April 23, 2006

BONNEVILLE OR BUST– Hey John and Sandy, /

Just a quick note to suggest you skip the KY State HOG Rally and head out to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah Sept 3-7-06 and set up at 3rd Annual BUB’s International Motorcycle Speed Trials . I bet there would be plenty of work plus you can hang out with real horsepower fanatics and maybe even help set a few records.

I’ll be there with two Teams. I’m co-sponsoring, Keith Ball’s 5 Ball Racing Team and Chop-N-Grind Racing. The 5-Ball Team is building 2 bikes, a 1945 WL and a 120-inch Panhead sportbike. Chop-N-Grind is running a 100-inch Evo with a Twin Cam top end in A/Pushrod Gas. I’m furnishing Amsoil for both teams as well as a $500 prize for the fastest American V-Twin using Amsoil.

Here’s a link to the BUB’s site and info about the event. I really think this would be right up your alley and hope you will decide to make it. I’m even going to take a pass in the “Run What You Brung” class with my Rolling Thunder Dyno tuned Road Glide.

I’m also adding a link to Bikernet.com which is where I got involved in this insanity.
http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com/2006_event/index-2006.html
http://www.bikernet.com/Bonneville2006/

Come help set some records and hang out with real horsepower fanatics.

–Nick Roberts
Nick’s Performance Accessories
Independent Amsoil Dealer ZO# 1124190
9608 Tiverton Way
Louisville, Kentucky,40242
Phone: 502-548-3023 Fax: 509-691-4313
mailto:nicks_amsoil@mac.com

DYNO FOR SALE– I thought this might be of interest to you or one of your readers. John Golden is half of Rolling Thunder Dyno Team. The other half (some would say better half. I’ll simply say the friendlier half is his wife Sandy ). They are super people and anything they tell you is the absolute truth.

John is the best tuner out there and goes to all the major events as well as many HOG State Rallies. He has been tuning my bikes for the past 5 years and has always found more horsepower in each tuning. They are super people to work with and, as is true of all great teams, they are committed to doing the best possible job for their customers.
http://www.rollingthunderdyno.com/

Glide to Live, Live to Glide
–Nick Roberts

Ok, now I’ve done it. I finally bought a NEW dyno for my trailer. I don’t need two of them so I am going to sell my old one. I just put two new bearings on the drum so it will go another 10 years. I will sell my old one just like I used it.

I will include (new retail values shown):
– The dyno; $12,875.00
– The extended nose cone for long choppers; $600.00
– The fans; $500.00
– The electronic stack and the air fuel moniter; $2995.00
– The eddy current brake; $8000.00
– The Fat Boy adaptor; $85.00

This is over $25,000 new value. I will sell this set up for $16,000. You can pick it up at my location or I can ship it to you. Delivery will be somewhere around $1500.00 or so, depending on where you live.

Call me to talk about it. 1-417-437-3369.

– John (the Dyno Guy)

THE OFFICIAL VAGABOND TATTOO– I wanted you to see the tattoo that I got from Kat Von D at Miami Ink – They filmed for an episode and I will send air dates as soon as I get them.

Hope all is well, and my thoughts and good wishes go out to you always…

“The Vagabond Chickie”
–Athena

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCES BIKER DISCRIMINATION?–I am writing you today seeking information that will help us in our political efforts. As you may know, we are currently supporting legislation in the U.S. Congress that will end health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists once-and-for-all. I hope that you will be able to relay to me your story if you, or someone you know, was denied health-care payments due to a motorcycle-related injury. I am particularly interested in cases that fall outside the employer-provided health care plans, meaning those cases affecting the self-insured.

Currently, U.S. law states that while an employer cannot exclude you from health-care coverage, they can deny you medical reimbursement payments due to the fact that the injury happened on a motorcycle. The purpose of the legislation we support is to end this discrimination and allow riders to get the medical payments necessary to them under their given medical plans.

Thanks so much for your help, and please let me know if you have a story to tell. Any information you relay to me will be kept in confidence and not used for dissemination purposes.

–Pete
Peter G. Nonis, Senior Legislative Assistant
AmericanMotorcyclistAssociation
rights. riding. racing.
101 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Suite 800 West
Washington, DC 20001
202.742.4303
202.742.4304 (f)
pnonis@ama-cycle.org

BEST NOTION OF THE WEEK– Replace all female flight attendants with some good-lookin’ strippers! What the hell? The attendants have gotten old and haggard-looking. They don’t even serve food anymore, so what’s the loss?

The strippers would double, triple, perhaps quadruple the alcohol consumption and get a “party atmosphere” going in the cabin. And, of course, every heterosexual businessman in this country would start flying again, hoping to see naked women.

Muslims would be afraid to get on the planes for fear of seeing naked women. Hijackings would come to a screeching halt and the airline industry would see record revenues.

Why the hell didn’t Bush think of this?
Why do I still have to do everything myself?

Sincerely,

–Bill Clinton

Street Chopper Magazine’s $15,000 build off is shaping up to have some real special iron entered.

Aaron Greene is back to defend his title. His latest creation white knuckles had everyone talking in Las Vegas in November. Maybe its not his latest! Scott Long and Harold Ponttarelli fresh off of their Discovery bike build offs will most likely have there discovery bikes in tow.

Tim and Shaun Wubbin from PB Choppers in Iowa have a barn full of Sturgis winners. Who knows what they will unload.

Mitch Bergeron commented that when you go up against a group of guys this talented any of them could unload the next superstar scooter.

HEARTLAND STEAM 2006 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES WORKSHOP OUTLINE– By MRF Vice President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. He will cover the following:

-the MRF’s reasoning for being involved in International Motorcycle Issues
-the International Motorcycle Cooperation Group members, functionality, the MRF’s role
-a World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) update as it relates to the 98 Harmonization Treaty and how that impacts the U.S. EPA and the current TIER 2 regulations
-recent and expected developments regarding the WMTC (India, Europe, Japan, US)
-Working Party 29 dealing with motorcycle International Technical issues such as motorcycle sound, emissions, and braking standards
-Development of the UN-ECE Sound Test Procedure from the current Regulation 41 to the ISO 362 method
-Working Party 1 dealing with International Safety Issues, the UN-Roadway Safety Collaboration (UN-RSC)
-World Health Organization, UN-RSC, NHTSA, and subsequent MRF activites related to helmets
-the European Parliament Safety Charter
-the European Driving License Directive
-a Federation of European Motorcyclists Association update

SCOTT JACOBS TO UNVEIL NEW PAINTING HONORING JAY SPRINGSTEEN FOR KIDS AND CHROME EVENT– Plans are in place for top motorcycle artist Scott Jacobs to unveil his latest creative endeavor on canvas depicting legendary flat-track racer Jay Springsteen. The unveiling will take place at the upcoming KIDS AND CHROME charity fund-raiser this August during the Sturgis Rally. Capturing the lifelike essence of the subject matter is the trademark of master photo-realist artist Scott Jacobs and this painting is sure to impress the crowd. Mr. Jacobs will also donate a very rare canvas giclee of the work to be auctioned for the KIDS AND CHROME event.

States Mr. Jacobs: “This is an extremely worthy cause and one I support wholeheartedly. I will do everything I can to help set a record this year. I hope to recruit some of my well-known friends to sign the Springsteen canvas in order to maximize the donation for the kids.”

Scott Jacobs became the first officially licensed artist by Harley-Davidson back in 1993 and since that time has experienced success very few artists can claim. From the humblest of beginnings displaying his paintings under a ten by ten “easy up canopy” on Main St. in Sturgis, Scott’s career has blossomed into worldwide distribution to over fifty countries and boasts of exhibits in twenty museums. His group of collectors reads like a WHO’S WHO list of the motorcycle industry: Wille G. Davidson, Arlen Ness, John Parham. Mike Corbin, Perry Sands, Jeff Bleustein, Forbes family and ZZ Top to name a few.

Jay Springsteen is considered one of the best AMA Grand National flat-track racers of all time. >From his AMA Rookie of the Year in 1975 to the present, “SPRINGER” has become the most beloved rider in the series and nearly always receives standing ovations during introductions prior to races. With well over forty National Championship race wins under his belt and ranked in the top ten almost every year, Jay has won on all types of dirt tracks: miles, half-miles, short tracks and TTs. “I started out on a little Harley-Davidson mini-bike riding in circles around my front yard. I guess not a lot has changed during my career,” Springsteen jokes.

Julie Nelson Gehm
Communications Coordinator
Children’s Care Hospital & School
(605) 782-2384

SMOKEE’S TRIKE–I have designed a Trike, that is built solely for the Disabled Biker. It encompasses the individual?s unique disability in what is called “Design Around” Technology. Know someone who yearns to be in the ‘Wind’ again? Email me at: bfreeon3@earthlink.net or bfreeon3@aol.com.

–J.E.”Smokee”Krieg
Phoenix, Az.85015

GIRLS OF BIKERNET SEARCH SPREADING– Picture of a friend on my old soft-tail. Her name is Laura and she is very fine. The photos are from a publicity shoot for my old band.

Last shot was the cover shot from our first CD. “Bullet With Your Name On It and other love songs” by the Bloozers produced by Larry Jungstrum of .38 Special and myself. I have shots of other Bloozer Babes if you are interested

–Big Bill

We are constantly interested.–Bandit

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND S&S REACHED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT– Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc. and S&S Cycle, Inc. announced today that they have resolved litigation between the two companies which had been pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In March 2005, Harley-Davidson filed a Complaint against S&S alleging various acts of patent and trademark infringement.

The companies recently reached an amicable resolution to the litigation that involved re-design by S&S of crankcases and oiling systems and a re-write of S&S product descriptions referencing Harley-Davidson’s trademarks

PB CHOPPERS CONTINUES NASCAR CONNECTION– Custom Bike Builders Unveil Rusty Wallace Specialty Motorcycle What began as an idea and then grew into A dream has now become reality for PB Choppers of Moravia, Iowa. This weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, the custom bike builder is unveiling The first of 100 “Rusty’s Last Call” commemorative bikes to honor retired NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace.

The series of “Rusty’s Last Call” custom bikes salutes the driver’s 2005 Retirement tour. PB Choppers owner Jim Wubben was looking for a special way To honor his favorite driver’s legendary career.

The bikes will be autographed by Rusty and numbered 1-100. Each custom-built Motorcycle costs $100,000. Customers will receive an autographed plaque with The bike number and a picture of the motorcycle. Since the bikes are individually made, the process from start to finish Takes approximately six weeks to complete. The bikes can be purchased Directly from PB CHOPPERS through its web site – www.pbchoppers.com – or Sales department.

BILLY LANE PREMIERE IN LAUGHLIN– I almost forgot to tell you…….Billy’s movie, “Blood, Sweat and Gears” will be premiering at the 2006 Laughlin River Run. It will take place inside the Edgewater Casino (Conference Hall) on April 28th, 2006 at 5pm. This event has a limited number of seats open to the public (first come, first serve) There will also be an encore showing on Sat. 29th at 5pm, same location (open to public) If you would like to post this information on your site, please feel free. If you would like to attend, let me know so that I may put your name on the list. Thanks.

–Jason S. Edwards
Producer/Director
“Blood, Sweat and Gears”

STURGIS SHOVEL RECEIVES ONE VOTE– Hey Bandit, I’ve been a longggg time reader of the American Iron Magazine and a heck of a lot more glossy and not so glossy bike mags. Since my paid job involves the appropriate use of words I get to be a stickler for good grammar, sensible utterings and a rhythm within a story. I don’t read much that makes me feel like I’m in the saddle, but when I read your article on your trip to Sturgis in the April 2006 edition, I was there.

Sure, seeing the pic of you scootin’ along the road was great too, but your wordsmithing was first class. I enjoy your ramblings and your humanity. Keep it up.

I seriously doubt that I’ll ever have the opportunity to travel State-side, but if I do, I’m going to try to find you and buy you a beer.

PS I liked the Shovel Chopper too, raw and keen………pity ’bout the tank, though……….. ;>))

Cheers,
Greg
2000 FXDX
Way Down Under
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Thanks much, Greg. I’ll take you up on that beer.–Bandit

BIKERNET MARRIAGE ADVICE–A couple had been debating buying a vehicle for weeks.

He wanted a truck. She wanted a fast little sports-like car so she could zip through traffic around town.

He would probably have settled on any beat up old truck, but everything she seemed to like was way out of their price range.

“Look!” she said. “I want something that goes from 0 to 200 in just a few seconds. Nothing else will do! My birthday is coming up so surprise me!”

He did just that.

For her birthday, he bought her a brand new bathroom scale.

Nobody has seen or heard from him since.

–from Art Friedman

BLEED THOSE BRAKES SUNDAY BIKERNET SERMON– Earlier tonight I was working on a bike I recently drug home with a side hack on it to ride my kids around in and going over the pre-ride service since it hadn’t been ridden in a couple years. Wes, whom I consider one of the better bike mechanics around stopped by to lend a hand and after bleeding the brakes a bit I asked if he thought they were good enough. Being a side hack rider himself he said he didn’t know for sure but that brakes could be important so we might want to keep going. One of his oft-used phrases is that it only costs a nickel more to go first class so we kept working the system.

After closing the workshop for the night I had a good chuckle thinking about the statement that brakes could at times be pretty important and it got me thinking about other things related to motorcycle riding that can be pretty important especially as many riders are hitting the roads for the first time in 5 or 6 months.

Here are some other things I came up with that I think can be DAMN important at times as well.

It is very important to make sure our bikes are up to the task mechanically, not just before the first ride of the season but every ride. With some of the bikes I ride this a lesson I have learned well over the years. But I have also had nearly brand new bikes leave me by the side of the road just as quickly so they can’t be left to fend for themselves either. On a similar note make sure your riding skills are up to the task for the location, roads, and speeds you are going to be traveling. Take a bit of time to knock the rust out before getting caught up in the adrenaline rush of a first ride or two. A guy I work with runs on the ambulance crew and he picked a rider up on the very first day it hit good temps, and yes it was the rider’s very first day out for the year. By the way the downed riders’ advice was to watch closely for loose gravel and oil on the roads this time of year.

Clearly a major concern to us motorcyclists is the other vehicles in traffic, especially those turning in front of us and coming up behind us while we are stopped. Statistics back up the fact we should be very concerned. I fully buy into the fact that we should enhance penalties for motor vehicle assaults and keep pushing our agenda to educate the public about sharing the road with us but we must also take it upon ourselves to drive defensively.

Think carefully about drinking and riding too much and have a plan for yourself or a friend that has had too much to ride. I am not saying as some would that you should never drink again while on a bike but seriously folks, know your limits and consider parking it for the night before you howl at the moon.

Consider taking an ABATE Safe Rider or local Technical School Basic Rider Course or for those of you who are more experienced strongly consider an Experienced Rider Course also held by ABATE Safe Rider.

I would also suggest taking both the Basic and Advanced “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” held in various locations by Accident Scene Management. You will learn potentially life saving skills specific to motorcyclists. As a student of both of these courses twice I know first hand the value of these courses and without a doubt if I go down again I would want those riding with me to have the skills taught by Accident Scene Management.

The last area is a tougher one to put out arms around and just as tough to mention in some circles but it needs to be said so here goes. We need to ride responsibly when it comes to the ever-growing issue of motorcycle sound, riding behavior, and attitude. There is a time and place to let loose and we need to be aware of that.

So remember, bleed those brakes and consider the other things I mentioned, at times they can prove pretty important.

–ABATE DD

OKLAHOMA VET TAGS–This url http://tax.ok.gov/mvforms/708-E.pdf will bring up the proper form to fill out and take to any tag agent along with a copy of a DD214 and the $35 fee. This will constitute an application. If the state get at least 100 by MAY 1, they will start production.

I assume the fees would be refunded if they don’t get enough apps.

–Charlie Williams

STURGIS SHOVEL MIKUNI CARB INSTALL–I’ve just read your article on Bikernet and read this ; Rivera guide for Mikuni carbs. They developed a system, guides and throttle wheel, to allow a Mikuni (42 mm) to be used on Shovelheads without interfering with the crossover oil line between the heads. Could you please tell me what the part number of this item is? Here’s a picture of my first “project”

–Rudy DEMETS
BELGIUM
Email : rudy.demets@mepapplications.be

IT’S A WRAP–I need to work on the Panhead Sportbike, but I’m hung over, it’s overcast and I feel like shit. It’s early. I’ll get motivated somehow.

Sure, we made it to the party late, then fought our way through a Mexican Restaurant with 500 bikers all trying the chow down before rolling up to Russell’s new home. As it turned out his house was just a couple of blocks from my old home in Sherman Oaks. Bad and good memories rushed back as we peeled up Beverly Glen that winds into the Hollywood hills.

Russell’s house is like his bikes, all concrete and bare bones, but very cool. So I had a couple of shots of Jack and spoke to John Reed about the V-Bike I’m building. He’s the designer and we toss around notions, mods, and his wild testing procedures. He rode a Custom Chrome V to Sturgis last year in 27 hours, 1,600 miles from San Jose, California. John built the V to be a Big Twin Buell of sorts. A hot rod rubbermounted big twin that handles like a sport bike. We all need choppers, but we also need a bike that hauls ass and handles like wire through cheese.

After a couple of hours we peeled out, down to the 405 Freeway and over the hills to the coast. That’s when it started to rain. It never rains in Southern California, except when I go for a ride. It poured on us all the way back to the LA Harbor, and I don’t have a front fender. Needless to say I had a tall Jack on the rocks when I peeled out of my wet threads. I’m feeling it this morning. I can’t stand around a bonfire and drink a fifth anymore. Suppose I don’t need it.

This week will be happening with Bikernet noise testing and finishing some elements on the V for my ride to Sturgis and Bonneville. Watch for a report. Now, where’s that woman when I need a bowl of soup.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

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