There’s always something in the wind. I went to see a Chinese Acupuncturist yesterday. He told me to cut back on the spicy food and the number of projects on my plate. He said, “Relax.”
I immediately rode to the Fo’scle bar, ordered a margarita and asked myself, “What the hell should I do now?” I was thinking about building a hot rod, so I could pull a lowered Kendon trailer and it would be easier to load bikes. What the fuck? We thought about a used Bikernet Step Van for Bonneville next year and all three bikes aboard a custom Kendon trailer.
That’s just the tip of the Official Bikernet Project List. We’re trying to build a deck on the side of this termite sagging building for the lovely Sin Wu to place her barbecue. We had another Chance book cover meeting with Aubry, the Wilmington mural artist and sign painter. I’ll bring you a teaser photo next time. Did you hear about Mexico legalizing drugs? Now Argentina is going to legalize Marijuana. I read an article in The Week Magazine, about a general healthcare initiative enacted in Massachusetts. It worked and reduced the number of uninsured to 2 percent from 15 percent, but it also failed to fix emergency rooms traffic and now the state is broke. It went way over budget. Crazy. Oh, and one more tidbit, the Post Office is closing offices and considering bankruptcy. Let’s hit the news:
?New CUSTOM CHROME Parts with Old School Style from Jammer Club?–Morgan Hill, CA ?? Scalloped Sparto Style Taillight from Jammer Club adds scallops to the ever popular Sparto taillight. The guys at West Eagle have given us old school builders one more super-fine taillight to choose from. Natural finish, diecast aluminum body, 12-Volt, dual filament and plastic lens. A great retro inspired taillight!
The Scalloped Sparto Style Taillight, part #683071 retails for $259.99.
Retro ?Drilled? Black Taillight
Another twist by the West Eagle crew of their popular ?Drilled? taillights. This version features a black anodized finish on the body, with the contrasting drilled holes lookin? so super fine. The taillight is 12-Volt, dual filament with license plate illumination and integrated mounting/license plate bracket. Taillight measures 2-3/4? wide X 1-1/4? deep. A great looking taillight!
The Retro Drilled Black Taillight, part #683072 retails for $179.99.
BIKERNET CORRESPONDEND RIDES TO BURBANK TO HOOK UP WITH SONS OF ANARCHY CAST–Just got the call that I’m riding to Burbank on Friday with the Lathrop H-D dealership to be part of the crew that delivers the bikes to the SOA actors at Burbank Studios. Woo Hoo!!
Haven’t had a road trip over a few hundred miles this year so I’m jazzed. Sux that I don’t have a speedo (or trip meter) so I’ll have some “gee, do I need gas” issues, but I guess riding with a dozen or so mechanics is a bit reassuring in such a case.
I’m told I’ll have a chance to take whatever fotos I want and access to interview, but I’m not holding anyone to that since the world gets hinky when the Hollywood folks get involved.
I’ll keep ya posted.
–Felicia
Watch for the TPJ Customs feature, by Felicia, to be launched on Bikernet by Monday. It’s a terrific swingarm chop, with the wild story of Bryan building this bike in California and riding it to Sturgis to deliver it to its new owner. Hang on.–Bandit
KEYBOARD MOTORCYCLE SHIPPING TO DELIVER THE ASSALT WEAPAN HOME–That’s right. After an almost two-year vacation at Accurate Engineering in Dothan, Alabama, the Assalt Weapan is coming home. “It’s race ready,” said Berry Wardlaw recently. Two years ago we installed a new Pegasus EFI system and Berry handled fine tuning.
But now it’s time to bring that baby home for some aerodynamic tuning and preparations for Bonneville 2010. Hang on for more reports.
BIKERNET WEATHER BUREAU IN LOWER ALABAMA CHECKS IN–Well, it has done it again. The weather is being anything but normal around here. After a week of rainy days with heat and humidity added in just to make it feel right, things have become almost fall like once again. For the past few nights we have not had to run the A/C at all, just open the windows and enjoy the cool breeze. Real nice.
The days have been cloudy and there has been a little breeze once in a while with temperatures in the 87-92 degree range. Great riding weather, not too hot, not too cool and not too wet. I feel like Goldilocks when she ate the porridge.
We missed most of the bad weather from the two tropical storms, then the hurricane passed us by and that is a real good thing. So we are back on track for good fall weather or so the local weather men say. Let’s hope they know what they are talking about for once.
Ride safe.
–Camy
STURGIS SERIES FROM SCOTT JACOBS (2008 & 2009)– It was a strange Sturgis Rally this year; as for the first few days one wondered if a rally would even take place this year and then Sunday came (1st weekend) and the floodgates opened. It was Katie bar the door for the next 4 days and then things quieted down for the rest of the week.
Adding to the strangeness was Stephen Tyler of Aerosmith falling off the stage at the Chip and then the monstrous baseball size hail storm to cap off the festivities. While all this was going on Scott Jacobs Studio quietly recorded another strong Rally in the sales department which is a testament to Scott?s innovation, talent and extremely loyal following. Virtually all genres: Harley, wine, Marilyn and lifestyle pieces equally sold. I can hardly wait the the70th Anniversary of Sturgis next year!
COLLECTORS ALERT: Scott has decided to aptly name last year?s official Sturgis painting, ?In Your Dreams? the very first painting of his STURGIS SERIES. This year?s version, FACE TO FACE, is the second image of the series. (both are depicted below)> Since ?Face to Face? is only an edition of 69 of each size (represents the 69th Sturgis Rally) I urge you to consider this piece for your collection, especially if you already own the first one, ?In Your Dreams?. Both paintings depict Scott?s family members; daughter Olivia and Dad Dallas and the smart money for next years? painting will undoubtedly be on Scott?s other daughter Alexa?.can?t wait!
IMPORTANT IF YOU HAVE IN YOUR DREAMS: We will try to accommodate you with a matching number Face to Face where possible (only if your number is 69 or lower) or at least save one of the edition so you can keep the collection intact but don?t delay as numbers are being assigned currently for orders taken at Sturgis. Here is the link for specs on this edition… http://www.scottjacobsstudio.com/ghd/face_to_face.html
Finally, the Mt. Rushmore Museum, shows the display of the original painting: FACE TO FACE which was enjoyed by all visitors to the park during the Rally.
–Ron
303-431-4453
THE BIKERNET BLONDE VAULT NOW OPEN–A blonde was shopping at Target and came across a shiny silver Thermos. She was quite fascinated by it, so she picked it up and took it to the clerk To ask what it was.
The clerk said, ‘Why, that’s a thermos….. It keeps hot things hot, And cold things cold.’
‘Wow, said the blonde, ‘that’s amazing….I’m going to buy it!’
So she bought the thermos and took it to work the next day. Her boss saw it on her desk. ‘What’s that,’ he asked?
‘Why, that’s a thermos….. It keeps hot things hot and cold things Cold,’ she replied.
Her boss inquired, ‘What do you have in it?’
The blond replied….. …’Two popsicles and some coffee.’
BIG BEAR CHOPPERS European Certification, New European Dealers?New Model Launch–Big Bear Choppers and its European Distributor announce Euro-III certification for all 18 Big Bear Choppers models including carbureted and EFI engines.
??We realized that making such a large investment in time and money to obtain Euro-III certification was a risk, especially during a recession and credit crunch, but we are convinced that this will pay huge dividends as we will stand out as the leader in international market for high-end American motorcycles…?-Kevin Alsop, CEO
BBC is thrilled to announce the signing of new Motorcycle Dealers through Midland Choppers, our European Distributor:
Italy ? Good Vibrations
France ? Absolute Cycles
Switzerland ? Galora Choppers and GoodDrive
Germany ? Bos-Bos and All American
??We spent a lot of time and energy to obtain certification before our competition, to help coordinate product launches, and to support dealer grand openings…I am proud our first class team of dealers, distributors and employees that were able to accomplish this in time for the riding season in Europe?we will work with Midland to extend our product presence throughout the European Union according to our expansion plan??
–Rick Urban, Director of Dealer Development
In a show of support and commitment to the European market, owners Kevin and Mona Alsop attended each of the product launches and dealership grand openings, recently returning from their two week tour.
??It was incredible to see the dedication and commitment to the BBC brand?our European dealers are first class, and as our new partners in Europe we know they will be the leader in the market place with their professionalism and enthusiasm.?
–Mona Alsop, Executive VP
In recognition of the great Team in Europe, and the time, effort, and dedication they have shown, Big Bear Choppers is launching a new ? international ? model: ?Rage?. The Rage motorcycle design follows suit with BBC?s brand, with its bold profile and old school flavor, featuring our proprietary power 100 SMOOTH engine, and utilizing a Baker 6-speed transmission, sleek billet primary drive, billet wheels, 4 piston caliper brakes, among many other notable components.
360 BRAKE TECH QUESTION–I seem to come up with ideas (some good, some not so) once in a while that no one seems to be able to answer, so thought I would tap into your infinite wisdom.
Looking at the 360 brake install, would it be possible to install one on each side for a dual brake set up??
Would give both sides of the hub the same appearance, and probably improve stopping too!
–Dave
fxdave@peoplepc.com
FEEL THE RUMBLE: 9TH ANNUAL THUNDER VALLEY RALLY EVENT AT CLIFF CASTLE CASINO–
CAMP VERDE, AZ (8-19-09) We?re going full throttle with the 9th Annual Thunder Valley Rally event at Cliff Castle, Sept. 19-20. Everyone is welcome (not just the road warriors!) for two full days of fun, food, music, and prizes: Join us for the Poker Run with over $10,000 in prize money, the Bike Show with over $8,000 in prizes, and the first annual Statewide Battle of the Bands, rocking your vote.
All this, with over $30,000 in raffle prizes given away, including a 2009 Victory Vision motorcycle!
This year?s charity partner is Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Event Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 19
TVR Poker Run
Registration free (day of only)
Saturday morning 8am ? 10am
Poker Run leaves at 10am
A total of $10,000 in prize money will be given away to participants with the highest & lowest five-card poker hands. All Poker Run participants will also receive a $10 Cash coupon when they turn in a completed ride card.
Get ready for some competitive performances in our first ever TVR Battle of the Bands at our Stargazer Pavilion.
Sunday, Sept. 20
TVR Bike Show
Registration $10 (cash only)
Sunday morning 8 am ? 10 am
Show and voting is between 10am ? 12noon, with award ceremony shortly after 3pm. We?ll be awarding over $8,000 in prize money in 11 different classes.
The Battle of the Bands competition continues, with another great lineup.
Win it: 09 Victory Vision Motorcycle Giveaway.
Grand prize drawing at 4:20pm
Winner must be present to win. All participants in the Poker Run & Bike Show must be 21 years of age or older. Drawing Tickets on sale at the Castle Club $5 each, or 6 for $25.
For complete details and rules, contact The Castle Club at 928-567-7999.
OLIVE DRAB IS BACK!– At last, we are excited to introduce our 2WD model from the T-series – Ural Patrol T! Many of our owners and followers have been longing for the come back of Olive Drab color on Ural. We couldn’t continue the resistance any longer so we’ve revitalized the color of the once extremely popular military olive green palette from the 90’s Urals. For those of you who can live without the chrome and our favorite funky Gear Up camo scheme – take a look at the pure function and subtle elegance of the new Patrol T!
The suggested retail price is $12,399 and it comes with everything that you see in these photos.
Sneak a peek at the new Patrol T section of the site here: http://www.imz-ural.com/patrol_t/function/default.html!
The Patrol-T is already in the country and this is the list of dealers who have it on the floor already or getting it right now:
Adirondack Ural (Chestertown, NY)
Holopaw Corvette (St. Cloud, FL)
Triquest Motorcycles (Santa Clara, CA)
Ural of New England (Boxborough, MA)
Coming soon to:
Heindle Engineering (Eaton, OH)
ReCycle (Ralston, WY)
VT Cycles (Poland, ME)
Check their websites and give them a call to schedule a test ride!
AMD MODIFIED HARLEY CLASS WINNERS–Builders of some 25 mildly or heavily modified, restored, tuned or entirely reinterpreted Harleys competed for the honor of being able to call themselves the Modified Harley-Davidson World Champion for 2009.
The win was taken by Ferry Clot of Hot Dreams Marbella, in Spain, for “Panafina”, an old-school style reinterpretation of a 74 cubic inch 1956 Panhead that took an original engine and frame as the start-point for a “Bobber-meets-Chopper master-class in the art of seeing beyond the obvious”, according to one of Ferry’s fellow competitors in awarding him top marks.
This was the second time that Ferry had won the Modified Harley-Davidson class (he last won in 2007), and he beat serious competition from the likes of Roland Sands, who was voted second (with the much admired and Harley-Davidson ‘Partner Pick of Excellence’ award winner ‘Black Beauty’) and fourth equal (‘Bu-Hell’) with two of the three bikes he had in the class.
Third spot was taken by Marc Demers and Alain Michaud of Radical Kustoms, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, with a lowrider called “The Last Chapter”. Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing’s Huey Schwebs tied Roland Sands for fourth with ‘Sic Pup’.
Other well-known builders and aftermarket Harley parts designers in the class included Jesse Rooke, Brian Fuller, Brian Klock, Covingtons Customs, Eastern Fabrications, Todd’s Cycle and Heartland USA.
Ferry received his prize from Harley-Davidson’s Ken Ostermann, the General Manager of Harley’s Outreach Customer Marketing operations.
Commenting on the winning bikes, Ken said “Ferry’s bike is just gorgeous. The attention to detail, the hand-craftsmanship and the sheer imagination that have gone into it as a Panhead reinterpretation is inspiring.
www.amdchampionship.com
MRF LEGISLATIVE REPORT, CONGRESSIONAL VISITS–The last two weeks of July are always the busiest of the legislative year, and even more so when there?s a newly seated President. Nevertheless, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was proud to work with two different state motorcyclists? rights groups visiting DC – Freedom of Road Riders (FORR) from Missouri and Kentucky Motorcycle Association, Kentucky Biker Association (KMA-KBA) respectively.
We had two successful weeks with several high-level meetings, including a sit down with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in his prestigious capitol leadership office. Both groups were returning, coincidentally, after a decade plus break. So it was even more impressive to see the great respect and admiration the congressional delegations had for the groups. Just goes to show that staying involved and active with your politicians when they are back home for breaks pays off.
MY MAN MITCH
It?s not a secret that Indianapolis is a breeding ground for fans of motor sports and all things fast, and one of those fans happens to be Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. For those unfamiliar with him, Governor Daniels? state is currently one of only three in the country that is in the fiscal black. So not only is he working miracles in the state capitol, but he also finds time to ride his Harley Fat Boy. Now that?s my kind of governor! In a recent interview before a ride with 500 of his closest friends, Daniels flatly denied that a helmet law would reduce fatalities, stating that the emphasis should be on training and awareness. My man Mitch! http://www.mymanmitch.com/index.asp http://www.in.gov/gov/
THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS?
New York City (NYC) has always been known as place that generates 24-hour background noise. Between the police sirens, the honk-happy cabbies, and general street corner mischief, it?s impossible to find total silence out of doors in the Big Apple. When you live in NYC you learn to deal with it. However, one NYC council member doesn?t want to deal with it; instead he wants to achieve something he calls ?silent night,? and he is starting with motorcycles.
As previously reported by the MRF, NYC Council Member Alan Gerson introduced a bill that would fine any ?stopped, standing, or parked motorcycle? that does not have the EPA stamp on the exhaust pipe. Bill 416-A was originally introduced in January, but Councilman Gerson held it back because of the community outcry over the bill.
His newest version of the bill does not include the language about permanent forfeiture of the bike that was included in the original bill, but the fines are steep – up to $3500 for a third offense. At their request, the MRF is working with the NYC motorcycle community to see that this bill does not become law.
Fortunately, inside sources with the NYC Mayor?s office also indicate that he has no intention of signing the bill. The MRF will continue to keep you updated on this situation. You can visit Councilman Gerson?s website at http://council.nyc.gov/d1/html/members/home.shtml
Meeting of the Minds
Bloomington, MN
Sept. 24-27, 2009
MECUM SELLS 1924 HARLEY DAVIDSON FOR $52,000–MARENGO, Ill. – Mecum Auction sold a 1924 Harley Davidson Oval Port 8-Valve motorcycle for $52,000 at its inaugural Monterey auction at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Monterey, Calif., on August 15, 2009. Built to the exact specifications of Harley Davidson’s record-breaking 8-valve design with few replicated parts, this bike is one of the rarest and most valuable American racers to have ever been produced. The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for more than 20 years. For more information, visit www.Mecum.com We confirmed that Fred Lange built this partially replicated FHAD, 8-valve, 2-cam, oval-port, H-D racer. “Between 1916 and 1929 the factory only built 20 of these bikes, in three different styles,” said Fred. At one point, they were the World’s fastest motorcycles. Fred does a magnificent job of building replicated, partially replicated and restored motorcycles. To reach Fred, call (805) 937-4972. Replicated and partially replicated bikes pull a fraction of the cost of a complete restoration or even an original paint complete bike. Unlike some builders, Fred is completely honest about his bikes and one of the best at replicating anything.–Wilburn Roach AH, THE BIKERNET MONK RETURNS FROM HIS CAVE– Man who live in glass house, dress in basement. Kotex not best thing on earth, but next to best thing. Man with penis in peanut butter is f***ing nuts.
VICIOUS CYCLES BURNS PIRELLI NIGHT DRAGONS–
Check out the Pirelli Night Dragons I got for free. They do smoke good huh! By the way it’s at my bar Dockside Willy’s where we smoke ’em.
This’ll be the last time the Pirelli bike will be seen since Pirelli figures it ain’t worthit!!!!
Thanks Pirelli for all the support!!!
–Greg
KRAWIEC RIDES SCREAMIN? EAGLE V-ROD TO WIN AT READING–Defending NHRA Champion Clinches Top Slot in Countdown Playoffs.
READING, Pa. (August 23, 2009) ? Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiec won his fourth NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle event of the season and clinched the number-one spot in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoff series at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals on the Maple Grove Raceway. Krawiec, the defending NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, rode his Harley-Davidson V-Rod past MPR/Damn Sports Suzuki rider Michael Phillips in the final round of eliminations.
Krawiec has secured 30 bonus points for being the top qualifier for the Countdown. There is still one event ? the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend ? on the regular-season schedule before the playoff series begins.
?This means we can go to Indy with no pressure,? said Krawiec. ?I went out in the first round there last year, and this time I want to try and win it for the Screamin? Eagle team.?
Krawiec was the number-four qualifier for the Reading event, with a elapsed time of 7.041 seconds. Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines qualified fifth at 7.042 seconds. Hector Arana used a 6.986 ET to claim the top qualifying position.
The start of the Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations was delayed by more than three hours due to water seeping through the track surface as it was warmed by bright sun after several days of rainy weather. Hines was eliminated in the first round when his 6.979-second ET was not enough to overcome a 0.128-second reaction time at the start, and the 0.016/7.048 pass of Rocklin Motorsports Buell rider Matt Guidera.
?My motor function was off,? said Hines, who remains a solid second in season points. ?I saw the yellow and my brain reacted, but my hand did not release the clutch lever. It?s something that has happened to me in the past. By the time I realized what was going on and let go of the lever, Guidera was gone. I?m just going to move on and set my sights on doing well at Indy.?
Krawiec defeated Kendall Suzuki rider Wesley Wells in the first round, posting a 6.970-second ET that would stand as the quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle run of the weekend. Krawiec advanced to the finals when his next two opponents, Guidera and Arana, fouled at the starting line. Krawiec defeated Phillips 7.138 to 8.153, to take his fourth win in eight final-round appearances this season.
After the Reading event, seven Pro Stock Motorcycle riders have qualified for the 2009 Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Guidera will join Krawiec, Hines, Arana, Matt Smith, Doug Horne, and Craig Treble, each of whom qualified at previous events. Only the top 10 points earners in the class will take part in the five-event Countdown playoffs, which begin at the North Carolina Nationals on Sept. 17-20. Those final three Countdown qualifiers will be determined at the next event on the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Sept 2-7, at O?Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Ind.
After 11 events on the 17-race 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, Krawiec leads the series with 1,026 points. Hines is second with 837, followed by Arana with 722, Smith with 668, Horne with 685, and Treble in fifth place with 673 points.
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