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WARRIOR BLADES–If you are looking for an aggressive yet stylish set of levers for your custom or stock machine, WARRIOR BLADES sport major attitude with function to match. CAD designed and CNC machined to OEM specs from Aerospace grade 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, WARRIOR BLADES by Pro-One are extremely light and exceptionally strong.
Available for Bolt-on fitment to 1996-2006 H-D models except 2004-2006 Sportsters and many customs, they can be ordered in mirror finish chrome or black anodized with machined edges. WARRIOR BLADES retail for just $149.95.
For complete details and availability call Pro-One direct at 800-884-4173 or visit them on the Web at
ANOTHER GREAT STEALTH DEAL OF THE WEEK–These two bikes are up for sale at STEALTH BIKE WORKS. Both are my personal bikes and have been well maintained.
The blue rigid is Delkron 80″ Evo with 4 speed kick only trans. with jockey shift. The paint is marbelized and is awesome! The frame is a straight leg rigid Santee. The bike features an S&s E carb and Andrfews cam.The bike is titled as a 2000 custom. Asking price $15000.00.
The next bike I have for sale is my 1991 Springer Softail. I have owned the bike since it was purchased new in March 1991. The bike features a custom one-off rear fender, S&S E carb, Andrews cam and much more. Asking price $15000.00
If interested give me a call at STEALTH BIKE WORKS 704-882-0889 Stealthman
HELMET LAW EDITORIAL EXCERPT AND HEATED RESPONSE– Editorial: Iowa needs helmet law now.It’s hard to understand how the Great State of Iowa can argue that car and truck drivers must wear seat belts while not also insisting that motorcyclists wear helmets.
The July 31 crash in West Branch that killed Joshua Lunsford reminds us of how fragile life can be when we?re moving faster than we can run. Lunsford was not wearing a helmet, but the West Branch Police Department believes it was the driver of the tractor-trailer who was at fault in the tragic occurrence that happened at South Downey and Fawcett Drive–but only for failure to yield. Lunsford, according to information provided in his obituary and comments from a former friend, was an avid–and experienced–motorcyclist.
–Rob Poggenklass
Editor
rob@westbranchtimes.com
Mr. Poggenklass,
In your op-ed piece below you say “… it was the driver of the tractor-trailer who was at fault in the tragic occurrence that [killed a biker] at South Downey and Fawcett Drive–but only for failure to yield.”
But only for failure to yield? But ONLY for failure to yield??? BUT “ONLY” FOR FAILURE TO YIELD?!?
That is the same as saying that “…the criminal who pulled the trigger on the gun was at fault for the death of the victim–but only for murder.” Are you truly that naive, Rob, or do you just think your readership is?
Neither helmets nor helmet laws do anything to prevent right-of-way violations, and that is the real story and issue here. The motorcyclist did NOT die because he was not wearing a helmet. He died because his right-of-way was violated!
WHY did the trucker violate the motorcyclist’s right-of-way, Rob? Was he gabbing on his cellphone when he should’ve been watching the road, perhaps? WHAT actions will be taken to punish this offender, and to prevent or at least discourage other motorists from committing the same offense?
Neither professional journalism nor responsible reporting appear to be your forte, Rob. Perhaps it would be in everyone’s best interests for you to seek employment in some field other than news media.
Speaking strictly for myself and no other individuals or organizations,
–Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Premier Member, Iron Butt Association
Bikernet would also like to point out that 44,000 motorists die annually and the majority of the injuries are head injuries. My comment to Rob would include: Why don’t all motorists wear helmets? –Bandit
POLICE AND FBI RAID OUTLAWS’ CLUBHOUSE AND MEMBER’S HOME–“We don’t have any of that here,” said one man at the Daytona Beach clubhouse Wednesday.FBI officials did not say what they sought.Raids were also carried out at Trail’s Ormond Beach residence and two other Outlaws clubhouses in Jacksonville and Citrus County.
Police used concussion bombs to get inside the clubhouse and in their wake, a window with the club’s insignia was shattered and the front door broken.The Outlaws have a notorious past and later in the day, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced a Detroit grand jury indictment of 16 of the national club’s members.No one was arrested at the local club, housed in a commercial building flanked by other businesses. Merchants nearby said Wednesday the Outlaws keep the neighborhood safe from crime and prostitution.
Federal agents lugged boxes from the headquarters at 615 N. Beach St. They mostly contained personal photographs of members, computers, CDs, cameras, camera cards, notes and clubhouse T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Snitches are a lying breed,” according to a list left behind by FBI officials.
“They took my wedding pictures and the wedding pictures of other guys that got married here,” Trail said Wednesday, motioning to the clubhouse. “They knocked down my door at home and my wife and I were asleep. They scared her and the dogs.”
Trail, who has no criminal history in Florida, said he and his wife were handcuffed briefly while FBI and U.S. agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms combed through his house.
FBI spokesman Jeff Westcott said the raids were part of an investigation of the Outlaws in Florida by his agency in conjunction with other law enforcement officials.Special Agent Chris Bonner in the FBI’s office in Daytona Beach said, “There are investigations of the activities of the Outlaws in various parts of the country.”
The grand jury indictment in Detroit is on various charges, including assault and drug distribution. Eleven leaders and high-ranking members of the gang were arrested after a five-year investigation. Federal officials said several gang members were charged with conspiracy to commit assault on members of the rival Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Indiana.
By LYDA LONGAStaff Writer
–from Rogue
NEW U.S. CHOPPER PROTOTYPE TO BE UNVEILED AT BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS IN BONNEVILLE–Rick Krost states, ” this project is something I have dreamed of doing for many years, but was never a reality because of production cost. However, with our new friends and strategic alliances, we have found a way to provide what I feel is some of the highest quality, and exacting detail product that the industry has seen in some time… all at an affordable cost to our dealers and clients.”
Pre-orders will be taken after the introduction in Bonneville Sep 2007.
U.S. Choppers
714-546-4699
Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–How do we stop the madness become glass makers?
–Live it up,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:whiplash@photo.net
WILL AMERICAN IRON HORSE SURVIVE?–Rumors are flying around the country that most of management has quit and they may close their doors shortly. We spoke to a dealer who told us that the company is in foreclosure and, “They sold bikes at Sturgis for under dealer price, less than $19,000. Some Texas dealers are selling $35,000 models for $25,000. I ordered 12 bikes in February and in June I still didn’t have product to sell. It doesn’t look good.”
Wait, this just in from Lifestyle Cycles In Anahiem, California: “Nope, they’re not out of business, yet,” said Dan Leadbetter, “I just called over there, got a receptionist and they were going to transfer me to the PR dept.” We’ll keep you posted.
MOM PROPELS BIKER SAFETY CAMPAIGN–A fleet of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol motorcycles surrounded Tina McElhenny Monday morning as she prepared to lift the veil on the last billboard in a yearlong awareness campaign devoted to motorcycle safety.
Her son, Kris, was killed May 8, 2002, when his motorcycle struck a vehicle that failed to yield to his right of way. She and her family started K-Mc Sports Foundation Inc. about three years ago as a way to bring attention to motorcycle safety and keep Kris’ spirit alive. The foundation has since raised $126,000.
“Kris is still a huge part of our lives,” McElhenny said. “If we can help save a life by talking about what happened with Kris, then this campaign has been a success.”
Nineteen billboards emblazoned with the foundation’s “Be Nice. Look Twice. Save a Life” slogan and a picture of Kris have been placed by the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association in cities across the state. The first billboard was dedicated May 30 in Tallahassee – the city where Kris McElhenny was killed. The Jacksonville billboard near the BB&T bank on Beach Boulevard was the last of the 19 to be unveiled. McElhenny said this was especially poignant because Jacksonville is her family’s hometown.
“There are more motorcycles on the road every year, and we hope this program can reduce traffic fatalities,” said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there has been an increase of about 11,000 registered motorcycles since last year. State Traffic Safety Specialist Trenda McPherson said that’s why it’s so important for drivers to always be vigilant on the roads.
“Don’t just use your mirrors, turn your head and make sure their isn’t a motorcycle in your blind spot,” McPherson said. “Most crashes occur when drivers making right turns don’t notice motorcycles approaching on the right side.”
Tina McElhenny said the 19 billboards were donated for one year, and the campaign will branch out into other markets with more advertising in following years. Once the campaign fully encompasses Florida, she said the plan is to reach into Georgia and surrounding states.
– By MATT COLEMAN, The Times-Union
–from Rogue
TOP 50 RALLY PARK Sturgis Rally 2007– The Top 50 Rally Park is a new event at the Sturgis Rally and is off to a good start. Located off I-90 at exit 46 in Piedmont it is easy to get to from anywhere.
They had a full agenda of things like a Charity Ride on Monday, On Tuesday Dave Perewitz, The Suicide Girls and Stunt Riding. The events went on and on.
Because of previous commitments I did miss some of the events and people I wanted to see But I was impressed and expect to see this event grow as more people find out about it.
–Rogue
Sturgis Freedom FightersMotorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
NEW BIKE COVERS DESIGNED DOWN UNDER–I have included some more styles and an advertisement we did in an Australian MagazinePricing depends on QTY ordered and what will suit you.We are negotiable on pricing if you support our products.
We are doing two types of Bike Covers one is waterproof and the other is a dust cover for internal use onlyBoth are available in all styles
–Nathan
claxtondesign@gmail.com
HOW DO WE GET CAGERS TO HANG UP AND DRIVE? (One Hundred Dollars for the Best Idea!)–In last month’s “Hang Up and Drive!” installment, I pointed out that there are currently 236 million cell phone subscribers on our roadways … that 73% of them are talking while they are driving … that cell phone conversations impair their driving skills as much if they were intoxicated with alcohol… and that consequently they are four times more likely to cause or be involved in an accident than motorists who responsibly shut up and steer. And for those of you who discount these statistics–or for whatever reason refuse to accept the fact that cell phone conversation-impaired cagers are one of the greatest and growing threats to the safety of American motorcyclists–I relate the following: Saturday, 11 August 2007, marked the end of eleven days and 5,921 miles in the saddle for me. I rode 2,365 miles from Miami Beach, Florida to Gillette, Wyoming, which was my base for this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. From there, I rode another 1,135 miles touring through the scenic Black Hills, Badlands and Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. I then logged another 2,421 miles of saddletime returning home. I was very fortunate to be able to complete this annual pilgrimage, as I NEARLY LOST MY LIFE 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST 36 HOURS OF THE RIDE.
These are not the first “close calls due to cellphone calls” I have reported to you. But my concern is not with the incidents I (and others, perhaps you) have survived. My concern is the incident that I (or others, perhaps YOU) may not survive. So I ask you:
HOW DO WE GET CAGERS TO HANG UP AND DRIVE?
We can lobby for laws banning the use of cell phones while driving, but how long will it take to get those laws on the books, how many motorcyclists will be maimed or killed in the interim, and how effective will they be in the end? Most of the laws passed to date ban only the use of hand-held devices and exempt hands-free technologies, but studies show that it is the conversation and not the device that distracts and impairs the driver. These laws also tend to have minimal penalties and be difficult to enforce, so many drivers simply ignore them:
THE CONTRIBUTOR OF THE BEST QUALIFYING IDEA POSTED NO LATER THAN 15 SEPTEMBER 2007 WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00). ALL ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY BRUCE ARNOLD, WHO WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER AND MAKE THE AWARD BY 15 OCTOBER 2007.
I’d offer more if I could afford it, but hey, I just got back from Sturgis.
Until Next Time … Ride Long, Ride Free!
Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
FBI RAIDS LARGEST OUTDOOR BIKER BAR IN STURGIS–The Federal Bureau of Investigations has raided the largest outdoor biker bar at the Sturgis Rally.
It happened Tuesday at the Full Throttle Saloon, three miles east of Sturgis.A source tells KOTA Territory News the raid involves the Internal Revenue Service.
Neither the FBI nor the staff at the Full Throttle will say what happened.
The Full Throttle is billed as the biggest biker bar in the country. It has been in operation since the 60th rally in 2000.
Mike Ballard, who owns the Full Throttle, has not returned our phone calls.
NEW MATTE BLACK MINI APE HANDLEBAR FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2007) – The new Matte Black Mini Ape Handlebar (P/N 56075-07, $59.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories has a conservative rise and bend for rider comfort. This one-inch diameter bar is 12 inches high and features a durable matte black finish that complements the aggressive look of the Harley-Davidson Nightster and Street Bob models. These bars will also fit a number of other Sportster and Dyna models. See dealer for fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2005 H-D Electra Glide. Features a 95 cubic inch fuel injected motor, lowering kit, PM brakes, 18″ custom Renegade wheels, Custom paint by Rock n Roll, Alpine stereo, Sirius radio ready, billet lights, hard bags, pizza box and much much more! You have to see it it believe it! Inspected, tested and approved by a certified technician. Only $19,995. They also have a new Dyna and a 2005 1200 Sportster for $3,400.
CALL LIFESTYLE CYCLES
(714) 490-0155
IT’S A WRAP–And I’m wrapped as tight as a .45 magnum shell. Bonneville is looming like a 10 pound ball-peen hammer over my thumbnail. We’re scrambling, making calls, counting our pennies, praying for surf, and yet it’s all going reasonably well in our over heated shop. It’s smoking today as temperatures on the coast glide toward the 90s.
Enough sniveling, I’ve got pipes to build, wiring to figure out and hydraulic lines to make. Rick Krost from U.S. Choppers may fly over and assist with exhaust manufacturing. We need the pipes on and the bike plumbed and primed by next Thursday when Berry Wardlaw, from Accurate Engineering flies in for tuning and dyno work. Man-oh-man, we’re cooking with hot grease and lots of garlic.
But that’s never the end of the transparent line here at Bikernet. We’ve got a hot bike feature lined up for tomorrow and a Girl of Bikernet is being mauled in Texas by RFR and Johnny Humble.
I need to jump back into the shop. My nerves are shot, my head over-loaded with info and not enough time to pressure me to the deck. Watch for another update next week.Ride Forever,Bandit
