Hey,
This has been a fascinating week. I could say it was a challenge. I could also say it was fucked. But I try to keep a constant positive attitude and my goals at the forefront of every effort. Let’s get specific.
I had another meeting with the City of Los Angeles regarding my building. It was quick and direct. I spent hours trying to draw blueprints of the building to their specifications to prevent being forced to hire an architect to scan it for $2,500 to $5000. I sat with the Chief and reviewed our permit direction and one more drawing. I need a plot map. So, I have another homework assignment on my plate, but we’re getting closer.
My 93-year-old ma is having health issues. She’s sharp, but her building structure is breaking down. She’s very fragile and it’s forcing us to research various living options. It’s actually a bummer to be forced to move a 93-year-old from place to place. There needs to be a better plan. Just the move could kill her.
Then, I attended a community meeting last night. Our headquarters are basically across the street from the Port of Los Angeles, in Wilmington. We live in the only coastal community in California without access to our waterfront. Basically the port took it. We once had canals. So, they presented their plan for our waterfront. It was bullshit. They need a much better approach. I got up and spoke briefly about thinking out of the box and the benefits of our community. Again, it’s back to the drawing board.
All these efforts above have nothing to do with survival, running Bikernet, repairs to the headquarters, doing the laundry, or working on motorcycles. I need to get back to work on the 5-Ball Factory Racer, goddammit.
Let’s hit the news. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, ChopperTown, Iron Trader, and the Las Vegas Bike Fest. Hooray!
LOWBROW BILTWELL CLEVELAND EVENT– This weekend come join us and thousands of other like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts for Fuel Cleveland, a totally free event featuring top-notch motorcycles as well as paint work and photography from some of our subculture’s finest artists. Even better, it is set inside of Ray’s Mountain Bike Park, a 66,000 sq. ft. bicycle park that offers the perfect venue and vibe.
Fuel Cleveland
Saturday May 28th 2016
12-8 pm
Ray’s MTB 9801Walford Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102
Our friends at Biltwell are presenting the official Fuel pre-party at Mahall’s (bowling lanes and bar). Remember, don’t drink and ride (or drive)!
Biltwell Fuel CLE Pre-Party
Friday May 27th 2016
7pm to last call
Mahall’s 20 Lanes – 13200 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
BE THERE, BE THERE, BE THERE!
METALSPORT SUPREME TESTIMONIAL OF THE WEEK FROM Metalrodika–
“There is nothing in today’s Motorcycle wheel industry that compares to MetalSport’s products.
They have definitely created a niche market through unique styling, aggressive sizes and intense quality. MetalSport is what I roll on.”
– Matt Hotch
LAUGHLIN RECAP ACTION FROM LAW TIGERS– Great recap video below of the Laughlin River Run. The Southern California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association helped put this together.
Check out this kickin’ recap video of the Southern California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association and Law Tiger’s experience from Laughlin 2016. Demo Rides, Hogs & Heifers, Unknown, Victor McLaglen Motor Corps, Motorcycle Give Away, Good Ride, Colorado Belle & Edgewater, Oatman, Topac66 and more.
Laughlin 2016 rocked!
–Audrey
Law Tigers
5-BALL RACING LEATHER AT BARTELS–
Here is our signage in Bartels, marina del Rey.
The Bonnie jacket last shipment is even softer leather and the Bartels’ buyer, Debi Black, said it will make a big difference to sales.
She loved the brown one too. Don’t miss the Chili Cook-off.
–the Redhead
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION RESEARCHES AUTOCYCLE RULES– Thank you for the responses to date on the Autocycle questions. Here is the information I have received so far.
Nebraska – Aware of Elio lobbying, but no further information.
Georgia – During this year’s session in Ga. only one Autocycle bill was brought forth (HB1040), but it died in session http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20152016/HB/1040 At this time, there is no knowledge of manufacturer lobbying in Georgia.
Texas – Polaris did a lot of lobbying before their autocycle bill (SB449) passed on September 1, 2015. No others known to be lobbying at this time. (SB449 amends Transportation Code, Chapters 501 and 502, to establish the definition of an autocycle and specify that an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle for the purposes of vehicle titling and registration. The Texas Transportation Code currently defines autocycle as a vehicle with three or fewer wheels on the ground, equipped with a steering wheel, equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat, and manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.)
Illinois – There has only been one recorded auto cycle crash with property damage this year. No fatalities and no injuries in the one crash. At this time, no additional information is available. Additionally, there are no autocycle manufacturers lobbying in the state.
J. Ryan Hubbard
MRF SSMRO Representative
freebirdryan68@yahoo.com
(309) 267-0606
BRITTANY MAY RETURN TO BIKERNET— “Wow, she was a nice model. I must see where I have her info,” said Peter Linney, Supreme Bikernet Feature Photographer.
A Bandit’s Cantina Subscriber asked about Brittany and I followed up with Peter Linney. As it turns out, she was very cool to work with and fit the 5-Ball Racer like a glove, but she didn’t take her top off, so she was rejected from the Cantina, to live a lonesome life in the desert outside 17 Palms, California.
She’s currently in the Bikernet Penitentiary run by the notorious Bob T. and a small band of outlaws. She receives Pinto beans and Jalapenos daily with tortillas. Same for breakfast, except with an egg. She’s allowed to choose whether she wants flour or corn tortillas at each meal. That doesn’t mean she’ll get ‘em or any, but we try to please.
We’ll cut her loose as soon as she peels her top. It’s been three years…
–Bandit
THE MAGNAMOUS STEALTH EDITORIAL–
I read the article in the Sunday post concerning if you had a $1000 crisis arise, could you come up with the money?
Well I want to offer a completely different perspective on this subject.
This is my opinion. It is not the inability of Americans to save, it is the inability for companies to pay a wage that equals what a job is worth. In my opinion wages are 30–35 years behind the cost of living!
Don’t believe it? Go do a poll on working families, compare their earnings to what cost to live, and consider if they have a family to raise, consider their basic needs, food, transportation, medical needs, and utilities. And the taxes they, we pay everywhere.
When you have done that, compare the cost to their earnings and more times than not they will come up on the short end. I am no economist, never have claimed to be. I am just a working guy who sees this everyday.
I know I am going to hear, “Tell these people to get a better education for a better job.”
I am all for education but when these same people are making that big $10/hr, where is the money going to come from. Maybe they cannot eat for a week, not have utilities for a month? It is a trap, what I call the “Human Trap.” All the big companies only care about is the bottom line.
Let me tell you a story. This happened this week. We went to our local Wal-Mart, not going back. We get what we need and go to cash out. Get to the registers and there are 30 registers in the store, guess how many were open, three! So, I am standing there and it is building up, a manager walks by and I ask him why only three registers were open and he says, “We only scheduled three people to run the registers this morning?”
Keep in mind the lines are at least 6-7 people deep, so I respond to him by saying, ” Well, why spend all the money on the 30 registers if you are not going to use them Seems like a waste of money to me?”
His response, “Well sir, we have the self-check out lines open, that saves us money!”
He just threw gas on the fire. I told him, “When Wal-Mart writes me a check for using the self-check-out line I will be glad to!” Left the cart sitting there full and left!
The price of products have the cost of cashiers checking you out built into them. So I am not checking out for free. How about a 10-15 percent discount for me working for you to use the self-check-out line? Just another ploy to screw someone out of job, and they pay such BIG money at Wal-Mart to begin with! Just another way for BIG business to let you work for them a few minutes for free!
I see this kind of BS in our own industry also. I have lived in it. Ask anyone who works in our industry and the wages have stayed the same or went down over the last 20 years, not just ranting here. I can prove this. It is a fact. So take into consideration all of this and then tell me if you are surprised most people don’t have that $1000 just lying around?
–Stealth
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO JOIN THE BARTELS’ HARLEY DAVIDSON’S FAMILY FOR THEIR 13th ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF– Come by and have a bowl of Bill Bartels’ famous chili, Sunday June 5, 2016
from 11:00 Am to 3:00 PM.
Bartels’ Harley-Davidson is pleased to invite everyone to their 13th Annual Chili Cook Off taking place on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 4141 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, California. The event will start at 11:00 AM, food will be served at 12:00 Noon till 3:00 PM and free to the public. Come by and sample the best chili recipes in town and listen to great music.
A number of contestants will bring their best chili recipes to the contest! The day will include live music and a contest for the best tasting chili to be judged by Celebrity Judges. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be announced at 2:45 PM.
All contestants that choose to participate will receive a free Bartels’ Chili Cook-Off Apron.
WHO: Bartels’ Harley-Davidson & 25 Contestants bring their best Chili recipes!
WHAT: 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off
WHEN: Sunday, June 5, 2016 from 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM.
WHERE: Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, 4141 Lincoln Blvd. Marina Del Rey, CA
For additional information please contact Debi Black via email at debi@Bartelsharley.com 310.823.1112 Ext 253
BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB– ABOUT THE BOOK: Indian Motorcycle(R): America’s First Motorcycle Company tells the complete story of Indian, America’s first mass-produced motorcycle maker, from its start as a bicycle manufacturer to the purchase of the brand by Polaris Industries in 2011 and the subsequent new Indian motorcycles.
In the early years of the 20th century, Indian dominated the world’s racetracks, earning the brand a worldwide reputation for quality, performance, reliability, and technical innovation, but the once-mighty company fell on hard times and in 1953 was forced to file bankruptcy.
The Indian brand never quite died, though, thanks in large part to fanatically devoted enthusiasts, who tried to resurrect it for over half a century. Finally Polaris, maker of the highly regarded Victory(R) brand of motorcycles, purchased the brand and released the Chief(R) and Scout(R), models that once again restored Indian to its rightful place in the motorcycle pantheon. ($50 MSRP)
Hang on for this book from Motorbooks. It was written by the only editor still standing in that publishing group, Darwin Holmstrom. He’s a nut. I’ll be curious how folks receive his text.
–Renegade
SADDLEMEN PART OF THE WEEK– LED Bullet Light Lens Kit. More and more guys are swapping out their bulbs for LED units. I believe they draw less on the electrical system, they last and last, and they’re brighter than stock.
The Saddlemen units are Universal,
Clear, and the kit includes 1 flat, 1 domed and 1 bullet clear lens.
Saddlemen Part #: 2040-0814
Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited Part #: 2040-0814
Price: $10.00
ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE TELEVISION EFFORT– My name is Monica Mejia. I work for Nancy Glass Productions in our Business Affairs department, and we are looking for archival and stock materials to use in an upcoming History Channel series.
This series involves a team of enthusiasts who search for classic cars and restore them to their original glory.
Each episode will celebrate a different classic vehicle. We hope to find and license modern and historical footage and images of these cars and the people, places, and events surrounding them to help tell the vehicle.
FEMA MOTORCYCLE RECALLS FROM EUROPE– Products placed on the market in the EU are subject to general safety requirements. These requirements are included in the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC (GPSD) which aims at ensuring that only safe consumer products are sold in the EU.
The European Commissions’ Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) enables the quick exchange of information between the European countries and the European Commission about dangerous non-food products posing a risk to health and safety of consumers.
FEMA will publish recalls from the RAPEX reports that are of concern to motorcyclists, such as recalled motorcycles or motorcycle clothing.
We have the list from FEMA and it goes on forever, so we’re going to feature it in Bikernet Special Reports next week.
–Snake
Drunken Bikernet Safety Editor
MEMORIAL DAY JEWELS FROM THE VAST WORLD OF NINO 925–
Celebrate this Memorial Day Weekend with this American Biker Ring! Enter code American and get 15% off at checkout PLUS have it engraved with your personal initials at no additional cost! Only valid for the next 24 Days.
–Nino925
info@nino925.com
FEMA & FIM Europe working together for motorcyclists– 17th of May was the occasion for another meeting of the FEMA and FIM Europe working group. The meeting was hosted by FIM at the new headquarters in Switzerland.
From FEMA the representatives were Morten Hansen, Rolf Frieling, and the Secretary General Dolf Willigers, from FIM-Europe Vice President Silvio Manicardi, Jesper Christensen and John Chatterton Ross and from FIM Steve Aeschlimann Executive Director Operations.
The group discussed the progress of co-operation of the two organisations; subjects covered included the forthcoming FIM-Europe Congress and Road Safety Conference. Other items included the continuing work on the new CEN standard for protective clothing for street riders, and the many challenges and opportunities coming to our motorcycling world from new developments on automatic vehicles.
Vice President Manicardi issued an open invitation to the FEMA colleagues to attend the FIM-Europe congress in Kavala next month. He added: “I appreciate very much how the discussion is progressing in a very friendly and collaborative way.”
From left to right: Silvio Manicardi, Dolf Willigers, Jesper Christensen, Steve Aeshlimann, Morten Hansen, Rolf Frieling, John Chatterton Ross
–by Wim Taal
FEMA: www.fema-online.eu
FIM: www.fim-europe.com
[page break]
TRAILBLAZERS NEWS–FUNDRAISER FOR DICK MANN–
Dick was hospitalized for six weeks with an infection that ended up down in his legs. He came home Friday and is improving. Not only has he accumulated medical bills, but his vintage and antique motorcycle restoration business has come to a halt.
Let’s do what we can to help Dick and Kay get through this tough time. We hope his many friends and fans will support the fund. If you wish to send a card: 772 Foothill Road, Gardnerville, NV 89410
https://www.youcaring.com/dick-and-kay-mann-571305#.VzxaCjlNKtJ.facebook
“MAD” MIKE’S JUMP POSTPONED
Sent by Sammy Tanner
Stunt man and Daredevil, “Mad” Mike Hughes, was scheduled to jump the Palo Duro Canyon in Texas last weekend, but had mechanical difficulty. The Steam Gauge on his rocket would not hold the 400-degree temperature. He was to attempt to break his Guinness World Record for longest distance jumped at 1,374 feet.
Shannon Smith, a reporter for NewsChannel 10 wrote this article. http://www.newschannel10.com/story/31963919/daredevil-attempts-to-jump-palo-duro-canyon
THE BUCOBOYZ
Skip forwarded a photo (attached) of A bunch of goofballs. Not sure who all of them are but, Looking Good!
VINNIE AND CATALINA
Skip forwarded photos from the last Catalina race promoted by Vinnie Mandzak. We miss Vinnie.
LAST DOG STANDING
Check out this Promo for the Prairie Dogs MC 2016 Last Dog Standing Race at Glen Helen Raceway. Larry Huffman is doing the voice over. It will be held June 18th. Glen Helen is an excellent race facility and very spectator friendly.
2nd ANNUAL AJ HERRERA MEMORIAL
This event isn’t until July 23 at 3pm, but they have a great start. Confirmed legends, a Trails Demo, live music, M/C vendors and a purse already over $9000. It will be at the Ventura Raceway. A flyer is attached.
WATCH AMA PRO FLAT TRACK ON FANSCHOICE.TV
You can still view Round 5, the Sacramento Mile on FansChoice.tv. It is available for VOD viewing along with previous races.
FansChoice.tv http://www.fanschoice.tv/ama-pro
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/amaprovids/videos
To watch the events live, view them at http://www.fanschoice.tv/watch-live/ama/flat-track
50 YEARS AGO IN CYCLE NEWS
Cal Rayborn won the heavy weight class at Carlsbad Raceway road race. Dick Hammer won the small-bore division. Gary Conrad won the Hilltoppers Scrambles on Catalina. Malcolm Smith and Reed Price won their classes in the desert. Some 40 years ago Rex Beauchamp and Jay Springsteen made the cover.
TODAY IN MOTORCYCLE HISTORY: 07/22/13
Thank you Skip for sending another link.
http://todayinmotorcyclehistory.blogspot.com/2013_07_22_archive.html?m=1
MOTORCYCLE VACATIONS
HalfPro Southern California offers Motocross and Off Road Motorcycle Vacations and riding schools. They even offer a place to stay, bikes, 4-wheel drive truck transportation and a personal tour of top tracks and riding areas. Contact them for more information.
www.halfpro.com
(951) 238 1799
AMA MOTORCYCLE HOF BIKE SHOW
This won’t take place until July 9th on the infield of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. A heads up so you have time to dust off your treasure. www.americanmotorcyclist.com/bikeshowregistration.
TODAYSCYCLECOVERAGE.COM
Today’s Cycle Coverage will give you information on upcoming races and really good reviews afterward. Check it out.
NORM MCDONALD GRAND MARSHAL AT OKC MILE
Norm McDonald is being honored at the Mile race on June 18th. Norm, a former Californian and Trailblazer, co-founded K&N Filters. He now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his extended family and operates K&N Motorcycles. Congratulations Norm.
STEVE MCQUEEN CAR AND BIKE SHOW
This one is coming up quick. It will be at, and benefit, the Boys Republic in Chino, California. Steve McQueen lived at the Republic when he was a teenager.
The event starts with a dinner on Friday, June 3rd and the show on Saturday, June 4th. Each year they spotlight a different McQueen movie. Tours of the facility are available.
(909) 628 1217 https://stevemcqueencarshow.com
THE KURT CASELLI FOUNDATION
The event will be at the Doffo Winery in Temecula, California on Saturday, June 11th, 10am-4pm. Entry $10.00. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Music, vendors, movie screenings, trials demo and the MotoDoff Vintage Motorcycle Collection. What a great way to spend a Spring day.
RSVP at doffowines.com/caselli-16
SANTA ROSA MILE
Don’t forget to add this one to your schedule. The final race of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track season. September 23-25. Visit the Ramspur Winery while you are in the area. They have been sponsors of many events.
FLAT TRACK AT SUMMER X GAMES
AMA Pro Flat Track has again been invited to ESPN’s Summer X Games in Austin Texas. They will be on June 2-5. The purpose-built dirt track has been redesigned by seven time Grand National Champion, Chris Carr. If you can’t make it to Austin, watch for it on ESPN.
CACHUMA LAKE RALLY WITH EDDIE MULDER
Celebrate “Desert Sleds” on Memorial weekend, May 27 – May 30.
Contact Eddie at (661) 944 1184 , enjmulder@directtv.net, www.eddiemulderswcvdis.com
MOTOAMERICA IN WISCONSIN & ALABAMA
June 3-5 the 201i6 MotoAmerica Championship series will be at Road America in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin. It will be followed on June 10-12 at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
Always good racing.
FLAT TRACK, SPEEDWAY & QUADS AT VENTURA
The Ventura Raceway, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, will host Flat Track Motorcycles, Speedway Bikes and Quads on Saturday, June 18th. The following Saturday, the 25th, AMA Speedway racing will take over the track.
(805) 985 5433
www.venturaraceway.com
10 W. Harbor Blvd, Ventura.
SPEEDWAY OPENS JUNE 1ST AT THE GRAND
Don’t miss Wednesday, June 1st, opening night at the City of Industry. The season starts with the Connor Penhall Memorial Cup. June 8th all divisions race and June 15 is Legends Night.
–Track Director kelly@industryracing.com or Carol Perez at cperez@industryexpocenter.com (626) 330 0324
SPEEDWAY AT COSTA MESA
The next race will be Harley Night #1 on Saturday, June 4th. Speedway and Sidecars. On June 11th the 450x, Speedway and Juniors.
VINTAGE AT SEARS POINT
Vintage vehicle racing and show on June 2-5 in Sonoma California. http://www.svra.com/events/2016-sonoma-historic-motorsports-festival/
HERE ARE A COUPLE PLACES TO GO
Isle of Man (UK) May 28th to June 10th. BSAOC International Rally Lago di Vico, Italy on June 18 -25. Maybe there is some last minute deals.
Pack your bags.
RIDE YOUR MOTORCYCLE TO WORK DAY
June 20th is the day to ride your motorcycle or scooter. Be among the riders to demonstrate the number of motorcyclists in the general public and that they are from all occupations and walks of life. Motorcycling can reduce traffic and parking congestion.
They are for transportation and recreation. Motorcycling is a social good. Let em know.
AMA RACING AT GLEN HELEN
The AMA Amateur Day MX in on Friday, May 27, followed on the 28th by the AMA MX National.
There is a lot going on so look at their schedule:
www.glenhelen.com
(909) 880 3090
Practice most Thursdays 8am to Dusk, and Saturdays at 8am to 2pm. The series is covered by NBC, NBCSN and MAVTV.
IVLEAGUE FLAT TRACK AT THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS RALLY
Racing on June 9, 10 and 11th at the Travis County Fairgrounds in Austin. Must be 18 or older. http://www.rotrally.com/ , ivflattrack@gmail.com, (949) 374 3773
BSAOCSC FRAZIER PARK STREET RIDE
Sunday, June 5th. Meet at 9am at the Flying J Service Station parking lot, SW corner of Frazier Park Mountain Park Road, & Peace Valley Road, just west of I-5 Freeway. Ride at 10am. (951) 440 3521 or (661) 742 5539
BSAOCNC/SC NORTHWOODS RIDE
June 10-11-12 Info: (831)688 2120, (510) 45i6 6578 or (661) 742 5539
VELLOCETTE RALLY IN CAMBRIA
June 19-26 info: (818) 577 9533 velomadness@aol.com
VIDEO OF CORVALLIS SHOW AND SWAP
Photographed by “Mike”. Sent by Doug Towsley
Doug said it wouldn’t be a proper Oregon event without rain. Lots of it. It was a pretty good turn out considering the weather.
http://youtu.be/JtgLMv-rn3l
SOME RACING GOING ON
Fast Fridays in Auburn has Challenge Elimination Series Round 2 coming up on May 27. It is also Military Appreciation Night. Round 3 will be on June 3. Speedway, plus extreme sidecars Series 2 is on the 10th of May.
www.fastfridays.com
RACES AT PERRIS
SCFTA Championship Series Round 6 is on June 4th. On June 25 is Flat Track practice only from 4-9. No speedway bikes.
RACING AT PRAIRIE CITY
Big Time Speedway and CFTA Flat Track at Prairie City on Saturday, June 4th. Saturday, June 25 will be a rain date or practice. speedwaybikes.com
MYSTERY PARTS
Doug Towsley sent several photos of bike parts they are researching. The parts were part of an estate sale. Attaching two photos. If you have a clue, I will pass on your email to Doug.
BIKERNET 5-BALL RACING 2014 INDIAN CHIEF FEATURED– I finally got a copy of the latest Cycle Source magazine. The article was great. A real good read.
Just wanted to take a moment and tell you thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your Indian build. I know there are many people out there that could have done this for you and I am very grateful you gave me the chance.
It was a real honor!! Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you. Take care buddy!
— Rich Worley
Owner
American Biker
843-641-0258
CUSTOM CHROME AND REV TECH ARE ALIVE— We recently heard from a few readers who had questions about Rev Tech engines. We told them to contact Custom Chrome. Then this arrived: Custom Chrome
RevTech 97 and 106-inch Big Bore kits.
Custom Chrome has released two new RevTech brand Big Bore kits with forged and coated KB pistons – 97 and 106 inchers – for Twin Cam 96″ from ’07-’14 and Twin Cam 88″ from ’99-’06.
Working on the basis that there’s “no replacement for displacement”, these Big Bore cylinders increase the displacement of an 88-inch Twin Cam to 97 inches and raise a 96-inch Twin Cam to 106 inches with no case machining.
Each piston and cylinder are measured out, then sized to match and finished honed, ready to be installed.
Both kits give a 10:1 compression ratio. Available in black and natural finishes, each kit includes RevTech 3.928-inch cylinders with machined fin edges in black wrinkle or natural finish; KB forged pistons with anti-friction skirt coating and moly rings and multi-layer steel head gaskets.
Custom Chrome says that for best performance results new cams and a carb/EFI upgrade can be added; a choice of replacement ring sets and head gasket is available.
CUSTOM CHROME INTERNATIONAL
www.customchrome.com
ANALOG MOTORCYCLES REIMAGINES THE GT– Tony Proust of Analog Motorcycles is an unusually talented Royal Enfield Ambassador and one who we’re very proud to know and work with.
Tony turned a stock Continental GT into a glorious and raw interpretation of a scrambler in less than six weeks, an incredible turnaround time for a build of this level. He had the finished machine ready in time for the midwinter Mama Tried Motorcycle Show in Milwaukee, where it was loved and then requested for the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, Texas. The stock bike drips heritage, in Tony’s words:
“It had the already stylish ‘café racer’ look to it. It’d be great in the city or for a new rider. I was impressed with the torque, as one should be with a half-liter single. I also assumed there might be a little more hiding in there somewhere…”
… and, well, he found it. Feast your eyes on more at:
They need to build a twin!–Bandit
TOYO Tires Recognizes National Tire Safety Week– With Introduction of New Online Tire Maintenance Videos
CYPRESS, CA – Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (Toyo Tires) recognizes National Tire Safety Week by introducing four new videos in the Tires 101 section of its website at toyotires.com/tires-101. These highly informative videos address four essential topics: How to Check Your Tire Pressure, How to Check Tire Tread Depth, How to Inspect Tire Wear, and How to Read Your Tire Sidewall.
National Tire Safety Week is presented by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) and supported by industry partners such as Toyo Tires running May 29-June 4, 2016. It is designed to educate motorists about the importance of tire safety and maintenance.
According to the RMA, only 17-percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure. As a result of those numbers, underinflated tires can waste up to 1.2 billion gallons of fuel annually. And most important, underinflated tires contribute to numerous fatalities and injuries each year.
To watch the informative videos about tire maintenance and safety by Toyo Tires, go to toyotires.com/tires-101 or view them on YouTube at YouTube.com/toyotires. To learn more about National Tire Safety Week, go http://www.rma.org/tire-safety/.
AIRHAWK Introduces Cruiser R Large Air Cushion– AirHawk’s new Cruiser R Large Air Cushion (14′ Deep X 14.5″ Wide) was designed to be used on Big Cruisers, Sports Touring, Metric and all Harleys. Its’ Stress Relief design features reduced pressure points on the tail bone, scrotum and prostrate areas. This AirHawk Cushion equalizes forces over the weight-bearing areas of the body, relieving dangerous pressure points.
Motorcycle riders are at the mercy of engine and road vibrations that can cause significant fatigue, numbness and even health risks such as spinal column compression. AirHawk’s technology has been used in medical applications to bring health, safety and comfort to some very intense pressure situations and was originally invented for wheelchair users.
The AirHawk is actually a motorcycle seat overlay that provides the rider with unsurpassed comfort during long rides. It uses scientifically proven air technology to distribute your weight and pressure over the entire motorcycle seat cushion, reducing the “hot spots” that cause pain. AirHawk found that dry flotation technology has more amazing properties than just pressure equalization. The air cells also work as mini shock absorbers, reducing vibration.
Additional Benefits Include:
* Eliminate numbness and painful pressure points
* Double your ride time, GUARANTEED
* Reduce moisture and body heat build up
* Handcrafted quality
* Take comfort anywhere
The ergonomically form fitting design allows better conformity to a multitude of seat shapes and sizes. Covered in breathable Space Mesh material w/red vinyl accent, it features a non-skid bottom so it stays in place and it’s fully customizable and portable – use it on any bike for any rider. There is an AirHawk Air Cushion that will fit your ride today!
How much is comfort worth? Try our product…If we don’t DOUBLE your ride distance, return it for a full refund…no questions asked! Once you’ve tried it, you won’t ride without it! For info check out airhawk.net or call 888-443-2669.
–Rick Raus
NEWS FROM THE TRIKING VIKING— The Windvest team is putting together a memorial ride to celebrate Norm Dober this weekend. Check it out on Bikernet Baggers.
–Triking Viking
Totally Supreme Editor
Bikernet Trikes
Hollywood, California
FATBOB DEAL OF THE WEEK— It’s a ’93 Heritage Softail with a hot rod stage III kit. “It’s faster than my sneeze,” Fatbob said, “Very fast!” There’s just 7000 miles on the engine build, some 22,000 miles on the chassis and just 2000 miles on the kit.
A killer bike for a killer deal.
–Fatbob
815-519-4494
FLORIDA MEDIA and Police Unconstitutionally Targeting Motorcycle Clubs– ABC Action News in Tampa Bay recently released an expose titled “Uncovering the Tampa Bay firefighters who run with criminal motorcycle gangs,” asserting that club members in public safety positions has law enforcement concerned.
A few days after this expose, Tampa Bay PD tased and arrested a member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club at a local bar claiming that he had resisted arrest and assaulted police officers. However, video footage capturing the incident shows officers tasing the club member while he had his hands behind his back in compliance with the officer’s demands.
Although the officer’s actions are inexcusable and deserving of civil and criminal liability, the actions of ABC Action News are equally deplorable and should be condemned in the court of public opinion.
ABC Action News in Tampa Bay is a primary example of promoting extremely irresponsible journalism in favor of tabloid-like sensationalism. This attempt to spread fear, as opposed to truth, furthers a stereotype fueling an epidemic of motorcycle profiling and discrimination nationwide.
ABC Action News, flying in the face of fundamental constitutional principles, condemns and judges men dedicated to public safety. Men who have no criminal records. Men dedicated to saving human lives. Men who are Captains of Fire Departments in the Tampa Bay Area. Suggesting that restrictions should be imposed on these individuals, restrictions like access to public safety employment opportunities, merely based on their membership in a motorcycle club, violates the doctrine of personal guilt and the rights to expression and association embedded in the 1st Amendment.
Motorcycle clubs, including those clubs labeled organized or criminal gangs by authorities, are 1st Amendment protected associations. There is “no evidence that by merely wearing [motorcycle club] “colors,” an individual is “involved in or associated with the alleged violent or criminal activity of other [motorcycle club] members.
It is a fundamental principle that the government may not impose restrictions on an individual “merely because an individual belong[s] to a group, some members of which committed acts of violence.” In fact, the Supreme Court has long “disapproved governmental action . . . denying rights and privileges solely because of a citizen’s association with an unpopular organization.” Healy v. James, 408 U.S. 169, 185-86 (1972).
To impose restrictions on any person who wears the insignia of a motorcycle club, “without regard to or knowledge of that individual’s specific intent to engage in the alleged violent activities committed by other members, is antithetical to the basic principles enshrined in the First Amendment and repugnant to the fundamental doctrine of personal guilt that is a hallmark of American jurisprudence. (See Coles v. Carlini, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Civil No. 10-6132, Opinion, 9/30/2015, p.28)
But instead of promoting the fundamental rights protected by the 1st Amendment, ironically the same rights protecting a free press, ABC Action News has made the conscious choice to fuel hyperbole and discriminatory stereotyping by suggesting mere membership in a motorcycle club, even absent any evidence of individualized intent to commit a crime, is sufficient to justify termination from the Fire Department.
Moreover, the tangible implications of promoting baseless fear should drive an ethical and moral obligation in the news media to avoid irresponsible sensationalism. Is it a coincidence that a few days following the ABC Action News expose a firefighter that is also a member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was tased while he was complying, with his hands behind his back? Does public perception driven by sensationalism make law enforcement abuses like this more likely because they think no one will sympathize with a biker?
Public perception and opinion in many ways determines policy. The role of the news media should be to inform the public as accurately as possible in hopes of encouraging ethical public policy. ABC Action News is an embarrassment to journalism and outrageously ignorant of the same 1st Amendment principles that protect their ability to spread irresponsible tabloid media.
The Supreme Court has long disapproved of governmental action denying rights and privileges solely because of a citizen’s association with an unpopular organization. ABC Action News should be dedicated to reporting that governmental discrimination and profiling, even against motorcycle clubs, is inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s long held mandate. But that would require focusing on the importance of fundamental liberties as opposed to the commercial value of abhorrent tabloid journalism.
–Motorcycle Profiling Project.com
LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK— The classic Buddy Boy Solo with the Daddy-O option.
I’ve probably built 15 scooters in my early days, and they all sported a similar solo. Nothing makes a bike look better than a classic solo, and hell, with the right set of springs they don’t ride bad at all.
Overview
The Buddy Boy rides on the same base plate we have been making since the 70’s with a new, deep dish, high density molded foam foundation.
This is perfect for customizing your bike.
Black powder coated, universal nose bracket is included. Springs are not included, you will need to purchase a spring kit through your local dealer.
The seat is 13″ long x 9.5″ wide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
9.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A
MSRP:
$220.00
Part Number:
L-101
HARLEY DEALER AD GETS IT WRONG– A Picture Don’t Lie
Despite constant assertions to the contrary, it would seem the good folks at Harley-Davidson have a rather poor sense of their own history. Case in point: a recent Harley-Davidson insert in Dealernews, a magazine that bills itself as the voice of powersports retailers.
The insert, which was also sent to the Harley-Davidson dealer chain, is a glossy, 14 X 20 fold out poster that lists the 2013 recipients of the Motor Company’s Bar & Shield award, which, according to the blurb — and pardon my paraphrasing here — is based on sales, customer satisfaction, and “various operational measures.” Also listed are the names of long-term dealers, notably that of Dud Perkins, the San Francisco dealer that’s been selling the brand continuously since April 1st, 1914.
Now, you’d think that a company so steeped in tradition and so aware of its own history would choose a cover portrait worthy of its legacy. Something that represented one of their many race victories perhaps, or, I dunno, maybe a portrait of someone that helped steer the company through its many years of success.
Well it is. The photo that Harley chose, is one of an archetypical American dirt tracker, backing his archetypical American dirt track motorcycle into turn. Presumably H-D picked the shot because nothing says American motorcycle like an old dirt tracker and no riders better exemplify what the typical H-D rider is all about than guys that raced them, guys that were tough as leather with reflexes of a gunfighter. There’s only one slight problem. The photo that Harley-Davidson used to celebrate their dealers is of a guy named Gary Scott, and what he’s riding is a Triumph.
Doh!
That the photo is of someone riding a Triumph is bad enough. It speaks poorly of whoever picked it, and of the H-D executives that approved it. But it gets worse. For those of you that aren’t students of dirt track history, the name Gary Scott probably doesn’t mean much. According to the record books he was a hard-charging rider and member of the 1974/1975 Harley-Davidson race team who won the 1975 AMA Grand National Championship, and accompanying number one plate.
What the record books don’t tell you is that he hated riding for Harley, didn’t get along with the other members of the team, and quit the team shortly after winning the title. He then forbid them to use his name or photo in any of their advertising. To say that the relationship between Gary and H-D was adversarial would be a gross understatement, one he’d later underscore by engaging in physical altercation with his former tuner, and all around Harley good guy, Bill Werner.
–By Mark Zimmerman MotorcycleCruiser.com
HOG KILLERS BIKERNET LA SHOP OF THE WEEK— This shop is barely in Los Angeles, nestled against Orange County border, but still on our side of the tracks. Fatbob called this morning and told me about an Indian-four he sold to Aki, the boss of Hog Killers.
Aki, originally from Fukuoka, Japan Aki has had a passion specifically for Harley- Davidson motorcycles since he was a young man. His desire to work on motorcycles brought him to the U.S. in 1995 and 3 years later he attended and graduated from the Motorcycle Mechanic Institute in the Summer of 1999 as a Certified Technician in Harley Davidson, Early and Late Model Rebuild & Performance.
Hog Killers was opened in January of 2009. He sent Fatbob a photo of himself and a fish head when the Indian four arrived. He quickly tore it down. “He’s only using the driveline in his project bike,” said Fatbob.
We featured one of his custom builds on Bikernet recently. Hang on for more.
Hog Killers, Inc. has proudly been producing made in the USA parts, accessories and apparel since 2010. Check out their website for more details at www.hogkillers.com
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS CONTROVERSY– Bonneville racers accuse BLM of dragging its feet after plans for further salt flats study.
After Bureau of Land Management officials urged patience and recommended another study of the shrinking salt at last week’s Bonneville Salt Flats summit in Salt Lake City, racers in attendance at the summit said they felt undermined by the bureau and that bureau officials weren’t acting fast enough to save the historic speedway.
“We came away from that meeting bitterly disappointed,” said Louise Ann Noeth, spokeswoman for the Utah Alliance, an organization created to represent Bonneville racers.
Last week’s Bonneville Salt Flats summit in Salt Lake City was intended to get every concerned party – BLM officials, state and local officials, miners, scientists, and racers – around the same table to agree on plans to restore the salt flats, something the Utah government called for back in March. However, while BLM officials and the Bonneville racing community have agreed on the scope and importance of the issue, they emerged from the meeting with vastly different plans on how to address it.
The former noted that despite years of research establishing that the flats have indeed shrunk in size and in thickness, the underlying causes for the shrinkage remain unknown. According to a Salt Lake Tribune article on the meeting, scientists studying the flats aren’t sure whether they are a geologically ephemeral phenomenon or a more permanent one – that is, whether the shrinkage is part of a natural cycle or was caused by human activity, including mining.
Thus the researchers aren’t sure whether any action taken now would harm or help the salt flats. A University of Utah study of the flats, which is expected to provide data that could answer that question and which the BLM wants to review before determining how to fix Bonneville, isn’t expected until 2018.
By then, Noeth said, the salt flats could be gone entirely. As noted in a position paper for the land-speed racing community that the Utah Alliance, and Save The Salt presented at the meeting, studies on the salt shrinkage date back to the early 1970s. Indeed, the position paper quoted a 1979 BLM study that noted “Weather cycles may partly explain changes on the Bonneville salt crust. But the activities of man, such as withdrawing brine and constructing surface-drainage barriers, have altered the hydrologic environment and have had a profound effect on the salt crust.”
The paper also quoted BLM Recreational Lands Manager Gregg Morgan who, in a 1989 interview, said that at existing salt depletion rates “in ten years possibly there will not be enough salt to race on and in thirty years not enough salt to sustain what we call the Bonneville Salt Flats.”
Citing an engineering study of the salt flats prepared by Bingham Engineering for the Utah Alliance, Noeth said the Bonneville racing community believes the best way to restore the flats is to accelerate the salt laydown effort, in which the salt that’s considered a byproduct of the nearby potash mining operations is pumped back onto the racing surface. The existing salt laydown effort, which returned 5 million tons of salt to the Bonneville speedway, began in 1997 but tapered off after 2002.
“To me, saving the salt means taking the piles on the south side of Interstate 80 and moving them to the north side,” Noeth said.
However, the Salt Lake Tribune article quoted Eric Rogers, a plant manager for Intrepid Potash, which has mined the salt flats for decades, who said he didn’t think that Intrepid could do that, nor should it without further understanding the salt flats’ geological cycles.
Noeth said the Utah Alliance “still will participate and we still will try to get this fixed,” though she also promised a “war of words” should the BLM continue to do nothing about the situation other than call for more studies. “We realize now that we require help from legislators to get something accomplished,” she said.
This year’s SCTA/BNI Bonneville Speed Week is scheduled for August 13-19, while the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s World of Speed is set for September 10-13. Observers say it’s too early to know whether there will be sufficient salt for racing this year.
–by Daniel Strohl
Hemmings Daily
–contributed by Tom Evans
This cannot stand!
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE UNDER FIRE IN FLORIDA– From: Dave Doty Secretary Florida Veterans Council–I just saw something on the news tonight that has my blood boiling. Florida is passing a law that will allow students to opt out of doing the Pledge of Allegiance in schools!! –
— Pauly D.
Chicago, IL
[page break]
STURGIS CYCLE SOURCE EDITOR’S CHOICE SHOW— Harley-Davidson would like to do a combined bike show and Editor’s Choice show in Sturgis. They have asked us to help facilitate the Editor’s portion of the show.
The show is set to take place on Tuesday, 8/9/16, location is TBA shortly. My apologies for not checking with you on the date but that is the day that has the least conflicts at this point according to Harley. If Tuesday doesn’t work for your schedule you’re welcome to appoint a representative to make your pick and present the award for your publication.
We have been assured that there will not be any glitches with trophies this go round and they will all be on site and ready to go.
Please let me know as soon as possible if your publication(s) would like to participate.
–Heather Callen
Supreme Managing Editor
Cycle Source Magazine
118 Dellenbaugh Rd
Tarentum PA 15084
Office – 724-226-2867
www.cyclesource.com
LOVE JUGS TESTIMONIALS–
I got them today took me about 40 minutes to install. First class quality parts. I ran the bike for about an hour and it kept the engine temp and oil temp cool. Works great on my 103 cubic inch with 255 cams. Thanks a lot some pictures enclosed.
—Walter
Hey Steve, No doubt this was my mistake! Have never dealt with any company so eager to help!
Have, and will continue to spread the word about your product, and company.
— Jim H
SADDLEMEN FXR PROJECT WITH EL WAGGS— The Custom Team at Saddlemen is finishing off a Bikernet seat tech this week.
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We will bring you the full report shortly. Here’s some teaser shots. Two seats for two different bikes.
–Wrench
NEW ILLINOIS TOLLING INFORMATION– Cashless tolling starts July 5 on the Illinois Route 390 Tollway.
The Illinois Tollway is implementing the first, all-electronic Tollway on the Illinois Route 390 Tollway to provide all customers – residents, businesses and visitors – with a safer, more efficient and seamless method of collecting tolls. The Tollway will begin cashless tolling from Lake Street to I-290 starting on July 5, 2016.
Cashless tolling means that there are no toll booths or automatic coin machines on the Illinois Route 390 Tollway, so all customers will drive on an I-PASS Tollway. Toll collection equipment over the traffic lanes reads the I-PASS transponder on the windshield and automatically collects tolls. Drivers continue at highway speeds without the need to slow down or stop to pay a toll.
CUSTOMERS WITHOUT I-PASS USING THE ILLINOIS ROUTE 390 TOLLWAY MAY PAYONLINE OR PAY BY MAIL WITHIN A 7-DAY GRACE PERIOD OF THEIR DATE OF TRAVEL. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAYING TOLLS ONLINE
I-PASS customers can drive on the Illinois Route 390 Tollway and benefit from a 50 percent discount on tolls. Transponders need to be mounted correctly. While multiple vehicles can be linked to an I-PASS account,
each vehicle needs a separate transponder.
DON’T HAVE AN I-PASS? GET A TRANSPONDER IN PERSON, ONLINE, BY PHONE OR BY MAIL
MEMORIAL DAY
In celebration of Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, please join us in
remembering the brave men and women who have served in the military
The Illinois Tollway would like to take this opportunity to honor the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and thank military veterans, including the veterans and active members of the armed forces and reserves who work for the Tollway.
To honor our veterans, the Tollway has dedicated the Veterans Memorial
Tollway (I-355) including a memorial at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza commemorating all branches of the armed forces, as well as a POW/MIA memorial at the O’Hare Oasis on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to those individuals who have given so much for so many in their service to the nation.
THE LATEST FROM MUSTANG SEATS FOR DELUXE AND HERITAGE SOFTAIL MODELS– Comfort for Softails: The Mustang Solution to Passenger Complaints.
There’s only one thing that the riders and their passengers of 2016 Heritage and 2015-16 Softail Deluxe models need: Mustang’s new seats that have been specifically engineered to provide truly uncompromising comfort for both the riders and their passengers.
Their new Softail solo seat allows the rider to sit comfortably back into a 16.5-inch wide bucket, which provides ample lumbar support. Selecting the fully adjustable and easily removable Mustang driver backrest option will provide all-day back support. Mustang’s solo seat fits perfectly with the Deluxe’s stock chrome trim bar.
Mustang’s new matching passenger seat is an improvement that will be greatly appreciated by every Deluxe passenger for every mile. Unlike the narrow, cramped stock passenger seat that the factory squeezed in between the rider’s seat and the luggage rack, Mustang has created a recessed passenger seat that fits over the top of the luggage rack. This innovative design provides the passenger with a generous 10” wide bucket that is properly contoured for comfort–absolutely the solution to passenger complaints.
Available with or without studs and conchos, these seats feature a marine-grade fiberglass baseplate, proprietary comfort foam and individually sewn covers that are proudly handcrafted and assembled in Mustang’s New England facility (tours are available by appointment).
For more information, visit www.MustangSeats.com or call Mustang at 800-243-1392 or 413-668-1100.
–Jesse Sargent
Mustang Motorcycle Products, LLC
4 Springfield Street
Three Rivers, MA 01080 USA
Office: 413-668-1140
UNCLE MONKEY ON THE PRACTICE OF PRACTICING– The only way to get better is by doing it. Often times what we mistake for natural talent is years of hard work, years of repetition.
Sure, there can be a lot said for what you are gifted with. People like Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan were blessed with higher skill sets, but that didn’t mean they didn’t practice. In fact you would be surprised that the more gifted someone is the harder they will work. It doesn’t mean others can’t learn to be just as good, maybe even better. There is no real big secret.
Just by doing something over and over it gets ingrained into your psyche, and every time you make that small increment of improvement. Throw in basic understanding and a few tricks of the trade and you would be surprised how much better you get.
For me, I started making a simple awning for my trailer to help keep the beating Sturgis sun off of me this August. A few hours designing, figuring out what would work, why it would fail. I challenged myself to find what I really needed, what I wanted and the middle ground I could live with.
With a plan and a goal, I sat myself down at the sewing machine and started reinforcing the seams already in the cloth. It was brutal. I can say that they were lines in the most general sense of the word but straightness wouldn’t be in the same zip code. However, as I worked on folding and stitching the runs of thread straightened with each pass.
The monstrous cloth seemed smaller, easier to handle and pass through the machine. It wasn’t because someone else was sitting at the machine, but just the repetition drove me forward, plus my muscles adapted to the task. I fixed the big problems with my technique. After those it was tweaking the little things until I got to the level of being okay doing it. I’m a long way from being a professional, but I’m miles past where I started from.
It is that way with everything you want to do. Don’t jump in way over your head and expect to turn out high quality professional results the first time. It takes time and practice. Billy Lane knew that he could build a trick exhaust exiting through the rear fender but he had to set his ass on fire to realize that he overlooked something.
SO, bottom line: Just because you don’t know how to do something, doesn’t mean you can succeed. And if you want to get to a professional level, you need to practice.
–bad Uncle Monkey
FUND RAISER FOR THE MRF–
My name is Andy Kelly. I am the MRF Representative for Pennsylvania. I
would like to try a fund raiser this year, for the MRF, at the “Meeting of the Minds,” in Oklahoma City.
A similar Fund raiser is already growing in Pennsylvania at the Leadership and Legislative Seminar, but I would like to put a twist on it for the MRF “Meeting
of the Minds.”
The twist is to have every State representative bring or send a bottle of Liquor that is either made in their state or reminds them of their state. Example being, not to far from my house is a distillery that makes a Rye Whiskey (Dad’s Hat) that is not so bad.
Carol Downs told me in Colorado there is Tequila produced that is pretty good.
Also when you hear Yukon Jack, what do you think of?
There will be a wagon at the “Meeting of the Minds” to house the inventory, and everyone will have an opportunity to purchase chances on the MRF Wagon of Cheer. Now being upfront, it will be the responsibility of the winner of the Wagon of cheer to arrange either consumption or transportation of the Wagon and the Liquor. I’m sure there will be volunteers to help.
Hang on for further reminders. Should be a popular effort.
–Andy Kelly
SHORAI DAD’S DAY PROMOTION– To help get your Father’s day started right, we are offering 10% off with free ground shipping to new and returning customers. This offer ends soon so place your order now.
For New and Returning Customers :
Please go to our website, login in or create a new account. You must be logged in for the coupon to be applied.
Use our finder to pick the correct battery for your bike.
During checkout use coupon code: dad16 to receive a 10% discount and free ground shipping*.
*Free ground shipping only applies to 48 states. AK, HI and international orders do not qualify for free shipping. Dealers are excluded from this offer. Offer only valid directly from Shorai.
Promotion valid until June 20th.
Is the MRF going to also include language in the federal definition separating two-wheel vehicles, less than 50CC or less than 1500 watts? I haven’t seen the language for what the MRF is asking and want to make sure we change the definition of a motorcycle in South Carolina so it doesn’t conflict with any proposed federal language.
–Ralph Bell Jr.
WOMAN ATTEMPTS MOTORCYCLE WORLD RECORD ON MAIDEN RUN–Brand new motorcycle licensee will literally walk out of the California Department of Motor Vehicles after obtaining license, get on a motorcycle, then seek to set the record for the “Longest, Continuous Journey by a New Licensee,” totaling more than 9,000 miles.
Deena Mastracci never says no to a new challenge. Refusing to be outdone by her fiancé, professional endurance driver Carl Reese (who set the fastest time on a motorcycle from Los Angeles to New York), Mastracci has decided to set her own long distance motorcycle record; but first, she needs a motorcycle license, no easy feat in itself.
Her cross-country trip of 9,000-plus miles begins June 1 in Santa Clarita, California, where she will escape the gridlock of Los Angeles County freeways only to face the wilds of Alaska and the far reaches of the Arctic Circle.
Facing some of the world’s most challenging terrain and extreme weather, Mastracci will then navigate the wilderness of Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada before crossing back into the lower 48 states through Montana and traversing Colorado and Michigan en route to a Pennsylvania finish.
Followers can track her progress with live GPS vehicle tracking provided by GPS Insight, a technology leader in fleet tracking software. Mastracci’s live map is available on carlreese.net, and additional updates of her journey will be posted on Facebook and Instagram.
Mastracci’s very first motorcycle ride will not only be an attempt to set a record for “Longest Distance Traveled by a New Motorcycle Licensee,” but is also a way to bring attention to the work of the Motorcycle Relief Project, a nonprofit charity that helps veterans with PTSD and other injuries.
The group arranges multi-day motorcycle tours and other activities and also offers counseling for veterans in an effort to decrease suicides. Additionally, Mastracci hopes her ride will inspire other women who may feel intimidated by driving a motorcycle.
No stranger to setting records, Mastracci (together with Reese and Rodney Hawk) already holds a Guinness World Record for the “Shortest Charging Time Cross-Country Trip in an Electric Vehicle” and as part of Carl Reese’s driving team, has helped set records for the “Fastest Time for Crossing the USA in an Electric Vehicle (EV)” and for a “Double Transcontinental Trip (LA-NYC-LA).”
She holds a total of five other independent EV records all set with a Tesla P85 D. For this record attempt, Mastracci will be riding a used F800GT BMW motorcycle purchased at West Valley Cycle Sales in Los Angeles, CA, the oldest BMW Motorrad Dealer in the United States.
Whether as a couple or individually, Mastracci says she and Reese are always seeking to accomplish new driving feats. That’s why when Mastracci rolls-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles, she will have no prior on-road experience other than that gained during a one day class at Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops—on a closed racetrack—as part of her preparation for her motorcycle test.
Mastracci will submit her accomplishment to Guinness Book of World Records for verification. As a safety precaution, paramedic Jeremy Fox and Reese will follow Mastracci on her journey on separate motorcycles.
Regarding her motivation for the ride, Mastracci says, “I am taking on this challenge to show women, veterans, or anyone intimidated by something new that the best way to overcome that fear is to drive through it. It is empowering and freeing to accomplish something that seems impossible, and with each new adventure and record attained, I am energized to take on another.”
Deena Mastracci’s Maiden Motorcycle Ride is sponsored by GPS Insight, First Gear, National Cycle, Clearwater Lights, EarthX Batteries, Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops and Dillon Optics.
For more OPERATIONAL INFORMATION about this record-breaking trip, contact Carl Reese at carl.reese@mac.com. Please direct all MEDIA inquiries to Kathy Walsh at 410-420-2001 or by email at kathy.walsh@fallstongroup.com.
NEXT GENERATION, LIQUID-COOLED HARLEY-DAVIDSON XG750R FLAT TRACKER BREAKS COVER AT AMA PRO SPRINGFIELD MILE– A new-generation Harley-Davidson flat-track motorcycle is ready to race.
The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team is unleashing the XG750R, its first all-new flat track race bike in 44 years, to battle in fierce, adrenaline-filled competition on dirt ovals across the U.S. The XG750R will make its official competition debut Sunday, May 29, at the AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Mile in Illinois.
Powered by the fuel-injected, liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson Revolution X V-Twin engine, the XG750R will be raced by Factory Team rider Davis Fisher on the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines flat track series. The new XG750R motorcycle is strictly for race competition and will not be offered for sale at this time.
We’re already featuring this puppy with the full story on Bikernet. Don’t miss it, although I will stick with in-the-wind cooled bikes forever. –Wrench
MAKE A LIST— I keep a list until I’m writing notes on the edge of the sheet, then I shitcan it and start over. I love to draw lines threw the successfully handled accomplishments.
So, here’s what’s coming. Queen La La has a couple of Special Reports to publish. I need to jump back into the shop and test the 5-Ball Factory Racer and report on it.
I have notes from MetalSport to bring you up to date on their accomplishments and massive new wheel-turning equipment.
Brew dude may be sending me a new fasteners tech. I will work with El Waggs on his Saddlemen FXR seat techs. He’s building two seats. Peter Linney is after me to use Brittany’s shots again, and I need to write the 1902 Orient Single Story. Better get my ass in gear.
I ordered a handful of my new book. I need to fill some orders and go for a ride.
Hang on!
–Bandit
