HOLIDAY TURMOIL BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 10th, 2015

Hey,

I don’t know about you, but this holiday season seems to be slipping rapidly past. What the hell is happening? Maybe it’s all the social media distractions, or 500 TV channels, Terrorists and world upheaval, the 2016 elections, too many events, or who knows?

Hell, this weekend the Mooneyes Xmas party rocks SoCal, and the David Mann Chopperfest hits Ventura, California, and the Ultimate Builder show stomps on NY City. Let’s see what the news holds for us.

The wonderful and wicked Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by Iron Trader, Cycle Source, and ChopperTown.

All the best for the Holidays…

MOTORBOOKS TURNS 50 AND SHARES TOP 70– Motorbooks is proud to share our top 70 titles of 2015. Please take a look at the list and see if you are missing out on any of these great books for your customers.

View the list HERE

Also please download our latest catalog
http://issuu.com/motorbooks/docs/motorbooks2015
Also, please take a look at our newest book…

International Harvester Trucks
The Complete History

Please email or call for details on ordering these books for your customers today.

Zak.Welch@QuartoUS.com
or 612-344-8199


BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PERFECT WORD FOR THE DAY—
Fugacious: fyoo-GEY-shuh s

adjective
1. Lasting but a short time; fleeting.
2. fleeting; transitory: a sensational story with but a fugacious claim on the public’s attention.
Quotes
As the rain conspires with the wind to strip the fugacious glory of the cherry blossoms, it brings a spring delicacy to our dining table.
— Sarah Mori, Malaysian Star
Origin
Fugacious has roots in the Latin verb fugere meaning “to flee.” It entered English in the early 1600s.


MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM METALSPORTS– Every year at this time the MetalSports family partners with the city of South Gate Employees to deliver Christmas food baskets to the most needy families in South Gate. This year we are delivering approximately 40 baskets to these families.

We are proud of the vibrant South Gate community and have been involved in Outreach Programs with The City Employees, The Police Department, and The Youth Commission for close to 20 years.

–Ron Loynds

WHY HARLEY-DAVIDSON Could Be The Year’s Next Big Buyout– Although Harley-Davidson (HOG – Get Report) seldom offers discounts on its bikes, its share price has fallen to the point where it might be hard for others to pass up.

On Friday, shares of the motorcycle maker spiked higher on heavy volume on speculation the company was approached for a leveraged buyout. Harley moved quickly to shoot down the rumors. “Harley-Davidson has periodically been the subject of marketplace speculation of various sorts, and it’s our longstanding practice not to comment on market rumors and speculation,” said a Harley-Davidson spokesman via email to TheStreet.

But with shares of the storied bike manufacturer down about 28% in the past year amid a disappointing stretch of earnings, it may not be so far-fetched that Harley would be viewed as an attractive leveraged buyout candidate.

The company has built up significant brand equity through the years, and has worked diligently to re-tool its manufacturing facilities to more efficiently produce bikes. Further, Harley’s debt to equity ratio is relatively low at 47%, giving a would-be financial buyer room to add debt to complete a big transaction.

STOCKS TO BUY: The Street’s Stocks Under $10 has identified a handful of stocks with serious upside potential. See them FREE for 14-days.

“We see the dramatic sell-off from recently reported weakness in motorcycle sales as a major buying opportunity of one of the world’s most iconic lifestyle brands and leading motorcycle manufacturers,” said the research team at Tigress Financial Partners in a Nov. 30 note.

Tigress Financial reiterated their buy rating on Harley’s shares. As JP Morgan analyst Kevin Milota pointed out in an Oct. 23, since 1987, shares of Harley have traded at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 16.4x — today, shares trade at a forward P/E multiple of 11.5x, or a 30% discount to its historical valuation.

From Harley’s perspective, it may be open to offers as a way to leave Wall Street’s scrutiny in what has been a challenging year. The operating environment for Harley-Davidson is one that could be best characterized as ultra-competitive. Japanese motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki have been able to price their bikes more competitively in the U.S. for over a year due to their currency’s weakness.

Meanwhile, a key U.S. competitor to Harley-Davidson in Polaris, which sells Victory and Indian motorcycles as well as an “autocycle” called the Slingshot, is finding success across much of its product line.

Harley’s share of the U.S. motorcycle market, where it gets about two-thirds of all sales, has declined to 50% from 53.5% last year. “Everybody’s taken a little bit of our share,” said Harley-Davidson CEO Matt Levatich in an Oct. 22 interview with TheStreet.

And as Harley’s market share has taken a hit, so has the bike manufacturer’s financials. Harley reported third quarter earnings of 69 cents a share, falling shy of Wall Street estimates of 79 cents a share. In the U.S., Harley dealers sold 48,918 new bikes in the quarter, down from 50,167 a year earlier.

Harley said it expects to ship 265,000 to 270,000 motorcycles to dealers and distributors this year, down from a previous estimate of 276,000 to 281,000. Operating margins for the year are seen in the 16% to 17% range compared a prior forecast of 18% to 19%.

To right the ship, Harley intends to bolster its marketing by 65% in 2016 to reach new riders. Investments in new product development next year are seen rising by 35%.

“We need to raise our game in the marketplace in order to compete,” said Levatich. The question now is whether that sharper focus could, and should, be done as a private company.

–By Brian Sozzi, The Street


EAGLE NATION UPDATE– officers on leave during investigation, dead man’s family mulling lawsuit–

NEENAH. Wis. – Three police officers are on administrative leave during the investigation of an officer-involved shooting Saturday at Eagle Nation Cycles, Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert told Post-Crescent Media.

Police officers are routinely placed on administrative leave when involved in a shooting until the investigation is done.

Kaufert asked for patience as the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation investigates the fatal shooting. “I’m hoping very soon they can release some of this information that will give people a better picture of what went on,” he said. “But it’s totally out of our hands at this point.”

The daylong incident Saturday left one man dead and another was arrested, but was being held on unrelated charges, according to published reports.

Steve Erato, owner of Eagle Nation Cycles, and his attorney, Cole White, identified Michael L. Funk, 60, as the victim. Neenah police have not identified Flatoff or Funk. White represents Erato, Funk and several others in an excessive force lawsuit against the city and police department over a 2012 raid, and White told FOX News that Funk’s family is considering filing a civil rights lawsuit in the wake of his shooting.

The man arrested following the standoff was identified Monday by the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office as Brian T. Flatoff, 45, of Neenah.

Kaufert said the motorcycle shop has video cameras. He also said Neenah police officers wear body cameras and that police cars are equipped with video cameras.

–DealerNews
www.dealernews.com


DANELL LYNN COMPLETES GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT ON AVON TIRES– After travelling more than 53,000 miles across the country in one year, motorcyclist Danell Lynn has completed her Guinness World Record-breaking attempt on Avon tires.

When she set out on her 2006 Triumph Bonneville for a trip she dubbed, “One Woman, One Bike, One Year” on Sept. 19, 2014, Lynn knew this would be a life-changing journey. What she didn’t know was how quickly the constantly changing weather and road conditions would wear out her tires. That’s where Roadrider tires from Avon Tyres made all the difference.

“The benefits of the Avon tires were outstanding,” stated Lynn. “The Avon Roadrider’s outperformed any other tire I’d tried, providing up to 11,000 miles on the rears, and up to 20,000 miles on the fronts. They proved road worthy through the backcountry roads, as well as the highway, and the ultimate challenge in northern Alaska, the Dalton Highway into the Arctic Circle. I simply could not have been happier with these tires.”

Lynn’s Guinness World Record attempt – in the category of “longest journey by motorcycle in a single country” – was achieved by riding through the 48 contiguous United States. The most recent Guinness World Record in this category was set in 2014 – a 23,760-mile run. Lynn’s trip totaled 53,800 miles and has now been submitted to Guinness World Records for confirmation of the new record.

–Danell Lynn, M.Ed. is a travel enthusiast, author, journalist, philanthropist, blogger and fashion designer. To learn more, visit http://www.danelllynn.com.

For more information visit http://www.avonmoto.com.

–Tracy L. Teuscher, APR

360-DEGREE VISIBILITY HELMETS– BRG Sports & 360fly Partner To Develop Advanced Helmets, Featuring 4K 360-Degree Video Technology
Collaborative Line of Advanced Products, Scheduled to be Unveiled at 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Action-sports helmet- industry leaders, BRG Sports, and 360-degree camera innovators, 360fly, today announced a formal partnership to develop a line of advanced helmets, featuring 360 fly’s stitchless, single-lens 360-degree video capture technology.

Collaborative efforts are already underway on a line of co-branded, 360fly-integrated helmets across several of BRG Sports’ core brands and sport categories.

The end result will be first-of-their-kind helmets that feature fully integrated 4K 360-degree video capable of capturing, editing and sharing content via the 360fly mobile app. Plans are to unveil a full line of working prototypes in early January at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

No longer will consumers be forced to mount action cameras to helmets utilizing external mounting accessories, or wait until they are at their PCs to download, edit and share footage. Instead, users will simply activate the helmet’s integrated single-lens 360-degree camera to capture footage, and use 360fly’s proprietary mobile app to instantly edit and share the immersive high-definition 360-degree footage they capture, whether carving through snow, tearing up the dirt, or cruising the open road.

RICK PERRY: Governor Thinks ISIS is Already in US– Perry criticized President Barack Obama and Congress for not acting fast enough to secure the border and protect the citizens.

“We have come to one of those moments, when American action will be decisive and inaction will be consequential,” Perry said. “We have a serious issue facing this country and the security of our citizens. We need to be very vigilant, we need to be using every authority that we have. The president needs to be engaged in using his presidential authority and Congress needs to engage in securing this country.”

The governor, who is also believed to be considering running in the 2016 presidential election, took a clear stance on foreign policy, saying he firmly believes that it is in the best interest of the American citizens that the United States do whatever it takes to ensure that the ISIS threat is thwarted even if that means going back to war in Iraq.

Taking action would not only protect Americans but will help protect national interest in westernizing countries like Jordan and Israel that are currently dealing with the jihadist presence.

“They need to be eliminated; they need to be eliminated now,” Perry said. “It is too important to the interest of the West in that part of the world to not stop ISIS. They are not going to stop in that region of the world.”

Perry criticized Obama for not doing more than limited air strikes to combat ISIS in Iraq, a country that “American troops fought and died to liberate.”

When asked if he thought if the United States should commission ground troops in Iraq, he did not say the military should send ground troops but did not rule that possibility out either.

“I think all your options have to be open in dealing with this terror and this force in that country,” he said. “Signaling to your enemy what you are not going to put on the table is very, very bad and both strategical and tactical errors of this administration.”

–CP NEWS

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FINALLY, THE BLONDE JOKE TO END ALL BLONDE JOKES!
In the swim-meet, after the blond came in last competing in the breast-stroke, she complained to the judges that all the other girls were using their arms.

–from Robert Tronolone

The NINTH ISSUE OF WORLDWIDE BOMBER– tails off the 2015 riding season with a cornucopia of flash and brash performance two-wheelers and extreme events.

Feature bikes include a fat-as-you-like trick-frame Hayabusa from Scotland, a funny-front-end Suzuki from Italy, an immaculate Suzuki vee twin from north-east America, a road-bruising KTM from South Africa, a beautifully-altered Ducati Scrambler from Germany, a bright-eyed B-King from England, a very sweary Scottish turbo GSX-R, an aluminium-frame Ducati from Finland with the added fun of a supercharger, a Spondon-frame Honda FireBlade, a mono-wheeling and smoking Suzuki Katana, and a Dutch turbocharger Bakker Suzuki too!

Events-wise, there are reports from the rain-sodden Streetfighter & Stunt Fest in London, the massive EICMA Show in Milan, the lunacy of the end-of-season party in Helsinki and the very mad M.A.D. B-day plus reports from the stunt and drag-racing scenes.

And there’s loads more, with Yantosh’s tech feature on making a swinging arm fit where it shouldn’t, the latest update of the Bomb Boss project bike, plus our stunt-addict editor-in-chief taking to one wheel aboard the new Husqvarna 701SM…


BIKERNET PHILOSOPHER STEPS INTO THE RING– I am Alive, I am Awake, I am open to All the Infinite Possibilities in My Life.

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I Pause and close my eyes before I start to write these words, I think about all the Good in this world. I close off to the chatter of negativity from both the outside world and the chatter within. I think about the great people in the world, the amazing advances in science, the medical advancement over the last 25 years saving Lives and so much more. In this Consciousness I celebrate the people who I Love in my Life, My Wife, MY Daughters, My Perfect Grandchildren, My family and Friends.

Today I am so Grateful to be fully Awake, Alive, Aware and Present. Today Great things are manifesting in My World.

And So It Is

–Namaste’

Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.
–Dale Carnegie

–Yale

HOW TO PREVENT PORCH PIRATES FROM STEALING YOUR PACKAGES– Deputies: Package thief targeted 3 homes in Apollo Beach

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – It’s not your typical thief, and it’s certainly not your average crime. In fact, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd calls the suspect’s actions in this case “shocking.”

A Lakeland woman was caught on camera stealing presents from her neighbor’s house Friday night. The woman seen on surveillance is the wife of a Haines City police officer.

It seems as though she had no shame as she causally strolled up to a family’s home. But, there’s more to this bizarre case. The house she hit, according to the Polk Sheriff, belongs to another cop and his wife, and the packages were meant for their two-year-old little girl. The crime happened at 10 p.m. on a Friday night, and everyone was home.

Dana Hagar was busted on burglary charges Monday and booked into the Polk County jail. According to Sheriff Judd, it’s not the first time Hagar has been caught. He says she’s already on probation for shoplifting.

Surveillance video of the incident was posted to Facebook and seen nearly 50,000 times. It eventually lead to the woman’s arrest. “The fact that she’s a cop’s wife is shocking, the fact that she stole from another cop’s wife is shocking,” he said. “And, then my wife saw it on Facebook and knew more about it than I did.”

“Here’s the word. We’re watching the porch pirates, the cops’ wives are watching the porch pirates,” the sheriff told WFLA. “Facebook is watching the porch pirates. We’re gonna put you in jail and you’ll stay in our jail where you won’t need any presents.”

The woman eventually returned the presents early Monday morning around 4:30 a.m., placing them on the porch already opened. The Sheriff says it’s too little, too late.

Homeowners in the upscale Lakeland neighborhood say it’s not the first time they’ve been hit by other porch pirates. Now, they’re arming themselves with home surveillance cameras.

“Their car was in the driveway. So, she went right around the driveway and took their packages, and I’m just floored by that,” said Diane Calabrese, who was a victim last year when a man pulled up to her home and stole her son’s gifts. “She should know better, I hope she gets what’s coming to her,” she said

As for the Sheriff, he warns people to guard your presents. “Criminals are watching you and waiting,” he said. Detectives call it a “crime of opportunity.”

As for Dana Hagar, the Sheriff admits he’s extremely disappointed, even going so far as to describe it as “disgusting.” He maintains, “In law enforcement, we are held to a higher standard in the way we live. It’s important.”

–from Rogue


PAT PATTERSON— Pat Patterson has risen to the top of the custom motorcycle world with his skills and eye for design. Pat thrives in the Sportster market with his custom bikes, complete product line and unique approach to style. Pat and Led Sled Customs have separated themselves and continue to plow a path for the new generation of bike builders.

It actually all started while Pat was running a trucking business. Having a few drivers and still driving himself, time on the road kept him dreaming. What began as a hobby trying to fab up his own 1993 Sportster, ended up as a side business out of his 100 sq ft garage. Led Sled Customs had its own business card in 2002. After a few paint jobs and the first frame modification, in 2003 Pat Patterson ended his trucking business and opened the doors at an old five-n-dime store with a huge future ahead of him.

Pat was impressed with the 5-Ball Racing Leather line but wanted his own touch to a special 5/8 Jack Shirt. We worked with him on a new version, all Led Sled.

www.ledsledcustoms.com/

 

PETERSON MUSEUM UPDATE– The newly refurbished Petersen Automotive Museum on the Newly miraculous Miracle Mile. The celebratory dinner was Saturday night— tables were only $25,000, solo tix $1,500.00.

The revised galleries are classic car heavy, light on two wheeled machines. There are two or three Steve McQueen 1920s Indians, a 1904 FN 4-cylinder, a ’03 Indian ‘Camelback’, a ’36 Crocker, a classic Ducati, a Brough Superior prototype, and more.

–Markus Cuff
Officially Certified Feature Photographer for:
Bikernet
American Iron
Cycle Source
The HORSE




HORSES FOR HORSEPOWER CHARITY EVENT EQUINE HELP FOR OUR MILITARY VETERANS–
Jim Thiessen, of JIMS (located in Camarillo) California, recently hosted a fundraiser to benefit our military veterans called “Horses for Horsepower.”

The event, in conjunction with Reins of H.O.P.E., featured live music, a display from Warrior Built, food, and an auction. Nearly sixty-three thousand dollars was raised for the veterans program.

Reins of H.O.P.E. (Human Opportunity Partnering with Equines) understands that people and horses have had symbiotic relationships since before the time of recorded history, and utilizes that fact to provide therapy for our veteran warriors.

The calming effect horses can have on people is beneficial for relieving the stress and trauma that our service personnel returning from the battlefield often face. Afflictions such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are treated with equine therapy and there are testimonials to verify this.

An Army Captain who returned from Iraq participated in the program and states, “Equine Therapy saved my life.” Reins of H.O.P.E. serves all veterans in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as well as active duty personnel. “Fund raisers such as this allows us, with the help of our equine friends, to bring our veterans back as well as bring them home.”

If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (805) 482-6913.

–Clark Kirkendall
JIMS USA
555 Dawson Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
805.482.6913 Fax 805.482.9224
clark.kirkendall@jimsusa.com

YAMAHA PREVIEWS AT International Motorcycle Show In New York City–
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., will display its 2016 model lineup–including the public debut of the technologically advanced FJR1300ES, and the recently introduced XSR900–this weekend in New York City.

Among the Yamaha models featured will be the DT-07 Flat Track Concept Bike, the 2016 YZF-R1S, YZ250X, YZ450FX, WR450F, and the Yamaha 60th Anniversary R1, R6, and Super Ténéré. In addition, ATVs, the all-new YXZ1000R Sport Side-By-Side, and the 2016 Star Motorcycles will be on display.

Enter For A Chance To Win A Street-Legal 2016 Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha YZF-R3
On display will be the limited-edition 2016 Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha R3 sportbike, which features custom paint, Ohlins rear shock and Andreani front fork kit, frame sliders, adjustable rearsets, swingarm spools, fender eliminator kit, and Dunlop Sportmax Alpha tires.

Enter for a chance to win at the Yamaha display or online at http://www.YamahaMotorsports.com/R3Sweepstakes.

Learn “Champion’s Habits” From The Yamaha Champions Riding School
Instructor Nick Ienatsch and his YCRS staff will be conducting special seminars throughout the weekend on the Progressive Main Stage. Their presentation, titled “Champion’s Habits,” can help every level of rider improve their skills both on the track and the street (check the schedules posted near the Progressive Main Stage for presentation times).

For more information about the Show, please visit http://www.motorcycleshows.com/city/new-york

For more information on all Yamaha models–including features, specifications, photos, and videos–please visit www.yamahamotorsports.com


IT’S ABOUT TIME WE OPENED THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–  Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.

Two engineers were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking at its top. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing.

“We’re supposed to find the height of this flagpole,” said one engineer, “but we don’t have a ladder.

“The woman took a wrench from her purse, loosened a couple of bolts, and laid the pole down on the ground. Then she took a tape measure from her pocketbook, took a measurement, and announced, “Twenty one feet, six inches,” and walked away.

One engineer shook his head and laughed, “A lot of good that does us. We ask for the height and she gives us the length!”

Both engineers have since quit their engineering jobs and are currently serving in the Senate.

–from Jerry and Rogue




ATOMIC BOB NEEDS YOUR HELP—
He’s an amazing artist who was just sentenced to eight months for defending his honor in a fist-fight. His lovely wife gave up her career to support his artistic endeavors, and they have young kids.

We just need to help them get through the next few months. Reach out and do whatever you can to help. I’m sure they have a few originals to sell. Here’s a piece he did in prison, so he can do something custom. Drop a note to Sarah and see what you can do: Atomic Bob or Sarah, atomicdice@yahoo.com

–Bandit


LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK— Cherokee, Diamond Seating.

With its pure Bobbed & Chopped, King/Queen lines and incredible lower back support for the driver, the Cherokee offers the throwback look your Softail was born to have.

Now available with our bitchin Diamond stitch!
Specs

Driver Seating:
N/A
Passenger Seating:
N/A

MSRP:
$499.00

Part Number:
LKB-020DM


EPA Raises Ethanol Blend Levels–
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the Obama administration, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), last week raised the amount of ethanol and other renewable fuels that must be blended into the nation’s gas supply, announcing that 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels must now be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply in 2016.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), as directed by our Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SSMRO’s), does not support the use of ethanol fuels higher than E10 (10% ethanol) 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.

This increase comes as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a mandate that was meant to encourage the use of domestic ethanol in U.S. gasoline supplies, and supporters claim it helps reduce carbon pollution and cuts American dependence on foreign fuel. Higher ethanol blends, however, void new motorcycle warranties and have been reported to cause damage to motorcycle fuel systems and other engine components.

Interestingly, while the EPA announcement of the 18.11 billion-gallon figure is significantly above the 17.4 billion gallons initially proposed in May, it falls far below the 22.3 billion-gallon amount laid out by Congress in 2007 legislation and raises new questions about the viability of the controversial Renewable Fuel Standard moving forward.

As part of its 2016 Legislative Agenda, the MRF will continue to call for further motorcycle engine testing with these blends and seek manufacturer recommendations regarding their use, and as always, the MRF will continue to keep its members apprised of any actions regarding the ethanol issue.


CHOPPERFEST Pre-Party this Saturday!—

$6 burgers
$5 sailor shots
$4 firestone beer (there will be 4 to choose from)
Free admission!!

-Free Chopperfest Poster-

Receive a free Chopperfest poster featuring David Mann’s Day Moon art originally featured in Easyriders Magazine in 1987 when you buy your tickets in advance. Click the link below for details.
https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1003379?utm_medium=bks

Bike Show Registration
The “If You Build It They Will Come” all brand Antique and Custom Motorcycle Show features 18 classes with over 50 awards handed out including a $2500 Best of Show cash prize. Entry fee is $40 and includes 1 general admission and a free event t-shirt, shown below. Click this link to enter your bike.
http://chopperfestival.com/registration.html

THE MISSION OF THE STEEL HORSE SISTERHOOD CHARITIES–
a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization.

To provide opportunities for women to develop and refine their skills while
encouraging the art of women mentoring women and serving people in the motorcycle community.

The Mission of the Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit To inspire growth in women’s lives and in the sport of women and motorcycling
while making a charitable impact.

The Mission of the Steel Horse Sisterhood Rides & Retreats
Connecting Women Who Share a Passion for Motorcycles

Our commitment to sponsors
We value our partnerships with all donor sponsorships, be they corporate or individual. As good stewards of your generous investment, we are committed to delivering valuable benefits and a positive partnership experience to each Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit sponsor.

For more information or to be a sponsor of this event contact Joan:
608-335-0852 or joan@ladyroaddog.com


QUICK, JOIN BANDIT’S CANTINA— It’s that time of year, and we reduced the pricing back to the good times.

Yes, the season is upon us so it’s time for some fun, sexy pictures. These are just images I have either shot or people have sent me. There are plenty of gorgeous hotties in this gallery… I promise you. Enjoy!

Click to Join: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

JACK MCINTYRE
PHOTOGRAPHER
Co-Editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM

LUCAS OIL TO LAUNCH WORLDWIDE RACING TV NETWORK– Lucas Oil has announced the worldwide launch of LucasOilRacing.

TV, the first streaming TV network dedicated solely to the world of motorsports – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new network, set to launch as LucasOilRacing.TV on January 1st, 2016, will be the world’s premiere motorsports destination.

Programming will include LIVE racing, expanded pre-and post-race action, behind-the-scenes content, unseen interviews, automobile build shows, and an extensive library of motorsports content and racing!

LucasOilRacing.TV will deliver unlimited access to all types of motorsports racing, including American Sprint Cars, Pro Pulling, GT racing, Short Course Off-Road racing, Modifieds, Drag Boats, Late Model Dirt, NHRA, stock cars, motorcycle racing, authentic build shows, and everything in and around the world of motorsports.

In addition to an extensive VOD library of programming, LucasOilRacing.TV will also include interviews with the world’s most popular and dynamic drivers, conducted by the sport’s most iconic journalists.

For more information visit: lucasoil.com


[page break]

THE THING RETURNS–
‘The Thing’ is a drag bike with twin Knucklehead engines that was running 8-second quarter-miles back in the 1950s as it built its reputation as king of the strip in the Northern California drag scene.

Some TV guys contacted Bikernet about The Thing. We immediately reached out to our vintage connection, Bob T. who lived in the desert, outside 7 Palms, California, in a ’59 Cadillac buried in the Sand.

He immediately threatened our lives, then sent in the attached shots. I’ll try not to bother him until after the holidays. 
 
Later in the day Joe Teresi, the boss of Easyriders, contacted me. “I doubt seriously it was turning 8 sec ETs in the ’50s! Especially with that back tire! Maybe in the 1/8 mi. drags – but, not the 1/4 mi. Never saw it or heard of it before – and I was Drag Racing in the ’50s myself in MN anyway. Not until the early ’60s in CA.”
 
I appreciated his input. I reached out to John Stein the author of the History of Motorcycle Drag Racing. It’s a terrific coffee table pictorial book–fantastic Xmas gift. He agreed with Joe regarding the times for that era. John is working on a documentary on MC drag racing.

–Bandit


THE AUSTRALIAN CLUB REPORT– Australian taskforce told anti-biker laws will never likely secure a conviction

Laws in the Australian state of Queensland that mandate jail time for bikers who gather in public will likely never be able secure a conviction, lawyers for outlaw motorcycle clubs have told a government taskforce.

The United Motorcycle Council of Queensland (UMCQ) has told a review led by former judge Alan Wilson that this was the most “compelling” reason for dumping the former Newman government’s anti-association measures targeting bikers.

The UMCQ, in a submission prepared by Brisbane law firm Irish Bentley, claims the crackdown has led to a “significant increase in violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct” towards bikers and their families by police.

This included the teenage stepdaughter of an alleged Rebels motorcycle club member allegedly having an assault rifle pointed in her face during a raid in April in which police mistook their Brisbane home as the residence of another alleged club member.

The UMCQ admitted that the “brotherhood” of bikers – which they called a “deliberately sexist term” – led members to “turn a blind eye” to crimes of their club-mates, which included serious drug trafficking.

But it rejected the “political rhetoric” of the Newman era which had it that “clubs themselves (through their organizational structure) were responsible for the organization (and presumably the collection of profits) of criminal activity carried out by their members”.

This is at odds with the recent Queensland commission of inquiry into organized crime, which found that some motorcycle clubs were criminal organizations involved in drug production and distribution.

However, the UMQC endorsed the commission’s other findings that the anti-biker legislation and enforcement had no impact on crime rates or community safety and diverted resources from investigating other forms of organized crime, including online pedophilia and fraud.

The Wilson taskforce is due to report back next March to a state government that intends to repeal and replace the Newman government anti-biker laws.

About 100 people have been charged since the introduction in October 2013 of anti-association offences, which mandate at least six months’ jail for bikers who go to clubhouses, recruit or meet in public in groups of more than two.

But no one has yet been convicted, with some of the cases dropped and the remainder on hold until after the Wilson taskforce reports.

The UMCQ claimed in its submissions that the high court ruling on a challenge to the laws in 2014 by Hells Angel tattooist Stefan Kuczborski had provided “clear guidelines” that made prosecutions of such cases more onerous.

It argued that prosecutors pursing anti-association offences would now need to produce admissible evidence that a club’s purpose was serious criminal activity rather than simply relying on the government’s “declaration” of a club as a criminal organisation.

This meant a biker who is “only involved on a social or recreational basis (with a club) cannot, as a matter of law, be held liable by these provisions”.

The UMCQ also claimed that prosecutors might soon be forced to stop using police officers as “expert (witnesses) on what they call ‘criminal motorcycle gangs’” in the cases that remain.

This was because a prosecutor in a current case, in which alleged bikers in Bundaberg were charged with gathering in public, has appeared to concede it was “unlikely that such evidence could ever be admissible”.

Confirmation of this by the magistrate in the case, Barry Cosgrove, could lead to prosecutors “no longer [continuing] to attempt to lead this sort of evidence in these matters”.

The UMCQ argued that the crackdown was the result of an unproven police “obsession” with the belief that clubs were criminal organisations.

This resulted in police “pressuring a conservative government” – which it claimed was “unduly influenced” by a Gold Coast biker related brawl witnessed by then education minister John-Paul Langbroek – into making motorcycle club membership a crime.

The UMCQ claimed other laws denying work licenses to bikers had led to many without criminal records losing their jobs.

This included a Rebels member who was forced to shut down his pawn-broking business and lay off five staff because he was denied a secondhand goods dealing license. He remains unemployed.

It claimed most bikers were not involved in crime but considered themselves “outlaws”, the essence of which meant “lack of conformity to other public (in this country Christian) mores … such things as tattoos, unique clothing, rowdy behavior and swearing”.

“Our members broadly accept the outlaw tag and are content to remain apart from the general community. The line has been crossed however by laws targeting our members specifically on the false pretense of disrupting criminal organizations,” the UMCQ said.

I love this stuff. They accuse club guys of everything under the sun, but when it comes to arrests, they can only arrest them for going to the clubhouse. Seems sort of strange. –Bandit

HOLIDAY OFFERS FROM BIKER’S CHOICE– Buy More, Get More

SELECT BAGS UP TO 20% Off MINIMUM PURCHASE APPLIES CLASSIC FORK BAGS HANDLEBAR WINDSHIELD BAGS TOOL POUCH

Get up to 25% off on pistons and hard parts. Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime.


MORE REPORTS FROM THE MAGNIFICENT ARCH AND THE HOME OF LA CHOP RODS— This Softail was completely rebuilt in the LA Chop Rods Creative Center.

This Gard-designed seat allows the rider to run two-up or solo. And they are constantly working with ISR brakes for many applications.

 


MORE XMAS DEALS– For a limited time only, Steve Soffa Enterprises is offering a 20% discount off selected pieces from his collection.

Go to SteveSoffa.com to visit the sale and the 2016 collection. Upon checkout use promo code 15holidays20 to receive your discount and free shipping anywhere in the U.S. Please act as soon as possible as quantities are very limited on many styles.

Celebrating 22 years of Artistry, artist and designer Steve Soffa creates original pieces of art as well as designing jewelry and watches appealing to the biker, tattoo and hardcore enthusiasts. Steve was also featured as the 2010/2011 World Series of Poker Championship Bracelet Designer.

Please use this URL for this special offer: https://stevesoffa.com/product-category/designer-collections-by-soffa-all/2015-industry-holiday-sale/

For more information on Steve Soffa Enterprises go to: www.stevesoffa.com or call Steve at 702-248-1922.

If you have any questions regarding this press release, please contact Penny Osiecki at pennyfxr@yahoo.com or 702-279-5332.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
 

Do you know what the approx. retail is on these batteries?

–Rhys
Daytona Beach, FL

They are $189.95 on the part number: 781006, 2004 and later Sportster, 225 CCA.

And $225.95 on part numbers 781006 and 781007 ‘73 – ‘90 and ‘90 – ‘97 FX, XL, FXR, FXST, Dyna 400 CCA

Finally they are $299.95 on the number 781009, ‘97 and later Dresser 625 CCA.

The actual weight on the 20 Amp batteries is 3.5 pounds, so yes, they lighter! Actually 12 pounds lighter than stock.

Aaron set up some of the Hooligan racers and they said they could actually feel the difference in handling.

–James Simonelli, Tucker Rocky Distributing | Biker’s Choice
Twin Power Brand Manager
4900 Alliance Gateway Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76177
Tel:817-258-9283 Cell:517-515-2193
Email: jsimonelli@twinpower-usa.com


HI-TECH MODULAR GAUGE MOUNTING HARDWARE FROM PAUGHCO– The unique Yankee Engineuity line from Paughco includes one of if not the most diverse collection of custom gauge mounting hardware on the market. Billet instrument brackets and cups to fit the needs of just about any application.

Sizes and styles for stock, VDO, Digital Dakota, Auto Meter and other gauges range from 1.9-inch micro up to 3 3/8 inches. Each of the brackets is designed to bolt directly to the YE billet base clamps or you can adapt your own mounting plate.

While YE custom base clamps cover most H-D models the brackets can be adapted to a wide variety of Cruiser and custom machines.

Base plates retail starting at $73.95, brackets from $125.95 and cups start at $110.95.

Note: VDO speedos and tachs do not require use of the cups.

For complete details contact Paughco direct at 775-246-5738. Be sure to catch them on the Web at www.paughco.com.


INVESTIGATING CHON BURI, THAILAND– Here in Chon Buri for a few days. Chon Buri is a Thai province set on the country’s eastern Gulf of Thailand coast.

The coastline south of the capital, also called Chon Buri, is lined with popular beaches. Among them is Pattaya, a long-standing resort town with a seafront promenade, restaurants, shopping malls and a busy, neon-lit nightlife zone that includes cabaret bars and raucous 24-hour clubs.

Christmas is up. Hooters is not. Sun almost down.

–Art Hall
Most Masterful Bikernet International Editor in Command

2016 METZELER calendar: a tribute to the presence of motorcycling in the ‘flicks’

The 23rd edition is titled “Take the Road” and, according to tradition, has two versions: the Classics, with images of films that have shaped the history of cinema, and the Contemporary, with photographs taken during the filming of movies that have participated in the three editions of the Motorcycle Film Festival

Munich (Germany), 10 December 2015 – Titled “Take the Road” the 2016 METZELER calendar celebrates, through a series of shots from past and present films, motorcycling and its history in the world of cinema, founded, as the motorcycle itself, in the late 19th century.

Now in its 23rd edition, according to tradition, the iconic calendar embodies two versions, the Classics and the Contemporary, to offer the enthusiast the opportunity to choose between images.

Firstly, predominantly in black and white, images evoking legendary films that have contributed to the history of cinema.

Secondly contemporary shots of movie scenes shown in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 editions of the Motorcycle Film Festival, the film show which was born in New York three years ago and that offers the best of contemporary independent cinema dedicated to the two wheels world.

“Take the Road with ROADTEC ™ 01”, the campaign introducing the new sport touring tire from METZELER which transforms travel into a cinematic experience, has in this calendar linked to the “48 Hours On The Road”. The event was a non-stop marathon of the best travel films of the Motorcycle Film Festival that took center stage in Milan in November in a week dedicated to the world of motorcycling.

On one hand images of historical films, on the other modern films that come from the Motorcycle Film Festival: an innovative way to remind all the motorcyclists that any motorcycle trip can become a cinematic event.

Both born in the late 19th century, motorcycles and movies were fated for a beautiful partnership. Since the dawn of the movies, the motorbike has played a prominent role in cinematic tales, bringing fun, freedom, thrills, adventure, rebellion, and style to the world from the silver screen.

The motorcycle, the essence of cool, the romantic companion, the tireless explorer of open spaces: this calendar exalts its past and present glories in cinema.


BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY STAYS OPEN– A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers.

The engineer fumed, “What’s with those guys? We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes!”

The doctor chimed in, “I don’t know, but I’ve never seen such inept golf!”

The priest said, “Here comes the greens-keeper. Let’s have a word with him.” He said, “Hello George, What’s wrong with that group ahead of us? They’re rather slow, aren’t they?”

The greens-keeper replied, “Oh, yes. That’s a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime!”

The group fell silent for a moment.

The priest said, “That’s so sad. I think I’ll say a special prayer for them tonight.”

The doctor said, “Good idea. I’m going to contact my ophthalmologist
colleague and see if there’s anything she can do for them.

“The engineer said, “Why don’t they play at night?”

–from Rogue and Jerry


HARLEY-DAVIDSON INDIA SALES– most models in the red for October 2015

Harley Davidson has been one of the most successful ‘big bike’ manufacturers in the Indian two-wheeler market. Infact with the Street 750, they have tried to address the need of those looking at owning a high capacity motorcycle at a relatively reasonable price. However, apart from the Street 750, all the other models in their portfolio seem to be going through a tough phase. Sales figures for the month of October 2015 reveal that popular models like the 883 Iron, Fat Boy and Forty-Eight have seen a huge decline in sales.

Harley-Davidson sold as many as 449 units in the month of October 2015. The Street 750 alone accounted for 76% of the sales with 342 units being sold. On the other hand, sales of the next most affordable motorcycle, the 883 Iron came down by 43.8%, from 105 units in October 2014 to 59 units in the same month this year. Likewise, sales figures of the famous Fat Bob came down by 65%. Only 9 units of the model were sold last month as against 26 units in October 2014.

The data has been taken from SIAM’s monthly sales report. Here’s a quick look at the summary of all the Harley- Davidson models.

Posted by Bunny Punia

Six years later, the Himalayas and upcoming web world got him back to Delhi where he took over the content at Gaadi.com

TINKER, the Downloadable Open-Source No-Weld Motorcycle– Just when we were thinking again that the motorcycling world is passing once more through a period when innovations seem scarce, here comes Jack Lennie and his Tinker machine. The idea of a motorcycle kit that can be assembled in your backyard is not new, but Lennie’s take on it is all 21st-century thinking.

Tinker’s creator is a major in Product Design at Edinburg Napier University, and he needed 32 weeks to come up with the complete project. Tinker relies on a quick-build frame that will accommodate a variety of motorcycle engines, and that eliminates both welding and shipping, thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint.

Lennie’s design can be downloaded online and customers can take the files to the nearest workshop that uses CAD/CAM computer software. The CNC/waterjet company can then cut the stock material and deliver the parts for local assembly, according to the instructions.

How about building a bike in around one hour?

The video after the jump was sped up, but it shows the creator of Tinker assembling a bike in around one hour and six minutes. The Kawasaki engine was already prepared and in good working condition, so it only needed to be mounted in the frame.

Lennie’s bike is indeed a striking step outside the beaten path. It doesn’t require specialist tools and allows a high degree of customization, providing creative minds with the perfect opportunity to exercise in a completely new environment.

The seat, tank, bars and many other elements can be, of course, variated to infinity. Fenders could also be added if you plan to use a Tinker for commuting even on rainy days, and even a working rear brake system could be implemented depending on your wheel choice.

Building bikes with salvaged parts sounds interesting

Another great feature of the Tinker is that it can be built using parts salvaged from crashed bikes. A damaged frame is almost always the reason why a bike gets scrapped, but this doesn’t mean that one can’t use what’s left in good condition to build a new machine.

Engines, rear wheels, even forks, tanks and so on can be salvaged and put to good use in a Tinker bike, further reducing the costs of owning a motorcycle. If Lennie finds a way to have the Tinker concept homologated for street use without any special demands from local authorities, this DIY project might become one of the most glorious things in this decade. Find out more on Tinker following Jack Lennie’s online activity.
 

–By Florin Tibu, Auto Evolution


BIKERNET GOOGLE LISTINGS–
You are well listed on Google with:

Bikernet.com – 15,100 pages listed
BikernetBlog.com – 12,700 pages listed
BikernetBaggers.com – 1,160 pages listed
BikernetTrikes.com – 945 pages listed

There are different Google accounts you could have like a Google Business account, but those are really focused on brick and mortar businesses that need to be listed geographically. Think about searching for a local pizza place and seeing 5 show up on a map. That’s nice, but not really appropriate for you unless you want visitors knocking on your door!

–Joe Jorgenson
Bikernet Official Web Guru

Is Google calling you every day about your Google listing and hitting you up for $299 for a listing. That’s why we reached out to Joe. Okay, so I can ignore that one. How about the guy who calls and says, “Mr. Bandit, we have your order for 1000 key rings, but we need to confirm your…” I didn’t order any key rings. WTF. –Bandit


LATEST FROM BRASS BALLS– We have been very busy behind the scenes. We’ve created alliances with other unique, high quality brands to bring you more diversity and a greater selection of custom parts for your bike.

We are proud to announce our partnership with TC Bros. and EMD products.

Our store is stocked. We are ready to ship great parts to you in time for Christmas.

Click the banner below to check out our expanded parts line now. Thank you for your support!

If you have the notion to build a bike next year and want a kit to help with the process, reach out to Brass Balls. They have the real deal and you can buy it in stages or only buy the stage you need.

–Wrench


WHAT’S A PO’ BOY TO DO— Life is nuts, and I get a kick out of attacks on Harley. In a sense, they’ve done it to themselves, but as soon as they slip, someone kicks them to the curb. “Quick, sell your stock.”

Harley has had plenty of ups and downs, and they will be on top again in the near future. Hell, that’s one of the benefits of healthy competition.

Imogen, from the London Great Frog jewelry story is apart of the 5-Ball team, sporting our apparel many times. Watch for new images.

I’m beginning to think about writing a chapter of Life and Times for Cantina readers. It’s about time I caught up on the state of Bandit at 67. Interesting times.

Hang on for lots more crazy content on Bikernet and in the Cantina.

All the best for the Holidays,

–Bandit

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