Hey,
I’m constantly on the search. Hell, I’m on the search for the most aerodynamic 45 flathead on the planet. I’m in search of the ultimate Chopper. I’m in search of the Queen of all my dreams. I’m searching for Nirvana or the ultimate happiness through tranquility. I’m on the hunt for the meaning of life, the spiritual essence, and the correct path for all mankind. Is that enough?
So much of human existence is hurtful toward others, generally for no good reason. Okay, I’m in a discussion with good friend about the Catholic religion and Relativism. And I’m reading a book about Happiness by the Dalai Lama and Dr. Cutler. Then last night I stumble on an interview with the author of Accidental Universe, a series of essays.
Scientists now know how old the universe is. Now they are studying the multi-universe. There may be thousands and thousands of universes. Some of them will be cool, while others may be hot. Some will have life, others won’t. One thing is for certain, nothing stays the same, and absolutely nothing will last forever, including our sun.
So, what if a memo was sent to everyone on the planet tomorrow stating unequivocally that everything around us was created by accident, a universal roll of the dice? Does that sound familiar?
So, think about that for a moment. Take a look at the cigarette you’re about to light. Ponder your piece of toast, or the elements of your breakfast. How will this memo change the way you ponder life and the beauty of what we have now.
Let’s hit the news. My mind is reeling…
REPORT FROM THE DEVIL—Kent Weeks from Lucky Devil Metal Works has been assigned the duties of building our frame for the 5-Ball historic Streamlined Trike. “But what are you naming it?” Kent asked recently.
We started with Assalt Weapon II, but we are open for suggestions. You get the notion of the names, like the Salt Shaker and the Bonne Belle. How about the Salt Crystal?
In the meantime, Kent was forced to move his shop, and he still must pay the rent with other projects like this Sportster/Big Twin combination scooter.
“Just thought I’d share a sneak peak of the Ironhead,” said Kent. “I am almost done with my initial assembly and last shopping list. so I’ll get some info coming your way soon on the salt project.”
Yeah, she is a bit odd alright. The bike came in with a 200 wide tire hardtail section on it and the offset sprocket gave enough leverage to push the gears right out the back side of the tranny, so I sawed it off and built motor plates like an old Shovester drag bike. The client wanted a 250 rear tire anyway and I wasn’t about to try the same thing twice so I built a new hard tail section with reversed Panhead style axel plates and used a Baker right side drive 6-speed to get us out there.
“I did a couple of other old tricks on this one like an inverted lower triple tree. I am lucky, the client was willing to put up the budget for such a wild project.”
WORDS OF THE DAY FROM DR. FENG—Is one right and the other wrong?
Subjective: Existing by perception, Personal, Individual, Distinctive, Eccentric
Objective: Based on facts, detached, aloof, real
STATS FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER—Did you know how many folks smoke cigarettes? It seems some 15 percent of the population of California smoke, but get this: Some 45 percent of the population of America smokes. And hang on for this. Some 90 percent of the world’s population still smoke. Could it be?
BIKERNET HAS BEEN BLESSED ONCE MORE–You Have Been Approved for this Promotion!
Prizing:
10 Blu Ray Unbroken Combo Packs.
Promotion: Unbroken Blu-ray Combo Pack Promotion
Flight Dates: Mar 20 – Mar 29
Weblink: http://www.unbrokenfilm.com/
Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie directs UNBROKEN, the epic drama adapted from the wildly popular New York Times Bestseller about the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louie Zamperini. Own UNBROKEN on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD now from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
This is the most amazing Pulitzer prize wining story, Unbroken, and I hope the movie conveys it properly. You’ll have a chance to win a DVD. Right now you can still sign up to win the Dumb and Dumber DVD. It’s free.—Bandit
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Cool_Package_of_Bling_to_GIVE_AWAY.aspx
SAFETY VS. FREEDOM–When our forefathers founded this country, there was a belief that each of us was born with natural rights. The first law of nature was a belief that we had the right to defend, as best we could, our own lives, liberty and property.
Since the signing of the Constitution, our rights and liberties have been on a slow train of decline, spiking to new lows each time there was catastrophic event, such as wars or more recently, terrorist attacks. In 2001, immediately after the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center, a poll by Fox News found that 71 percent of Americans polled were willing to trade some freedom to help the United States government fight terrorism.
After the Boston Marathon bombing, only 43 percent of people polled held that same view. Although the world seemed to be getting more dangerous, Americans were not so sure that eroding the rights of citizens was doing much to combat terrorism. Americans were growing weary of the continued interference in daily lives, through increasing regulation and legislation.
The regulatory hand of government has touched on mandatory seat-belt and helmet laws, child-seat restraint systems, smoking bans, abortion, religion, sex, child discipline rules, marriage, free speech, internet posts, school dress-codes, prayer, and more. As bikers, we have seen first-hand how regulations have had a negative impact on our freedom to customize our bikes, travel freely, and choose what gear we want to use.
Restrictions are bad enough, but now, it appears a new evil is lurking just around the corner. According to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), congress is looking at a concept known as Vision Zero. First introduced in Sweden in 1997, Vision Zero places human life and health above any perceived rights or freedoms. Europe is saddled with strict safety laws and regulations, and the erosion of personal choice in safety matters continues to creep toward America, thanks in part to things like the push for Global Harmonization of traffic laws.
The MRF correctly points out that the danger in Vision Zero lies in the fact that the plan for zero fatalities calls for drastic measures to prevent crashes of all types. These measures include reducing speed limits to as little as 43 mph, and removing vulnerable road users from the traffic flow. Remember the resistance to call motorcyclists “vulnerable highway users” in many state’s right of way violation legislation? That term is coming back to bite us, because plans like Vision Zero could eliminate motorcycles from using the roads in the future.
This is a prime example of why, as motorcyclists, we need to be vigilant and also aware of what kinds of implications current legislation will have on the future of motorcycling. The MRF isn’t warning us that this philosophy might be coming to America; it warns us that it’s already here.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced H.R. 1274, a bill to help fund the development and implementation of Vision Zero in America.
Get active with your local motorcycle rights organizations and add your support to fighting these types of programs.
–Tony Sanfelipo
HUPY/ABRAHAM
A LESSON IN T-SHIRT MANUFACTURING FROM THE MASTER—I recently went on the hunt for high quality long white T-shirts. I couldn’t find straight answers, so I reached out to Andrew, the boss of Crank and Stroker and the man behind much of our 5-Ball and Bikernet T-shirt art. Here’s his report.
You are exactly right about the poor quality t-shirts.
Back around 2005 the price of cotton doubled in price. This was due to an increase in demand from China’s fast growing national market and other emerging markets that wall street was fueling from American pockets (don’t get me started).
Rather than raising the price at retail a lot of US retailers decided to sell a lesser quality product. And of course manufacturers and retailers were already seeing the drop in the economy that was coming. It was no time to raise price.
For example, year ago a standard weight for a mens T shirt was 180gsm…
Today it is 130 gsm. Which translate to about 30% less in cost in fabric consumption.
To cheapen the garment more retailers shortened the sleeve length and narrowed the bodies..(every inch =.05cents)
They then came up with great ways to market it as the Slim fit Tee, Sheers, Summer weight, etc.
The economy dictates fashion. When the economy is rockin’ the more flamboyant the fashion. When it‘s slow the more basic / traditional the fashion.
If you want quality, try Carhartt.
They are the only company I know who stays true to their roots. Oh, and of course 5-Ball and Crank and Stroker apparel.
–Andy
THE TWO PAULS CHECK INDIANS—Paul Aiken, of Aeromach, checked the newest Indians, especially Scouts at Daytona Bike Week. He’s in the process of developing a line of parts.
Paul Davis didn’t make it to Bike Week, but he did stumble into an Indian dealership recently, in I believe Charlotte, NC. He to is impressed with the Scout and wants to create a custom. Unfortunately, he works in a Harley dealership.
–Bandit
HANG ON FOR THIS–
Today, in the Climate Change Fantasy Tournament, we turn our attention to these two regional match-ups in the West:
We can’t afford to deny the reality of climate change — we don’t live in a fantasy world of sparkles and unicorns.
Climate change is already having an impact on western states. Droughts are made worse by declining snowpacks and higher temperatures. The recreation and agriculture industries are threatened, and water supplies are at risk. According to an analysis of U.S. Forest Service data, wildfire season is two and a half months longer than it was several decades ago — and in some places, wildfires can now happen all year round.
The scientific community is sounding the alarm. We can’t let climate change deniers stand in the way of taking common-sense steps to solve this problem.
We have four deniers from California to Colorado in our Western bracket. Help pick the winners — we’ll make sure the champion gets the “celebration” they deserve in their home district.
Vote now in the West:
http://my.barackobama.com/Gardner-Barrasso-Deniers
http://my.barackobama.com/Rohrabacher-Hunter-Deniers
Thanks,
Organizing for Action
THE ABOVE CAME FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA
So, who are the deniers, the advocates for climate change or those against the notions. I support a balance. The government constantly makes mistakes. We need to support freedom and education and a balanced approach.
As we all know, climate is changing constantly. We just don’t know how much if any has to do with mankind. So, should we buckle to the control freak’s mandates. I listened to John Kerry bitch and moan about climate change and how if America does everything, it won’t make a significant impact without the entire world being involved.
So, now the control freaks want to control the world. Hang on for that. And at the end of the day the climate will most likely change, no matter how much we torture our society, or the entire world, in the process.
–Bandit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eToR5oOvJiU
AUSTRALIAN TAKE ON CLIMATE CHANGE—In general Australia does not support the control freak’s mantra regarding climate change.
BIKERNET TAKES A SECOND LOOK AT SOUTH KOREA–Took a second free tour to the port of Incheon. It was sponsored and produced by the Korean government. Lots to see. Big Chinatown, old 1890 shopping streets, Cultural center and more.
–ART HALL
Bikernet International Editor and
King for a Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlTKhPkZSJo
VIDEO OF THE WEEKEND–Check out this here link. Amazing girl
in this. She’s got moves that just
blow my mind!!
Mix – MaCoys – Hang on sloopy.mpg.
–from Pablo
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
UNCLE MONKEY ON FREEDOM
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12148
Uncle Monkey, a Canadian writing for an American audience. Why no Canadian women wrapped in a Canadian flag?
Canadian or American, we share a common belief in freedom and operate on the same basis. Your article could have been written with Canadian references and still provided the same message in the end.
–Jim
jim.connie@bell.net
Toronto, ON, Canada
Hey Jim, we thought about the Canadian flag option, but I was moving fast to get ‘er done. I did mention his Canadian location, since I believe his notion of Freedom is slightly different than in American. But in reality my notions for Freedom will be different from yours.
And one correction. In a sense we are writing for an American audience, because we are based here, but Bikernet carries the Chopper word World Wide every minute of every day. We run reports from Australia, Canada, Europe, China, the Middle East, and Scandinavia, anywhere where freedom machines are ridden or built.
–Bandit
HIGHLY SECRET MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2015—I’m on this list, and I’m sure this report is basically for the MRF board of directors, and I’m not one of them. But I thought this was significant and encouraging. Especially, right now, we all need to support the motorcycle rights group of your choosing.
Attached for your review and comment are financial results for two
months ended February 28,2015 with my comments below.
MEMBERSHIP – slightly behind last year but better than budget.
SMRO DONATIONS – Well ahead of last year. In addition the item noted as unapplied cash represents a $500 payment by ABATE of AR which will be reclassified.
FREEDOM FIGHTER DONATIONS – substantially ahead of last year and budget.
There seems to be a trend of members including a $10 or so donation with membership renewals. Membership committee might want to consider this in setting 2016 membership fees. I will make a point of working this into my next column for REPORTS.
EXPENSES – continue to be less than last year and budget.
Only two months but a good start.
–Frank Carbone
CFO
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
AND NOW A VIDEO FROM THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Only in Canada can they pull this off…
For those of you who may have daughters or what your past might have been like.
Not only is the guy on the far right hilarious, but the one to the
immediate right is funny because of his non-reaction for so long.
Also watch the poor guy on the far right hand side.
http://www.youtube.com/v/sZqPQPhsuX4?version=3
–from Gerry Celia
FEATURE BIKE COMING TO AMERICAN IRON, AND MAYBE BIKERNET– As Casey from Head Case Kustom Art Paint & Fabrication sez: ‘no flat studio lighting’ for his machines- the point is to showcase the paint, get those points of light popping like they do out on a run.
Indio California on very warm ,super sunny March afternoon was just the ticket for client August’s green Ironhead machine to wave it’s freak flag high.
OK, we survived the heat,the blazing sun,but mostly we survived Casey’s pedal to the metal 90mph [?] any lane’ll do, get outta my way, windows down Chevy pickup truck maneuvers from his shop in Azusa to Indio & back!
Thanks for driving,bro,… my tremors are subsiding…who needs a bullet train when ya got Casey at the wheel?
This little gem will be spotlighted in American Iron somewhere in the coming months. Spotted initially at Ultimate Builder Show, Long Beach, Ca.
— Markus
SPEAKING OF CHOPPERS AND MOVIES–
We got a ton of new movies coming for you next month, you won’t believe the awesome titles coming down the pike! This Biker Movie Sunday download the wild Jason Jessee Pray For Me movie for just $5 (the special two-DVD set is only $15.) Just click our Weekly Special page and enjoy.
HINT: We usually leave the sale running a couple of extra days so if you open the email on Monday or Tuesday you can still take advantage of the special sale price.
Remember: The Choppertown Backyard Builder Online Bike Contest is coming back this month. Get your pics and vids ready to post what you’ve been wrenching on all winter – grab a buddy’s smartphone and make a video of your skoot starting up so we can hear how she sounds.
The winning bike in each category gets awesome prizes from our buddies at Lowbrow Customs and even a Biltwell lid! More info next week. Thanks guys, enjoy your Sunday.
Stay independent,
Zack and Scott
“Liked it! Shows that there is a very thin line between Madness and Genius!”
~Armando R. verified buyer
adjective
1. British Slang. exhausted; very tired: He is really knackered after work.
Quotes
“It’s been … exhausting,” Oborne says, sounding a little dazed. “I’m all right. I’m a bit knackered. I expected it to be well covered, but I didn’t expect it to be on the front page. But I haven’t seen any schadenfreude. There’s been no glee.”
— Archie Bland, “Peter Oborne: what I have seen is unprecedented in a quality newspaper,” The Guardian, February 18, 2015
Origin
Knackered entered English in the late 1800s from the verb knacker meaning “to tire.”
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
2011 Fat Bob Model Review
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8780
That’s bullshit! I never ate anyone’s lunch, but I may drink your beer!
–Johnny Humble
johnny3sal@aol.com
Humble, TX
BIKERNET WEEKEND GUN NUT REPORT–California: Contact the State Assembly Committee on Public Safety to Support Assembly Bill 225
On Tuesday, March 17, the state Assembly Committee on Public Safety is scheduled to hear Assembly Bill 225.
AB 225, sponsored by Assembly Member Melissa Melendez (R),would make filing a false Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) a felony and punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for 2 to 4 years.
The need for AB 225 came about due to the deeply flawed AB 1014 that was enacted into law last year. AB 1014 authorizes a law enforcement officer or an immediate family member of a person to seek, and a court to issue, a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO). In addition to due process concerns, this could lead to innocent conduct triggering a denial of rights for individuals who pose no danger to society because of a simple misunderstanding between law enforcement and immediate family members.
AB 225 is meaningful legislation that would help deter the filing of false information by law enforcement and immediate family members with the court, for the issuance of a Gun Violence Restraining Order.
Please CALL the members of the state Assembly Committee on Public Safety TODAY urging them to SUPPORT AB 225. Contact phone numbers are listed below and further contact information can be found HERE.
Don’t forget to forward this alert to your family, friends, fellow gun owners and sportsmen urging them to also call members of the Committee.
Bill Quirk (D-20), Chairman
(916) 319-2020
Melissa Melendez (R-67)
(916) 319-2067
Lorena Gonzalez (D-80)
(916) 319-2080
Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-59)
(916) 319-2059
Tom Lackey (R-36)
(916) 319-2036
Evan Low (D-28)
(916) 319-2028
Miguel Santiago (D-53)
(916) 319-2053
INSPIRATION FROM THE INTERPLANETARY MULTI-UNIVERSE BIKERNET TEMPLE—
Taking initiative is like boiling water;
One must add fuel continuously for the water to boil.
practicing is like walking;
One must watch each step for the action to be correct.
Taking initiative and practicing are the main ingredients for a successful career.
–the Venerable Master Hsing Yun
A NEW WEEK IN PARADISE—I don’t know what’s got into me. Maybe it’s the girl, Sevem, from Jordan, I met last night.
We will feature the new Rocketeer heading to China tomorrow, then the winner from Daytona Cycle Source, editor’s choice show.
I’m getting closer on my book. Haven’t decided on a title, though.
We will bring you many wild Bikernet Bagger reports this coming week, from Daytona Bike Week.
Working on this tech from Custom Cycle Engineering, another one from S&S and one while rebuilding a CV carb.
I’ve got to peel out. Hang on for more reports this week.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
