RULE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for June 4, 2015

Hey,

I wish I knew what the hell I’m doing. I stumbled into Bennett’s Performance on Signal Hill yesterday and Eric Bennett said, “What the hell Bandit. Did you ever imagine Harleys built to look like dirt bikes?”

His shop was packed with FXRs and many were set up with tall shocks and taller front ends for that super-moto look. Hell, I don’t even know what to call them. They are performance wheelie kings. We will report on the Twevo dyno run a little later.

We had a blast checking out bikes and talking performance. But something gnawed at me. I thought about the Governor trying to ban motorcycles for noise issues when half the population is talking on cell phones as they drive or reading e-mails (see investigation). I wonder about the noise argument to prevent kids from being disturbed by three seconds of a loud motorcycle when two years later they listen to blaring rock and roll for hours?

I wonder about the whole notion of regulating the human spirit. Blue collar guys who work hard find relief after work with a beer, while building something cool to split lanes with. They are just having some fun. America was once the nation of freedom and innovation, fun and excitement. We need to recognize and honor the human spirit.

Let’s hit the news. It’s sponsored by Cycle Source Magazine, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and Iron Trader News.

BONNEVILLE SPEED TRIALS SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM– 2015 Sponsorship Package–‘Day’ Sponsorship, Number of packages available: Five.

This package is an opportunity for five companies to be recognized through additional exposure by sponsoring a ‘day’ at the 2015 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. e.g “Monday is brought to you by (company name)”.

The package includes:
•Interviews on the Salt will display your banners and Logos as a backdrop in a specified area.
•Additional Radio announcements about your company on the FM radio station as well on Social Media.
•Literature distributed at the gate on day of sponsorship.
•Banner placement at gate on day of sponsorship.
•Recognition in the event program, specifically on the daily schedule(s).
•Your banner displayed throughout the grounds of the event.
•Your logo on the event website with links to your company website.
•Spectator passes for your company, employees or guests.
•Certificate of Recognition.
•Permission to distribute literature and/or sell merchandise1.
•License to use ‘Official Sponsor of the 2015 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials’ in your advertising and promotions prior to the event (subject to review by BMST promoter prior to release).

‘Day’ SponsorshipPackage Value $3,000

Add-on Opportunities:
Any riders can be registered individually for $250.00 per rider. $100.00 per additional class.

Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials – Bill Woods – (425)736-6142 – Marketing/ Advertising Coordinator – bill.woods@bonnevillespeedtrials.com –

BREATHING LIFE INTO THE 5-BALL RACING SALT TORPEDO– So I started working the sketch idea for the salt torpedo logo. Attached is the rough. Did a circle to pull a background. Put in the skyline of Bonneville or not. Anything you would like changed or modified lemme know.

Or….if it’s not the right idea at all, lemme know then too and I’ll go another route.

–atomic-

With a couple of small changes, he hit the nail on the head.–Bandit

LEATHERWORKS SUPPORTS VETS– Join us in Supporting the Returning Veterans
This year, in addition to our Annual Spring Sale, Leatherworks Inc will be joining the Buffalo Chip’s Technical Scholarship Foundation

Take 10% off any order over $150. This includes our famous Solo Bag. Take 20% off any order over $500.

In addition to the sale price, Leatherworks Inc. will donate 5% of proceeds to the Buffalo Chip Technical Scholarship Foundation service through the Flying Piston Breakfast (held on August 2, 2015).

The breakfast is a fundraiser for students and returning veterans to ease their transition back home through technical training and job placement. If you are in Sturgis, come out and enjoy the fun, food and silent auction.

Join this opportunity to combine a love for motorcycles with a passion for helping veterans. Please visit the Flying Piston for more information on this organization.

You must call us at (209)-983-9200 to place on order. Take a look at our saddlebags here. Check out our popular solo bags here.

RUN TO THE WALL ACCIDENT REPORT–
One of my buds had an accident riding to Los Angeles from Bullhead City prior to The Run for the Wall a couple of weeks back.

Story goes Pegger was splitting lanes, tapped by a car and sucked under a tractor trailer . Story is compound fracture in one leg and lost some flesh out of the other one.

Get well soon brother.

I heard that other than that, for those
riders on the Northern route it was a good run . In
appreciation of your support over the years for those of us in El Segundo Calif., we are sending you a ride pin and a
RFTW . t-shirt for thank you .

–Gearhead

DHARMA WORDS OF THE DAY— Your work is to discover your work, And then with all your heart, to give yourself to it.–Buddha

BIKERNET BAD COP INVESTIGATION— Forensic scandal: The FBI formally admitted this week that almost every employee within the bureau’s elite forensic unit gave flawed testimony that helped incriminate hundreds of suspects over two decades—including 14 defendants who were either executed or died in prison.

The official acknowledgement brings to an end one of the country’s biggest forensic scandals. An independent investigation found that FBI examiners had exaggerated the accuracy of microscopic hair analysis to help prosecutors secure convictions in at least 254 trials before 2000. After 2000, prosecutors began relying on more accurate forms of testing, such as DNA analysis. Legal groups are calling on the agency to inform all 2,500 defendants in cases in which examiners claimed hair matches.

–The Week Magazine May 2015

HOT NEW VELOCITY STACK– Bare Knuckle Choppers’ new “Retro” velocity stack is the result of people asking for something new and unique for their trusted Super E/G and Linkert carburetors.

Designed and cast here in the USA, and machined at Bare Knuckle. Comes with the clever cover plate, that doubles as the screen retainer. All necessary hardware is included. Choose from polished or raw, as well as brass or stainless steel screen, and short or tall.

100% Made in USA. www.bareknucklechoppers.com or 1-888-240-NUKL

–Nichole Grodski
Bare Knuckle Choppers LLC.
BareKnuckleChoppers
MACHINE CO.
21 Highway A
Hawk Point, Missouri 63349
636-338-4355
1-888-240-NUKL
www.bareknucklechoppers.com

“The end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations.”

SOMETHING CUSTOM FROM THE PAST–Larry Watson’s 1959 Cadillac 62 Special parked in front of Larry’s Rosecrans Blvd Bellflower shop with the Peanut House bar in the background.

–El Waggs

Look What Magazines and Independent Testers are Still Saying about Love Jugs–“My Love Jugs fans withstood the harshest conditions I endured. Love Jugs are 100% waterproof outdoor rated fan motors, and my trip confirmed that! If it was not raining, it was as hot as Hades. They will actually run while submerged underwater as can be seen on their website: http://love-jugs.com/videos/

Believe it or not, some competing systems use indoor rated fans, which will short out when exposed to water – even during a washing.

–Jimmy and Pat Kay
Producers of Two Wheel Thunder TV-Contributing Editors for Various National Magazines

I have no relationship of any kind with the makers of Love Jugs. A short time ago I did an independent Dyno test, basically, a product test, on the Love Jugs engine cooling system. We put the Love Jugs on a 2013 FLHX Street Glide, fully broken in, with about 1,700 miles on it. What we did on the test was to bring the bike up to a high operating temperature, of almost 400 degrees, that a rider would encounter in a traffic situation. We maxed out the cylinder temperature, maxed out the oil temperature, and got the bike totally heat soaked. Then, with the fans off in the Dyno room, I let the bike idle with the Love Jugs cooling system installed and on.

Amazingly enough, within one minute the cylinder temperature dropped 30 – 40 degrees. The oil temperature dropped as well. As we left the bike sitting in idle with the Love Jugs on, the bike actually kept cooling off. Ultimately the temp went down almost 100 degrees before we turned the unit off. Love Jugs is well built, looks cool and it really works. I would recommend Love Jugs.

–Mike Beland
A1 Cycles – 5 Time Rat Hole Winner – Daytona Beach, FL

If you live in an area of the country where it’s hot right now, then go for it, get some Love Jugs sent to you and begin enjoying the benefits right away.

–“Doc” Robinson
Associate & Technical Editor
HEAVY DUTY MAGAZINE – AUSTRALIA

For more information, please contact: Hammerhead Engineering CEO Steve West at info@love-jugs.com or visit the web site: www.love-jugs.com. Dealers and Distributors are invited to inquire.

BIKERNET EDITOR TOURS
Chaing Mai, Thailand–
Home of the world’s newest Harley Davidson dealership.

I took a bus from the beach to Sukothai and stayed at Thore’s. Next day he Siri and I drove about 250 miles to Chaing Mai.

Went to the party at the World’s newest Harley Davidson store. First class all the way – Brand new building – looks very sharp.
Has it all – sales (20 new bikes in stock) – service – parts and clothing.

The party was over the top – hundreds of people – all the food and drink. Press – officials – Fashion Show – dancing girls and live bands.

I knew Richie the owner back in the first days of country dancing craze in California.
Denim And Diamonds around 1992 – He moved here about 10 years ago.

I spent the night and drove back next day.

A brief recap of the trip so far

4 days in Bkk
5 days in Phnom Penh
2 days in Siem Reap/Ankor Wat
2 Days Chon Buri
3 days Chaing mai/Sukothai
10 days in Chon Buri Yet to come

Chaing Mai was founded about 1300. Still has bits of old walls and moats but couldn’t keep out Burma in 1556. See Chiangmai/wiki

Now, onto the beach town in Chon Buri south of Bankock.

This Buddha is BIG

Moat around old city

More scenic portion of wall

Main entry gate of old city

Perspective of a moat

–Art Hall
Bikernet International Editor and Chaing Mai Emperor

ROB’S PLACE POSITION CAME AVAILABLE— Just this week one spot became available for the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Rally directly across the street from the Easyriders Café. The spot is big rig sized and very reasonably priced.

Chance of a lifetime

–Robbin Scroggie: 213 379 2984 cell
Office 213-620-9576

JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK 6/4/15–JIMS No. 970 3RD Hand Axle Locker Tool

Have you ever tightened the axle nut on 2002 to present baggers only to find that when you torque the nut, the cam adjuster on the opposite side moves slightly and goofs up the belt adjustment?

At JIMS we have the perfect solution, our No. 970 Third Hand Axle Locker Tool is designed to go onto the welded nut side and hold it with its adjustable screw taking up the slop in the adjuster cam while you torque the nut to spec.

You get perfect adjustment and alignment without using 2 wrenches or having a helper back you up. For more info, contact JIMS at sales@jimsusa.com or call (805) 482-6913. You can also visit us on the web at www.jimsusa.com.

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TRIUMPH FLAT TRACK RIDERS HEAD TO X GAMES AFTER STRONG PERFROMANCES AT SACRAMENTO– Manufacturer scores its first podium finish in the modern-era of AMA Pro Flat Track

Triumph motorcycle race teams had a memorable weekend at the Sacramento Mile during AMA Pro Flat Track. Brandon Robinson, riding the #44 Latus Motors Racing / Castrol / Triumph, gave Triumph its first factory-supported podium finish in a modern-era AMA Pro Flat Track Main.

Triumph AMA Pro Flat Track riders, Robinson and Jake Shoemaker, #55 Bonneville Performance / Castrol / Triumph, now quickly shift their focus towards Austin, Texas, for the highly anticipated inaugural X Games Flat Track race this Thursday, June 4. X Games Flat Track will air on ESPN at 8:30pm EDT and will also be accessible via WatchESPN.com.

“As a long-time participant in the paddock, having flat track racing on live television for the first time in over thirty years is a great day for our sport,” said Bill Gately, owner of Bonneville Performance. “X Games viewers are going to see just how thrilling and competitive the racing action on dirt is. Jake and my entire team are excited to represent Castrol, Triumph and all our partners for a global audience.”

Last weekend fans were treated to the best AMA Pro Flat Track GNC1 race of the season thus far at the historic Sacramento Mile. Robinson nearly had his first win of the season before he was drafted at the checkered flag, finishing 2nd by only 0.020 seconds. Shoemaker missed out on a top-10 finish by a mere 0.004 seconds, placing 11th.

On the strength of Robinson’s second-place finish at Sacramento, VETMotorsports earned a total bonus of $875 from Castrol’s VETMotorsports Performance Match Fund. The donation brings the total earned for VETMotorsports to $1,800 on the season. Gately’s Bonneville Performance team will embed United States Army veteran Sgt. Rob D. onto its team for X Games Flat Track to support VETMotorsports’ outreach program.

For more information on X Games Austin including the complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit http://xgames.espn.go.com/xgames/austin/.

To see the full range of Triumph motorcycles, visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.

To learn more about VETMotorsports, participate in the program, or make a donation, visit www.VETMotorsports.org.

MONGOLS IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL—
Feds Take Aim at Biker Gang’s ‘Colors’
Government will try to seize group’s logo, saying it serves as a license to commit crime.

By Dan Frosch and
Nathan Koppel

Federal prosecutors are trying a novel legal tactic to strike at the heart of what they consider a notorious outlaw motorcycle gang: using trademark law to take away its treasured logo…

SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION— Religious beliefs are one level of spirituality. There’s another level of spirituality. That is what I call basic spirituality—basic human qualities of goodness, kindness, compassion, and caring. Whether we are believers or nonbelievers, this kind of spirituality is essential.

I personally consider this second level of spirituality to be more important than the first, because no matter how wonderful a particular religion may be, it will still only be accepted by a limited number of human beings, only a portion of humanity. But as long as we are human beings, as long as we are members of the human family, all of us need basic spiritual values.—Dalai lama

THUNDER PRESS COMMENTS ABOUT BIKERNET INDIAN—  I just read about your Indian project. Way cool! About the powder coating for the exhaust… did you try these folks? http://www.jet-hot.com/

I saw their setup at Outer Banks Bike Week in April. It looked pretty good. Maybe you can give them a call, if you haven’t already found someone else. This isn’t an endorsement; I haven’t tried them and don’t know anyone who has, but I just thought I’d suggest an alternative.

Good luck!

–Marjorie Kleiman aka Shadow
Editor, Thunder Press North
179-15 Route 46, #125
Rockaway, NJ 07866
973.586.1088 (office)
973.586.1089 (fax)
www.thunderpress.net
www.facebook.com/thunderpress

WHEELER WORK STATION HEADS TO STURGIS EARLY—The Bikernet team is testing the famous Wheeler Work Station from the ‘80s. First, we built a replica of one of the original designs by Ray C. Wheeler. Since then we have discovered a way to improve and speed up all-American construction.

We detailed this original unit and decided to donate it to the Sturgis Museum, since in 1987 Ray was set up outside the museum and promised Pepper Massey he would build one for the museum. This week he kept that promise and loaded this WWS up and hauled ass to Sturgis.

We also tested a new Pingel wheel chock for this unit from Biker’s choice. It was a breeze to mount.

We will bring you a report on the event in the museum in our Sunday Post. Hang on. And Hang on for more news about the new version WWS launched later this year.

–Bandit

LOUD PIPES SAVES LIVES BIKERNET RESEARCH GROUP—This just in from the Week Magazine, June 5: Drivers are doing more than just texting behind the wheel. In a new study by Braun Research, 33 percent admitted they regularly send and read emails while driving, while 28 percent said they browse the internet and 27 percent said they use Facebook.—Vox.com

FIND IT NOW USA (FIN®) Releases 4.0 Version–
Port Richey, FL – Find It Now USA, LLC the creator of the Original Early Warning GPS Security System designed specifically for the Motorcycle and Powersports Industry, announces the release of its 4th generation product FIN 4.0. Being the Original Developers of early Warning GPS Security for Motorcycles and Powersports Vehicles, FIN is continually upgrading and improving their product including hardware, software and operating systems.

The FIN Security System is the premier security and tracking system for the Powersports industry and is ONLY SOLD THROUGH DEALERS! FIN has the most up to date technology and a highly trained staff to assist you 24/7/365. FIN’s New Power Management and 4.0 Operating System sets them apart from the competition…It is rugged, shock resistant and water resistant!

FIN was voted Number 1 in motorcycle security, even before Lojack decided to leave the bike protection business. You can track your bike from any SMART Phone or Tablet that’s connected to the internet 24/7.

American Made, Veteran Owned and Operated and available exclusively at Motorcycle and Powersports dealers all across the USA. Increase the profitability of your dealership…Offer FIN 4.0 to all your customers. For more information on Find It Now and how they can increase your bottom line profitability, please call 888-811-3883; email them Sales@FindItNowUSA.com or visit http://www.FindItNowUSA.com. DEALERS

–Rick Raus

NEW BDCW Platform Footpegs for Honda CRF 250/450 X/R– Another exclusive design from the folks at Black Dog Cycle Works (BDCW)

Black Dog Cycle Works (BDCW) founder, Kurt Forgét, announced their new line of all aircraft alloy footpegs for select models of Honda CRF dirtbikes. Forgét stated, “Based on the popularity of our “Platform” footpeg designs for KTM dirtbikes and adventure bikes, we have decided to extend our models to fit most Honda CRF 250/450 X and R models. We initially developed this model for Kevin Muggleton’s two year run at the Dakar Rally before releasing them to the public.

“From our experience, we recognize that having enlarged footpegs provides the rider with greater control of the bike. It’s like adding power steering to the motorcycle. BDCW “Platform” footpegs are designed to provide the rider with greater comfort and control, and because they’re made from an aircraft alloy they’re ruggedly durable. And we didn’t stop there, we even designed in a built-in bottle opener to the bottom of each footpeg so the rider can carry one less item and have easy access to refreshments at the end of the day.”

“With every day being a 500+ mile off road day, Dakar training and riding takes its toll on you and your body. Having Black Dog Cycle Works develop footpegs for our Honda race bike is a godsend. The stock pegs hurt after a few hours, and affect your riding after days on the pegs. These BDCW pegs let me stand for the entire day, day after day. They are huge and indestructible, but more importantly, they are no heavier than the stock pegs. Thanks Guys!”

–Kevin Muggleton, Dakar Racer and owner of Redverz Gear

Platform portion of footpegs measure 2-3/8″ x 4-1/2″

Price: $219 with introductory price of $199

–Kurt Forgét
Black Dog Cycle Works
(208) 263-4400
Kurt@BlackDogCW.com
www.BlackDogCW.com

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flok-suh-naw-suh-nahy-hil-uh-pil-uh-fi-KEY-shuh n
noun
1. Rare. the estimation of something as valueless (encountered mainly as an example of one of the longest words in the English language).

Quotes
…they must be taken with an air of contempt, a floccipaucinihilipilification of all that can gratify the outward man
— Sir Walter Scott, “Wednesday, March 18, 1829,” The Journal of Sir Walter Scott, edited by W. E. K Anderson, 1972

Origin
Floccinaucinihilipilification is a combination of the Latin words flocci+nauci+nihili+pili each of which refer to something of little or no value. These terms appeared next to one another in a widely used textbook called The Eton Latin Grammar, and were combined in this facetious construction, which is first attested in the 1700s.

BENNETT’S PERFORMANCE DYNO RESULTS WITH A 106-INCH TWEVO—What the hell is a Twevo? It’s a Twin Cam engine in a set of S&S Evo adapted cases. They allow anyone to bolt a Twin Cam power plant into an FXR frame.

Eric Bennett built this 106-inch engine, much like the one we covered, for his Dyna Glide, minus the Branch heads. This configuration uses all Evo driveline components, minus the engine, so it has a stock 5-speed Evo Trans and primary.

We slipped it on the Bennett’s performance dyno and let it rip, took out some timing and added a larger Mikuni mainjet for 114 pounds of Torque and 102.5 horsepower.

–Bandit

SPEEDWAY TO HOST 23rd annual Amerivespa event—

Hundreds of scooterists around the world headed to Speedway.

Speedway, Ind. – Race cars aren’t the only vehicles hitting the world-famous oval track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year. For the first time, the Racing Capital of the World welcomes the 23rd annual national motor scooter rally, Amerivespa, from June 11-14.

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts, or scooterists, from across the country and around the world will be racing to Speedway for a weekend of events sponsored by the Vespa Club of America (VCOA), The North American Racing Association (NASRA) and the Indy Scooter Club (Indy SC) to promote scooter culture here in Indianapolis.

“We’re really excited to show off Indianapolis,” says Chris Sublett, president of Indy SC. “Indianapolis has a strong scooter culture and we’ve been working really hard to plan an event that will show off the best of our city. Also, we would like to give a special thank you to the dedicated employees and officials of Speedway, IN. They’ve made Main Street the perfect place to hold so many of our amazing activities.”

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. Thursday morning with a scenic ride through the hills of southern Indiana. Participants will mingle at a meet-and-greet inside the Dallara IndyCar Factory at Lino’s Italian Café Thursday evening. Then, on Friday, the riders will take part in a Poker Run leading them to the IMS for a lap on the famous track and will conclude the evening with a party at Radio Radio & Revolucion.

On Saturday, the scooterists will make an appearance in the Indiana Pride Parade. While crossing the finish line on Main Street in Speedway, riders can compete in a gymkhana course to showcase their scooter skills.

“A ride around the Indy 500 Track is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Jac Carolan, president of VCOA. “Indy SC’s passion for riding and raising scooter awareness was also very evident in their proposal.”

“NASRA looks forward to having the opportunity to showcase scooter racing in a gymkhana format,” says Jeremy Hall, president of NASRA. “It allows us to try some new things and expand on the traditional layout. We’re stoked to have the opportunity!”

In addition to riding on the track, activities will include organized tours of the city, a vendor marketplace, evening hangouts and a formal banquet.

For a full list of events and registration information, visit the Amerivespa event website, http://amerivespa.org/.

NEW BOLTS JUST HIT THE STREETS—
Star Motorcycles today introduced the 2016 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec, which are the company’s first two models in its 2016 line-up of cruisers.

Epitomizing the “Urban Performance Bobber”, the compact chassis on the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec proudly showcases the 58-cubic-inch (942cc), air-cooled, 60° V-twin engine at the heart of each bike. Both the Bolt and the Bolt R-Spec have been highly popular models, attracting a broad range of cruiser buyers.

The 2016 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec use modern technology to create a riding experience superior to other similarly sized machines. Class-leading engine performance with strong low- and mid-range torque rewards riders with every twist of the throttle.

The 2016 Bolt R-Spec adds a racier attitude to the standard Bolt, with the addition of external-reservoir rear shocks, unique graphics, and a suede-type seat with contrasting stitching.

For riders who value personalization, Star Motorcycles offers a wide range of options and accessories for the 2016 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec that hold true to the company’s philosophy, “We build it. You make it your own.” The Bolt and Bolt R-Spec are the ultimate examples of that philosophy, and they provide customers with the perfect canvas for customization.

The 2016 Bolt will retail for $7,990, and will be available in two color options—Raven and Deep Blue.

The 2016 Bolt R-Spec will retail for $8,390 and will be available in two color options–Rapid Red and Stone Grey. Both motorcycles will be available in dealerships beginning in August. The 2016 Bolt C-Spec will be introduced in the Fall.

For more information on all the Star Motorcycles–including features, specifications, photos, and videos–please visit www.StarMotorcycles.com. Also, check out “YamahaMotorUSA” on your favorite social media sites.

BUSHTEC TRAILERS PERFECT MATCH WITH VICTORY

Cool, Great looking trailer!!!

–Gregg Carlson
gmcarlson7@yahoo.com
Watervilet, MI

THE BIKERNET ROCK SCENE–Indie icon Pete Francis of Dispatch returns with a variety of fresh creative endeavors including new band, Dragon Crest Collective.

New album titled Dragon Crest Collective Vol. 1 available June 23

Not many artists can claim to have sold-out Madison Square Gardens three nights in a row, held a farewell outdoor concert that attracted over 110,000 fans from 25 countries, making it the largest independent music event in history (outdrawing Phish’s swan song by 50,000 and the multi-band fest Bonnaroo by almost 20,000), but not many are Pete Francis.

As one third of the visionary indie band, Dispatch, he inspired legions of fans with an aesthetic that was as accessible and inviting as it was artistically uncompromising. Now, he embarks on a new era of inspired creativity with a multitude of new projects, including an invigorating hip-hop flavored band, Dragon Crest Collective, whose debut, Volume 1, drops June 23; a vibey studio open to the public; and through offering his own unique production services to recording artists.

Dragon Crest Collective is a homespun, collaboration-fueled foray into the most groove-heavy territory the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has ever explored.

On the group’s debut, Volume One, Francis drew much inspiration from the fusion of groove-powered instrumentals and lo-fi hip-hop that the Beastie Boys offered up on their 1992 classic Check Your Head. Dragon Crest Collective finds the Dispatch co-founder teaming up with Danny “dbone” Golden (keyboards, drum programming), Paul Maddison (guitar, bass), and Kenny Shaw (drums) to create a joyfully hip-hop-inspired take on alt-rock.

Special guests on the album include guitarist Darian Cunning (who tears through a transcendent solo on the bass-soaked, ultra-danceable “King Kong”) and the Funky Dawgz Brass Band (who heat up tracks like the chant-along-worthy party jam “Dance Dance Dance Dance” with their fiery horn work). The album release will be preceded by the first single, “Turn Me On,” an unbridled paean to family life, bursting with joyous and revelatory rhymes and stanky and rockin’ hip-hop grooves.

“In all my years of making music, one of my favorite things is when a concert feels like a party,” says Francis. “I wanted to make this record feel like a party too, lighthearted and fun and rockin’ even though it’s got its serious moments.”

The album was born in Francis’s self-built home studio in Connecticut, Dragon Crest Studios, which offers bucolic comforts and an eclectic collection of vintage and modern gear. The studio is open to the public and it’s spirit matches Francis’s bold adventurous creativity, it’s versatile and compatible with a broad cross section of vibes and visions.

Raised in Riverside, Connecticut, Francis threw himself into the music world at age 13, when he first learned to play guitar. While studying at Middlebury College in Vermont, he crossed paths with fellow musicians Brad Corrigan and Chad Stokes and soon formed Dispatch, who self-released their debut album Silent Steeples in 1996.

At the start of an extended band hiatus in 2001, Francis put out his solo debut So They Say, then went on to create six more solo albums over the next decade while eventually reconnecting with Dispatch (whose most recent endeavors include the release of a double live album in 2013). “After working in music for almost 20 years, I’m more willing than ever to try a lot of different styles and work with a lot of different musicians and see what’s musically possible,” says Francis of his work with Dragon Crest Collective. “There’s an amazing sense of freedom to stretch the boundaries and go off into completely new directions, and I really love taking advantage of that.”

SPEED MERCHANTS EXHAUST SYSTEMS—We spotted several pipes at Bennett’s Performance and we’re impressed. Speed Merchants makes triple trees, billet risers, air cleaners, and lots of cool accessories. They are totally in keeping with the Harley-Moto look.

–Bandit

BORN FREE OPPORTUNITY–Win A Miller Tig Diversion 180 Welder!

Online promo starts today & ends June 15th. Winner will be selected on June 16th. How to enter: Buy 2 or more BF7 Giveaway Promo poster/ticket combos…that’s it.

With your purchase you are also in the running to Win 4 different motorcycles at BF7 (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN THE BIKES). When the winner is chosen we will ship the welder or you can pick it up at Born-Free on June 27th.or 28th.

If you have not bought your poster/ticket combo yet now is the time… and time is running out. If you have bought some already…buy a few more and hedge your bets. Someone is going to win this welder on June 16th and 4 bikes at the show. Will it be you? Buy online now through Loser Machine http://www.losermachine.com/collections/born-free

BIKERNET WEEKLY ART EXHIBIT— Here are a few upcoming Allen events in June —

Two receptions this coming up on Saturday, June 6
(Unfortunately, I can only be at one), so join me at

SMI’s Viewpoints 2015

aljira Center for Contemporary Art

591 Market Street
Newark NJ 07102
973 622 1600

On view June 4 – July 1, 2015

Artists reception on Saturday, June 6 from 6-9 pm

“Red & Black Eagle” 2014 — on display at aljira

“Williamsburg Red” © 2015

Art of the Northeast

An beautiful and prestigious exhibition at the

Silvermine Art Center

1037 Silvermine Road
New Canaan, CT 06840
203.966.9700

On view June 6 – July 26, 2015

Artists reception Saturday, June 6 from 6-8 pm

For info and directions to Silvermine

“Macho Dream” © 2013

My painting, Macho Dream is to receive an award at

ADC Fine Art’s “Art Comes Alive!”

ADC’s Gallery in the Sky
310 Culvert Street
Cincinnati OH
513.723.1222

Reception and award ceremony on Saturday, June 20 from 7-10:30 pm

BIKER IN WACO SHOOTOUT FILES CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT— A 30-year old-father and former firefighter who is also a member of a motorcycle club has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging he was illegally swept up in the police dragnet following last month’s Twin Peaks biker shootout in Waco.

Matthew Clendennen of Hewitt is a member of the Scimitars Motorcycle Club and was at Twin Peaks on May 17. He was one of about 170 people arrested after the melee, which left nine dead, and was charged with engaging in organized crime.

In his lawsuit, filed in federal court in Waco on Friday, Clendennen said he was arrested “without probable cause.”

His lawsuit names the city of Waco and the McLennan County Sheriff ’s Office, as well as individual officers working the Twin Peaks case. The suit says Clendennen’s constitutional rights were violated.

— Jason Trahan, WFAA-TV, Dallas

–from Rogue

You may or may not be old enough to have seen the old-time Jewish comedians, famous for their one-liners: Shecky Green, Red Buttons, Totie Fields, Milton Berle, Henny Youngman, and many others. Great humor! Some examples below.

* A car hit an elderly Jewish man. The paramedic says, “Are you comfortable? ” The man says, “I make a good living.”

* I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.

* I’ve been in love with the same woman for 49 years. If my wife finds out, she’ll kill me!

* Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won’t be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.

* We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

* My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife calls it the Dead Sea.

* My wife and I revisited the hotel where we spent our wedding night. This time I was the one who stayed in the bathroom and cried.

* My Wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.

–from HSHamster

Choppers, Bobbers and Motorcycle Art–Things are starting to come together for the National Motorcycle Museum’s upcoming exhibit, The Allstate Motorcycle Chopper Story presented by J&P Cycles.

It is the first-ever motorcycle exhibit comprehensively documenting the evolution of the American Custom Motorcycle: the cut-downs, bob-jobs, show bikes and choppers, from the late 1920s to the early 1980s.

The exhibit will open June 20, 2015, just in time for the 2015 Vintage Rally. The Allstate Motorcycle Chopper Story exhibit will include only period-built bikes, plus related artwork, memorabilia, film posters and photos, plus contemporary artwork commissioned for the show.

“The bikes in the show are Honda, Harley and Triumph powered, even BSA, built by regular folks next door, but also Von Dutch, Ron Finch, Arlen Ness, Indian Larry and others, and show a lot of originality,” says John Parham, owner of the National Motorcycle Museum. “Some of the paint is tamer than we see these days, but amazingly, most of the 40 to 50 year old bikes on display have original candy apple and pearl paint. After you see CHOPPER STORY, you’ll have a better perspective on custom builds you see today. Looking at all this fine work, done so many decades ago just makes me smile.”

The 2 Wheels+Motor art exhibit will also be on display, with artists from all across America participating. Although paintings will be the predominant medium, there will also be bronze and mixed media sculptures, prints and photographs, and most art work will be for sale during this one year show ending May, 2016.

Just like the previous Dirt Track Heroes exhibit, which was on display for two years, The Allstate Motorcycle Chopper Story presented by J&P Cycles won’t be around forever.

The National Motorcycle Museum, located in Anamosa, Iowa, was founded in 1989 by people who love motorcycling and it thrives today because of their sound plan. Engineers, racers, bike builders, tuners and others as far back as the late 1800s built the groundwork for what motorcycling has become. The National Motorcycle Museum’s goal is to present their passion, and ours, through fine interpretive exhibitions built around a fine collection of machines and historical objects from around the world.

SAINTS & SINNERS POKER RUN –
FROM VEGAS TO ZION & BACK
No Fakes – No Pretenders!

If you’re like most people, this ride may not be for you! Saints & Sinners – over 400 miles & back to party at the Red Rock Bike Night! If you ride more than talk, this one will be something to talk about! Don’t miss it! $25.00 per person includes ride pin to the first 200 entrants, 2 meals, door prize ticket and a ride to ride and talk about later.

Over $2,000 in prizes for the winning poker hands (additional poker hands will be available for sale!)
Pre-register for an added surprise:

http://www.redrockharley.com/event_list_detail.asp?ecode=678724&smonth=6&syear=2015&emonth=6&eyear=2015&location=0&Submit=Search&inputpage=1

THE BAD JOKES KEEP COMING—
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
? President George Washington

Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter. The pharmacist at the counter asked the older boy, “Son, how old are you?”

“Eight”, the boy replied.

The man continued, “Do you know what these are used for?”

The boy replied, “Not exactly, but they aren’t for me. They’re for him. He’s my brother. He’s four.”

“Oh, really?” the pharmacist replied with a grin.

“Yes.” the boy said. “We saw on TV that if you use these, you would be able to swim, play tennis and ride a bike. Right now, he can’t do none of that.”

–from Rogue and Jerry

Gettysburg Bike Week Adds Pink Journey of Lights Charity Ride–Motorcycle Rally To Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Awareness

Gettysburg Bike Week has added The Pink Journey of Lights Charity Ride to help kick off 2015 Gettysburg Bike Week. The Pink Journey of Lights ride will help raise awareness for breast cancer and is limited to the first 250 riders with tickets, which cost only $25 and are available at Battlefield Harley-Davidson or on site the day of the event.

“Every year we try to add new events and rides. This year, we really wanted to contribute more to local charities, and the Pink Journey of Lights is a great organization,” says event coordinator Kelly Shue.

Pink Journey of Lights charity ride will assemble at Battlefield Harley-Davidson at 4:00 p.m. and depart at 5:00 p.m. Bill O’Brian and Stevie from 98.5 the Peak Morning Show will lead the tour through the lush Pennsylvania countryside, past the historic sites of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, which resulted in over 51,000 casualties for both sides. The ride ends at the Pike Restaurant for a BBQ dinner that will include pulled pork, macaroni salad, coleslaw, great desserts, a cash bar and more! After dinner, everyone rides to the Allstar Events Complex for VIP seating at the David Allen Coe Concert.

Gettysburg Bike Week Details
Thursday, July 9, Hours: 2 p.m. – the party ends
Friday, July 10, Hours: 10:00 a.m. – the party ends
Saturday, July 11, Hours: 10:00 a.m. – the party ends
Sunday, July 12, Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Pricing for Gettysburg Bike Week is as follows:

4-DAY PASSES: $40 per-person, available online and at the gates of the Allstar Events Complex.

NEW 2-DAY PASSES FOR THIS YEAR: Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday 2-day passes, $25 per person, available online and at the gates of the Allstar Events Complex.

1-DAY PASSES: $15 per-person, available online and at the gates of the Allstar Events Complex.

New and returning riders can find a schedule of events, lodging information and anything they ever needed to know about Gettysburg Bike Week by visiting http://www.gettysburgbikeweek.com.

–Ken Conte

ALL ACTION NO REACTION—It’s all about good time. Commander Edge just rode out to the site of his event in RockingBall, NC. He couldn’t get over how much fun he was having on his scooter. We are lucky.

It was Ray C. Wheeler’s birthday the other day and we needed to come up with something special. So, of course our antique motorcycle curator called just in time. “I have a 1907 strap-tank Harley-Davidson in my garage,” Don Whalen said. “You have 24 hours to come see it, before it’s whisked off to a collector.” We jammed. It may be one of three in the country and delicately restored by Steve Huntzinger. Amazing.

We will bring you a complete report on two ways to drop a Twin Cam into an Evo Chassis, in the very near future. One will be the low budget upgrade, followed by the medium buck rebuild, and then replacement with an entire Twin Cam driveline. I seem to be on a roll. I also have a Zipper’s Upgrade install from Steve Bauman after he monkeyed around with the project for over a year.

More techs are headed your way, but here are a couple of cool images from the official certified Bikernet Feature Photographer and photographer for Easyriders for over 30 years. Let me know if you might be interested in a beautiful Evel Knieval print from the master with Evel’s signature printed on the back.

And finally, it was also Imogen’s birthday this week. She’s an official 5-Ball Racing model and a member of the London based Great Frog Jewelry family. Amazing stuff!

Ride Free Forever,

–Bandit