Happy New Year, Goddamnit,
It’s flying at us now. The clock is ticking as fast as a rocker’s drum set. The parties are heating up, and the list for 2008 is growing. Make sure you pack in an adventure or two in the new year. We’re trying to start a program to allow us more hang-out time with local pals. We’re planning a weekly fish taco lunch on Wednesdays. A two hour time for brothers and sisters to gather and shoot the shit. We’ve got a fresh Fish Market down the street. They make killer Salmon Tacos and Lobster Burritos. The Coronas are cold and we’re going to attempt to take a break on Wednesdays and relax for a spell.
How’s that sound? Let’s hit the news.
The Pegasus guys are working on the Assalt Weapan Fuel Injection this morning, then brothers are flying in from up north and Ray Wheeler from W8Less rotors is riding in this afternoon to check his tech article, currently mentioned on the Home Page.
NO SCHOOL DEFINITIONS FROM FATBOB–
Jockey Shift–off the drum shift lever behind the leg
Tank shift–stock like beside the tank
Hand shift–Anything in front of the leg
Watch for more input and poetry from Fatbob in the near future. He’s a classic from the “No School” boys.
MORE CONFUSION FROM THE FEDS– I’m seeing some confusion in some emails and messages, as pertains to the FMVSS 218 and compliance with that standard.
Even NHTSA has put out things in bulletins to law enforcement and other groups on how to determine if a helmet is compliant. For instance, NHTSA says compliant helmets should weigh around 3 pounds. Really? Where does that come from? If weight were a safety factor, and LE is basing some subjective determination on size and weight, then the heavier the better, right? Of course we all are familiar with the shaken baby syndrome, and know that the added weight to the cervical spine puts one at risk for neck injury (much like the baby’s head being disproportionately large to the body size sets up for neck injury).
If LE says a helmet must be 3 pounds, or have at least one inch of padding, etc., ask them to show you that in the 218 Standard. There is absolutely nothing in the Standard that talks about the helmet configuration or weight. The Standard is nothing more than a performance standard and the only size or dimension figures are for the size of the head form the helmet is tested on, or the speed or weight of the striker mechanism. There are no references to helmet weight, padding thickness, hardness or composition of outer shell, etc.
I hope North Carolina is prepared to step up and challenge this application of the helmet law. These issues are all being challenged and addressed in the current case in California, Quigley et. al. vs CHP. The importance of this case cannot be overstated. Every freedom loving motorcyclist and right’s organization member should be supporting the plaintiffs in this case. ABATE of California desparately needs contributions to the Judicial Fund in order to move forward to the trial date. Please consider a donation or ask your organization or group to consider donating to the ABATE of California Judicial Fund.
–Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Founder, ABATE of Wisconsin
BOLT National Director
Sturgis Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame, 2002
If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room
I’ll post more on this issue next week. Bandit won’t let me get too heavy on Sunday.–Renegade
THE JOHN REED 2008 DOCTRINE– No matter what situation life throws at you, no matter how long and treacherous your journey may seem…
Remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Happy New Year!
–John Reed
RARE MEMORABILIA FOR SALE– I have some Enthusiast that I would like to sell. There are NINE of them. There are various months and years from 1929 to1957 if you know anyone interested hit me back.
Also have a lot of Harley Collectibles that I would like to sale. Daytona Beer cans, unopened of course, from the first to almost the last. I’ve got trains, coin banks etc.
–Harry Bostard
flashdemonet@yahoo.com
HAPPY RAMAHANUKWANZMAS FROM DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS– I noticed you were sending the Bonnie Belle to DBW for mating season just about the time I started listening to one of the Bikernet podcasts (yours to be exact), when I thought… what better time to do a podcast from Departure?
I could do an interview segment with Lee & Brenda…get some vocal input from the rest of the crew…I might be able to even get Klink to offer up some flathead wisdom whilst Billy & Lee build the motor… Whaddya think?
BTW…Here’s my Christmas/New Year’s contribution…A Dub hand jammin’ pre-Uncle Rico….
Keep It Greasy,
–Z
THE REAL CHOPPER– Now here’s a real chopper, not that garish, over-priced butt jewelry that you see so much of nowadays.
This is a stroked Shovelhead (1974, I believe) that a friend of mine out in CA built from the ground up. The bike in the pic was built by the guy that hosts this forum: http://www.hawgryder.com/. Steve hails from Yuba City. I think this is his third or fourth incarnation of that bike. Helluva nice guy who really knows his way around shovels.
–Bruce S.
VAGABOND STATE OF THE UNION–We are always thinking of you and the crew @ BikerNet.com – 2008 is going to be great, Vagabond Chopper Company has a new location. We have moved to 750 E. Sample Road Suite1-2, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064- The new shop is bigger, better and has a store front on a main highway here in South Florida. I was just hanging my David Mann Centerfolds on the office walls today and thought how much fun you all must have had together.
–Athena/Chickie Ransom
Vagabond Chopper Company
BIKERNET METRIC COMING TO BIKERNET JANUARY 15TH–Here’s a pencil drawing of the metric logo, let me know what you think and if you want me to make any changes.
–George
THE SEARCH FOR THE RARE TRENCH KNIFE KICKER– I thank you for responding to my question. I never did hear for your blade guy. When you hear from him let him know. I will be glad to buy a blade or blades, love to have one for my static display.
–Danny
tcob013@comcast.net
I have to ride out to 17 Palms, California, into the Mojave desert aboard my ’48 Pan, on a full moon. I must stuff a note into the rusting fin of a ’59 Cadillac under the third Joshua Tree from the Snake Blood boulder at midnight and hope I heard back from the notorious Tronolone Gang. I’ll let you know.–Bandit
TEXAS BLOOD DRIVE COMING JANUARY 13TH…Once Again Carter Blood Center will set up their Bloodmobile at the Longhorn Ballroom during Texas Scooter Times Dallas Chopper Show January 13th where after the Toy Run Season Motorcycle Enthusiasts will be given the opportunity to donate The Gift of Life.
…January is always a difficult month for the Carter Blood Center which requires 900 donors per day to meet the growing blood needs of our area which is only made possible through the generosity of the donors from the community.
…One out of every three people will need blood during their life. Cancer and Leukemia patients are the primary users of blood products. Blood from each donor is separated into three elements, red cells, plasma and platelets, touching and saving three different lives..
…Information for making an appointment during the 6th Annual Dallas Chopper Show to donate is available at www.texasscooter.com and donators will be given FREE ADMISSION to ENJOY
INFORMATION – DOWNLOADABLE FLYERS – BIKE SHOW ENTRY FORMS & MUCH MORE – WWW.TEXASSCOOTER.COM
254-687-9066 Office
214-428-4500 Day of Show ONLY
DAVENPORT ANTIQUE GATHERING BIKERNET MANDATORY RUN FOR 2008– Correct me if I am wrong but haven’t the Bear and I been telling you to come to Davenport for the last five or six years? So we leave three days before….get there in two and a half days (about 18 hundred miles) You have a choice. Option one is to go in the truck with Lowell and I (the man way and its free) or option two you can fly into Moline with the old the lame and the wounded and we pick you up at the airport or you rent a car.
When we get to Davenport you can walk it and complain or you can ride in the golf cart with me and look like just another old fart.
Oh and so you know you have to buy dinner for Huggie Bear and I at Duck City(expensive) for being so fucking slow to listen.
— DRW
DOHERTY FAT 200 KIT– Doherty Machine has just updated their line of immensely popular Bolt-On Fat 200 conversions. Both the “STINGER” and “HUGGER” shown here are being offered as 100% complete, Bolt-On kits that allow Softail owners to run those Fat 200 tires using the stock factory swing arm! The FAT 200 conversion features only the finest quality materials, American craftsmanship and everything required for a simple, hassle-free installation.
You’ll get a complete rear wheel assembly made up of a 5.5×18 inch rim with 40 stainless steel spokes, chrome plated billet aluminum hub and premium 200 rubber. A rugged, strutless 9-inch rear fender, custom fabricated for this application comes ready to paint the color of your choice. Extreme duty front and rear sprockets are included as is a premium O-ring roller chain, chrome chain guard, superior quality gaskets, seals, spacers, and aircraft quality mounting hardware.
An optional LED Flush Mount taillight with integrated directionals, license plate frame and OEM friendly plug in wiring makes for super clean lines. Kits are shipped complete and ready to install with nothing else to buy. 100% designed, engineered and “Made-In-The-USA” to provide superior ride and handling characteristics, the Doherty conversion requires NO WHEEL OFFSET and centers to factory specifications!
Additionally, as an option, Doherty has just released exclusive front fender styles that compliment the sleek new lines. If you’re after that Wide Body look without the hassles and expense of butchering your ride’s chassis, Doherty’s FAT 200 KIT is just what the Doctor ordered.
For complete details including additional wheel and fender options call Doherty Machine at 928-541-7744 or go to www.dohertymachine.com.
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION BOARD ISSUES FALSE INFO–The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) recently issued a series of press releases and motorcycle safety recommendation letters in which they claimed that increases in motorcycle fatalities have “…outpaced increases in activity measures such as motorcycle registrations”. As the chart above clearly shows, that claim is false.
Over the last 10 years, motorcycle fatalities have NOT outpaced increases in motorcycle registrations. In fact, the two measures have a near-perfect correlation coefficient of +0.9951.
SALISBURY CHARITY RALLY– Hello, We are having a Rally in Salisbury NC, April 25th 27th. We hope you can make it. We are looking for Vendors and sponsors for this event and a Benefit Ride we are putting on. Go here http://rallyattheriver.com/introcuction-for-sponsors.htm to see our sponsorship packages. If one of these packages do not fit your needs, Please contact us so we can discuss how you can help for this fundraising event.
We also need small donations, Door Prizes, Supplies and many more things. All Donations are appreciated and we will list your name on the site or Sites. Would also like to exchange links on websites.
–Keith Alley
704-223-2944
See our Sons Story at
We are also Having a Poker Run for Douglas Alley on March 8th, we are needing Door prizes for that also. www.rallyattheriver.com
SUNDAY CANTINA TECH QUESTION– Hey bandit , will a 2007 Softail 200mm tire swingarm fit into the earlier frame to be able run the 200 tire? I heard it was as easy as pulling one out and replacing with the other. I have the 66 tooth 20mm pulley and a used 2007 swingarm on its way to me, and before I order a the frame I thought I`d double check with you, and see if you know of this swap. I either heard it somewhere or read it somewhere that the swingarms were interchangeable.
–Dennis
D.A.CUSTOMS
dacustoms@insightbb.com>
I think the 200 tire frame is different back at the strut mounts (wider). Both frame and swing arm for the 200 tire have diff. part numbers. Probably could make it work but might have to loose the strut mounts at the back of the frame. Then come up with an aftermarket fender strut deal. I don’t really do this kinda work. Seems to me like Doherty Machine or PM would be a good source to check out for additional info on this (see news item above).
–Pablo
The Road Grows Longer
There Is No End In Sight,
My Body Begs Me To Rest
But My Soul Won’t Let Me Stop,
Until The Time Is Right
My Heart Is Searching
For What I’m Not Really Sure,
I Guess I Will Know
When I Get There?
My Hands Have Long
Since Went Numb,
It’s All I Can Do To
Hold On
Hours Have Turned Into Days
Days Into Weeks,
And Weeks Have Now
Became A Month
My Leathers Are Dirty
My Boots Are Cracked,
But I Have No Time To Stop
No Need To Turn Back
I’m Living Life
As If I’m In A Day Dream
Nothings Quite What It Seems
There’s Something Deeper
I Can’t Quite See
So I Continue To Ride
Chasing My Shadows
Trying To Solve
A Life Full Of Mystery
–Panhead Josh 12/26/07
DETONATOR THREE-SPOKE WHEELS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON– MILWAUKEE (Nov. 30, 2007) – The bold Detonator Three-Spoke Custom Wheel ($1,199 to $1,235) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories flows like liquid metal. Created from 6061 aircraft aluminum, the wheel design and the edge details are forged on an 8,000 ton press at Alcoa Aluminum to create a smooth surface that takes a chrome finish like a mirror. Combine these wheels with matching Detonator brake rotors and sprockets for a complete custom look.
Detonator wheels are now offered in 16-inch and 17-inch rear and 16-inch, 19-inch, and 21-inch front sizes to fit many Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna, Touring and Softail models. The separate purchase of a model-specific Wheel Installation Kit may be required. See a Harley-Davidson 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.
FAST FRED’S FUN FACTORY BIKES TO BE FEATURED ON BIKERNET–Freddy Cuba sent me a Christmas card featuring some of his bikes. This is one of them and if you check that sidecar feature in the Digital Discovery area you spot another one. He recommends we hang out in Rocksford near Sturgis this year to avoid the crowds.
He’s a classic “No School” builder, and I look forward to sharing his bikes with Bikernet readers.–Bandit
IT’S EGG NOG TIME IN THE CANTINA–Ham and eggs are waiting in the frying pan. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to Bikernet in anyway this year. It’s been a wild blast and next year will rock, no matter what the economists ring their hands about.
May 2008 bring you joy, success, time, money, love, sex and creative freedom. Try something new and stimulating in 2008. Make time for a charity, and to stop and thank any service personnel when you cross paths. Also consider the effects of global warming. Ride your motorcycle more and drive four-wheelers less.
There you have it, the Bikernet Mantra for 2008. In the next couple of weeks I will lay out our complete Bikernet/bike building and Bonneville plan for 2008-2009 and for the Assalt Weapan. My major goal is to publish my first Chance Hogan book. I’ll bring you reports as it comes together. I want to thank Bruce Snyder, Charlene Green and Joel Pevey for stepping up to help me straighten out Bikernet typos. You’ll witness a cleaner, more tightly edited and typo-free Bikernet in 2008. What could be better?
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
