COULD IT BE THE END OF THE SPORTSTER Thursday NEWS? For November 7, 2013

Hey,

This is going to be a wild one. The new Revolution entry level, supposedly, motorcycle was released from H-D (cost between $7,000 and $9,000). The components are made in India and it may be assembled in Kansas at the V-Rod factory. Still some staffers are excited about the new model. 

After much discussion with members of the industry, the conclusion is not entry level, but the replacement for the Sportster, since this model will be much cheaper to produce and it’s not really entry level priced. Besides, the Evo Sporty has been around since 1984-5 and is too long in the tooth.

We just picked up two ATK bikes, mostly made in Korea, by the company building Suzukis for years, and assembled in Salt Lake. The 250 runs just over three grand, and the 650, which is nearly as fast as a V-Rod costs around $6000. Incredible. There are big bore kits available for both.

We will deliver more in depth reports on both in the near future.

JESSIE COMBS TAKES THIS MONTH’S COVER!–This issue’s cover showcases Jessi Combs and the Softail Slim she customized for the Biker Belle’s charity ride at Sturgis, cutting a fine line across the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. As a female fabricator, Jessi and her Velocity show All Girl’s Garage make up for a status-quo challenging pair.

You’ll find that theme throughout this issue; we’ve got a pair of Flatheads that thumb their noses at the restoration and auction crowd, a Sportster that’s set up for off-road excursions, and a Bagger with a balanced pair of wheels – gasp! And Bandit’s Mudflap Girl FXR that takes touring to a whole new level. So set aside your pro-conceptions and enjoy this issue of IronWorks.

Photos: Jack McIntyre
–from IronWorks Magazine

VELOCITY TAKES ON MORE LEGENDARY BIKE BUILDS WITH LONGER EPISODES IN AN ALL-NEW SEASON OF CAFÉ RACER–
— The Man Behind the Motorcycle, Mike Seate, Hosts Five All-New One Hour Episodes Premiering November 6 on Velocity –

Episode Two, Premieres November 13 at 9:00 PM
Seattle’s riding scene is strong and Twinline Motorcycles helps fuel it with classically inspired bike builds – they’re also not afraid to experiment. Their build features elements of a mid-70s Honda chassis stuffed with a 90s Kawasaki air-cooled engine, covered in hand-formed bodywork. The goal? Increase the horsepower by 50% and put a smile on the faces of the Bostrom during an aggressive racetrack test.

Also in the episode: Ry Siedler is out to prove Harley-Davidson wrong. The American motorcycle manufacturer sold its interest in the Italian brand Aermacchi in 1978 to turn its attention to the home favorite V-Twin. But don’t tell a guy from Detroit using simple tools and solid engineering that he can’t turn an outdated brand into something really cool. Ypsilanti Michigan’s hard core, local watering hole and vintage hot spot, Café Racer Ypsi will decide who was right, Ry or Harley-Davidson.

For more information on Velocity, please visit Velocity.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VelocityTV or on Twitter @VelocityTV1

GREG’S CUSTOM CYCLES INTRODUCES THE NEWEST MEMBER TO HIS DEEPSICKNESS PARTS LINE THE–Deepsickness Psychotic Fairing–Clearwater, FL October 2013 – Custom Builder Greg Rice announces the PSYCHOTIC FARING, his newest addition to the aggressive Deepsickness line of custom accessories. He’s taken the stock batwing fairing, incorporates his Psychotic Hood Scoop with LED lighting then adds a stylin’ set of bright, LED turn signals elegantly integrated into the front of the fairing. 

Taking your bike to the next level, the PSYCHOTIC FAIRING adds a twisted, assertive edge to your ride. Fits any Harley with the iconic bat wing fairing, from 1992 – present models. Fiberglass construction, white gel coated and ready to finish to your specs. Includes six LED’s for the scoop and two sets of eight LED’s for each turn signal.

Made is the USA. MSRP: $895.00. For more information, call us at 727.461.4840 e-mail: info@gregscycles.com or visit www.gregscycles.com

SHORAI LFX BATTERIES LAUNCH HIGH PERFORMANCE BATTERY–
We are pleased and excited to announce a new battery for our lineup: The LFX19A4-BS12! This battery will bridge the gap between fitment and performance across all levels.

To see a demo of the LFX19 please visit our booth at any of the upcoming listed IMS shows in a region near you!

HEATHER NEW WEIGHS IN ON HOWARD KNIGHT BUCKLE BY BANDIT–I LOVE these buckles!!!
(was that a hint? or do you only make them for special people?)

I figured you’d prefer something female to look at.
Pineapple Princess—she’s a licence plate for a totally cool restored Hot Rod
(those “Car Guys” are keeping me busy with restoring parts and knobs these days too, by the way!)

Right now I’m working on some pieces for a really great guy in Dubai …
They are totally covered in your kinda graphic if you know what I mean.

I’ll shoot photos after I talk to him about it—

–Heather

BONNEVILLE THOUGHTS FOR NEXT YEAR–
I keep thinking that this should be the shape of the Bonneville bike fairing!

Sprintbeemer by Lucky Cat Garage
http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-racing-motorcycle

–Dr. Hamster

CATERHAM BRANCHES OUT TO LAUNCH MOTORCYCLE DIVISION–Caterham Group has launched its first ever motorcycle division – Caterham Bikes – at the Milan motorcycle show today.

The firm has ambitious targets and is already planning three models including the Brutus 750 which it is calling the ‘SUV of motorcycles’, a Classic E-Bike with retro styling and a Carbon E-Bike which has been inspired by Formula One technology.

These bikes are seen here for the first time and will be launched throughout 2014 as part of the expansion of the Caterham brand under the ownership of Tony Fernandes. The company recently announced the intention to race in the Moto2 championship.

“The arrival of Caterham Bikes is a natural extension to the expanding Caterham Group since the purchase of the historic Caterham Cars brand in April 2011 by Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun.

The two-wheeled division joins Caterham F1 Team, Caterham Racing (GP2), Caterham Technology & Innovation, Caterham Composites and the latest arm, Caterham Moto Racing Team, in the rapidly growing Caterham family.

Carrying Caterham’s DNA of British heritage, performance and intuitive handling characteristics, the new products will also adhere to the brand’s ethos of delivering ‘accessible fun’.

The iconic Caterham Seven sportscar is fondly referred to as the closest experience to motorcycle riding on four wheels so this move, the brand’s first foray into road bikes, is a natural step and follows the launch last month of the Caterham Moto2 race team.

All three products will be on display at Hall 10, Booth H94 throughout the Nov 5-10 show.
For more information, please visit www.caterhambikes.com

VETERANS DAY FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS–It’s hard to believe it’s already November and the holiday season is upon us. If you’re like me, that probably means it’s time to think about your holiday shopping list. You can get an early start by checking out the 2013 Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog to give a meaningful gift this season.

And if you are looking for a way to honor our service members this Veteran’s Day, check out the military comfort kit from our Holiday Giving Catalog today.

To all the men and women who have served our country, thank you.

–Gail McGovern
American Red Cross

This Veteran’s Day, thousands of service men and women will be away from home. Even a small gift from our 2013 Holiday Giving Catalog could go a long way to bring these heroes hope and cheer.

SKULLS AND WATCHES–Daniel Strom definitely doesn’t do conventional! The watchmaker, designer and philosopher loves to play with contrasts, including in potentially disturbing ways. MEMENTO MORI, CARPE NOCTEM is no exception to this rule and the latest addition to the Agonium collection is sure to make its own impact. Behind its solid steel case adorned with skulls lies the same penchant for provocation. Behind its curves, incisions and cut-outs lies the same attention to detail. And behind the blood-red almost hypnotic appearance lies the ancestral Japanese art of Urushi.

Strom sets the scene for this peerless lacquering technique and chooses Memento Mori, the first model in the Agonium collection, for this new interpretation. Carpe Diem thus becomes Carpe Noctem “Remember that you will die. Seize the night”.

The bone dial has given way to the red Urushi dial flirting with a shadowy shade of black. This intense vermilion hue is achieved by cinnabar pigments colouring this unique lacquer, formerly favoured for its durability and long-term stability but which quickly distinguished itself as an ornamental element.

The watchmaker gives it pride of place by applying it to the dial, vividly echoed by the rubies encrusted in the eyes of the skulls taking their place on the crown and lugs, as well as the overstitching on the bright red strap. For a full three weeks, the master lacquer artist applies around twenty successive ultra-fine layers to form a result that is sturdy, fascinating and always unique.

And for all those to whom Carpe Diem means breaking free of time, Daniel Strom interprets his philosophy through a range of trendy, mystical accessories. The Bienne-based watchmaker offers a range of provocative and evocative objects comprising pendants, belt buckles and a Michaeli ring. Stylish accessories indeed, but above all reflecting the spirit of the Agonium collection: life, death and “Memento Mori. Carpe Diem”. Because timepieces do not have a monopoly on symbolism!

POMONA AIRPORT SHOW–Last Sunday was a new small car and bike show.

It hopes to grow to be a big monthly gathering of planes, cars, and motorcycles.

I got to go up in the helicopter for a short ride.

She said that Sexton, whose grandfather was the city’s tax commissioner, ran the school like “the Brooklyn pol he was”…

That was one of his talents, that he didn’t sound like a pol.

Pol arose in early 1900s in America as a shortening of politician

A BROTHER’S DAUGHTER’S KICKSTART FILM EFFORT–
As some of you know I have been producing a feature film called The Amateur – it’s a gritty, naturalistic musical drama exploring the chaotic journey of artistic pursuit in contemporary Los Angeles. A love letter to LA, an homage to the artists striving for success all over the world – this story is one that I know you will love and I am so excited to get to invite you to be a part of it.

Today is the first day of our Kickstarter campaign – and, as you may already know, if we don’t reach our goal, we don’t get to keep any of the money we raise throughout the course of the 30 day campaign…so please, help us!

We have some great rewards to thank you for your kind donations – everything from downloadable songs to t-shirts signed by rock stars to original prints of amazing photographs and artwork created just for the film, we even have a few custom leather guitar straps and one lucky person will get a Skype call with gorgeous actress Mircea Monroe – we truly have a little something for everybody!

We have such an unbelievable film on our hands, and a top-notch post team lined up – but without your help we wont be able to finish. We know we can get this film out into the world in a successful way once it’s fully completed, help us get there, we really can’t do it without you.

Any donation will help tremendously, and if you can’t give a financial donation we would be forever grateful if you would pass our Kickstarter campaign link along to your friends and family, or post it on Facebook, or Tweet it, or Instagram our photos, or do whatever you do to spread the word to people you think The Amateur story may strike a cord with. You literally would have our undying gratitude for such a generous help to the cause.

Come be part of a project that has a lot of heart, this truly is all of our story.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1623421755/the-amateur

Love,

The Amateur Team

UNCLE MONKEY’S KING IS ON THE LIFT–
The King is on the lift. It has been a long summer full of frustration and reward. Snow White’s heart faired way better then we thought. After meticulously checking and cleaning all the metal fillings out of the bottom end she will only need a set of new pistons. They tell me she should be back in my hands for spring.

With limited space in my own garage with the King, and the rest of my bikes she may stay at Yorkton Harley-Davidson with a For Sale sign for the winter. If she sells it will free a lot of money towards building the King. If she doesn’t it frees time to finish the King without rushing to have a finished bike to ride.

Sitting on its throne for the next several months the King is looking good. I did finally get to have a look at it and it will be a unique project and a nice compliment/sequel to Snow White. It is that exciting time when the new project finally makes it to the top of the list. Ahead are days and nites of furious work followed by days idling waiting on paint, parts, money to finish the vision that is so vivid in my mind.

I hope it comes true but I’ve been doing this long enough to know each bike has its own personality. As the machine is worked over and over its own style comes through. I never would have painted the Sporty silver but as I waved the raven black paint sheet to flash off she looked so good with the shimmer of auto body shop dust she became the silver Painted Lady.

Snow White was to be black, then red, then a SuperGlide-Evel Knievel inspired bike before she ended up simply Snow White. The King will be big and bold and pretty much the complete opposite of Snow White. The question will be who will win and rule the kingdom.

-bad Uncle Monkey

BIKERNET TECH ADVISOR GETS REAL JOB--This is before Bikernet, early ‘90s. I did this before MMI in Phoenix ’97.
All high tech Cad design, CNC etc. We built a lot of mold’s for Motorola, the flip style phones, Star Tac. at the time plus other stuff.

Creative is very busy with a lot of work. My new job will be as a Maintenance Tech. I will
working on the CNC mills, lathes, EDM wire & EDM sinkers. Doing PM’s and repair. Along with other stuff related to the building, HVAC etc. Also will be doing the welding repair of
the mold inserts. The process for this is Micro & Lazor Welding.

The one owner has several Harleys, Duc’s, & Nortons. He also has been on that Velocity channel show Cafe Racer. They featured a shop that he works at as hobby restoring Nortons.
I’ll fill you in more later. I can always be of technical/advice service for your manuf. endeavor.

—PSD

 

THE BIKERNET STAFFER OF THE WEEK, Anson Alexander–I am an avid motorcyclist, rider and “at times” contributor to Bikernet.com.
The first Harley I owned was a Rapido125cc purchased while in high school in 1968.
Since then I have owned and maintained Panheads, Shovels, Ironheads, Evos and Twin Cams. I enjoy the mechanical aspect of the motorcycle. I have worked for various Harley dealerships and completed the Harley Service School instruction in 1980.

I also enjoy motorcycle touring. My idea of a good day’s ride ends with either a view of the ocean with a margarita in hand, or a mountain campfire sipping Jack from a flask.

I am employed as a service technician working the offshore Gulf of Mexico oil rigs. I am based out of southern Louisiana. The reason I contribute to Bikernet.com is the satisfaction of seeing my efforts in print and knowing they have passed the scrutiny of Bandit, the best damn editor in the motorcycle business.

Bandit paid him to say that.–Renegade

THE LONE RANGER FROM DAVID UHL–This new masterpiece features the lovely Paige Wyatt from the recent hit Discovery Channel show, American Guns. Since her father, Rich Wyatt is such an avid collector of Texas Ranger memorabilia and antique firearms, David outfitted her to represent a Ranger in the late ’30’s and to pay tribute to the rich history of the oldest state law enforcement body in the U.S.

Each print will come with a commemorative bottle of Pinot Noir, signed and numbered to match the artwork. Matching numbers will be available for those who purchased “Pledging Allegiance”. Prints will only be available through the end of the IMS show on November 10th,24 2013.

BAD COP FILE NOW OPEN, Florida Cops Made Millions Dealing Cocaine–The Latest Asset Forfeiture Outrage.

It sounds like a plot ripped straight from Grand Theft Auto V. Police conduct “reverse” sting operations, posing as drug dealers to lure buyers with promises of cheap cocaine. Once the deals go down, cops bust the buyers, and using state and federal forfeiture laws, seize their cash and cars.

For years, police in Sunrise, Fla. have conducted these lucrative reverse stings. Between 2011 and 2012, Sunrise police made over $5.8 million in forfeiture proceeds, according to The Sun-Sentinel, which broke the story. The city now has a whole parking lot packed with seized cars.

Incredibly, cops would usually have at least one kilo of bona fide blow when meeting the buyer. The deals themselves happen at surreally suburban locations, going down at TGI Fridays, Sam’s Club or Panera Bread; Miami Vice this ain’t.
While forfeiture proceeds have been used to buy guns and gear for the Sunrise Police Department, funds have also been funneled towards overtime pay for officers and to pay off confidential informants.

A dozen undercover officers have collectively earned $1.2 million in overtime pay since 2010. One sergeant collected more than $240,000 in overtime during that same period.

Meanwhile, $1.2 million has been given to 79 informants, in part to arrange even more reverse stings. In fact, just one informer, “reportedly a beautiful, buxom brunette,” has been paid more than $800,000 for her assistance with 63 sting operations. Per sting, she earned anywhere from $1,000 to $85,000. All together, that femme fatale helped Sunrise police seize more than $5 million.

As if the millions being made weren’t alarming enough, there are many other reasons Sunrise’s forfeiture program should be concerning. First, many of the buyers are far from drug kingpins. One of the alleged buyers arrested was a man who had been unemployed for more than a year and had filed for bankruptcy earlier that year.
Second, police there aren’t actually taking drugs off the street, unlike regular sting operations. Since many of the buyers do not work for major drug trafficking organizations, seizing their cash is only making them poorer, not crippling drug cartels.

Third, some of the Sunrise cases have been civil forfeiture proceedings. Unlike criminal forfeiture, under civil forfeiture, property owners do not have to be convicted or charged with a crime to permanently lose their property. It’s not limited to Sunrise either.

Finally, Sunrise police have conducted joint missions with the Drug Enforcement Administration, which granted them wider jurisdiction. By teaming up with federal agents, Sunrise police can bypass state laws.

–from Rogue

NASH MOTORCYCLE COMPANY DEAL OF THE WEEK– All leather goods now available blacked out.

–Taber Nash
Nash Motorcycle Company

[page break]

BIKERNET TRIKES HITS YOSHIS’ GARAGE—The Triking Viking feature Stephen Tyler’s Indian Larry trikes. It’s a classic.

http://www.bikernettrikes.com/pages/YOSHIS_GARAGE.aspx

BIKERNET’S DR. FENG TESTS AN ATK650—We just took possession of a couple of ATK entry level motorcycles. To our surprise the 650 is nearly as fast as a V-Rod and only $6,000. The transmission is as smooth as glass and the 4 gallon gas tank holds enough to take Dr. Feng at least 300 miles.

“I stopped at Tasty Siam,” said Dr. Feng. “Before I could barely get seated, pretty waitress named Mai, saysk, ‘hey , I really like your bike, very kool,’ we talked a bit, and later she adds , ‘very beautiful’ (she used to ride her own bike in Thailand) a country that has maybe more bikes per population than any country in the world.”

AMAZING COMPUTER FIND OF THE WEEK–There are categories across the top that provide very interesting information, including even one’s own life expectancy …

“THE CLOCK”
.
You’ve never seen a clock like this one.

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

–from Sam Burns

HD750 VERSUS THE AGING SPORTSTER–
We all by now have heard about the new 500cc and 750cc water-cooled Harley-Davidsons, It seems everyone has an opinion from it is not a true Harley because it is water-cooled, to it is not American made. Well these are all arguments we have heard before, from the aluminum-cylinder Evolution Engine to the V-Rod we all screamed the sky is falling, that the Motor company was breaking from tradition.

I am sure that the same thing was screamed when Harley came out with the V-twin engine in 1909. Now we are heading into 2014 with a new platform coming out with smaller engines. They do away with the signature 90 degree V-Twin in favor of the V-Rods 60 degree overhead cam motor that is cooled not by air but by water. Lets put all of that to the side and look at some potential facts.

Lets compare the New 750cc to the 1200cc Sportster

1.) Watercooled vs air-cooled both have advantages but the future of air-cooled bikes is limited as the EPA emission crap is causing heat problems on bigger Engines

2.) The Evolution Sportster motor is getting a little long in the tooth other than the rubber mounting (2004) we have not seen any real changes to the platform since 1986. Stock the HP of the 1200cc sportster is 68 HP on a good day and most that I have seen on a Dyno are averaging around 60. Damn anemic in today’s motorcycle market. We don’t have HP figures for the new 500 or 750 yet but I was able to dig up some numbers for the 650cc ATK which is a very similar motor to the 750cc H-D. The ATK is putting 79 HP to the ground and I am sure the new 750 H-D will put out comparable numbers.

3.) The Sportster is limited to 5 gears from the factory, the new 750 H-D is running a 6-speed transmission this should make it very easy to keep in the power band .

4.) The new 750cc H-D weighs 480lbs -vs- the Sportsters 562lbs. When you combine the low weight and the higher HP engine of the new 750cc bike you should have something that will embarrass almost every other offering by the Motor Company.

So what does all this tell us, I am not sure I haven’t ridden one yet but looking at the numbers and how much fun riding an ATK 650 is I think Harley- Davidson may have a winner with this one. If the aftermarket takes an interest in the new platform I can see the writing on the wall. The days of the bike most of us learned on, raced, carved canyons with, is numbered. This could be the bike to replace the aging Sportster and I believe this bike will be the future of the Motor-Company.

–Richard Kranzler

Email me with your comments
richard@bikernet.com
Bikernet Tech Editor

SATURDAY UNKNOWN PARTY AND SHOW– Family BIKE SHOW, CONCERT, & PARTY. Tickets are only $20 and the first 200 people to purchase tickets online get a FREE limited edition UNKNOWN event t-shirt.

Buy tickets at www.UNKNOWNIndustries.com

11am – 4pm. Live music from Redlight King and more. Bike Show,
Harley Wheelies Riding Demo, Slow Race, Arm Wrestling contest, Food,
Vendors, Bikini Contest and more!

All ages welcome, 13 and under are free. bounce house for the kids.

Link to video: http://bit.ly/1a02u6a

Synergy Global Entertainment

MRF LEGISLATIVE MEMO–Petri Letter Extension.

Congressman Petri has decided to hold the letter open for more signatures reports the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Congressman Petri (WI) has decided to allow time to continue gathering signatures.

Mr. Petri has taken the lead on drafting a letter to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ask them to not waste resources on motorcycle safety when we have so many more government agencies all ready doing the same research. He has decided to hold the letter open through close of business Friday November 8th. Please contact your Federal Representative and ask that they co-sign the Petri CDC letter by contacting Mr. Petri’s D.C. office. You can reach the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and you can determine who your Representative is through this website:

http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.

Please act now. The text of the Petri CDC letter is below.

–Jeff Hennie
MRB

We are writing to express our concern about activities of the CDC regarding motorcycle safety, in particular the Motorcycle Safety report which focuses on pressuring states to pass universal helmet laws.

Sincerely,

NEW FROM THE BIKERNET CRANK AND STROKER SHOP–5 Ball Henley now available in Black Long Sleeve.

Just in time for the Holidays

The new 5 Ball Long Sleeve Henley shirts came our really nice. We distressed the print a little and we relocated the sleeve print to the pocket.

Special Pricing: 25% OFF
Now only $19.99 and includes FREE shipping within the US.

–Andy

Link to site
http://crankandstroker.com/men-s-basics/5-ball-racing-long-sleeve.html

TEAM AMERICAN IRON SET FOR 2014 MOTORCYCLE CANNONBALL–
Antique Motorcycles To Ride In 4,000 Plus Mile Coast-to-Coast Endurance Competition

STAMFORD, CT. (Nov. 6, 2013) – Buzz Kanter, the publisher of American Iron Magazine, the best-selling Harley magazine in the world, today announced the formation of Team American Iron for the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball vintage motorcycle endurance ride.

The Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run is returning for 2014, and it will be the most challenging to date. This will be the third running of the coast-to-coast endurance ride for classic motorcycles and riders.

The 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball will start in Daytona Beach, Fla, on September 5 and cover more than 4,000 miles to Tacoma, Wash., on September 21. The event is open to riders on 1936 or older motorcycles. The field, which allows 100 riders, is reported to already be sold out with a waiting list.

Four longtime enthusiasts and good friends are joining forces to create the first-ever Team American Iron specifically for the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball ride. Paul Ousey and Buzz Kanter competed in both previous Motorcycle Cannonballs and Cris Sommer Simmons competed in the first one. This will be Pat Simmons’ first time riding the Cannonball. The team consists of four riders, two mechanics, and a support truck manager/driver.

American Iron Magazine will be following the team’s progress in print and on line, from building and prepping the four classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles, through the coast-to-coast ride. Two riders (Paul and Pat) plan on competing in J-series Harleys, and the other two (Cris and Buzz) will be riding Harley V-series flatheads.

Team American Iron Riders

Buzz Kanter. Buzz is the publisher of American Iron Magazine, Motorcycle Bagger, American Iron Garage and recently renamed Motorcycle magazine (formerly RoadBike). A longtime collector and rider of antique motorcycles, Buzz rode a 1915 Harley twin in the first Motorcycle Cannonball, and his 1929 Harley JDH “Two Cam” on the second one. Buzz has been inducted into all three Motorcycle Halls of Fame. Buzz plans to compete on his 1936 Harley VLH flathead in 2014.

Paul Ousey. Paul, a longtime collector and rider of classic motorcycles, competed in the first Motorcycle Cannonball on his 1913 single-cylinder belt drive Harley. He partnered with Buzz Kanter and Jim Petty on the second Motorcycle Cannonball in 2012 on his 1925 Harley JE. In 2014 Paul plans to compete on the same 1925 Harley J-series he rode on the 2012 Motorcycle Cannonball.

Pat Simmons. Pat is a longtime collector, mechanic, and rider of antique motorcycles. When not off wrenching or riding his classic motorcycles, Pat makes his living as a musician. He is one of the lead singers and a founding member of the Grammy Award winning Doobie Brothers. Pat acted as support staff for his wife Cris and her 1915 Harley Effie on the first Motorcycle Cannonball. For 2014 Pat plans to compete on his 1929 Harley JD.

Cris Sommer Simmons. Cris is one of the founders of Harley Women magazine, the author of several motorcycle books, including Cannonball Diary and The American Motorcycle Girls 1900-1950, and is a regular columnist in American Iron Magazine. Cris rode her 1915 Harley twin on the first Motorcycle Cannonball in 2010. She has been inducted into all three Motorcycle Halls of Fame and is married to Pat Simmons. Cris plans to compete on her 1934 Harley VD flathead in 2014.

Steve Coe. Coe, a veteran mechanic of both previous Motorcycle Cannonball events, is the chief mechanic for Team American Iron. Coe is a longtime mechanic and road racer of classic motorcycles.

Michael Weesner. “Weeze”, who helped wrench on the second Motorcycle Cannonball, is the support mechanic for Team American Iron. Weeze is a longtime vintage motorcycle mechanic and enthusiast.

Paul Tanaka. “Ponytail Paul” is the manager and driver of the Team American Iron support truck. Ponytail Paul is a professional truck driver.

For more information please visit www.MotorcycleCannonball.com.

QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the F….. Word?

Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell *BINGO*!

What’s the difference between a northern USA fairytale and a southern USA fairytale?

A Northern fairy tale begins ‘Once upon a time..’
A southern fairy tale begins ‘Y’all ain’t gonna believe this shit’.

–from Kelly D.

CROSS COUNTRY VL PROJECT UPDATE–Riding Vintage is pleased to announce that The Good Old Motorcycle Parts Company has signed on as a sponsor of this project.

The Good Old Motorcycle Parts Company produces and distributes American made parts for early Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They’ll be providing some essential parts that connect everything together. By that I mean, wiring, fuel lines, oil lines, control cables, etc.

The list of sponsors is growing daily and includes: Spectro Oil, Coker Tire Company, EBEYOND 2000, The Good Old Motorcycle Parts Company, American Iron Motorcycle Bagger and more soon to be announced. Click here to find out how you can be part of this project:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rebirth-of-an-american-classic

OFFICIAL BIKERNET PHILOSOPHER NEVER QUITS–Quitters never win and winners never quit
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many years ago I read a quote by Robert Schuller: I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail then do nothing and succeed.

I have contemplated those words many times over the years, I felt they have giving me permission to continue to try grow and express more Life with every failure and success.

There is always a lesson to be learned if we Pause and review the experience.

I have carried a poem in my wallet that my Wife gave to me about 25 years ago called Don’t Quit. Over the years I have used this poem to keep me going when I feel like I have the world of against me. (See below)

The words in this poem are an inspiration to keep me going when everything says don’t. Most of the greatest inventions of the Life we live are results of many failures, but those people did not quit and eventually reached success.

It takes character to achieve success, the best definition is “character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the mood in which it was made has left you.”

It is ironic how many resolutions are made on New Years Eve in the mood that never even start.

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;

And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT

Adrenaline Junky List:

****NHRA****Nov. 7-10 Pomona, CA.****Finals****
****S C T A Speed Week****August 9-15, 2014****
****World Finals****Sept. 30—-October 3, 2014****
****El Mirage****Nov. 9-10, 2013****
****Mojave Mile****To be announced****12,000 foot runway, one mile shutdown….Oct.12-13 ****Mike Garcia (Busa?) recorded a 247.3 mph pass****
****Texas Mile****March 2014****
****E C T A Ohio Mile****5/3-4****6/7-8****7/12-13****9/27-28****

Holy shit! Where did 2013 go? WTF? Come on 2014 here we come ready or not.

Veterans Day is nearing. Thank a Vet, Stand Tall and Defend the Constitution.

The plate at Bikernet is always overflowing with good news and progress on all fronts.
This coming Saturday just after the crack of dawn look for Composite Brake Guru Paul Kittrell, www.lyndallracingbrakes.com and your Bikernet 5-Ball Racing Team at the Unknown party in Temecula, CA.. Stop by for a cool glass of Alkaline Kangan Water and a look at the latest in composite rotors. Tell Paul that Ray sent Ya!

All three FXRs on the flyer are running Lyndall’s ceramic rotors. Look for in depth information from Paul Kittrell about these ceramic rotors. The future of braking is here today and it’s all about the lightest most amazing brakes on the planet.

Plugged in the latest DVD from the HORSE Magazine, Road 2 Smoke Out, a couple nights ago. It had me locked in from start to finish, well done. Bad ass hand built hot rods that are real everyday riders are covered as these kids rode across country and farther to attend one helluva party on the east coast thrown by The HORSE magazine.

For the long road run, ya might need a Bronson Rock, duct tape, a roll of wire, a couple of wooden wedges (in case you lift a Panhead barrel, jam wedges in between frame and pan, then secure it for the ride home), car inner tubes from behind the tire shop for the best water proof chaps, and gauntlets in town, a handful of tie wraps, a lot of patience, a willing bar maid or two along the way and a little good luck. It’s all covered in this film.

Then the Smoke Out action started and spectators could watch or take part in 1/4 Mile drag races or the mini bike races decked out in crazy costumes. The film captured each kick in the ass event. Reminded me of one of the old Smoke Outs I attended in Cottonwood, AZ a great party then and looks like it’s getting’ better by the mile. Highly recommend you call Edge at the Horse and order a dozen copies or less for Christmas.

Since it might be winter somewhere, summer somewhere else? Stay tuned for the latest greatest news in the Industry from around the globe on Bikernet. The weather forecast in Wilmington for this evening is dark.

Speaking of dark, it’s recommended that you turn on your sweethearts high beams, gently pat her on the ass, fill her tank with a hot load of rocket fuel then Haul Ass. Good for your heart.

Ride Safe, Ride Fast and Ride Forever!

Thanks again….With one helleva lot of help from my family and Industry friends….Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.

We’re on track for a stellar end of 2013 and one helleva 2014 on the street and on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Tobey The Welder, 2 out 3 Ex-Wives, My 3 Sons, Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Kent Rich, Dutch and the Crew@Air Tech Streamlining, Arai Helmets, Keith R Ball and the Crew at Bikernet, Biker’s Choice, Brad Beach@Beach Racing, Cadillac Joe, Craig Cole, Dr. Willie Lanham, Long Beach, Ca., Cometic Gaskets, Dan Thayer@vtwinfuelinjection, Allen Alvarez@Daytona Twin Tech, Dave Butler, ERC Race Gas, George The Wild Brush, ET Krankvents (Thanks Ted Shrode, Ph.D—- R. I. P.), Fisher Harmonic Damper, Dan Stern@House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc., Ron Williams, Jeff, Kevin@Hardtailz, Randy Torgeson, Michelle and the Crew@Hyperformance, Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Paul Kittrell@Lyndall Racing Brakes, Marc Susman@Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Juan, Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Ray Askew, Ray Whitehead@Pegasus, Pingel, Walt, Pro Charger, Jim @Sharp Eye Transmission, Reggie and Crew@R&R Cycle, Ben Kudon@Rivera Primo, Matthew Wiley@Race Tech Suspension, Rick Tedder@ R/T Performance, Schnitz Racing, Mr. McCahill@Spyke, S&S Cycle, Matthew Negherbon@Thunder Motorcycles in San Jose, Guy Caputo@Tiger Racing, Steve The Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers, World Wide Bearings, Duncan Keller, Yankee Engineuity in San Jose, Ca..

Haul Ass!
Ride for Your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com

BIG DOGS TO BE MUZZLED– It looks like Big Dog is headed for the pound as Intrust Bank has filed suit seeking to foreclose on Sheldon Coleman Jr. and several of his corporate entities because of debts to the bank of nearly $20 million on 6 different loans.

Name as defendants in the suit are: Sheldon Coleman Jr.; the Sheldon Coleman Living Trust; Waterview Holdings; Waterview Realty; CD Investment Partnership; Big Dog Motorcycles; Motorcycle Enterprises; BDM SC: and Wichita Motorcycles. In an effort to recoup some of its money the bank seeks to foreclose on most of the Big Dog Motorcycles property.

Coleman started selling custom motorcycles that he built in his garage in 1994 and then began producing the Big Dog line of bikes. In 2005 the company had over 300 workers and more than $120 million in revenue. In 2006, Big Dog sales started slipping and the first layoffs came in 2007.

Coleman kept borrowing in an effort to keep the operation running, but in 2011 he closed down production. That’s when BDM Performance Products was started in one of the warehouses.

Source: The Wichita Eagle
Posted by Sam Kanish
–from IronWorks Magazine

FEDERAL LEGISLATION INTORDUCE TO GIVE MARUJUANA BUSINESS ACCESS TO BANKING SYSTEM–Representatives Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Denny Heck (WA – 10), along with a bipartisan group of 16 other Republicans and Democrats, have introduced legislation that would reform federal banking laws relating to marijuana businesses.

HR 2652: The Marijuana Business Access to Banking Act of 2013 updates federal banking rules to resolve conflicts between federal and state laws and would allow marijuana businesses acting in compliance with state law to access banking services. You can view the full text of this legislation here.

Currently, under federal banking laws, many legal, regulated legitimate marijuana businesses that follow state law are prevented from opening bank accounts and operating as any other businesses would. They are therefore forced to operate as cash-only enterprises, inviting crime such as robbery and tax evasion and adding to the burden of setting up a legitimate small business.

“We need to address the public safety, crime and lost tax revenue associated when these legal and regulated businesses are operating in a cash-only system,” said Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07). “We also need to provide financial institutions assurance that they can make their own business decisions related to legal, financial transactions without fear of regulatory penalties or criminal prosecution.”

“As a small business owner, I can’t imagine trying to operate a legitimate business without access to the banking system. Forcing legitimate businesses to operate on a cash-only basis without bank accounts is an invitation for robbery, tax evasion and organized crime.

With twenty-one states and D.C. now allowing for some form of legal adult marijuana usage, federal law needs to be updated to reflect the reality of the situation in the states,” said Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10).

Contact your elected officials and urge them to support this legislation.

PRO TAPER TRACKER HANDLEBARS--Now you can get the high quality you expect from Pro Taper bars- for your V-Twin!

Pro Taper Tracker handlebars are constructed specifically to work on your American V-Twin. Two bends, Outlaw and TT available in silver or black. A stout 1-1/2” bar tapered to 1” (must be used with Tracker Big Bore risers), and 5/32” thick wall tubing. Available with either 3 pre-drilled holes for use with stock controls or center only for custom applications.

–Jenn
Biker’s Choice

NEW SCREAMIN’ EAGLE HIGH CAPACITY OIL PAN HOLDS MORE LUBE–Ribbed Aluminum Pan Adds 1.5 Quarts to Oil Capacity and Keeps it Cooler

Keep a hot-rod Harley-Davidson engine running cooler with the new Screamin’ Eagle High Capacity Oil Pan (P/N 24400099, $599.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories. Great for a high-performance motor or for touring in extreme temperature conditions, this cast-aluminum oil pan holds 1.5 quarts more oil than the Original Equipment pan.

Increased capacity means the oil cycles through the engine less frequently and remains in the pan longer. Cast-in internal baffles manage flow to the oil pickup and keep the hot oil exposed to the heat-conducting, ribbed-aluminum sump. An easy-access oil drain hole is located at the side of the oil pan. This kit includes the cast aluminum oil pan and pan gasket, and fits 2009-later Touring (except Trike) models.

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.h-d.com.

ANOTHER CRAZED WEEKEND APPROACHING—We made rolling lawn furniture out of a partial Campagna trike frame, as we stood back and looked at it, it dawned on us that we should enter it in the San Pedro Soap Box Derby Contest.

Dr. Feng, who is also the official certified Bikernet certified welder is out testing the 650 ATK and since he lives on a sinking steel sailboat we are testing a SpeedWay portable shelter for this puppy. You’ll see the results here.

The 250 ATK will roll out of the shop today in the hands of the Bikernet official Certified Electrician, Kyle Ross. We helped him get his hands on this $3,500 entry level 250cc ATK because he is going to school to become a union crane mechanic and refrigeration expert.

It will be interesting to test these ATKs against the new Harley and the future of motorcycling. ATK may explode onto the US scene in the very near future. Currently these puppies are in limited supply stateside. We will bring you reports on both the 250 and 650 in the very near future.

Tomorrow Tyler will cover the Chris Callen Art Exhibits on Bikernet, while we try to keep all the kids around here on wheels. And we have a couple of rare antiques heading your way from the master Don Whalen. A restored Merkel single, a Jefferson board track racer, and a 1912 Irving Johnson.

In the meantime I need a new battery for the Mudlfap girl and to go for a ride. Then we will load up the Class Glass belly tank and the Paughco pieces for the run to Lucky Devil in Houston. I can’t wait.

Hang on for the next Girl of Bikernet from Earl’s Garage.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

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